Cochin History, Heritage and Legacy

[mohammedirshad06]

"Shastra Sadassu" (Scientific Meeting) hosted and chaired by the Last Maharaja Rama Varma Pareekshith Thampuran of Cochin... in Puthen Bunglow Palace

[mohammedirshad06]

The historic Moment

The day when Kingdom of Kochi merged with Kingdom of Travancore, to form Travancore-Kochi State or Thirukochi Samstanam.

H.H Sree Padmanabhadasa Chitra Thirunal of Travancore welcomed in Kochi's Royal Durbar by H.H Crown Prince Kelappan Thampuran for signing the merger document in 1949.

[mohammedirshad06]

The Rajapramukh of Travancore-Kochi (Thirukochi)- H H Sree Chitra Thirunal along with Kochi King H H Parakshit Thampuran inaugurating the first state function of Thiru Kochi state, on Nov 1949 in Ernakulam.

[Malayaali]

Kerala to revive Portuguese tombstones

A tombstone at the museum.

Seven tombstones from a Portuguese cemetery in Kochi dating back to between the 16th and 17th centuries that were lying almost buried and forgotten at the Thrissur archaeological museum, are now being dusted out and cleaned for display at the Kollengode palace.

Interestingly, one of them is believed to be that of Felipe Perestrelo Da Mesquita, a relative of explorer Christopher Columbus’ wife.

“The plan is to preserve these archeological objects through chemical conservation and put them on display at the palace in Chembukkavu, Thrissur,’’ says Mr B. Balamohanan, head of the Thrissur archeological museum. The work on conserving the tombstones will be taken up after the monsoons in September-October, he reveals.

Once claimed by the Portuguese embassy, the tombstones were brought to Thrissur from Kochi in the early 1940s by Paliath Anujanachan, the chief archaeologist of the erstwhile Kochi state.

A study by John Cantwell Roberts, a New York- based researcher, suggested that one of them belonged to Filipe, son of Manuel de Mesquita Perestrelo, a nephew of Colombus’ wife, Filipa Moniz Perestrelo. Another tombstone carries a skull and crossed bones insignia, a 17th century symbol denoting pirates.

But the state archaeological department says a lot more research needs to be done before anything conclusive can be said about who the tombstones belonged to.

“The inscriptions engraved on them have not been fully deciphered yet although we cannot rule out the Columbus theory,’’ they explain.

[mohammedirshad06]

Hark back to history

There’s a sudden buzz of activity around the Paliam Palace, Chendamangalam, almost 40 kms north of Kochi. Part of the Muziris Heritage Project work, the palace and the more ancient nalukettu (traditional mansion) are being renovated into museums, which will open to the public once the work is complete. Conservation and renovation work on the 17th century palace built by the Dutch and the nalukettu is on at a hectic pace after deadlines were overshot.

More than preservation of historic monuments the Paliam project is significant as it is the only family-owned property, this side of the State at least, that has handed over invaluable holdings and possessions to the Government, to be preserved for posterity. Both these buildings are owned by the Paliam Eswara Seva Trust, which also manages the affairs of the Paliam family. The revenue generated from the two museums will go to the trust that owns the buildings, and for its upkeep. Major maintenance works will be taken up by the Government.

The Paliam Kovilakam, one of the two museums, will exhibit the history of the erstwhile Cochin kingdom, a temple gallery, the Paliam family and its prominent members who served as the hereditary prime ministers to the Cochin maharajas. And the nalukettu will focus on the lifestyle of an ancient Nair family.

Convincing the members of the family was no easy task. “There was a lot of opposition in the family when we mooted this idea. It took us so many sittings to finally convince them of the need for such an understanding. The palace building was in very bad shape and we could not have maintained it anyway. Look at it now; look at the nalukettu and the whole three-acre property. The work is not complete but it looks so beautiful even now,” says Krishnabalan Paliath, Manager of Trust.

