Inscribed in Time: A Historical Analysis of Palayur Copper Plates

This study explores the historical significance of the Palayur Copper Plates in understanding the economic transactions of 17th century Kerala. The primary objective was to analyze the epigraphic data from the four copper plates discovered from Palayur church, dating back to 1606, 1677, 1681, and 1743. To achieve this, a detailed examination of the copper plates was conducted, focusing on land sale, market, and money-based economy. The results revealed that the Palayur Copper Plates provide valuable insights into the changing trends of economic transactions during this period. These findings highlight the significance of epigraphy in reconstructing historical records and understanding the economic dynamics of ancient Kerala.