Let's post the history, interesting historical facts, other fascinating stories, myths, and folklores related to Thiruvananthapuram and sorrounding area, here in this thread.


:cheers:

Thanks Rajith for the Thread...

Some Historical facts from Wikipedia

Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient city with trading traditions dating back to 1000 BCE. It is believed that the ships of King Solomon landed in a port called Ophir (now Poovar) in Thiruvananthapuram in 1036 BCE. The city was the trading post of spices, sandalwood and ivory. However, the ancient political and cultural history of the city was almost entirely independent from that of the rest of Kerala. The early rulers of the city were the Ays. With their fall in the 10th century, the city was taken over by the rulers of Venad.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/CoA_Travancore_1893.png
Coat of Arms of the Indian princely state of Travancore

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/Flag_of_Kingdom_of_Travancore.svg/500px-Flag_of_Kingdom_of_Travancore.svg.png
Flag of the Kingdom of Travancore


Rise of modern Thiruvananthapuram began with accession of Marthanda Varma, who is regarded as the Father of modern Travancore, modernised Thiruvananthapuram, in 1729 as the founding ruler of the princely state of Travancore (Thiruvithamkoor in the local vernacular). Thiruvananthapuram was made the capital of Travancore in 1745 after shifting the capital from Padmanabhapuram. The city developed into a major intellectual and artistic centre during this period.


The locals of Thiruvananthapuram had supported Marthanda Varma against the Pillamar when he was the heir-apparent, and when he was attacked by the agents of the trustees, he had fled to the safety of Trivandrum, from where he counter attacked them. During his reign, he renovated the Padmanabha Swamy temple and the walls of the fortress. He also shifted the capital legally from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram, which he made a great centre of intellectual and artistic activity in those days. In 1791 AD, the English East India Company signed a treaty to protect Travancore from Mysore and in accordance to that treaty, was allowed to install a Resident and troops in Thiruvananthapuram. In 1799 AD, Velu Thampi, then a Karyakar of Talakkulam, led a march of the local people to Thiruvananthapuram to protest against the corruption of the Kings's ministers. The accession of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal who reigned from 1829 to 1847 AD, ushered in an epoch of cultural progress and economic prosperity. The beginning of English education was marked in 1834 by the opening of an English school at Thiruvananthapuram. An observatory and a charity hospital were also established here in 1836. During the reign of Maharaja Uthram Thirunall, Rev. Mead, an Anglican priest of the London Missionary Society (L.M.S.), was employed by the Maharajah to improve the quality of education. Schools, including one for girls, were started in Thiruvananthapuram.

The golden age in the city's history was during the mid 19th century under the reign of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal and Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal. This era saw the establishment of the first English school (1834), the Observatory (1837), the General Hospital (1839), the Oriental Research Institute & Manuscripts Library and the University College (1873). The first mental hospital in the state was also started during the same period.

During the reign of Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal (1860–1880), a full-fledged Arts College was started here besides the several English, Malayalam and Tamil schools, all over the State. A large hospital with lying-in-facility and a lunatic asylum were also established in Thiruvananthapuram. The Trivandrum University College was started in 1873, with Dr. Read as its principal. A Law class was opened in Thiruvananthapuram in 1874 AD, and the main building of the old Kerala Government Secretariat was designed and constructed by the Maharajah's chief engineer, Mr. Barton. Mr. Barton also improved the sanitation of the city. It was during the reign of Sri Moolam Thirunal (1885–1924), that the Sanskrit College, Ayurveda College, Law College and a second grade College for Women were started here. A department for the preservation and publication of oriental manuscripts was also established.

Sanskrit College, Ayurveda College, Law College and a second grade college for women were started by Maharaja Moolam Thirunal (1885–1924).

One of the significant aspects associated with Maharaja Sree Moolam Thirunal’s reign was the inauguration of the Legislative Council in 1888. This was the first legislative chamber, instituted in an Indian State. The Sri Moolam Assembly came into being in 1904. The activities of the Indian National Congress echoed in Thiruvananthapuram and other parts of Kerala during the reign of Maharaja Sree Moolam Thirunal.

During the regency of Maharani Setu Lakshmi Bai, the college for Women at Trivandrum was raised to the first grade.

The Thiruvananthapuram Municipality came into existence in 1920. The municipality was converted into Corporation on 30 October 1940, during the period of Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma, who took over in 1931. The city witnessed many-sided progress during his period. The promulgation of "Temple Entry Proclamation" (1936) was an act that underlined social emancipation. This era also saw the establishment of the University of Travancore in 1937, which later became the Kerala University.

With the end of the British rule in 1947, Travancore chose to join the Indian union. The first popular ministry headed by Pattom Thanu Pillai was installed in office on 24 March 1948. In 1949, Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Thiru-Kochi, the state formed by the integration of Travancore with its northern neighbour Kochi. The king of Travancore, Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma became the Rajpramukh of the Travancore-Cochin Union from July 1, 1949 until October 31, 1956. When the state of Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of the new state.

With the establishment of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in 1962, Thiruvananthapuram became the cradle of India's ambitious space programme. The first Indian space rocket was developed and launched from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) located in the outskirts of the city in 1963. Several establishments of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) were later established in Thiruvananthapuram.

A major milestone in the city's recent history was the establishment of Technopark—India's first IT park—in 1995. Technopark has developed into the largest IT Park in India and third largest in Asia, employing around 30,000 people over 195 companies. This placed Thiruvananthapuram on the IT map of India and it is today one of the most promising in the country in terms of competitiveness and capability.

