A New Spice Route Network Launched in Kerala

07-Jan-2026 08:43 PM

Kochi: Just as a salt tax was levied in India during the British era, a tax was imposed on black pepper in Germany during the Middle Ages. In several German cities like Cologne and Speyer, people had to pay a tax to obtain black pepper, and the spice was considered highly valuable there.

There was also a huge demand for this spice in Rome (Italy). Black pepper was shipped from the coastal regions of Kerala to various parts of the world, and this route came to be known as the Spice Route. In the 19th century, large quantities of cloves were imported from Zanzibar to Bombay (now Mumbai) in India, a trade considered quite risky for Indian producers.

At the 'International Spice Routes Conference' jointly organized by the Kerala Tourism Department and the Muziris Heritage Project in Kochi,

numerous spice routes were discussed that have played a crucial role in ensuring and strengthening the identity and reach of Indian culture abroad from ancient times to the modern era. Many scholars and experts successfully attempted to bring these historical pages back to life at this conference.

The theme of this important three-day conference is "Ancient Traditions, New Journeys." It discussed in detail the important and prevalent routes for spices exported from India.

Several important announcements are also expected during this three-day conference. The Kerala government is trying to reactivate the old spice routes and is attempting to develop and expand the Kerala tourism sector through this initiative.

The International Spice Routes Heritage Network has been formally launched in Kerala, and agreements for maritime trade will be signed with all the countries it reaches. This will benefit both sides.