A new era in the history of India has begun in 1498, when Vasco Da Gama came in Calicut. It marked a turning point in the history of Kerala. The arrival of Portuguese by the end of the 15th century laid the foundation of colonial occupation in Kerala effecting fundamental changes in all spheres of the society. Their arrival was the beginning of a new era in the history of Travancore. The Portuguese contact influenced more in the economic field. They promoted the scientific cultivation of pepper and ginger. They put an end to the trade monopoly of the Arabs on the Indian coast especially in Malabar. Their aim was to establish trade centers in most of the coastal areas of the Malabar, Cochin, Kollam and Calicut. They promoted agricultural expansion in Travancore and introduced a number of new agricultural products such as tobacco, pineapple, pappaya, cashewnut, plantation, coconut etc. They also played a dominant role in enriching the Indian languages. They founded theological seminaries and colleges at Cochin, Cranganore, Angamali and Vaipincotta for the purpose of training Christian Priests. In short, their period ushered in a revival in the socio-economic and religious environment in Travancore.
