- published: 19 Jul 2014
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Kodungallur (Malayalam: കൊടുങ്ങല്ലൂര്, anglicised name: Cranganore) is a municipality located in Thrissur district in the state of Kerala, India on the Malabar Coast. Kodungallur is 29 km northwest of Kochi and 38 km southwest of Thrissur, by National Highway 66.
The location of the ancient seaport Muziris was very close to Kodungallur. Kodungallur was also a part of Mahodayapuram, the capital of the Later Cheras. Being situated in Thrissur district, Corporation of Cochin has drafted a master plan that aims to develop Kodungallur as a satellite township to Kochi city.
The name Kodungallur is derived from Kodi-linga-puram ("the land of 10 million Siva lingas") according to common belief. Kodungallur was perhaps the revenue collection center of Kudakons (the Chera rulers) for the goods coming to the nearby port, hence the name Kudakonallur which later shortened to Kodungallur.
Kodungallur has had many names over the centuries:
During the time of the Chera dynasty, Muziris near present day Kodungallur was an important trade link in Indian maritime history. The region around Kodungallur can claim to have played a significant part in fostering the trade relations between Cheras and the foreign world in the ancient and medieval periods. It also claims to have played an important part in fostering cultural relations and in laying the foundation of a composite culture in this part of the Chera country. Muziris was destroyed by massive flooding of Periyar in 14th century, opening for a new port called Kochi.