Historical Images

Adoption Durbar, Trivandrum (Year:about 1900)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/Adoption_Durbar%2C_Trivandrum.jpg/1024px-Adoption_Durbar%2C_Trivandrum.jpg

Photograph taken about 1900 by the Government photographer, Zacharias D'Cruz of a view of the Adoption Durbar, Trivandrum. It is one of 76 prints in an album entitled 'Album of South Indian Views' of the Curzon Collection. George Nathaniel Curzon was Under Secretary of State at the Foreign Office between 1895-98 and Viceroy of India between 1898-1905. The State troops at the Adoption Durbar can be seen here on parade during the ceremony.

Adoption Durbar, Trivandrum (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adoption_Durbar,_Trivandrum.jpg) [Public domain or Public domain], by British Library, from Wikimedia Commons

Depiction of the Duke of Buckingham. (Year:early 1880)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Raja_ravivarma_painting_50_historic_meeting.jpg

Depiction of the Duke of Buckingham being greeted by Visakham Thirunal, with Ayilyam Thirunal of Travancore looking on, during Buckingham's visit to Trivandrum, Travancore in early 1880. Auctioned by London auctioneer Bonhams on 26 October 2007, bought for £602,400 ($1.24m) by Neville Tuli, a representive of actual buyer.

Raja ravivarma painting 50 historic meeting (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Raja_ravivarma_painting_50_historic_meeting.jpg) [Public domain], by Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906), from Wikimedia Commons

Travancore Maharaja's State Carriage (Year:about 1900)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/33/Travancore_Maharaja%27s_State_Carriage_.jpg/1024px-Travancore_Maharaja%27s_State_Carriage_.jpg

Photograph taken about 1900 by the Government photographer, Zacharias D'Cruz of the Travancore Maharaja's State Carriage in Trivandrum. It is one of 76 prints in an album entitled 'Album of South Indian Views' of the Curzon Collection. George Nathaniel Curzon was Under Secretary of State at the Foreign Office between 1895-98 and Viceroy of India between 1898-1905. It was drawn by a team of six horses. In the background can be seen the gopuram of the Padmanabha Swamy temple.

Travancore Maharaja's State Carriage (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Travancore_Maharaja's_State_Carriage_.jpg) [Public domain or Public domain], by British Library, from Wikimedia Commons

Lithograph of the Raja of Tranvancore's elephants at Trivandrum (Year : 1841)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Raja_of_Tranvancore%27s_elephants_.jpg

Lithograph of the Raja of Tranvancore's elephants at Trivandrum in Kerala by L.H. de Rudder (1807-1881) after an original drawing of May 1841 by Prince Aleksandr Mikhailovich Saltuikov published in 1848. Prince Saltuikov visited Trivandrum in August 1841 and noted several details about his meeting with the Hindu Maharaja of Travancore. He wrote that the Raja received his guest on his throne, was not more than 25 or 27 years of age and gave his guest two Indian drawings.

Raja of Tranvancore's elephants (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Raja_of_Tranvancore's_elephants_.jpg) [Public domain or Public domain], by British Library, from Wikimedia Commons

http://www.indianstampghar.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/scan0013-300x180.jpg

http://www.universitycollege.co.in/docs/history.jpg
University College, was founded in the year 1834 by the Government of Travancore during the reign of his Highness Sri Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma

http://www.keralapolicehistory.com/images/trvmap.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00783/15TVCMA01-REUNION-T_783295f.jpg
The 1951 batch(First Batch) of the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College

http://www.indianetzone.com/photos_gallery/36/SwathiThirunal-AyilyamThirunal_4212.jpg

http://enchantingkerala.org/kerala-monuments/kerala-monuments-images/madavoorpara-rock-cut-temple.jpg

Madavoorpara Rock Cut Temple
Iroopara, Thiruvananthapuram

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00480/17TVHERITAGE_GFP28Q_480262e.jpg
History and Heritage Museum inaugurated in Thiruvananthapuram

Padmanabhapuram Palace : The clock at the entrance
http://cache.virtualtourist.com/6/3279354-Padmanabhapuram_Palace_The_clock_at_the_entrance_Thiruvananthapuram.jpg

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi being received by Chief Minister Karunakaran in Trivandrum on January 1982.
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00314/KARUNAKARAN_INDIRA_314403f.jpg

http://c0056906.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/678694-1.JPG

Sree Vidyadhiraja Parama Bhattaraka Chattampi Swamikal (1853–1924) Born in Thiruvananthapuram.
http://www.amritapuri.org/photos/09panmana/panmana-15.jpg

Sree Narayana Guru was born in the village of Chempazhanthi in Trivandrum

http://www.sivagiri.org/SIVA3.gif

Ayyankali Born 1863
Venganoor, Trivandrum
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/Ayyankali_Statue.jpg

Swadeshabhimani K. Ramakrishna Pillai (1878–1916)
Born 25 May 1878
Neyyattinkara,Trivandrum.
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00005/logo_5452e.jpg

An Areal view of East fort - Thampanoor Area in the year 1930. Sree Padmanabha swami temple, MG road (don't know the name at that time) etc are in the pic.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/7792/3307294756fb9f4997b0b.jpg

From Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8226961@N05/3307294756/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2238/1949002064_75f9a4622a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8226961@N05/1949002064/)
Old Mercedes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8226961@N05/1949002064/) by vivafcstpauli (http://www.flickr.com/people/8226961@N05/), on Flickr

This photo was taken on 2006. According to flickr user Vivafcstpauli, who captured this picture, this Mercedes is in use by the Maharaja of Travancore in the 1950ies.:)

Attingal

It is beleived that Attingal town was built 800 years ago. During ancient times Attingal was known to be "Chittattinkara" as it is encircled on three sides by the rivers "Vamana puram river" and "Mamom river". Historically, Attingal has been the residence of the women of the Venad royal family. The Attingal Palace dates to 1305 C.E. Attingal and the surrounding areas were a principality within the Travancore kingdom, and were ruled by their queens. By the colonial period, trade flourished with Portuguese and Dutch traders. In 1735, Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore, took Attingal.

