Boats & Backwaters of Travancore & Cochin – 3 Postcards 1920
Three postcards with views of boats and backwaters of Travancore and Cochin. Dating from the 1920s to the 1950s. Travancore and Cochin both integrated into the newly created state of Kerala in 1951. Travancore was an independent Princely State. Ruled by Maharaja Chithra Thirunal Balarama II at the time of India’s independence. One other region that formed a part of Kerala was Malabar (under Madras Presidency).
Kerala is blessed with multitude of lakes, canals, and backwaters that crisscross the state. From Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) in the south to Kasargod in the north. Because of the lack of a great number of bridges, transportation was overly dependent on boats. During earlier times rice boats (or cargo boats) were essentially the main form of transport. Although these have almost disappeared from the scenes. 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
