The Ancient Names of Kollam and Kolhapur: A Historical Journey

The Old Name of Kollam: Quilon
During the colonial period, the city of Kollam was known as Quilon. This name was a Portuguese adaptation of the original name. Dating back to ancient times, Kollam was a significant trading hub, particularly renowned for its spice trade.

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The historical significance of Kollam spans across numerous cultures and languages. The name Quilon reflects the period under colonial influence, specifically under the Portuguese.

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The Evolution of Names

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Etymological Origins
Kollam, the original name, in Malayalam, literally translates to a city or town. However, the name 'Quilon' became more commonly used during the colonial era.

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Parallel Influences
In a similar vein, the city of Kolhapur had ancient names that hint at its natural features and importance. 'Kuntal' is one such name, which was used before the Portuguese arrived.

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The Ancient Name of Kolhapur: Kalapuri

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The city of Kolhapur, with its deep historical roots, was known as Kalapuri. This name consists of three significant words:

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Ka refers to a lake, Kala to the coastal area surrounding the lake, and Puri to the residential area. This name encapsulates the city's geographical characteristics and historical significance.

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Legends and Cultural Beliefs

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Mahalakshmi Mythology
Historical texts and local stories narrate the etymology of Kolhapur. One legend suggests that the place was named 'Kalapuri' because Goddess Mahalakshmi lifted the city by her divine hands to protect it from a calamity. Hence, the city bears the name 'Karvir Peeth', which also stands on an ancient belief.

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Another fascinating tale associates the name 'Kolhapur' with the demon 'Kollasur'. According to the story, Goddess Mahalakshmi vanquished the demon and, adding 'pur' which means city, the place was named 'Kolhapur'.

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The Colonial Impact on Naming

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Linguistic Adaptations
During the British rule, the name 'Quilon' was officially adopted, possibly due to the phonetical similarity between 'Kollam' and the Portuguese 'Quilon'. This linguistic adaptation is observed in other cities as well. For instance, 'Kochi' became 'Cochin' and 'Panaji' became 'Panjimpage;'.

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Present Day Recognition
Despite the official name change, the usage of 'Quilon' diminished post-independence, as the local population reverted to the original 'Kollam'. The 'Malayalam Era' or Kolla Varsham, marking the start of the calendar, further highlights the historical significance of Kollam, believed to have been the first city built in Kerala, with the present year being 1094 M E.