Vizhinjam

The region around Vizhinjam has been known for maritime trade since ancient times. Pottery finds from the area indicates that Vizhinjam has been a part of Indian Ocean trade at least since the second century BCE.[3] It has been suggested that the coastal town named as Balita in the Periplus of the Erythrean Sea is likely Vizhinjam.[4].Vizhinjam is known as Rajendra cholapuram during the chola time.

Before the Cheras established themselves as a major force in Kerala, the area was controlled by the Ay dynasty sometime between 7th to 11th century CE with Vizhinjam as the capital.[5] The Ay kingdom extended between Nagercoil and Thiruvalla. During the second Sangam period (circa 850–1400 CE), the region was the scene of many battles between the Kulashekhara and the Cholas and Vizhinjam, the capital, was sacked by the Cholas. When the kings of the Ay dynasty shifted their capital to Vizhinjam, they built a fort which is now considered to be the oldest fort in Kerala dating to the eighth or ninth century. A preliminary investigation[6] by University of Kerala lead by archaeologist Ajit Kumar has revealed the fort might have originally been 800 m² (8,600 sq ft) in area. The fort's wall can be found on the northern and western (seaside) parts and has been constructed using large boulders set in mud mortar. The wide base of the wall tapers on its way up. Even now this part of Vizhinjam is known as Kottapuram, 'Kotta' in Malayalam language and Malayalam means Fort. The team was also able to trace literary and epigraphical references - of 9th to 12th century CE. Sangam era texts such as Pandikkovai,[7] Iraiyanar Akapporul Kalingattuparani of Jayamkondar, and Vikrama Chola are said to have numerous references to the existence of a fort, port and a mansion at Vizhinjam.

Srivaramangalam copper plates[8] of Pandyan King Nedum Chadayan (8th century CE) have reference to Vizhinjam and its fort.[9]

The Dutch had commercial establishments here. The Dutch have built a church in Vizhinjam near to the sea shore, which is still functional and is referred as the Old Vizhinjam Church (Old St. Mary's Church). It is located in the Vizhinjam fishing harbour area.[10]

As per historians, Vizhinjam, located at the extreme south-western tip of South Asia, served as an important port throughout the history of the region. The location is economically and geopolitically significant as a key point connecting the shipping between Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

An international port at Vizhinjam was conceived as early as 1991.[2] In August 2015, the Kerala government and Adani Vizhinjam Port (AVPL), representing the Adani Group, signed the agreement for the Adani Vizhinjam project.[2][11] AVPL was the only bidder for the project.[12]

As per the details of the agreement, Adani Group is free to operate the Vizhinjam port for 40 years (extendable by 20 more years). The Kerala state government will start getting a portion of the revenue from the port after 15 years.[12] The project also includes 360 acres of land (of which around 36% are reclaimed from the sea) and a railway line (around 10 km long).[12] The deadline for the commission of Phase I, Adani Vizhinjam Port was fixed on 4 December 2019 in the 2015 agreement.[13][11]

The entire Vizhinjam project was valued at around Rs. 75.25 billion.[13] The AVPL had requested a Rs 16.35 billion grant for the project from the Kerala state government.[12]

The project commenced on 5 December 2015.[13] AVPL had announced that the "first ship will berth at Vizhinjam" on 1 September 2018 (the 1,000 days target).[13] The AVPL is currently seeking an extension of the Phase I commission deadline to October 2020 from the Kerala government.[13]

As per a Reuters report, China had also wanted to partner with an un-named Indian company to build the port, but its overture was rejected by New Delhi on grounds of national security.[14] It is speculated that the port will have berths for India's navy and coastguard.[14]

Regular buses operate in Vizhinjam from the City Bus Stand at East Fort, Trivandrum and as well as from the Central Bus Stand at Thampanoor, Trivandrum. Cabs can be also hired at the bus stations.

• Vizhinjam International Seaport
• Vizhinjam Rock Caves

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vizhinjam.

• https://www.vizhinjamport.in/home.html