History:( new names given in brackets) First of its kind dates back to 9th century. Perhaps they were the fastest vessels of the time. But a more precise history says like this. Before India was colonised by Europians during the 18th century, India was divideded in to many princely states ruled by 'Rajas'(Kings)The small Alleppy which is a Sub divition of Kerala state was also divided into many princely state such as,Chempakasseri (Ambalappuzha), Kayamkulam ,Thekkumkoor (Changanacherry) , each one ruled by a Raja, always fighting each other.Alleppey ( Alappuzha) being surrounded as well as networked by water, superiority on water was a strategic point. So naturaly water was a usual place of war. Around 400 yrs ago during one such war Chempakassery Raja suffered heavy casualities against the superior naval vessels of his opponents.Raja decided to find a solution. He appointed Koduppunna Venkitanarayanan Asari( Asari = Carpenter) to built a suitable war vessel. The specimen he made for the war veseel gave birth to the historical Chundan Vallam, capable for carrying more than hundred men with high speed. Raja was satisified and the Asari was well rewarded. Then the Chembakasseri Raja made a stunning operation with his newly built war vessel. Doubtless he made a great victory. This made the other Rajas go panic. Will they be quite until a counter stratagy is found?. Thus the story of deceit begins. Tommorow I shall bring it. http://www.nehrutrophy.com/htm/Boat.htm