Neiuhoff Kanda Keralam

Book Summary:

This work encompasses the travelogue and memoirs of Dutch naval officer, John Neiuhoff in two parts. The first part records the early history of Dutch imperialism wherein they captured monopoly of trade in pepper and perfumes from the Portuguese; this section also documents the various trade treaties negotiated with rulers in Kerala. The second part notes the society, administrative systems, religion and caste of seventeenth century Kerala. There are descriptions of the flora of Malabar with reference to their medicinal and Ayurvedic qualities. The maps included in the book are highly helpful for students and researchers.

Translator: K. Sivasankaran Nair