101-511: Thiruvananthapuram District ( IPA: [t̪iɾuʋɐnɐn̪d̪ɐpuɾɐm] ) is the southernmost district in the Indian state of Kerala . The district was created in 1949, with its headquarters in the city of Thiruvananthapuram , which is also Kerala's administrative centre. The present district was created in 1956 by separating the four southernmost Taluks of the erstwhile district to form Kanyakumari district . The city of Thiruvananthapuram
202-417: A literacy rate of 92.66%. 53.66% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 11.30% and 0.81% of the population respectively. Hindus (66.46%) constitute the majority of the population, followed by Christians (19.10%) and Muslims (13.72%). The Hindu community consists of Nairs , Nadars , Tamil Brahmins , Ezhavas , Viswakarma etc. The Christians belong mainly to
303-611: A state which are further sub-divided into revenue divisions and taluks . Idukki district is the largest district in Kerala with a total land area of 4,61,223.14 hectares. When the independent India merged smaller states together, Travancore and Cochin states were integrated to form Travancore-Cochin state on 1 July 1949. However, North Malabar and South Malabar remained under the Madras state . The States Reorganisation Act of 1 November 1956 elevated Kerala to statehood through
404-524: A 3rd-century BCE rock inscription by emperor Ashoka of Magadha . It was mentioned as one of four independent kingdoms in southern India during Ashoka's time, the others being the Cholas , Pandyas and Satyaputras . The Cheras transformed Kerala into an international trade centre by establishing trade relations across the Arabian Sea with all major Mediterranean and Red Sea ports as well those of
505-415: A mayor, oversees the municipal affairs. The other administrative subdivision is " blocks ", which is co-terminus with the block panchayats area. Th CD blocks are established for the purpose of rural development , aligning with the boundaries of the block panchayat . Each CD Block encompasses several gram panchayats within its limit. A block is administered by a Block Development Officer (BDO), appointed by
606-557: A pepper emporium called Male , which clearly gave its name to Malabar ('the country of Male'). The second part of the name is thought by scholars to be the Arabic word barr ('continent') or its Persian relative bar ('country'). Al-Biruni (AD 973 - 1048) is the first known writer to use the name Malabar . Authors such as Ibn Khordadbeh and Al-Baladhuri mention Malabar ports in their works. The Arab writers had called this place Malibar , Manibar , Mulibar , and Munibar . Malabar
707-733: A regional division occurred being part of historical regions of Cochin , North Malabar , South Malabar , and Travancore . The North Malabar region, which is culturally distinct from the rest of Kerala, entirely lies in the districts of Northern Kerala . North Malabar region includes Kasargod , Kannur , Wayanad , and the northern region of Kozhikode district, south Malabar region includes south-central part of Kozhikode district , Malappuram , parts except Chittoor taluk of Palakkad district , Kunnamkulam and Chavakkad region of Thrissur district. The regions of South Malabar and Kingdom of Cochin , both of which share many historical, geographical, and cultural similarities, together constitute
808-522: Is South Malabar aka Kozhikode it's included present kozhikode and Thamarassery taluk , south wayanad it's included present kalpetta and sulthan battery places, Eranad Taluk which comes under present Malappuram District, Palakkad District and Chavakkad taluk of Thrissur district. During the British rule , the Malabar's chief importance laid in producing pepper , tiles , and Coconut. In
909-498: Is a major academic hub. The University of Kerala is in Thiruvananthapuram city. There are 20 arts and sciences colleges in the district, and the estimated total number of students is 15,926. The University of Kerala has its research and higher-education centres at Kariavattom . List of districts of Kerala The Indian state of Kerala is divided into 14 districts. Districts are the major administrative units of
1010-610: Is a major state government emporium marketing products of Kerala's handicraft industries . The Neyyar Irrigation Project, commissioned in 1959, irrigates an area of 116.65 km (45.0 sq mi). The Neyyar river is the source of water for the Neyyar reservoir . The dam is 294.13 metres (965.0 ft) long and 50.6 metres (166.0 ft) high. The catchment draining into the reservoir, covering an area of 140 km (54 sq mi) of forest, receives an annual average rainfall of about 2,260 mm (90 in) 2260 mm from