Attingal was the seat of the sovereign of Venad during this period and there were only queens, Ranis, in power. Apart from Attingal proper the principalities of Elayidam or Kottarakkara, Perakam or Nedumangad, Thiruvithamkode or Travancore, Kollam, Kaymkulam, Karunagappalli and Karthikappalli were all under the Attingal Rani.


http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9945/attingal2520palace12520.jpg
Attingal Palace


The Attingal Palace had an important role in the history of Kerala. It played a significant role in the growth of the Tranvancore Dynasty.

The Attingal Palace gained prominence in the 14th century when Udaya Marthanda Varma ascended the throne of Travancore. He adopted two princesses from the royal family of the Kolathiris of North Malabar. A palace for each one of them was built by the king at Attingal and Kunnummel.

The palace witnessed the first ever united rebellion against the British.

The walls of the palace are adorned with some of the most beautiful murals. The main edifice of the palace is now under the control of the Devaswom Board.

Attingal Revolt
Attingal Mutiny was the first ever rebellion againt the British in India. On the night of April 11, 1721, 150 Britishers were done to death at the Attingal Palace. It was a clever plot laid by Kodumon Pillai, Minister of the queen of Attingal, Umayamma Rani, who out smarted the shrewd British who had superior weapons. The Nair Pada(nair soldiers) and the local Muslims took part in the operation and the British met with the biggest debacle in the region.

http://i56.tinypic.com/2v1q3p2.jpg

Don't know the photographer...

http://yentha.s3.amazonaws.com/contentuploads/343b6397_3.jpg

Image from yentha.com

http://i55.tinypic.com/2zeiejr.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/4699536854_8e4f60d181_z.jpg

Images from various online sources

http://latha468.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/397800649_cd5cc2cf47.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4224641704_09364265f5_b.jpg

Images from various online sources

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4224650314_713ae7982f_z.jpg

Image from flickr

An Areal view of East fort - Thampanoor Area in the year 1930. Sree Padmanabha swami temple, MG road (don't know the name at that time) etc are in the pic.

From Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8226961@N05/3307294756/)

Amazing pic! I recall that there is an extensive collection of aerials shot from a DC-3 by one of the royals or a royal photographer.

http://i56.tinypic.com/2v1q3p2.jpg

Don't know the photographer...


Wow... :eek: I havent seen an ariel shot of Ajengo fort before. This should be a snap from the nearby lighthouse. Or is it from a helicopter?


Great find.. :bow: Thanks a lot Vinod.

A little history: Anchuthengu was the first British base in Travancore/Kerala. The fort was gifted by Attingal Queen to East India Company for establishing their trade post.

http://www.keralahistory.ac.in/images/anjengu_fort.gif

Anchutengu fort
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/5822/019xzz0000455c7u0003500.jpg

^^
More Links:
Link 1 (http://www.keralatourism.org/varkala/anchuthengu-anjengo-fort.php)
Link 2 (http://anjengo.blogspot.com/p/fort.html)
Link 3 (http://www.holidayiq.com/Anjengo-Fort-Varkala-Sightseeing-590-711.html)

Wow... :eek: I havent seen an ariel shot of Ajengo fort before. This should be a snap from the nearby lighthouse. Or is it from a helicopter?


Great find.. :bow: Thanks a lot Vinod.

A little history: Anchuthengu was the first British base in Travancore/Kerala. The fort was gifted by Attingal Queen to East India Company for establishing their trade post.

http://www.keralahistory.ac.in/images/anjengu_fort.gif

Thanks Rajith. I found the image in a blog based on Trivandrum. I am sure the image is not by the blog owner as he used many images from SSC including mine without giving credit. I found similar images of others from same angle so must be taken from some highrise.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4583333728_1ddb4502f4_z.jpg

source (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ranjithraghunathan/4583333728/)

http://images.mathrubhumi.com/images/2011/Nov/19/10065_347095.jpg

Articles about ancient Trivandrum from Mathrubhumi (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/static/others/special/index.php?cat=825) by Malayinkizhu Gopalakrishnan

http://i39.tinypic.com/zujk91.jpg

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi

http://i42.tinypic.com/2a6jf4z.jpg

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi

9vhUX8LhvmY

Interesting

An Areal view of East fort - Thampanoor Area in the year 1930. Sree Padmanabha swami temple, MG road (don't know the name at that time) etc are in the pic.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/7792/3307294756fb9f4997b0b.jpg

From Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8226961@N05/3307294756/)

For your kind information .......this strech is east fort - chalai bazaar- killipallam- karamana

For your kind information .......this strech is east fort - chalai bazaar- killipallam- karamana
Can any one tell how old this photo is ?
Pathrakulam is not seen.
The road branching left from the Sree Padmanabha Temple - Karamana Road is Aryasala-Chenthiitta-Valiyasala Road.East Fort is also not visible.

http://i40.tinypic.com/fm1c2o.jpg

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi

For your kind information .......this strech is east fort - chalai bazaar- killipallam- karamana

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/905/mgroad.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/9624/pazhavangadi.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/397819_2430290799949_1331997441_3922876_1360237205_n.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/5vakip.jpg

Courtesy: Madhyamam

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/190/img8598c.jpg

http://c0056906.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/704627-2.jpg

http://thiruvananthapuramupdates.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/img_5472.jpg?w=700&h=500

The Koyikkal Palace is situated in Nedumangad, about 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram City on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtalam waterfalls, Thiruvananthapuram district, South Kerala. The Koyikkal Palace was built by Umayamma Rani of the Venad Royal Family, is a double storey nalukettu (traditional Kerala home). It was the official residence of the ruler of ‘Perakatharvazhi’. The exhibits here draw attention to the rich cultural background of Kerala. Today, the palace is regarded as a heritage structure and comprises the Numismatics Museum and the Folklore Museum, both of which were established by the Department of Archaeology.
http://t.co/JtkmCSFJ

http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/3930/51751687.jpg

http://t.co/u0vRAnib

I Wonder why nobody remember Mikhail Gorbachev's( the last soviet union president )visit to trivandrum during 80s .even the landmark nishagandhi open air stadium was built for that purpose when E.K.Nayanar being the CM

Hey thanks a ton friends... by reading this post, i got some awesome pictures and informations about old trivandrum (http://www.yentha.com) to the new thiruvananthapuram. keep rocking.

