It is believed that ships owned by King Solomon of Israel landed in Ophir, which is identified by some sources as Poovar,[2][3] The village was one of the ancient Muslim settlements along the western coast of India.

The explorer Megasthenes, Roman writer Pliny the Elder and Venetian traveller Marco Polo mention connections with Greece and Rome.

There were a merchant named Pokku Moosa Maraikkar who lived in Poovar during the 18th century in a house called Kallaraickal Tharavad, which many times gave shelter to Marthanda Varma (1706–58), king of Travancore from his enemies.Pokku Moosa Maraikkar is believed to have migrated from Malabar somewhere around Kozhikode for trade and finally settled in Poovar.He is believed to be in the lineage of Kunjali Maraikkars.Poovar also had trade relations with international markets at this time as well as a well trained army and some ships.

[citation needed] During internal riots in Travancore and while escaping from the Ettuveetil Pillamar (Lords of the Eight Houses), the king reached Poovar.

This combination of deep waters and proximity to key shipping routes positions the Shipyard project as a pivotal hub for the construction, repair, and testing of vessels on a grand scale, solidifying India's standing in the maritime sector.