1111-991: Is about 1,827.7 mm (72 in) per annum. The southwest monsoon, from June to September is the principal rainy season, during which the district receives most of its annual rainfall. The second rainy season is the Northeast monsoon , from October to November. The district also experiences thunderstorm rains in the pre-monsoon months of April and May. December to February are the coolest months. The average temperature drops to 69 °F (20 °C) in these months, generally considered India's winter season . The summer season starts in February and continues until May. The average temperature rises to 95 °F (35 °C) in these months. The media and information technology sectors are mainstays of Thiruvananthapuram district's economy, and other major sectors are tourism and leisure , agriculture, and education. India's first animation park,
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#17327718973431212-717: Is administered by a District Collector , who is an officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of Kerala cadre, and is appointed by the State Government of Kerala . The headquarters of the district administration is known as the Collectorate . The District Collector serves as the head of revenue administration in the district and also functions as the District Magistrate responsible for maintaining law and order within
1313-630: Is also known as the Information technology capital of the State, since it is home to the first and largest IT park in India, Technopark , established in 1990. The district is home to more than 9% of total population of the state. The district covers an area of 2,192 square kilometres (541,655 acres). At the 2011 census, it had a population of 3,301,427, making it the second most populous district in Kerala after Malappuram district . Its population density
1414-543: Is also used by ecologists to refer to the Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests of southwestern India (present-day Kerala). Geographically, the Malabar Coast can be divided into three climatically distinct regions: the eastern highlands; rugged and cool mountainous terrain, the central mid-lands; rolling hills, and the western lowlands; coastal plains. The Western Ghats mountain range lie parallel to
1515-467: Is assisted by an additional district magistrate and deputy collectors. The districts are divided into revenue divisions which comprises several taluks under its jurisdiction. Taluks comprises several revenue villages . A revenue division is headed by a Revenue Divisional Officer / Sub Collector , and taluk is headed by a Tehsildar . The Tahsildar is assisted in each revenue village by village officers and village assistants. Village offices functions as
1616-615: Is available in the district, including hill stations, the Kerala backwaters , beaches, lagoons, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kovalam & Varkala and its internationally known beaches are in Thiruvananthapuram district. Thiruvananthapuram is a major destination for chartered flights to India for medical tourism , with over fifty recognized Ayurveda centres in and around the city. The city also offers world-class modern hospitals. Convalescent facilities are available at nearby five-star beach resorts and hill stations. Thiruvananthapuram district
1717-502: Is forested, northern regions are mostly under rubber cultivation and the remaining areas grow mixed dry-land crops of coconut, plantain, and tapioca, among others. Built-up areas and rice fields complete the land use pattern. The name Thiruvananthapuram, shared by the district and its headquarters city, comes from the Malayalam / Tamil word "Thiru" and Sanskrit word "anantha-pura", meaning "Abode of Lord Anantha". The name derives from
1818-579: Is located between 8°10′N 76°25′E / 8.17°N 76.41°E / 8.17; 76.41 and 8°32′N 77°10′E / 8.54°N 77.17°E / 8.54; 77.17 . At the southernmost extremity of the district, Kaliyikkavila is 54 kilometres (34 mi) from Kanyakumari , the southernmost point on the Indian peninsula. 33.75% of the district population lives in urban areas. The district has three major rivers, several freshwater lakes, and over 300 ponds. Its eastern region
1919-539: Is noted for its small area, while Malappuram district stands out as the most populous in Kerala. Wayanad , Idukki , and Kasargod are the least populated districts in the state. Ernakulam district stands out as the most urbanized in Kerala, housing a municipal corporation and 11 municipalities, with 68.07% of its population residing in urban areas. Thiruvananthapuram has the highest population density at 1509 persons per sq.km, followed closely by Alappuzha and Kozhikode districts. Malabar Coast The Malabar Coast
2020-450: Is often used to denote the entire southwestern coast of India. Additionally, European traders and scholars referred to Tamils of Sri Lanka as Malabars . In the 18th century, J. P. Fabricius described his Tamil-English Dictionary as the "Dictionary of Malabar and English". The term Malabar Coast , in historical contexts, refers to India's southwestern coast, which lies on the narrow coastal plain of Karnataka and Kerala between
