About: The term Thrissur is the abbreviated anglicized form of the Malayalam word "THRISSIVAPERUR" which means the town of the "SACRED SIVA". The town is built on an elevated ground, at the apex of which is the famous "VADAKKUMNATHAN" Temple. A place of great antiquity, Thrissur was also known as "VRISHABHADRIPURAM" and "TEN KAILASAM" in ancient days.From ancient times, Thrissur District has played a significant part in the political history of south India. The early political history of the District is interlinked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over vast portions of Kerala with their capital at Vanchi. The whole of the present Thrissur District was included in the early Chera Empire.
The District can claim to have played a significant part in fostering the trade relations between Kerala and the outside world in the ancient and medieval period. It can also claim to have played an important part in fostering cultural relations and in laying the foundation of a cosmopolitan and compose culture in this part of the country. Kodungalloor which had the unique distinction of being the "Primum Emporium India", also belongs to the signal honour of having first given shelter to all the three communities which have contributed to the prosperity of Malabar'. These three communities are the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims.The history of Thrissur District from the 9th to the 12th centuries is the history of Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram and the history since 12th century is the history of the rise and growth of Perumpadappu Swarupam. In the course of its long and chequered history, the Perumpadappu Swarupam had its capital at different places.
We learn from the literary works of the period that the Perumpadappu Swarupam had its headquarters at Mahodayapuram and that a number of Naduvazhies in Southern and Central Kerala recognized the supremacy of the Perumpadappu Moopil. The Perumpadappu Moopil is even referred to as the "Kerala Chakravarthi" in the "Sivavilasam" and some other works.One of the landmarks in the history of the Perumpadapu Swarupam is the foundation of a new era called Pudu Vaipu Era. The Pudu Vaipu Era is traditionally believed to have commenced from the date of which the island of Vypeen was thrown from the sea.
The 14th and 15 centuries constituted a period of aggressive wars in the course of which the Samorins of Calicut acquired a large part of the present Thrissur District.In the subsequent centuries the Portugese dominated the scene. By the beginning of the 17th century the Portugese power in Kerala was on the verge of collapse.
About this time other European powers like the Dutch and the English appeared on the scene and challenged the Portugese. Internal dissension in the Perumpadappu Swarupam helped the Dutch in getting a footing on the Kerala Coast. As the Kerala Chiefs were conscious of the impending doom of the Portugese, they looked upon the Dutch as the rising power and extended a hearty welcome to them.
In 1790 Raja Rama Varma (1790-1805) popularly known as Saktan Tampuran ascended the throne of Cochin. With the accession of this ruler the English or modern period in the history of Cochin and of the District began. It may be noted in this connection that Saktan Tampuram had been at the helm of affairs since 1769 when all administrative authority in the state was delegated to him by the then reigning sovereign on the initiative of the Travancore Raja and the Dutch Governor. As his very name suggests, this prince was a strong ruler and his reign was characterized by firm and vigorous administration. We have seen that by the end of the 18th century the power of the feudal chieftains had been crushed and royal authority had become supreme. Saktan Tampuran was mainly responsible for the destruction of the power of the feudal chieftains and increase of royal power. Another potent force in the public life of Trichur and its suburbs was the Namboodithiri community. A large part of the Trichur Taluk was for long under the domination of the Yogiatiripppads, the ecclesiastical h4eads of the Vadakkunnathan and Perumanam Devaswoms. The Yogiatirippads were elected and consecrated by the Namboodithiri Yogams of the respective places. Under their leadership the Namboodithiri families of Trichur and Perumanam were playing in active part against the ruler of Cochin in his wars against the Zamorin of Calicut. Hence after the expulsion of the Zamorin from Trichur in 1761 drastic action was taken against these families by the Raja of Cochin. The institution of Yogiatirippads was discontinued and the management of Trichur and Perumanam Devaswoms was taken over by the Government. The Namboothiri Yogams were reduced to impotence. 1. Thus the antifeudal measures of Saktan Tampuran coupled with the several administrative reforms introduced by him marked the end of the medieval period in the history of Cochin and ushered in the modern epoch of progress.