Frustrating delay

But Krishnabalan is quick to add that the delay has been frustrating. “This project was the brainchild of Thomas Isaac, the former Finance Minister and backed up fully by V. D. Satheesan, MLA. The first meeting was held in 2008. Soon, 80 per cent of the civil work was over. Then there was the change of government. With so many government agencies involved there was delay. ”

Benny Kuriakose, Conservation Consultant of the project, feels otherwise. “It’s hardly four years since the master plan for the Muziris project was made. I don’t think any project of this magnitude would have progressed as fast as this one. Of course, expectations are high and there have been hiccups. But this project needs a lot of care. We did not have any models to go by and it is an integrated, holistic endeavour. The work involves bringing together so many departments, so many people. Around 30 sites in the Muziris area are almost ready. A few more things have to be done; most importantly the 14-odd boat jetties in this route are at different stages of completion. Though it is not strictly official, we have tentatively fixed September for inauguration as I believe the Prime Minister will be in the State for two days during this time.”

“The conservation work is almost over. The display panels will have to be set up and other exhibits got ready. A final coat of paint and the cobblestoned path at the entry will make it complete. Work is pending on the boat jetties and the information centre at Kannankulangara (North Paravur) from where tourists can buy entry tickets to the different sites and take the boat ride to these venues,” informs P. Vijayan, Special Officer of the project.

If there is one hurdle that seems to pull this project back, it is the delay in forming a company that will overlook the maintenance, employment of staff and other allied activities of the Muziris project. “I think all the papers regarding formation of a company on the lines of the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) were prepared sometime in March this year. Even after all these months we have not gone a step ahead. We have insisted that we also be a part of the company. Nothing final will come about unless this is done,” says Krishnabalan.

For a State that depends heavily on the tourism industry it is time that the department concerned decides to evolve and look for new avenues rather than just the backwaters and Chinese nets. The Muziris project with the Paliam museums and the other historically important sites can give the State tourism a new impetus.

Unique architecture



Originally the Paliam Kovilakam was the ‘kalari.’ It is said that once the Maharaja of Kochi who was pursued by the Portuguese stayed here in disguise as advised by the Paliath Achan, the prime minister of the Cochin State. Later, in the 17th century this structure was renovated by the Dutch as a token of appreciation to the family. The Paliath Achan had helped the Dutch dislodge the Portuguese from the Malabar Coast and secured their trading interests.

The architecture of the palace is very different from the other buildings in this area. The Dutch influence is evident for it is not planned around an inner courtyard, the roof is steep and the wooden beams heavy. The sash windows also make this three-storey building unique.

The Nalukettu is a typically traditional structure and stands in contrast to the Dutch architectural style of the palace. It is built around a courtyard and it has many of the traditional elements like the ‘Ara,' or the strong room, and ‘Purathu Thalam' (entrance foyer). It was mostly used by women and children. This building is nearly 400 years old and the Paliam family is supposed to have stayed here when they migrated from Vanneri.

Vallarpadam church



In 1676 when a flood destroyed the Vallarpadam Church, built by Portuguese missionaries in 1524, the then Paliath Achan, (senior most member of the Paliam family) donated land where a new, beautiful church was built. They also helped retrieve the picture of Our Lady that was found floating in the backwaters. He also gave the church a sanctuary lamp that is supposed to have been perpetually lit for over 300 years.

The oil for the lamp was provided by the Paliam family until 1947. This tradition was revived in 1994. Even today members from the family go to the church and light the lamp and candles there. And, recently, when the Paliam family needed funds for renovation for some of its temples the Archbishop of Varapuzha offered a sizable amount as assistance.

[mohammedirshad06]

A silent spectator to Kochi's History

History is asleep at the beautiful waterfront-facing Rajendra Maidan in Kochi. In fact there is hardly anyone who can recognise the statue located in one corner of the large open ground that is distinguished by round steps facing the waterfront.

As arguments still continue whether the statue is that of Parishad Thampuran or the Shaktan Thampuran himself, a few from the older generation like the former supreme court judge V.R. Krishna Iyer and media person Ravi Kuttikad spend quite evenings reminiscing about the past.

“Once this was used to be the turf for historical activities, whether it was the protest over the then Newspaper Control Bill passed by the Kochi legislative assembly in the 30s or the celebrations soon after the first cabinet meet after the formation of the state in 1956,” Kuttikad said.

The ground was first christened Salem Mount in the 1920s after a little-known Jew’s “abnormal behaviour”.

“The Mattancherry-based A.B. Salem, a councillor with the then assembly, used to ride a horse to the grounds most days and stand on the small mount before he gave an emotional speech.

