The Epic, Movie-Worthy Backstory Of Kochi's Name—You'll Want To Share This!
The Ancient Roots of Kochi
Did you know the name Kochi is what it is because of the blend of multiple ancient civilizations coming together? One guesstimate that ended up being the most accepted one suggests that Kochi comes from the Malayalam word 'Kochu Azhi', which translates to 'small lagoon'. To fit right in, Kochi is seated around a network of natural lagoons and waterways. The city's geography has always been crucial for its development and has made it a strategic location for trade and commerce.
Another theory relates the origin of the term's name to the Chinese traders who visited Malabar Coast's extensively renowned 'Cochin.' The Chinese had a high volume of trade and interacted frequently, and this is visible in the society and structures today. There are also historians who opine that 'Cochin' was transformed into 'Kochi' after it was first used by the European settlers.
The Colonial Influence
The first sign of marking European influence on Kochi was in the 15th century, where the Portuguese were the first followed by the Dutch and the British, each of who had an impact on the city including its name. And with the Intermediaries Islamic merchants who had control over the spice trade and spread over various south western areas, Kochi developed as an important commercial complex.
When the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama arrived in Kerala, the local chiefs welcomed him and allowed the Portuguese to construct a trading post at Kochi. The city was dubbed 'Cochin' by the Portuguese, which was further modified to Cochin under the British. This city became widely known as Cochin for a substantial period, until the 20th century when the term 'Kochi' became popular.
As part of the effort to restore indigenous names and identities in post- independence India, Cochin was changed to its original name, Kochi. The shift also coincided with the broader movement of reclaiming places in India after colonialism. In 1996, the government changed Cochin's name to reflect the city's history and culture.
Kochi's name also has roots in mythology, in addition to its colonial and historical influences. One local story recalls a Hindu goddess called Kochamma, who protected the region. Temples dedicated to this goddess and worshipers of Kochamma still exist in and around the area.
Yet another legend associates the name with the demon Kochasura who ruled the land in ancient times. The lay claims that the gods defeated the demon and the remaining land was coined after him. While these stories may have originating from folklore, they enhance the already rich culture and history of Kochi.
Kochi Today- A city of Many Names
Today, Kochi is a city of many names, and every name marks an event in its history. It is 'Kochi' to the locals who take pride in their heritage. To the world, it is often called 'Cochin,' owing to its colonial past. Its duality is an evidence of embracing change and staying rooted in tradition.
Kochi's name is more than a label; it is a testament to the many influences the city has undergone over time. From a little lagoon to a busy port city, Kochi has always been a place of significance. Its name reminds us of the different traders, explorers, and settlers who have found their way to the shores of this city, each transforming this vibrant city in their own unique way.
Summary
The evolution of the name of Kochi is an interesting blend of history, mythology, and culture. It has several possible derivations: It could come from the Malayalam terms for 'small lagoon', it could derive from the Chinese word 'Cochin,' or the mythical stories of Kochamma and Kochasura. Regardless, the name 'Kochi' carries the beauty of the city's heritage. The city of Kochi has perpetually evolved over the years and is increasingly famous for its culture. The name represents an important part of its legacy as well as one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Clamour for Lord's tickets as Gill & Co. crushes England in Edgbaston
Kolkata: The Indian team's victory at Edgbaston on Sunday fuelled a rush among Kolkata travellers in England and city cricket fans to catch the Lord's Test from July 10. Travel agents say they have been receiving calls for a last-minute trip, while those already in the UK are altering their travel plans to accommodate a visit to London during the match. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As Shubhman Gill and his team pulled off a spectacular win against England, levelling the series 1-1, Kolkata cricket fan Mahesh Punjabi and his group of 11 friends started regrouping to arrange a quick trip to England. "We were supposed to travel to the UK last week to watch Wimbledon, but it got cancelled. Initially, we were not interested in the India-England series since the Men in Blue were without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and we believed there wouldn't be a real contest. But the way Gill's young team outplayed England made us rethink. It could be difficult, but we are still planning a dash to Lord's by July 10-11," said Punjabi. Punjabi has been to Australia, Dubai, England, the US, West Indies, and South Africa to watch the Men in Blue in action with his friends, who call themselves 'The 12th Man'. Gill's record-breaking knocks and Akash Deep's Sunday heroics reignited interest in the series, which could lead many, now in England for vacation and to visit family and friends, to try and grab a Lord's ticket, said Manav Soni of the Travel Agents Association of India. Kolkata student Vikram Tejwani, who studies in Scotland, has decided to travel to England after India's stellar performance in the second Test. "I have planned to watch the Lord's Test from the stands with my friends," he said. On the website Viagogo, the price of a Lord's Test ticket ranges between Rs 23,421 and Rs 28,443. The site is still offering 261 tickets for the first day. The win sparked off a demand for Lord's Test tickets among fans, especially those who are already in England, said Anil Punjabi, committee member of the Travel Agents' Federation of India (TAFI). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The interest level has suddenly gone up after India showed that they are good enough to win the series. Watching a match at Lord's is always the perfect icing on a London visit, especially for cricket lovers. We have started receiving requests for tickets from those who travelled through my agency," said Punjabi. Thousands from Kolkata travel to England for vacation and to visit family and friends during May-June, said Soni. "At least a thousand have travelled to watch the Test matches. The Lord's Test is always a big attraction, and we have been receiving requests for tickets. Now, with India staging a comeback, those already in the UK are altering plans to accommodate a trip to London and bet at the Lord's. This summer will be a big Indian one in England, and if the team plays well, there will be late travellers, too," said Soni.


NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Watch: Vlogger Tries Indian Sweets For The First Time, His Reaction Says It All
A video doing the rounds on Instagram shows a foreign vlogger trying Indian sweets for the first time. While there are several food videos of people tasting Indian dishes for the first time, this one stands out for the vlogger's expressive reactions and quirky descriptions of each sweet. The vlogger (@tariqokay) recognises the name gulab jamun, which is where he begins his tasting session of the assorted Indian sweets box. After the gulab jamun, he picks up a green-coloured petha, looking visibly confused, and refers to it as a "uranium-looking nuclear reactor piece". However, he appreciates its "interesting texture". Next comes jalebi, which the vlogger amusingly calls the "Indian pretzel". After tasting it, he says, "It had the best texture by far." He then samples burfi. Although he is unfamiliar with the name, he guesses it to be a type of fudge with a caramel aroma. Calling it "fudgy pudgy", he seems thoroughly impressed and declares it "magnificent". Enjoying the flavours, he even breaks into song, saying, "That's the way, maahi ve." Finally, the vlogger tries what appears to be dhodha burfi. Jokingly, he calls it a "brownie/cake hybrid endangered species". Just one bite is enough for him to call it "the one" - scrumptious and a solid 9.5/10. "Indian desserts are dangerously good," the vlogger concludes, adding in the caption, "So this is what I've been missing out on, huh?" Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by @tariqokay The Indian sweets taste test has won over viewers on Instagram, especially from India. One viewer described each sweet in detail, explaining the names and ingredients for the vlogger. He added, "Bro, your food reviews are so good. Make some more Indian food reviews. And if you need any suggestions, let me know. I am happy to help you." A food lover joked, "Me watching him eating in the wrong order... Giving me very bad anxiety." Another suggested, "Please try ras malai, make sure it's cold when you eat it. Also, try cham cham - make sure it has a creamy filling." Craving Indian sweets after watching this? Check out our favourite recipes here.


Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Plane on runway, incoming SWISS flight safely executes last-minute go-around at IGIA
Representative image NEW DELHI: The alertness of Delhi air traffic control (ATC) and pilots operating a SWISS flight to IGIA late Sunday (July 6) saved the day when another aircraft ahead of the European airliner first slowed down in air and then didn't vacate the runway from the first available rapid exit taxiway. As a result, the spacing between the two arriving aircraft in air reduced from the four nautical miles that was being maintained by ATC at that time and then the other plane was on the runway for 25-30 seconds longer than it should have. The ATC asked pilots of the SWISS Airbus A330 to go around when it was at an altitude of about 1,400 feet and it then landed safely in the second attempt. This happened after 11.40 pm on Sunday when SWISS LX 146 was flying in from Zurich and an Indian carrier's A320 from Phuket was ahead of it in the sequence of landing. According to senior ATC officials, the aircraft flying in from Phuket was 'four nautical miles (NM) from touchdown on runway 11R and LX 146 behind it was about eight NM from touchdown. The other aircraft reduced speed on final approach. Subsequently, Swiss was also asked to reduce speed to minimum speed by the approach controller. ' ATC asked the SWISS flight to 'continue approach' because even this slightly reduced horizontal separation would have been enough for it to land had the other plane landed and vacated runway 11R using the first rapid exit taxiway. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Made at 120 degrees to the runway, this alignment of the Y1 rapid exit taxiway would have made it possible for the aircraft to vacate the runway on landing roll itself and then LX 146 touching down. 'After landing, tower controller (ATC) asked pilot of the other plane to vacate the runway via rapid exit taxiway Y1. But the pilot informed that the aircraft will vacate the runway by Y2, which is further down the runway and farther away from Y1. This resulted in increased runway occupancy time by 25-30 seconds,' said the official. Since this flight could not vacate the runway in time, the tower controller asked the SWISS flight to 'go around' or carry out a missed approach for 'safety reasons.' Flight tracking sites show the Lufthansa group airliner did so when it was at an altitude of 1,400 feet. It landed safely in its second attempt at 11.51 pm, as per flight tracking sites. At that time, Delhi was witnessing easterly winds — which is a common during monsoon. IGIA's main runway 10/28 has been closed for repairs since June 15. With three operational runways (minus 10/28) and easterly winds, Delhi can handle a maximum of up to 32 arrivals in an hour. While learning from the fiasco earlier this summer, number of flights has been cut at Delhi. Still ATC and pilots have to be extra careful to operate in circumstances to maximise aircraft movement. 'We are operating amid a shortage of experienced manpower. Whether it is Delhi or Mumbai, the crunch situation leaves low margin for error. An aircraft slowing down or taking longer than anticipated to vacate the runway, means quick decisions in real time to ensure safety,' said multiple air traffic controllers.