I even the landmark nishagandhi open air stadium was built for that purpose when E.K.Nayanar being the CM
Where this stadium located? :nuts:

Where this stadium located? :nuts:

sorry its open air auditorium.But have u answer for my query ,do u have any idea about Mikhail Gorbachev( the last soviet union president's )visit .have any pictures ?.That was a colourful event, grant and nostalgic.I think our media will report it one day and it is mikhail's...

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/7636/67731080.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/715/67731080.jpg/)

Manorama

http://wp.me/p1Mzly-12R

http://i40.tinypic.com/i1h44y.jpg

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi

http://i42.tinypic.com/13zpxkk.jpg

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi

More Info on John Allan Brown and Trivandrum Museum:

This one of the reasons why Thumba Equitorial Roacket Launching Station came up here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Allan_Broun

http://www.attractionsinindia.com/Trivandrum/Tourist_Attractions/Observatory_In_Trivandrum.html

ISRO/Meteorological Department should consider reconstructing the Allan Brown Observatory on the top of Agastyarkoodam.

del

Antique figurines found in church vault

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Three pieces of antique figurines have been found in an underground vault of an 18th century Catholic church at the coastal hamlet Anjuthengu near here, which was a fortified port of the British East India Company during the colonial era.

One of them was a figurine of Virgin Mary in ivory while the other two were woodworks of St Philomena, the church authorities said.

The discovery has attracted the attention of historians and conservationists while the parishioners of the St Peter's Ferona Church welcomed it as good augury for the community.

The idols were found in the vault during the restoration work of the church's alter. The workers chanced upon the objects when they opened the doors near the altar which led to the opening of the vaults the other day.

The figurine of St Mary was believed to have been used by the church during the processions and festivals years back, Church Vicar Fr Anish Fernandes said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/Antique-figurines-found-in-church-vault/articleshow/11670868.cms

http://i40.tinypic.com/2eekcv6.jpg

Courtesy/Copyright: Madhyamam

uHEpuGSrH9M

^^
Great !

http://i43.tinypic.com/30le74o.jpg

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/tvmhsty.jpg

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/tvmhistry.jpg

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/smsmhistory.jpg

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi

‘Thekke Kottaram’ reopening (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/%E2%80%98thekke-kottaram%E2%80%99-reopening/385989.html)

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ‘Thekke kottaram’ (Southern palace) adjacent to the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thuckalay, has donned a fresh look and is ready to usher guests to its age-old corridors. The renovated palace and a heritage museum it hosts would be reopened to the public after a makeover on Thursday by Minister for Cultural Affairs, K C Joseph, at a function to be held at the venue at 2 pm. Till 1790, the grandfather mansion had remained the seat of the erstwhile Travancore royal family. Situated at the foot of ‘Velimala’, the Southern palace was restructured during the time of Anizham Thirunal Marthandavarma in the 18th century. Historians date the age of the palace at 400 years, almost the same as the ‘Thai kottaram’ inside the Padmanabhapuram palace.

‘’The Thekke kottaram is known for its traditional Kerala style architecture. In fact, the palace is built on ‘panthrantu-kettu’ style. It houses intricate wooden carvings and mural paintings. The museum that we have there is a testimony to the glorious heritage and history of our land,’’ said J Rejikumar, Director-in-charge of the Department of Archeology.

According to him, the plastering of the wall of the palace had come off at some places and the museum itself needed some professional arrangements, for which it was shut down some time back.

The department has spent around ` 30 lakh for the restoration of the palace and the museum.

The Padmanabhapuram palace and the Southern palace, just outside the compound of the main palace, are protected monuments under the Archeology Department.

The Thekke kottaram has three small buildings carved in traditional architecture. One of the buildings has its balcony opening to a pond below. One building houses the heritage museum and the third one used to be a ‘Thekkini’ or place of worship. The heritage museum has everything from age-old domestic appliances used by Keralites to musical instruments and other artifacts housed there.

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/tvmdrasalatha.jpg

Source (read through) (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/mmonline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=11349035&tabId=20&BV_ID=@@@)

Trivandrum: The Keralam Museum of History and Heritage, located at the Corporation Office Jn., Trivandrum completed one year on Tuesday, March 20.

Despite being located at a prime spot and showcasing the history and culture of Kerala in a very interesting and interactive manner, the Keralam Museum of History and Heritage still remains unknown to many.

“This is one of the best museums in the state and the only one of its kind, but the museum is yet to be as popular as it should be amongst the public,” says Dr. Raimon, Executive Director.


“The museum is the first thematic museum in the state, where the history of this region, dating back to 3000 BCE is showcased. All details about the coins, sculptures, musical instruments and everything else are made available at the kiosks placed. There are also options available to know more about your particular area of interest through the display screens.”

The building where the museum functions has a history of its own.

“This place was first used by the British, then used as the office of the Chief Secretary during pre-independence times. The building in itself has several interesting facts worth highlighting. The kitchen, which is over a hundred years old, has been maintained as such for today's generation to see what a traditional kitchen looked like. The same goes with the 'nalukettu'. The construction of the building is such that you would never feel the heat once your are within its walls, no matter how hot the sun is.”