2121-600: Is over 845 km (525 mi) long and stretches from the coast of southwestern Maharashtra , along the region of Goa, through the entire western coast of Karnataka and Kerala, and up to Kanyakumari . It is flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats on the east. The southern part of this narrow coast is referred to as the South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests . Malabar
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#17327718973432222-468: Is reminiscent of the word Malanad which means the land of mountains . Until the arrival of the British , the term Malabar was used in foreign trade circles as a general name for Kerala . Earlier, the term Malabar had also been used to denote Tulu Nadu and Kanyakumari , which lie contiguous to Kerala in the southwestern coast of India, in addition to the modern state of Kerala. The people of Malabar were known as Malabars . The term Malabar
2323-562: Is the highest in Kerala, with 1,509 inhabitants per square kilometre (3,910/sq mi). The district is divided into six subdistricts : Thiruvananthapuram , Chirayinkeezhu , Neyyattinkara , Nedumangadu , Varkala , and Kattakada . The urban bodies in the district are the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation , and the Varkala , Neyyattinkara , Attingal , and Nedumangad municipalities. Thiruvananthapuram district
2424-474: Is the predominant mother tongue. Tamil is mostly spoken in the southern parts of the district and among the Tamil population in the capital city especially by Nadars and Tamil Brahmins and various other Tamil communities. Thiruvananthapuram city is more cosmopolitan, with speakers of languages including Malayalam , Tamil , English , Telugu , Hindi , Tulu and a small percentage of Marathi . More than 50% of
2525-471: Is the southwestern region of the Indian subcontinent . It generally refers to the western coastline of India stretching from Konkan to Kanyakumari . Geographically, it comprises one of the wettest regions of the subcontinent, which includes the Kanara region of Karnataka , all of Kerala and Kanyakumari region of Tamil Nadu . Kuttanad , which is the point of the lowest altitude in India , lies on
2626-498: Is today a center of attraction for devotees and sightseers. The city was the capital of the Travancore state from 18th century CE until India's independence . The Thiruvananthapuram Municipality came into existence in 1920 as the first municipality in Travancore region. After two decades, during the reign of Sree Chithira Thirunal , Thiruvananthapuram Municipality was converted into Corporation on 30 October 1940. Consequent to
2727-402: The 2011 census Thiruvananthapuram district has a population of 3,301,427. This gives it a ranking of 103rd in India out of a total of 640 districts. The district has a population density of 1,509 inhabitants per square kilometre (3,910/sq mi). Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 2.25%. Thiruvananthapuram has a sex ratio of 1088 females for every 1000 males, and
2828-716: The Battle of Thrissur in 1763. Despite fierce resistance, the Zamorin's troops retreated, leading to their eventual evacuation from Cochin Territory. In pursuit of peace, the Zamorin agreed to indemnify Travancore for war expenses and vowed perpetual friendship, marking a triumph of strategy and valor led by Pillai. After the Dutch were defeated by Travancore king Marthanda Varma , the British crown gained control over Kerala through
2929-536: The Beemapally Uroos , and the Vettucaud Perunaal . The district has a rich diversity of plants, ranging from rare orchids , medicinal plants , and spices to hedge plants, tuber crops, and plants yielding edible fruits and fibre. Aromatic plants and spices, such as pepper and ginger , are cultivated on a large scale on the hilly tracts. Nedumangad taluk is one of the biggest centres for
3030-921: The Catholic Church (including the Latin Church , Syro-Malankara Catholic Church , the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church ), Pentecostal churches, the Church of South India , the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church , and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church . The Sunni Muslim community also forms a major division of the Muslim population of the district. TOTAL 100% 100% 100% Languages of Thiruvananthapuram district (2011) Malayalam
3131-674: The Dutch , French and the British East India companies took centre stage during the colonial wars in India. Travancore became the most dominant state in Kerala by defeating the powerful Zamorin of Kozhikode in the battle of Purakkad in 1755. Paliath Achan of Cochin and Travancore united to expel the Zamorin of Calicut from Kochi territories. Under Martanda Pillai's leadership, Travancore's Nair forces , with General de Lannoy's guidance, successfully captured Thrissur in
