Boats & Backwaters of Kerala – 3 Postcards 1920
Three old photo postcards with a view of the boats and backwaters of Travancore, now Kerala. Dating from the 1920s to the 1950s. Travancore was an independent Princely State. Ruled by Maharaja Chithra Thirunal Balarama II at the time of India’s independence. It got assimilated into the newly formed Kerala State in 1951. The other regions that formed part of Kerala were Cochin State and Malabar (under Madras Presidency).
Blessed with a multitude of lakes, canals, and backwaters that crisscross the state. From Trivandrum, now Thiruvananthapuram in the south to Kasargod in the north. Because of the lack of a great number of bridges, transportation was dependent on boats. In older times rice boats (or cargo boats) were essentially the main form of transport. But it seems to have disappeared totally except perhaps for certain pockets. Today these boats have become tourist attractions in the form of houseboats. Click on the photo for better view.
Read about Glorious Travancore.
Did you know- the backwaters traditionally have been the highways or waterways of Malabar, Cochin, or Malabar. Which is unique only to Kerala.
From the collection-Raja Ravi Varma Commemorative Stamp Folder., Life In British India – Old Photo 1865., The Residency Lucknow British India – Old Print 1850., Indian Revolt Lucknow & The Residency – Vintage Map 1900
