The Early Markets in Muziris

In the olden days, the people of Muziris cultivated what grew best in their habitats, and exchanged that for another. Paddy was given in exchange for items like fish and salt. It was imperative that they did this for their livelihood and thus sheer necessity prompted them to find a common and convenient place where they could barter goods. These places eventually grew busier and the early markets, including Kottappuram and Paravur, must have developed from here. Foreign trading vessels were greeted by an interesting cross-section of people for whom this trade held an important place in  their daily life.  These markets must have been an interesting space in those times, extremely variegated in character and bustling with activity.