But, seemingly the lack of popularity is because of these unique features of the museum.

http://yentha.s3.amazonaws.com/contentuploads/3e207bd9_museum-2.jpg


“Being a thematic one, it doesn't find much appeal among children. Only those who truly have an interest in the topic can enjoy this museum. There are no parks or swings for the children to have a good time, or benches for the elders to sit and relax, like in the case of Napier Museum.”

Steps are being taken to rectify some of the drawbacks by initiating innovative steps that are bound to get the Keralam Museum of History and Heritage the popularity it deserves among an economically forward and educated population.



http://yentha.s3.amazonaws.com/contentuploads/73c5a80a_museum-1.jpg



“On March 20, we plan to keep the museum open till 8 at night. The concept of a night visit to the museum is very popular in the west. The cultural changes that have occurred in recent times have made us give it a try here. If the response is found to be positive, we would make it a regular feature. Cultural events would also be held once a month to promote art and culture and to attract the public.”



http://yentha.s3.amazonaws.com/contentuploads/35dcb6cb_museum-1.jpg





Entry tickets are priced at Rs. 20 for adults, Rs. 10 for children and Rs. 200 for non-nationals. The museum is open on all days except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.


Source:Yentha.com (http://www.yentha.com/news/view/1/keralam-museum-of-history-and-heritage-completes-one-year)

THIS IS LOCATED IN THE SAME BUILDING- PARK VIEW,THE HEAD OFFICE OF KERALA TOURISM

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/tvmhist.jpg

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/tvmhist-1.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/tvmhst.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

Sri. AK Antony will inaugurate Sree Uthradam Tirunal Marthanda Varma Chithralayam


Sri. AK Antony, the Honorable Union Minister for Defence will inaugurate Sree Uthradam Tirunal Marthanda Varma Chithralayam at 4 pm on Sunday, 10th June 2012

Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former Governor of West Bengal will release the book “Visual History of Travancore”

Honorable Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy will release the documentary “Travancore: A Saga of Benevolence”

The website of Sree Uthradam Tirunal Marthanda Varma Chithralayam, www.sutmc.com will be launched by Shri Jacob Mathew, Executive Editor of Malayala Manorama.

Venue: Levee Hall, Krishnavilasom Palace, near KSRTC Bhavan, South Street, Thiruvananthapuram-23.
All are cordially invited.

www.sutmc.com

Had the previlege of a sneak preview of the collection at the Chitralayam. It's a must-see!

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/chitralayamtvm.jpg

Courtesy: Keralakaumudi

^^
The theme will be similar to the thread "Trivandrum Historic Imagery" as well as this thread of this forum.


VISITOR INFORMATION:

Location : Rangavilasom Palace,Opp KSRTC Bhavan,East Fort.
Tel. +91 471 2447272

Visitors to the Museum can also see Krishna Vilasam Palace, the royal venue for mainly religious rituals, Levee Hall, the venue for official interactions, RoadarikathuMalika, a palatial bungalow and KuthiraMalika, a venue well-known for its naturally echo-proof acoustic system.

Visting Time: 09:00 to 19.30 hrs
Open all days

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/histtvm4.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://i49.tinypic.com/155np20.jpg

Source: City Kaumudi - 12 June 2012

http://i49.tinypic.com/155np20.jpg

Source: City Kaumudi - 12 June 2012

Chalai Market, just guessing, I dont have the city kaumudi edition with me

Thiruvananthapuram the capital city of Kerala State, has a continuous cultural heritage of more than thousand years. It was an important town during the period of the kingdom of Venad (between the 12th century and 18th century) and later it became the capital of Travancore state from 1800 AD. The genesis of the town was around Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple which had been referred to in an inscription of the 11th century AD. Even
before that the Aryasala temple, also known as Kanthallur Sala Mahadevar temple, had been referred to in an inscription of the 9th century AD. The region in between these temples and the surrounding area of these temples gradually developed as a town from 12th century AD. The rulers of Venad patronized all these temples and allowed the growth of markets like
Pazhayangadi (Old market) and Chalai Bazaar. They constructed palaces and offices inside the mud fort, which they built around the Padmanabha Swamy temple. At the same time there were also settlements in coastal areas and interior regions. After the shifting of the capital of Venad or Travancore around 1800 the town began to grow in all directions making
the temple and the fort (which had been converted as a granite – cum – burnt brick – cum –mud fort) almost in the middle. The first step to the development of the town was the construction of the Public Office Buildings or Hajur Kachery, which later became popular as Secretariat after the Independence. Gradually the then rulers planned and constructed other
buildings to boost up public administration, education and health. Though the first public building constructed by the then government with the direction of the British engineers was in Western style all the subsequent buildings were built in a blended style of Eastern and Western style of architecture – as a result of the advice given by the then Madras Governor Lord Napier who attended the inaugural function of the Public Office Buildings in 1865. Thus
we inherit a number of beautiful buildings some of which were given a peculiar brick red colour like the Napier Museum and its two entrance gates, University College, Fine Arts College, Govt Arts College, Old S.M.V School Building (Present District Court Buildings at Vanchiyoor), and the traditional style buildings like General Hospital, Ayurveda College Hospital, Malayalam Department of University College etc.
Along with the construction of office buildings residential areas were also developed in the surrounding area of the above public buildings. Simultaneously Temples, Churches and Mosques also have been constructed in the suburban areas of the temple town of Thiruvananthapuram, which gradually developed as a cosmopolitan township.