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3232-698: The Edakkal Caves , in Wayanad date back to the Neolithic era around 6000 BCE. The Malabar Coast has been a major spice exporter since 3000 BCE, according to Sumerian records and it is still referred to as the "Garden of Spices" or as the "Spice Garden of India". Kerala 's spices attracted ancient Arabs , Babylonians , Assyrians and Egyptians to the Malabar Coast in the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE. Phoenicians established trade with Malabar during this period. Arabs and Phoenicians were
3333-518: The Far East . The dominion of Cheras was located in one of the key routes of the ancient Indian Ocean trade . The early Cheras collapsed after repeated attacks from the neighboring Cholas and Rashtrakutas . During the early Middle Ages , Namboodiri Brahmin immigrants arrived in Kerala and shaped the society on the lines of the caste system . In the 8th century, Adi Shankara was born at Kalady in central Kerala. He travelled extensively across
3434-496: The Indian subcontinent founding institutions of the widely influential philosophy of Advaita Vedanta . The Cheras regained control over Kerala in the 9th century until the kingdom was dissolved in the 12th century, after which small autonomous chiefdoms, most notably the Kingdom of Kozhikode , arose. The 13th century Venetian explorer, Marco Polo , would visit and write of his stay in the province. The port at Kozhikode acted as
3535-798: The Kinfra Animation Park , is in the district. Thiruvananthapuram district has 2 central-sector, 14 state-sector, 1 co-operative-sector, 4 joint-sector, and 60 private-sector medium- and large-scale enterprises. As of 31 March 2003, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) units employed 9,262 people, and had invested Rs. 3439.4 million. In 2002, there were 901 registered working factories, including oil mills, cashew factories, Cotton mills , Sawmills , printing units , rubber industrial units, chemical units, match factories, general engineering units, and automobile workshops. The Shree Mulam Thirunal Shashtiabdapoorthy Memorial Institute (S.M.S.M. Institute) in Thiruvananthapuram city
3636-960: The Technopark , is an advanced film and animation production facility. Other major cultural events include the annual flower show in Thiruvananthapuram city, the Attukal Pongala , the Varkala Sivagiri pilgrimage in December, the Kaalioottu in Sarkara Devi Temple near Chirayinkeezh, the Navarathri festival at the Poojamandapam near Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the Aaraat of Padmanabha Swamy Temple ,
3737-541: The Western Ghats range and the Arabian Sea . The coast runs from south of Goa to Kanyakumari on India's southern tip. India's southeastern coast is called the Coromandel Coast . In ancient times the term Malabar was used to denote the entire south-western coast of the Indian peninsula. The region formed part of the ancient kingdom of Chera until the early 12th century. Following the breakup of
3838-585: The Western Ghats , a wildlife sanctuary extends over an area of nearly 777 square kilometres (300 sq mi) around the Neyyar reservoir . The forest at the foot of the Kulathupuzha range is the habitat of rare species of snakes and lizards. Among characteristic mammals of the region are the Nilgiri langur , lion-tailed macaque , Nilgiri brown mongoose , and the Malabar civet . Carnivores include
3939-476: The 20th century, Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a cultural renaissance. Kerala Varma Valiakoi Thampuran (1845–1914), who spent a major part of his life in Thiruvananthapuram, translated Kalidasa 's Abhijñānaśākuntalam into Malayalam, which earned him the title of Kerala Kalidasa . He is regarded as the father of modern Malayalam prose. The city is home to animation companies, including Toonz India Ltd and Tata Elxsi Ltd . The Kinfra Film and Video Park , near
4040-583: The Ayyappa temple. for the family deity, Sastha or Ayyapan. Velu Thampi Dalawa held meetings at Kilimanoor palace while planning uprisings against the British. He handed over his sword at the palace before going into his final battle against the British, and India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad received this sword from the palace and it was kept in the National Museum in Delhi . Afterwards
4141-531: The Chera Kingdom, the chieftains of the region proclaimed their independence. Notable among these were the Zamorins of Kozhikode , Kolathunadu , Perumbadappu Swaroopam , Venad , Kingdom of Valluvanad of Kingdom of Valluvanad . The name Malabar Coast is sometimes used as an all-encompassing term for the entire Indian coast from Konkan to the tip of the subcontinent at Kanyakumari. This coast
