In this episode of Malabaricus, we trace the early moves of the British East India Company in Kerala, long before their fateful encounter with Tipu Sultan, the infamous "Tiger of Mysore." As the 18th century progressed, the Company transitioned from mere traders to power brokers, navigating Kerala’s fragmented kingdoms and forging strategic alliances. From the northern coast to the powerful Travancore kingdom, the British laid the groundwork for their eventual dominance—just as the looming threat of Mysore’s tiger began to cast its shadow. Join host Sreeraag Mohan as we explore this pivotal chapter in Kerala’s history, setting the stage for the conflicts to come.

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In Colonial Currents: The English Channel of the East, we begin our journey into the short yet intriguing French presence in Kerala. Focusing on the small enclave of Mahé, separated from British Thalassery by the Mayyazhi River—often called the "English Channel of the East"—this episode explores how the French East India Company briefly carved out a foothold on the Malabar Coast. We trace the strategic moves of Mahé de La Bourdonnais, the influence of the French on local culture, and the subtle legacies they left behind. Join us for the first episode of Season 4: The French Interlude and the British Dominion, as we unravel this fascinating chapter of colonial history.

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In Season 4 of Malabaricus, we explore the stories of two European powers whose influence shaped Kerala's history in surprising ways. First, the French, with their brief yet significant foothold in Mahé, left a cultural mark that persists to this day. Then came the British, who arrived as traders and eventually transformed Malabar through their colonial rule.

Join me as we embark on a journey through a tumultuous time in Kerala's past, from French influences on local culture to the far-reaching impact of British governance on Kerala's political and social fabric. Season 4: The French Interlude and the British Dominion, aims to uncover the ambitions, rivalries, and legacies that defined European presence on the Malabar Coast.

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