Thiruvananthapuram has been the capital of the princely state of Travancore and continues to be the capital of Kerala.
From time immemorial, Thiruvananthapuram has been a centre of learning. It is said that ‘Kanthalloor Sala’ which could be equated to the Nalanda and Takshasila existed in the city.17th-century royal orders pertaining to the temple refer to the temple as `Jwala Mahadevar'. However, there are historical documents that put the origin of the temple deeper into antiquity. According to Mathilakam records (official records of the Padmanabhaswamy temple), Kanthalloor dates back to the 7th century AD. Chola inscriptions from the time of Rajaraja Chola (985-1016 AD) also refer to Kanthalloor. An inscription belonging to Rajendra Chola, discovered on the rear wall of the sanctum sanctorum, says that the temple came into existence before 1045 AD.
Once there happened a bloody, cataclysmic battle at the Kanthalloor Sala, fought with the Chola king on one side and the Chera and Pandya kings on the other, in which all three perished.

Source : Various Resources and Reports on History of Ananthapuri

Know more about history of Travancore

http://www.sutmc.com/

SUTMC, Sree Uthradom Tirunal Marthanda Varma Chithralayam has been set up at Ranga Vilasam Palace to provide the public with an authentic perspective on the glorious past of Travancore.

Conceived by His Highness Sree Uthradom Tirunal Marthanda Varma Maharaja, the museum’s collection includes (besides valuable articles possessed by the Royalty) rare photographs taken by His Highness, himself a connoisseur of photography, and other ace photographers like William D’Cruz, N P Hariharan, S. Rajan and B Jayachandran (Malayala Manorama). These are set in traditional royal ambience

360 degree tour of the muesuem

http://www.sutmc.com/sites/default/files/pano/floor0/virtualtour.html

http://www.sutmc.com/sites/default/files/pano/outsideview/virtualtour.html

http://www.sutmc.com/sites/default/files/pano/floor1/virtualtour.html

Sample chitrhams...

http://sutmc.com/sri-chitra-chamber

Worth to see guys dont miss it... :banana::banana:

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/TVMHST1.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/tvmmat.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/tvmhist-2.jpg

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi

http://i46.tinypic.com/rtj4g9.jpg

:)

The photos could not copied because of large number.....

just go through the links to see and feel the Trivandrum of the past,....

[/URL]

http://chitrareliquary.wordpress.com/category/travancore/

http://chitrareliquary.wordpress.com/category/travancore/travancore-native-life/

http://chitrareliquary.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/

Source : [url]http://chitrareliquary.wordpress.com/ (http://chitrareliquary.wordpress.com/category/travancore/travancore-royal-family/)

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/6703/utycollmb2307.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8423/7620122670_792f4510d9_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7620718738_f654a80c03_b.jpg

© Satish Pandiyattil @Flickr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHEpuGSrH9M&feature=player_embedded

Trivandrum History (http://www.etrivandrum.com/2011/12/trivandrum-history-historical.html)

Kingdom of Travancore (pronounced /ˈtrævəŋkɔər/; Malayalam: തിരുവിതാംകൂര്*, tiruvitāṁkūr ? [t̪iɾuʋit̪aːɱkuːr]) was a princely state in the Indian subcontinent, with its capital at Trivandrum (now Thiruvananthapuram) ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. It comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, the Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of Tamil Nadu. Its ruler was accorded a 19-gun salute by the British Empire. Maharaja Marthanda Varma is usually credited as the founder of "modern Travancore". The state's flag was red with a silver, dextrally-coiled, sacred conch shell (Turbinella pyrum). After India's independence in 1947, Travancore and the princely state of Cochin merged on 1 July 1949 to form the Indian state of Travancore-Cochin. Later Travancore-Cochin joined with the Malabar district of the Madras State (modern day Tamil Nadu), on 1 November 1956, to form the Indian state of Kerala. The last Maharajah was Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma and the last Dewan was PGN Unnithan.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9775/captureopn.jpg

Travancore was located in present day southern Kerala. The rulers of this state were named Sree Padmanabhadasan - servant of the Deity, Padmanabha Swamy, an aspect of Lord Vishnu. The former Kingdom's geography is defined by three natural terrains - a coastal area to the west, a midland in the centre and mountain peaks as high as 9,000 feet on the east.

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5226/capturefffewf.jpg

Marthanda Varma was a powerful ruler who expanded the Kingdom from Kanyakumari in the South to Idappally in the North. He signed a treaty with the British East India company and with their help destroyed the power of the eight feudal land lords (Ettuveetil Pillamar) and the Ettara Yogam who supported the Thampi sons of the previous King Rajah Rama Varma, Travancore Royal Family followed the Nair "Marumakkathayam" system, so inheritance went to the sister's children, instead of the children of the king. In successive battles, he defeated and absorbed the Kingdoms right up to Cochin including Attingal, Kollam, Kayamkulam, Kottarakara, Kottayam, Changanassery, Meenachil, Poonjar and Ambalapuzha. He succeeded in defeating the Dutch East India Company during the Travancore–Dutch war (1739-1753 A.D.), the most decisive engagement of which was the Battle of Colachel (10 August 1741) in which the Dutch Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy was captured. On January 3, 1750 A.D., (Makaram 5, 725 M.E.), he dedicated his Kingdom to his tutelary deity Sri. Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu) of Trivandrum (the Trippadidaanam) and from then on the rulers of Travancore ruled the Kingdom as the servants of Sri Padmanabha (Padmnabhadasan). In 1753 A.D., the Dutch signed a peace treaty with the Maharajah. With the battle of Ambalapuzha (3 January 1754) in which he defeated the union of the deposed Kings and the Raja of Cochin, Marthanda Varma crushed all opposition to his rule. In 1757 A.D., a treaty was concluded between Travancore and Cochin, ensuring peace and stability on the Northern border. He organised the tax system and constructed many irrigation works. Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy, who was captured as a Prisoner of war in the famous Battle of Colachel was appointed as the Senior Admiral (Valiya kappithan)and he modernised the Travancore army by introducing firearms and artillery. Ayyappan Marthanda Pillai served as the "Sarvadi Karykar" (Head of the Army Nair pattalam). Marthanda Varma introduced titles such as Chempaka Raman and honours such as Ettarayum Koppum to honour the Lords and his relatives who had remained faithful to him during his problems with the Ettuveetil Pillamar. His able minister during his entire military career was Ramayyan Dalawa.