1. It may be interesting in this connection to know something about the institution of the Yogatirippad. The Yogiatirippad of the Vadakkunnathan Devaswom was elected by the Namboothiri illams of Trichur and its suburbs The Yogiatirippad was elected for life in the august presence of the ruler of Cochin, local chieftains and prominent Namboothiris from places outside Trichur. An interesting account of the Yogiatiri Avarodham (ceremony connected with the consecration of the Yogiatirippad) as gathered from the Grandhavari or chronicles of the Trichur temple is given by K.P. Padmanabha Menon in his History of Kerala Vol IV (p.82086). The Yogiatirippad was a very powerful and influential dignitary. The last Yogiatirippad was banished from Trichur 1763 for having joined the side of the Zamorin against Cochin. Saktan Tampuran put an end to the institution of the Yogiatirippad. Since then the numerous Namboodiri illams situated in Trichur gradually became extinct. But even today there are a few Namboothiri illams in Trichur town and its suburbs reminding one of those old days when the Namboothiri Yogam of Trichur along with the Perumanam Yogam exercised jurisdiction over a large portion of the present Trichur Taluk.
Settlement of territorial claims: Saktan Tampuran ascended the throne just before the conclusion of the treaty with the English East India Company1 according to which Cochin threw off all allegiance to Tipu and became tributary to the Company. One of the conditions of the treaty was that if any Raja preferred any claim to any of the places and districts mentioned therein within a period of five years after the date of the treaty it should be entitled to an impartial investigation and be submitted to the final decision of the company's government. Taking advantage of this provision in this treaty. It may be noted in this connection that the Chettuvai island inclusive of Cranganore and Patinettaralayam was leased to Cochin on a rental of Rs. 40000/- a few months before the treaty was signed in 1791. The Zamorin also claimed it as his, but his claim was rejected on the ground that it had been taken from him by the Dutch in 1717 and from the latter by Haider Ali in 1776 and again by the English from Tipu in 1790. The lease to cochin was renewed for two years from November 1791 and again for 10 years in 1793 on the same rent. One of the conditions of the lease was that the Cochin Raja should not exercise any civil or criminal jurisdiction over the tract and that if any complaints were to be made by the local inhabitants of oppression by the Raja and his officials and such complaints were proved to be true, the lease would be cancelled. The Raja of Cochin was not willing to submit to such conditions and the lease was therefore cancelled in 1801 even before the expiry of the stipulated period. Patinettaralayam had alternatively been in the possession of the Zamorin, the Dutch and Cochin. But in 1761 it was finally made over to Cochin by the Dutch and on the strength f this Cochin's claim to it was now conceded. Cranganore had more often been under the Zamorin or the Dutch that under Cochin and at the time of Haider's invasion it was under Tipu. But the Mysore Sultan treated it as subject to Cochin and levied his tribute from it through Cochin. In view of its historic past and strategic importance the company's officials wanted to bring Crannganore under their direct rule, if only they could get the concurrence of the Cranganore Raja. But when questioned by the Malabar Commissioners the Cranganore Raja expressed himself in favour of his being placed under Cochin. After a prolonged correspondence with the Raja and the Dutch Governor of Cochin the English East India Company at last decided to allow Cranganore to remain under the Raja of Cochin until a final decision was taken in the matter. This arrangement was later ratified by the British Government. As Vanneri was under the possession of the Zamorin at the time Haider conquered Malabar, Cochin's claim to this tract was disallowed by the English East India Company. However, the claim of Cochin to the tract of Territory known as Chittilappilly in the prest Trichur Taluk was upheld by the Company in preference to that of the Zamorin.
1. The formal treaty was signed on 6th January 1791 but negotiations for the treaty took place and the terms were settled several months ago. The formal signing was delayed due to the death of the Raja in August 1790, but the treaty was to have effect from the 25th September.
The Cultural Capital:
Thrissur an abbreviation of Thiru-Siva-Peruru has always been referred to as the cultural capital of Kerala. Thiru denotes holiness and not three. The central and the most important feature is Vadakkunnathan Kshetram where the reigning deity is Lord Siva.Centrally located in the State of Kerala this district is a rich reservoir in history, culture and archaeological remains. Thrissur Pooram, for long as one can remember the two dominant temple groups hallowed by many temples in Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu clans look into a friendly combat for supremacy, is celebrated every year during April- May. There are several important points of tourist attraction in Thrissur.