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4242-577: The Cheras, Cholas , and the Pandyas . Present-day Thiruvananthapuram city, district, and Kanyakumari district , were ruled by the Ay dynasty during ancient and medieval ages, which was a Tamil kingdom based in the southernmost part of Indian Subcontinent. Ay kingdom had experienced attacks and conquests by Cholas and Pandyas in various periods. Later it became a part of Venad in late Middle Ages, which
4343-540: The Deshinganadu King, attacked Venad, an army from Kilimanoor resisted and then defeated them. Although a small victory, this was the first time an Indian army had defeated a European power. In 1753, in recognition of this feat, Marthanda Varma exempted the areas controlled by the Kilimanoor palace from taxes, and granted them autonomous status. The present palace complex was built at this time, together with
4444-623: The Elder mentioned that Limyrike was prone by pirates. The Cosmas Indicopleustes mentioned that the Limyrike was a source of Malabar peppers . In the last centuries BCE the coast became important to the Greeks and Romans for its spices, especially Malabar pepper. The Cheras had trading links with China , West Asia , Egypt , Greece , and the Roman Empire . In foreign-trade circles
4545-563: The Fire and Rescue Department, Divisional Forest Officer for the Forest Department, etc. Each department's district-level offices oversee their respective areas of administration. At the time of formation, Kerala had only five districts: Malabar , Thrissur , Kottayam , Kollam , and Thiruvananthapuram . On 1 January 1957, the Malabar district was trifurcated to form new districts of Kannur , Kozhikode , and Palakkad , bringing
4646-522: The Himalaya mountains. Malabar's western coastal belt is relatively flat compared to the eastern region, and is criss-crossed by a network of interconnected brackish canals, lakes, estuaries , and rivers known as the Kerala Backwaters . The Kuttanad region, also known as The Rice Bowl of Kerala , has the lowest altitude in India . The country's longest lake Vembanad , dominates
4747-597: The Malabar Coast including the western coastal lowlands and the plains of the midland may have been under the sea in ancient times. Marine fossils have been found in an area near Changanassery , thus supporting the hypothesis. Pre-historical archaeological findings include dolmens of the Neolithic era in the Marayur area of the Idukki district , which lie on the eastern highland made by Western Ghats . Rock engravings in
4848-483: The Malabar Coast. Kuttanad, also known as The Rice Bowl of Kerala , is among the few places in the world where cultivation takes place below sea level. The peak of Anamudi , which is also the point of highest altitude in India outside the Himalayas , lies parallel to the Malabar Coast on the Western Ghats . The region parallel to the Malabar Coast gently slopes from the eastern highland of Western Ghats ranges to
4949-660: The Phoenicians. According to the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea , a region known as Limyrike began at Naura and Tyndis . However, the Ptolemy mentions only Tyndis as the Limyrike ' s starting point. The region probably ended at Kanyakumari ; it thus roughly corresponds to the present-day Malabar Coast. The value of Rome's annual trade with the region was estimated at 50,000,000 sesterces . Pliny
5050-593: The Royal house of Venad . Ittammar Raja's sister and her sons, Rama Varma and Raghava Varma, settled in Kilimanoor and married the now adopted sisters. Marthanda Varma , the founder of the Kingdom of Travancore , was the son of Raghava Varma. The nephew of Raghava Varma, Ravi Varma Koil Thampuran, married the sister of Marthanda Varma. Their son became known as Dharma Raja Kartika Thirunnal Rama Varma. In 1740 when an allied force, led by Dutchman Captain Hockert supporting
5151-710: The Southwest monsoon. The Malabar Coast is a source of biodiversity in India. According to William Logan , the word Malabar comes from a combination of the Dravidian word Mala (mountain) and the Persian / Arabic word Barr (country/continent). The first element of the name is first attested in the Topography written by Cosmas Indicopleustes (6th century CE), which indicates that Arab sailors call Kerala Male already at that time. The Topography mentions
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#17327718973435252-418: The Western Malabar Coast, thus accessing the marine route through Arabian Sea . The first railway line of Kerala from Tirur to Beypore in 1861 was laid for it. With India's independence, Madras presidency became Madras State , which was divided along linguistic lines on 1 November 1956, whereupon Kasaragod region was merged with the Malabar immediately to the north and the state of Travancore-Cochin to