Source : http://http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=401881

Kingdom of Travancore is featured in Empire Total War Game along with other major princely states of Mysore,Hyderabad and Rajputs.

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/9982/vivekanandamb2008.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/histtvm.jpg

Source: Deepika

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/hsttvm22.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

Beyond all borders

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/ptvm.jpg

The people outside the palace gates felt disowned: They were once Malayalis, but when the Kanyakumari district shifted states, they came to be called Tamilians.

Perhaps on the days they wanted to belong to Kerala, they’d step inside the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the six-and-a-half acres it stands on. For the palace complex still belonged to Kerala, holding within it the tales of the centuries of kings who once lived there, prominent among them Marthanda Varma.

It was in 1550 AD that the first of the palace buildings was built, says my guide Rajeshwari as she takes me on a tour of the palace. Extensions were made on all sides over the years until the rooms numbered 127.

Like most ancestral homes in Kerala, the palace opens with a poomukham (reception area). The importance of the number nine in architecture is seen at the poomukham itself, with the roof bearing 90 flower designs. The councillors’ chamber upstairs bears nine lotus flowers on its ceiling; another room has 63.

The most popular ruler to take up residence in the palace was Marthanda Varma, and legends say that he fought several attempts on his life to ascend the throne. A hall full of paintings attests to the king’s story: From his early days of hiding from the Ettuveetil Pillamar (an opposing group of nobles) to his becoming the king and killing them all.

It was his nephew, the next ruler — Dharma Raja Karthika Thirunal Varma — who last ruled from the Padmanabhapuram Palace. He shifted the capital of Thiruvithamkoor, then a princely state, from Padmanabha-puram to Thiruvananthapuram.

Numerous they might have been, but every room in the palace had a purpose. The councillors’ chamber was where the king and his ministers would discuss important decisions. Two large halls, called oottupura, were built for annadaanam — the serving of lunch to 2,000 poor Brahmins every day.

The upparika malika that housed the king’s room had the treasury on its lower level, and the meditation and puja rooms on the floor above. “The idea was that money always comes last, and God first,” Rajeshwari says.

Today visitors from near and far enter, and leave, the palace. The centuries have changed the old borders and brought new ones. What was once 186 acres of Travancore rule has been reduced to 6.5 acres of tourism.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Travancore Kingdom and its Maharajas

Travancore was a small kingdom on the Southern side of present Kerala State. The names of some of the kings (Rajas) who ruled this kingdom are remembered not only because they were kings, but also because they were masters in specific fields. Marthanda Varma, Dharma Raja, Swathy Thirunal and Sri Chithira Thirunal are some among them. Following is the full list of the rulers with the the periods they were in power.

1.Anizham Thirunal Marthanda varma (1729 – 1758)
2.Karthika Thirunal Rama varma (Dharma Raja) (1758 – 1798)
3.Avittam Thirunal Balarama varma (1798 – 1810)
4.Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bhai (1810 – 1814)
5.Rani Gouri Parvathi Bhai (Regent) (1814 – 1829)
6.Swathi Thirunal Rama varma (1829 – 1846)
7.Uthram Thirunal Marthanda varma (1846 – 1860)
8.Ayiliam Thirunal Rama varma (1860 – 1880)
9.Vishakham Thirunal Rama varma (1880 – 1885)
10.Sreemoolam Thirunal Rama varma (1885 – 1924)
11.Rani Sethulakshmi Bhai (Regent) (1924 – 1931)
12.Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama varma (1931 – 1949)

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/capitoltvm_zps3a02caa8.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/tvmhsty-1.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/tvmhst11.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/8049543900_7cc8667fb2_b.jpg

© thejasp @Flickr

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/nedtvm.jpg

Source: Madhyamam

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/aaatvm-1.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/aaatvm2.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://imageshack.us/a/img521/9392/adithyamb1311.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

Rare pictures of British era to be exhibited

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 30 (IANS) At least 200 rare pictures and documents pertaining to the British era starting with the first British settlement in Kerala would be on display here for two days starting Saturday.

This exhibition is being organised by the local branch of the Association of British Scholars (ABS) and would be inaugurated by the erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore, Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, who incidentally owns these pictures and documents, said a release by the group.

The ABS is an organisation of Indians who have lived in Britain for studies or undergoing training and are currently working in Kerala.

Among the pictures is one on the first commercial venture between Travancore and Britain when the then Maharani of Travancore in 1673 gave permission to build two factories near here at Vizhinjam and Anchengo.

A picture of a late 17th century fort near here with its ramparts jutting into the Arabian sea is another rare, must-see picture.

http://www.vancouverdesi.com/lifestyle/rare-pictures-of-british-era-to-be-exhibited/381424/

http://cache.epapr.in/72439/2ff1085a-3dd4-4694-a2e0-53cb1194371f/full.png

Source: Mathrubhumi

125 years of Aruvippuram temple (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/125-years-of-aruvippuram-temple/article4234257.ece)
Sree Narayana Guru’s messages against casteism are intended not only for Kerala but also for the world, Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor has said.

Mr. Tharoor was inaugurating a function marking the 125 years of the consecration of the Aruvippuram Shiva Temple.

Mr. Tharoor said though the society was yet to completely get rid off the evils of caste system, the caste situation had improved from the times of Sri Narayana Guru, and hence the social reformer’s contribution was indisputable.

