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Kerala, which is also known as Keralam in Malayalam, is a state on the Malabar Coast of India and is popularly referred to as God’s own country because, according to mythological belief, it has been stated that Lord Pashuram, who is the manifestation of Lord Vishnu, threw his axe in a vast sea to make a land for his followers. The capital city of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram. Read this blog to learn more about the capital of Kerala, its history, and much more.
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Thiruvananthapuram and its Historical Background.
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The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, has a rich culture and history. It is said to be located along the Arabian Sea, on the southwest coast of India.
Raja Martanda Varma in the year 1745, declared Thiruvananthapuram the capital of his kingdom of Travancore. Under his rule, the city flourished and became a dominant state in this region. During the ancient and medieval periods, Thiruvananthapuram city, district, and Kanyakumari district were a part of the Ay dynasty, a Tamil government situated in the southernmost region of the Indian Subcontinent. The Cholas and Pandyas attacked and conquered the Ay kingdom at different times. Later, in late medieval times, it joined Venad, which grew to become the strong kingdom of Travancore in the 18th century CE. The Padmanabhaswamy temple is unusual in the architectural style of temples in the northern portions of Kerala since it also features Tamil-Dravidian architecture.
In the 20th century, Thiruvananthapuram continued to thrive, it was in 1956, that it became the capital of Kerala after India’s independence. Establishing the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in 1962 marked a significant advancement for the city and laid the groundwork for India’s space exploration journey. Soon after, India’s space research centre, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), was established. In 1995, Thiruvananthapuram’s transformation into a technical hub was advanced with the establishment of Technopark, India’s first IT park.
During British rule, the city changed its name to Trivandrum, however, because of its historical roots, it adopted its original name, Thiruvananthapuram.
Some Interesting Facts about Kerala
Other than its historical background, the city is also known for some of its interesting facts, some of which are as follows:
- The capital city of Kerala is also the most populous city of the state with over 1 million people.
- It is considered one of the major IT hubs in Kerala.
- Mahatma Gandhi has called Thiruvananthapuram the ‘Evergreen City Of India’
- In Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is one of the major tourist destinations.
- Thiruvananthapuram is home to the Indian Air Force’s Southern Air Command headquarters.
- It is also home to the University of Kerala, which is one of the oldest universities in India.
Culture of Thiruvananthapuram
The city of Thiruvananthapuram is known for its rich cultural heritage and, over the years, has evolved into one of the major hubs for arts and learning, the city is home to various temples, museums, and art galleries.
- The Hindu temple Sri Padmanabhaswamy, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located in Kerala.
- The Kerala State Museum, a house of collections of artifacts from Kerala’s history, is located in the city.
- The Swathi Thirunal Music Academy, a leading institution for the study of classical music, was founded by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, a great patron of the arts.
- Onam, which is a harvest festival, is celebrated in the city.
- Vishu, a spring festival that also marks the beginning of the Malayalam new year, is celebrated in the city.
- Thiruvathira is a festival that celebrates womanhood and fertility.
- Pooram is a temple festival that is celebrated with a grand procession of captive elephants.
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FAQs
During British rule, the city was known as Trivandrum, a name derived from its anglicized version. However, owing to its historical and cultural roots, it reverted to its original name, Thiruvananthapuram, after India gained independence. This change reflects the city’s embrace of its heritage and traditional identity.
Thiruvananthapuram has several attractions for tourists. The iconic Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, housing immense treasures, is a must-visit. Additionally, the Kerala State Museum offers insights into the state’s rich history. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, with festivals like Onam and Vishu, also draws visitors seeking to immerse themselves in Kerala’s traditions.
Thiruvananthapuram’s transformation into a major IT hub can be attributed to initiatives like the establishment of Technopark, India’s first IT park, in 1995. This venture attracted numerous IT companies, fostering a conducive environment for technological innovation and growth. Today, the city continues to thrive in the IT sector, contributing significantly to Kerala’s economy and employment opportunities.
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