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History of Thiruvananthapuram

Tiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, has a rich history influenced by ancient dynasties, colonial powers, and modern developments. It evolved from the Ay Kingdom to the prominent Travancore state under Marthanda Varma, who established it as a cultural and administrative center. Post-independence, it became the capital of Kerala and a hub for science and technology, housing significant institutions and cultural heritage.

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317 views2 pages

History of Thiruvananthapuram

Tiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, has a rich history influenced by ancient dynasties, colonial powers, and modern developments. It evolved from the Ay Kingdom to the prominent Travancore state under Marthanda Varma, who established it as a cultural and administrative center. Post-independence, it became the capital of Kerala and a hub for science and technology, housing significant institutions and cultural heritage.

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kongaraswarnakatyayani
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HISTORY OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

The history of Tiruvananthapuram (formerly Trivandrum), the capital of Kerala, is long and diverse,
shaped by ancient dynasties, religious traditions, colonial powers, and modern developments. Here's a
concise overview:

Ancient and Early History

 Name Origin: Tiruvananthapuram means "City of Lord Anantha", referring to Lord Vishnu
reclining on the serpent Anantha in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the spiritual heart of the
city.

 The region has been inhabited since ancient times, with mentions in Sangam literature.

 It was part of the Ay Kingdom, which later merged with the Chera dynasty, one of the three
major Tamil kingdoms of ancient South India.

 The Venad kingdom (a successor of the Ays) became prominent in the medieval period, with its
capital shifting at times to what is now Tiruvananthapuram.

🏰 Rise of Travancore (18th Century)

 Marthanda Varma (1729–1758), the founder of modern Travancore, made Tiruvananthapuram


his capital.

 He defeated local feudal lords and expanded the kingdom, declaring the Padmanabhaswamy
Temple deity as the true ruler of the state in a symbolic act called "Thrippadidanam", ruling as
the deity’s servant.

 His successors, especially Dharma Raja and Swathi Thirunal, contributed to administrative
reforms, cultural patronage, and modernization.

 The city became a center for art, music, architecture, and education.

🇬🇧 British Era

 Travancore remained a princely state under British suzerainty.

 Tiruvananthapuram was developed as a modern city with public institutions, palaces, museums,
and educational centers like University College (est. 1866).
 Notable figures from the region include C.V. Raman Pillai (novelist), Chattambi Swamikal, and
Sree Narayana Guru (social reformers).

🇮🇳 Post-Independence

 Travancore merged with Cochin in 1949 to form Travancore-Cochin state, and later with
Malabar to form Kerala in 1956.

 Tiruvananthapuram became the capital of Kerala.

 It emerged as a scientific and technology hub, especially after the establishment of the Vikram
Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and later Technopark (India’s first IT park).

Modern Tiruvananthapuram

 Known for a blend of tradition and modernity, it hosts:

o The iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple (believed to be among the richest temples in the
world).

o Institutions like ISRO, Kerala University, and Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology.

o Cultural festivals, classical arts, and film studios.

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