Scent of History: Kerala launches a new spice route network to connect cultures
A visitor at the spices stall
| Photo Credit:
Dhanuj SL, Kochi Biennale Foundation
We have all heard of the salt tax levied by the British in India. But do you know about the pepper tax in Germany in the medieval age? In many German towns like Koln (now Cologne) and Speyer, consumers had to pay tax to obtain pepper, a treasured commodity in the spice route from the coasts of Kerala to the rest of the world.
Or did you know that in the 19th century, Bombay (now Mumbai) functioned as a risk absorber for plantation volatility in the clove trade emanating from Zanzibar?
These nuggets were shared by noted academics Prof Pius Malekandathil and Prof Chhaya Goswami at the inaugural International Spice Routes Conference in Kochi, organised jointly by the Kerala Tourism Department and the Muziris Heritage Project.
The opening day of the ambitious three-day conference themed ‘Ancient Trails, New Journeys’ held at the scenic Bolgatty Palace not just unpacked a host of fascinating trivia and insights from historians and academicians about the spice trade, but also saw some exciting announcements.
Ideas Exchange
Kerala formally launched the International Spice Routes Heritage Network — a collaborative platform between the nations that were engaged with it in maritime trade to do collaborative research, undertake joint projects and share resources in the fields of heritage, preservation, documentation, archiving, archaeological excavations and setting up museums.
Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas opening the event virtually
Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas made the declaration, noting that for centuries, the Spice Routes carried not only pepper, cinnamon and cardamom from the Malabar coast but had also served as a platform for exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, art forms and ways of life.
Muziris Heritage Project also launched 33 heritage trails, which it will market as “spice journeys” across Kerala, inviting visitors to taste the flavours and stories on these paths.
For instance, “A Queen’s Story’ is a trail through Fort Kochi tracing its role in the spice trade and ending with a culinary experience. Or the Tyndis Thalassery Heritage and Spice Coast Walk in the Malabar town.
People and Goods
At the event, research scholars from Sharjah, Doha and India shared fascinating studies on the movement of people and goods between the nations on the spice route – both in the past and present.
For instance, Dr Fahad Bishara from Doha Institute, Qatar, shared pictures of log books from merchants who engaged in trade with spice traders in Kerala from a bygone era, and said movement was one of the defining features of Indian Ocean history and connections forged over commerce and trade.
Meanwhile, researchers also presented papers on present day migration between Kerala and the Gulf countries, one specifically looking at the role of women.
A visitor at an exhibition organised on the sidelines of the event
The event also featured compelling photo exhibitions. Migrant Dreams by MH Ilias, follows Malayalis who left Kerala for the Gulf between the 1950s and 1970s. Using family photographs, letters and personal archives, it reconstructs a time when migration was uncertain.
Pictures of Chavittunatakam, a unique theatrical form introduced during the Portuguese period in Kerala, caught the eye. The visual project by KR Sunil, traces the everyday lives of performers of this dance-drama form that had nearly become extinct but is now seeing a revival.
Sikha Surendran, Director, Kerala Tourism, said the conference was a country-first initiative and by gathering scholars from the ancient trade routes facilitating a powerful platform of learning and cultural exchange. The conference also signalled Kerala’s intent to tap into the growing global demand for high-value, experiential and culturally immersive travel.
Published on January 6, 2026