5353-427: The backwaters; it lies between Alappuzha and Kochi and is about 200 km (77 sq mi) in area. Around eight percent of India's waterways are found in Kerala. The term Malabar Coast is sometimes used as an all-encompassing term for the entire Indian coast from the western coast of Konkan to the tip of the subcontinent at Cape Comorin . It is over 525 miles or 845 kilometers long. It spans from
5454-444: The case of rural areas, by a Sub-Inspector of Police designated as the Station House Officer (SHO). The Kerala High Court has the jurisdiction of the state of Kerala. Each of the districts has a District & Sessions Court . Each state government department has a district office at the district level, headed by district-level officials, such as the District Medical Officer for the health department, District Fire Officer for
5555-429: The coast on the eastern highland and separate the plains from the Deccan Plateau . These mountains recognised as one of the world's eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity and is listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites . The peak of Anamudi in Kerala is the highest peak in India outside the Himalayas , is at an elevation of 2,695 m (8,842 ft). The chain's forests are considered to be older than
5656-421: The creation of the Malabar District in northern Kerala and by allying with the newly created princely state of Travancore in the southern part of the state until India was declared independent in 1947. The state of Kerala was created in 1956 from the former state of Travancore-Cochin , the Malabar district and the Kasaragod taluk of South Canara District of Madras state . After the Anglo-Mysore wars,
5757-413: The cultivation and trade of pepper and other hill produce. A major portion of the district lies on the middle plain, where coconut, rice, tapioca, tuber crops, plantains , and vegetables are cultivated. The forests of the district abound in a variety of animals and birds, providing excellent wildlife habitats. Elephants, bison , monkeys , and rare reptiles are among the most prominent species. Nestled in
5858-462: The deity of the Hindu temple at the center of Thiruvananthapuram city. Anantha is another name of Vishnu, the deity of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple . The district's official name in English was Trivandrum until 1991, when the government reinstated the city's original name, Thiruvananthapuram, in all languages. The city of Thiruvananthapuram features several landmarks with regards to ancient tradition, folklore, and literature. Several other locations in
5959-518: The district feature similar landmarks. The Chera dynasty governed the area of Malabar Coast between Kanyakumari in the south to Kasaragod in the north. This included Palakkad Gap , Coimbatore , Salem , and Kolli Hills . The region around Coimbatore served as the eastern entrance to the Palakkad Gap , the mountain pass that is the principal trade route between the Malabar Coast and Tamil Nadu . The southernmost region of present-day Malabar coast (the coastal belt between Kanyakumari and Kollam)
6060-419: The district is divided into two revenue divisions: Thiruvananthapuram and Nedumangad, each headed by a Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) or Sub Collector, who is also the Sub Divisional Magistrate . The district is divided into two revenue divisions which together incorporate six Taluks , each of which is headed by a Tehsildar , within them. Thiruvananthapuram district is divided into 124 revenue villages for
6161-751: The district is operated by Southern Railway zone of Indian Railways . Thiruvananthapuram is connected to the rest of the country by broad gauge railway line. 82 km (51 mi) of railway line passes through the district. Thiruvananthapuram district currently has 20 stations, including Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station . Domestic and international airlines operate from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport , which has direct flights to many international cities, including Kuwait City , Dubai , Dammam , Singapore , Malé , Colombo , Sharjah , Muscat , Manama , Doha , Jeddah , and Abu Dhabi . Domestic flights link it with Chennai , Delhi , Mumbai , Hyderabad , Bangalore , and Kolkata . According to
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#17327718973436262-434: The district. These districts are further divided into police sub-divisions. A subdivision comprises several police stations under its jurisdiction, each headed by an Assistant Superintendent of Police or Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) designated as the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO). The police station is the basic unit of police administration at the district level, each headed by an Inspector of Police, or in