Vadakkunnathan Temple: This is not just another place for worship. It has been the repository of culture and heritage unparalelled in Kerala history. Vadakku does not represent North and it is the corruption of the word 'Edvam' or 'Sacred Bull'. Kunnu is the Malayalam word for a hillock Edvakkunnathan thus became Vadakkunnathan. The deity is Lord Siva represented by 'Mahalingam' which now cannot be seen due to the mount formed by the traditional offerings or abhisheka with ghee. The exquisite murals on this shrine narrate the story of the epic Mahabharatha. The decorative wall paintings and carvings alone are worth a visit. On the left of the entrance one can see the famous Kuthambalam a beautiful structure with an elegant sloping roof of metal plates. Ancient dramatic form of Chakkiar Koothu is staged here.
Art Museum: The art museum in a separate building in the Zoo compound, is a treat for the connoisseur of art. Good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelry are preserved here.
Puthan Palli: This is one of the tallest churches in Asia and is known for its Gothic model of architecture.
Vilangankunnu: Eight Km. journey from the town on the Kunnamkulam road leads to this picturesque hillock known for its scenic splendour overlooking the sprawling town and country side.
Academies: Kerala Sahithya Akademy, Sangeetha Nataka Akademy and Kerala Lalithakala Academy are head quartered at Thrissur making the epithet 'cultural capital of Kerala' more meaningful.
Arattupuzha: Arattupuzha Temple, situated 16 Kms away from the town on the Thrissur- Kodungallor road, is known for its annual pooram festival held in April-May every year which is one of the most colourful carnivals of Kerala.
Peechi Dam: This enchanting picnic spot situated 20 Kms east of Thrissur offers boating facilities in the reservoir. One can see tuskers on the bank of this reservoir
Cheraman Juma Masjid: Kodungallur constructed in AD.629 is famous as the first mosque erected in India and also the first in India and second in the world where the Juma prayers were started. People from far and near irrespective of caste and creed visit this holy place and pay their homage. Idul Fitar (Ramsan) and Idul-Asha (Bakrid) are celebrated here on a grand scale.
Athirappally and Vazhachal water Falls: A shimmering expanse of tranquil beauty this waterfall, of 80 feet height 30 Kms.east of Chalakkudy. Athirappally attracts a large number of eco tourists. Vazhachal another water fall is 5 Kms. away from Athirapally. One cannot but watch this without breath taking splendour.
Guruvayoor Temple: Guruvayoor, one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala, is 29 Kms. north west of Thrissur. The main attraction is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna popularly known as Guruvayoorappan. People throng here in large numbers for worship the year round.
Kerala Kalamandalam: Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy was founded in 1930 by Mahakavi Vallathol. It's main objective is to revive, preserve and develop the ancient and traditional art form of Kerala particularly Kathakali. Now the Kerala Kala Mandalam is functioning at Vallathol Nagar with its new building complex at Natyagraha. The old Kerala Kala Mandalam is still at Cheruthuruthy on the shore of Nila River (Bharathapuzha). The Samadhi (Tomb) of the Poet Vallathol the founder of this famous institution is in the premises of old Kala Mandalam.
Palayur Church: The Catholic Syrian church of Palayur is one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas. The feast falls on July 15 and many pilgrims from different parts of India visit the church.
Koodalmanickam Temple (Irinjalakuda): The Koodalmanickam temple is an ancient and historic one situated in Manavalassery village about 10 Kms. from Irinjalakuda Railway station. Lord Bharatha is the deity of the temple. The festival is held annually for 11 days in Medom (April-May)
Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine Kodungallur (Azhikode): Nineteen hundred years ago the first missionary of Christianity to India, St.Thomas, the Apostle set his foot at Kodungallur. The Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine a monument to him is situated here. It is a historic pilgrim centre of the Indian Christians. The main feast of the church is celebrated on November 21 every year
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