Kollam, also known as Quilon, is a historic city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the 9th century when it was an important port town on the Malabar Coast. 

In ancient times, Kollam was known as "Desinganadu" and was ruled by various dynasties such as the Cheras, Pandyan, and Cholas. The city was a major center of trade and commerce, with merchants from as far away as China and Arabia coming to trade in spices, ivory, and other goods. 

During the medieval period, Kollam became an important center of the Indian Ocean trade, with Portuguese, Dutch, and British traders setting up trading posts in the city. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Kollam in 1502, followed by the Dutch in 1661 and the British in 1795. The city's location on the Arabian Sea and its proximity to the backwaters of Kerala made it an ideal location for trade, and it continued to flourish under European rule. 

Today, Kollam is a bustling city with a population of over 600,000 people. It is still an important center of trade and commerce, with industries such as cashew processing, coir production, and fishing contributing to the city's economy. Kollam is also a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to see its historic landmarks, backwaters, and beaches.