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/jntvmmedclge.jpg

Source: Keralakaumudi

http://dd508hmafkqws.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/article_node_view/public/Swati%20Tirunal.jpg


Was Swati Tirunal poisoned? :ohno:

Thiruvananthapuram: The mutual hatred of composer king Swati Tirunal’s and British resident William Cullen is the stuff of legend. But the discovery of a small advertisement for an ointment in one of the inside pages of the London Times of December 8, 1846, has given rise to the possibility that the king could have been poisoned by Cullen. Swati Tirunal died a few days later on December 25, Christmas day.

The charge is that General Cullen might have administered Holloway’s ointment on the king with the help of deputy peshkar Krishna Row and the king’s physician. The 19th century advertisement says that an order for the “six of the largest pots” of Holloway’s ointment has been placed on July 11, 1846 for the personal use of the Raja of Travancore.
“It will be employed under the superintendence of his private physician,” it adds.

The ad touts the ointment as a “certain cure for ulcers, wounds, sores.” Biotechnologist Achuthsankar S Nair, who dug out the ad, said that Holloway’s medicines contained only aloe, myrrh and saffron, which are unlikely to cure anything.

What heightens the suspicion is the closeness of Krishna Row and the palace physician to General Cullen. Shangunni Menon, in History of Travancore, says that Krishna Row had fallen out of favour with Swati Tirunal.

Renowned historian and Kerala expert Robin Jeffrey, though he does not subscribe to the murder theory, said that Krishna Row was like a family member to Cullen. Jeffrey also said that the physician was a relative of Cullen. Jeffrey, however, was of the view that Cullen was a great lover of Travancore and observed that he had done his best to protect Travancore from Lord Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse annexation policy.

Jeffrey made these observations at the ‘Dialogue on Swathi Tirunal’s Relations with General Cullen,’ organised by the Sree Uthradom Tirunal Institute of Culture here on Wednesday.

Source (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130214/news-current-affairs/article/was-swati-tirunal-poisoned)

Padmanabhapuram Palace

http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab132/raj_d_kumar/DSC_0699_zpsd2d7af02.jpg

http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab132/raj_d_kumar/DSC_0700_zpse97c62ae.jpg

http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab132/raj_d_kumar/DSC_0729_zpse47d2807.jpg

http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab132/raj_d_kumar/DSC_0726_zps04655e9a.jpg

http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab132/raj_d_kumar/DSC_0724_zps6f8e9931.jpg

http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab132/raj_d_kumar/DSC_0792_zps8ef33ae2.jpg

http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab132/raj_d_kumar/DSC_0799_zps720204a9.jpg

http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab132/raj_d_kumar/DSC_0807_zps005edea1.jpg

^^ Nice Photography, Thanks for sharing.

Cheers!!!

^^^ thanks kannan..

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q556/25dude25/tvmhst_zps57163af2.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/492/tvmhsty.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/2391/swttvm.jpg

Source: City kaumudi

Let's not forget this man who loved Thiruvananthapuram

^^
http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/2879/swathi.jpg

Source: Kerala Kaumudi

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/2391/swttvm.jpg

Source: Manoramaonline

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/8981/edutvm.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01454/12TVTVSWORD2A_JPG_1454798f.jpg
The 200-year-old weapon is a double-edged straight sword, which tapers towards the end and has shallow grooves on its flat side.


‘When the sword of rebellion is drawn, the sheath should be thrown away’ goes an old English saying.

Perhaps the adage encapsulates the short but eventful life of Velu Thampi Dalawa, the 19th century prime minister of erstwhile Travancore and Kerala’s iconic symbol of armed resistance against British colonial rule.

His 248th birth anniversary was celebrated last week. Incidentally, the scabbard of his legendary sword has never been found.

The Dalawa’s sword, on loan from the Union government, is on display at the Napier Museum here. The State recently requested the Union government to extend the loan period.

The 200-year-old weapon is a double-edged straight sword, which tapers towards the end and has shallow grooves on its flat side.

Conservation experts at the Kerala State Archaeology Department said the ‘blood grooves or fullers’ helped lighten the sword without compromising its strength. It also prevented the blade and hilt from getting slippery with blood during combat.

The sword’s ornate hilt is fashioned from brass and covered with silver strips. The pommel has a hole to accommodate a lanyard, which when tied to the wrist ensures the weapon is not lost in the heat of battle.

Experts said they found several notches and dents on the blade, indicating the weapon has seen combat. They restored it back to its original glory through a conservation process that took several days and is repeated periodically.

First, a soft brush is used to dust away small rust particles. Petroleum jelly is applied on the blade to unsettle deeply embedded rust, which is gently removed using cotton dabbed in a chemical solution. The process is repeated till the sword gets its original sheen back.

Defeated by intrigues, betrayals, and large-scale desertions, the Dalawa was forced to flee Thiruvananthapuram in February 1809. Colonel Leger and his colonial troops were in hot pursuit. Risking the wrath of the British, the royal family of Kilimanoor gave him refuge. In reciprocation, the Dalawa presented them his battle sword. A few weeks later, he preferred suicide (by cutting his throat at the Mannadi temple in Kollam) to capitulation to the British. His body was desecrated and hung for public display (gibbeted) at a spot since referred to as Dalawa Hill near Kannamoola here.

The legendary sword was lost to history for nearly 150 years. Then in 1957, the Kilimanoor family acknowledged its possession and gifted it to President Rajendra Prasad.

For 53 years, the sword was kept at the National Museum, New Delhi, and was almost forgotten. It was brought back to Kerala in 2010 with great fanfare and has remained here since. The sword is arguably the most popular display at the Napier Museum here and draws hundreds of visitors daily.

Keywords: Velu Thampi Dalawa, Travancore dynasty, colonial India, India independence, Dalawa’s sword, Napier Museum.


Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/velu-thampi-dalawas-sword-of-rebellion-takes-centre-stage/article4706870.ece