On most occasions, there would be no listeners but that did not deter him. Locals began to call the place Salem Mount,” Kuttikad, who is attempting a book on the unknown history of the place, said.

The current name was given after the country’s first president Dr Rajendra Prasad’s, historic speech soon after the state was formed on a linguistic basis in 1956.

Sadly at present, the ground owned by the Greater Cochin Development Authority, has turned into a venue of fair price stalls and exhibitions on a rental basis.

“Surely there is scope for attaching more historic importance to the ground where the likes of Annie Besant, Nehru, Indira Gandhi and EMS Namboodiripad addressed roaring crowds.

It should be properly maintained highlighting its historic importance and opened to the public,” the veteran scribe said.

Sad to see, a real historic place, made as mere milch cow for rentals by govt agency, at a time, when we have an idiotic politician claiming a mere Honeymoon palace to be converted into historic monument just because its owned by a private individual and made it into world famous hotel property.

Double standards and Hypocrisy to the extreme......

[psanthosh]

A heritage house to preserve Kochi’s culture


KOCHI: Under a tripartite joint cooperation agreement, officials from France will organize a workshop for the Kochi Corporation officials, which will help them safeguard the urban cultural heritage of Kochi.

The agreement between the Indian Heritage Cities Network (IHCN) foundation, Corporation of Cochin and the City of Lorient will initiate the programme soon, said Rathi Vinay Jha, chairperson, IHCN, Unesco India.

Jha said that under the plan of action for 2012-15 technical support which will help establish a heritage house in Kochi.

"We have successfully preserved a submarine-base island used in the World War, a tourist centre, an economic nautical centre and a sports centre without much changes in the existing structures," said Jean Paul Solaro, vice mayor, city of Lorient, France.

The agreement was signed between Kochi mayor Tony Chammany, Jean Pail Solaro and Rath Vinay Jha at the plenary session held at the summit. The them of the session was 'Conservation and preservation of socio-cultural engines of Kerala economy' in Kochi.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...w/16404482.cms

[alamzada2007]

Informative. Kudos to TS. I will be posting vintage photos (black &white) of Kochi dating back to 1968 without delay as I ve preserved them in a damp proof cellar among other antique items

[mohammedirshad06]

Find Kochi Naval Maritime Museum

[alamzada2007]

ഫോർട്ട്കൊച്ചിയിലെ നൂറ്റാണ്ട് പഴക്കമുള്ള മുത്തശ്ശി മരം കടപുഴകി

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

The Signal Tower- 1603

One of the landmarks of medieval Fort Kochi, under Portuguese's Fort Kochi, it remained in glory, untill late days of 1890s

The Signal tower stood in center of current Nehru Park, which was the Main square of Fort Kochi in medieval days.

It was a busy signal tower as it communicated with the approaching ships and sent out signals locally too. A basket, a cage, flags, torchlight were all used as signals. A signal was put up when a ship laden with goods was coming. With it the locals knew what was required to board the ship. If coir was to be shipped out they got busy assembling the produce.

Likewise for pepper and other spices. It signalled to fishermen about inclement weather or about sickness on board, a passing or approaching ship. This signal tower was brought down and the remains were razed completely much later when the foundation of the park was laid. The three buildings seen in the painting were the port office, the gear shed and the coal shed. In fact, the Chinese fishing net next to the coal shed is called `Karipura'. Opposite the tower was the Old Harbour Hotel, which housed sailors, and officers who alighted. As the signal station had a tower the road was named Tower Road and remains so till today."

Interesting is the story of the Santa Cruz Basilica which stood behind the present day Laurel Club, one of the three structures seen at the far end of the painting. When the Dutch took over they converted the Basilica into a godown as they were Calvinists. Later, when the British arrived they had to shoot down the godown because the Dutch offered resistance.

The relics, in the form of pillars of the basilica, are found at three places in Fort Kochi. The signal station was the focus of all action, during war and peace. It signalled the coming and the going of traders, merchants and colonisers.

The signal station is no more. At the children's park where it once stood, kids play on swings and slides, their laughter filling the air. Fairy lights and fountains come alive in the evenings; hawkers sell, travellers walk around. There is a strange serenity around this rain tree-lined park.

Quite a contrast, for it was here mutinies rose and fell, fearful exchange of fire shots resounded; the troops marched; merchandise was bartered. It was here that an unseen filtering of culture took place many, many years ago. Now all that exists as memory of this landmark is this forgotten painting on the wall of the Corporation office.

A rare photo of Original Signal Tower in Kochi, where we have Nehru Park today...

[alamzada2007]

ശക്തൻ തമ്പുരാന്റെ സുവർണ്ണ കാലഘട്ടത്തിന്റെ സാക്ഷി

[alamzada2007]

Scenic and unblemished beauty of yesteryear backwater of Kochi

http://www.mediafire.com/conv/44901a...93d8741b6g.jpg

എറണാകുളം ബോട്ട് ജെട്ടി

URL=http://www.mediafire.com/view/?n7duce26112ore0][/URL]
http://www.mediafire.com/conv/f4b4bf...67edf10e6g.jpg

ബോൾഗാട്ടി ദ്വീപ് (ഇന്നലെകളിലെ)

http://www.mediafire.com/conv/c1d2b8...9d9e98236g.jpg

ബോൾഗാട്ടി കൊട്ടാരം ( ഇന്നലെകളിലെ)

http://www.mediafire.com/conv/a5564d...369723c86g.jpg

മൺമറഞ്ഞു പോയ ഇന്നലെകളിലെ ചീനവലകൾ

(കടപ്പാടു malayalam fun)

[mohammedirshad06]

Kochi Harbour- 1850

[mohammedirshad06]

Today Nov 12

A day to remember a great Man who spearheaded reforms for Kerala



H.H Sree Padmanabhadasa Vanchinadu Palaka Maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, The King of Travancore- Nov 12 1936 to Nov 1st 1949

The day when he ascended to the throne of Travancore.

The day when he declared Temple Entry Proclamation, the first step in India to abolish casteism....

For Kochinites, he holds a special status, as large part of modern Kochi was under his reign

Equally it was on Nov 12 1940, he laid foundations of Industrialization of Kochi, by signing the proclamation to establishment of FACT. He spearheaded the industrialization, making Travancore-Kochi the industrial capital of his state. In this manner, we Kochinites need to celebrate Sree Chithira Atta Thirunal, being the 100th glorious birthday of the legend.

[Malayaali]

Centuries-old gravestones to move to Kochi

One of the six gravestones kept at the Mural Arts Museum
in Thrissur

The State Department of Archaeology is likely to shift a few centuries old gravestones kept at the Mural Arts Museum in Thrissur to the Renaissance Museum being set up at Bastion Bungalow in Fort Kochi.

“Six gravestones remained without proper care at the State museum in Thrissur. They were shifted to the Mural Arts Museum last year,” said B. Balamohanan, documentation officer with the Thrissur unit of the Department of Archaeology.

The inscriptions on the gravestones have not been completely deciphered. One of them is believed to have a Sri Lankan connection. “The gravestones will be restored and have protective frames. The stones will not be exposed to rain,” said Mr. Balamohanan.

The gravestones date back to the 16th and 17th centuries and are believed to been brought from Kodungallur, once occupied by the Portuguese.

According to records, they were brought to the State Museum by Paliyat Anujanachan, an archaeologist, in the early 1940s. They are soon likely to be a part of the Fort Kochi museum, which will focus on Kerala during the renaissance period: from 1800 to the mid 1980s.

[alamzada2007]

http://www.mediafire.com/conv/d66215...cb621aa36g.jpg
(Courtesy City Express of The New Indian Express)

[thanseem]

Originally Posted by alamzada2007

ശക്തൻ തമ്പുരാന്റെ സുവർണ്ണ കാലഘട്ടത്തിന്റെ സാക്ഷി

i dont understand wat "glorious past" people used to talk abt wen describing some maharajah's or king's or sultan's rule...wen more than half of the population were not even considered human! and vast majority were living in utmost poverty..and wen lions share of states revenue was spent on King's luxury!

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by thanseem

i dont understand wat "glorious past" people used to talk abt wen describing some maharajah's or king's or sultan's rule...wen more than half of the population were not even considered human! and vast majority were living in utmost poverty..and wen lions share of states revenue was spent on King's luxury!

Which King in Kerala ever lived in opluence like Nizam or Mysore Maharaja? Do you have any single Mysore Palace or Falaknuma Palace in our state?

Kerala Kings were known for their simplicity and there was a strict separation state, royal household budgets.... Many of current key social achievements which we boost, were initiated and achieved under Monarchical rule... Say Universal education, universal access to healthcare, literacy etc....

Just turn a few pages back.... We have a King in Kochi, who sold almost 3/4 of his temple's treasures, his crowns, royal jewels, his consort's jewels and even abolished privy purse of his royal siblings, just to fund Kochi-Shornour Railway Line, that too completed in 3 years.......

The same line took 16 years with massive corruption by IR to complete its doubling, after independence by our democractic system......

Do you think, oppression is not here in Democracy? 30 Years West Bengal was ruled by CPM and you have a Punapara-Valayar kind of firing in Singur against ordinary peasants by the so-called proletariat govt.....

Today, we call Thrissur, the city of Gold and Silks? How it became? Sakthan Thampuran's vision for establishing a key business city, providing opporunities for business ventures.... Within 12 years, he could make a business city from nothing, whereas our govt still remaining clueless how to promote more business? Did Democractic Kerala ever saw any planned city and urban development like how Sakthan Thampuran did for Thrissur or Diwan Raja Kesavadas did for Alleppey or Sir Robert Bristow did for Kochi or Swati Thirunal for Trivandrum etc?

Could any democratic leader ever able to establish any mega industry under state government, like how Chitra Thirunal or Sir C.P did, even fighting against British interests? Or atleast a bank?

So in what way Monarchy belittled Kerala? In my opinion, if we didn't have progressive Kings like them, Kerala would have been another Bihar or UP of today.........

[thanseem]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

Which King in Kerala ever lived in opluence like Nizam or Mysore Maharaja? Do you have any single Mysore Palace or Falaknuma Palace in our state?

Kerala Kings were known for their simplicity and there was a strict separation state, royal household budgets.... Many of current key social achievements which we boost, were initiated and achieved under Monarchical rule... Say Universal education, universal access to healthcare, literacy etc....

Just turn a few pages back.... We have a King in Kochi, who sold almost 3/4 of his temple's treasures, his crowns, royal jewels, his consort's jewels and even abolished privy purse of his royal siblings, just to fund Kochi-Shornour Railway Line, that too completed in 3 years.......

The same line took 16 years with massive corruption by IR to complete its doubling, after independence by our democractic system......

Do you think, oppression is not here in Democracy? 30 Years West Bengal was ruled by CPM and you have a Punapara-Valayar kind of firing in Singur against ordinary peasants by the so-called proletariat govt.....

Today, we call Thrissur, the city of Gold and Silks? How it became? Sakthan Thampuran's vision for establishing a key business city, providing opporunities for business ventures.... Within 12 years, he could make a business city from nothing, whereas our govt still remaining clueless how to promote more business? Did Democractic Kerala ever saw any planned city and urban development like how Sakthan Thampuran did for Thrissur or Diwan Raja Kesavadas did for Alleppey or Sir Robert Bristow did for Kochi or Swati Thirunal for Trivandrum etc?

Could any democratic leader ever able to establish any mega industry under state government, like how Chitra Thirunal or Sir C.P did, even fighting against British interests? Or atleast a bank?

So in what way Monarchy belittled Kerala? In my opinion, if we didn't have progressive Kings like them, Kerala would have been another Bihar or UP of today.........

Kerala kings also had a luxurious life style as far as i know..they own estates/huge mansions in many locations...and enjoyed all the innovations of those times..be it a camera or a car or watever... ofcourse, NIzams and other maharaja's spent even more tax payers money in luxuries..instead, travancore kings dumped all the wealth in cellars as dead money, wen scores of their citizens were battling hunger! even in the beginning of 20th century woman doesnt have the permission to wear blouse and education was forbidden to vast majority! All the developments u r talking about is only due to a visionary Diwan. In fact, the Xian missionaries who started educational centers even in remote villages should own much of the credits for the highest HDI Kerala enjoys today..

yes there is corruption and nepotism every where..but i still prefer democracy over raja rules..any day..