6363-444: The district. The Collector serves as both the agent of the state Government and also as the representative of the people in the district. District administration is performed by the various Departments of the State Government, each of which has its own office at the district level. The District Officers of the various Departments in the district render technical advice to the collector in the discharge of his duties. The district collector
6464-510: The districts of Central Kerala . The Travancore region is incorporated in the districts of South Kerala . The Travancore region was again divided into three zones as Northern Travancore (Hill Range) ( Idukki District , Kottayam district and eastern portion of Ernakulam district), Central Travancore (Central Range) ( Kollam district , Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha district) and Southern Travancore (Southern Range) ( Thiruvananthapuram ). The districts in Kerala are often named after
6565-445: The early 18th century CE, the Travancore royal family adopted some members from the royal family of Kolathunadu (a long separated younger sister dynasty of Ay/Venad/Thiruvithamkur with whom they had the tradition of mutual adoption of heirs for centuries) based in Kannur . Thiruvananthapuram was known as a great center of intellectual and artistic activity at this time. Travancore became the most dominant state in Kerala by defeating
6666-414: The ease and decentralisation of its revenue administration. They are further incorporated into 6 taluks as eludicated below. Thiruvananthapuram district sees a dynamic political landscape with major alliances led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian National Congress . The Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by CPI(M), and the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by Congress, dominate
6767-437: The entire Pathanamthitta taluk and nine villages of Kunnathur taluk from Kollam district, entire Thiruvalla taluk and part of Chengannur and Mavelikkara taluks from Alapphuzha district and parts of Idukki district. Kasaragod district was formed on 24 May 1984 as the 14th district by carving out a major portion of the erstwhile Kannur district. Idukki district is the largest district in Kerala by area. Alappuzha district
6868-416: The first to enter the Malabar Coast to trade Spices . The Arabs on the coasts of Yemen , Oman , and the Persian Gulf , must have made the first long voyage to Malabar and other eastern countries . They must have brought the Cinnamon of Malabar to the Middle East . The Greek historian Herodotus (5th century BCE) records that in his time the cinnamon spice industry was monopolized by the Egyptians and
6969-429: The gateway to medieval South Indian coast for the Chinese , the Arabs , the Portuguese , the Dutch , and finally the British . In 1498, Vasco Da Gama established a sea route to Kozhikode during the Age of Discovery , which was also the first modern sea route from Europe to South Asia , and raised Portuguese settlements, which marked the beginning of the colonial era of India. European trading interests of
7070-404: The governance of the urban areas in the district. These urban local bodies are governed by elected municipal councils, headed by mayor /chairperson and deputy mayor /vice chairperson respectively. A municipality, which consists of urban areas, is administered by a municipal council headed by a Municipal Chairperson. In cities, a municipal corporation, administered by a corporation council headed by
7171-504: The government, who also functions as the ex-officio secretary of the Block Panchayat. A taluk consists of urban units such as statutory towns and census towns and rural units called gram panchayats (for revenue purposes). The Local Self-Governments Department (LSGD), Government of Kerala, coordinates and supervises the administrative affairs of these local bodies and has district-level offices. There are 20 police districts in total, and among these, 8 police districts are coterminous with
7272-600: The grassroot of the revenue administration. For the purpose of local governance, there are local-self government institutions, which includes 941 Gram panchayats, 152 block panchayats, 14 district panchayats, 6 corporations and 87 municipalities. The panchayati raj institutions ( gram panchayats , block panchayats , district panchayats ) look after the governance of the rural areas in the district. These panchayats are governed by elected councils, headed by presidents and vice presidents respectively. The urban local bodies ( municipalities and municipal corporations ) look after
7373-648: The largest town or city in the district. Some of the districts were renamed in 1990 from the anglicised names to their local names. The 14 districts are further divided into 27 revenue divisions , 77 taluks , and 1664 revenue villages . For local governance, Kerala has 6 Municipal Corporations and 87 Municipalities overseeing urban areas. Additionally, there are 941 Gram Panchayats , 152 Block Panchayats , and 14 District Panchayats responsible for rural governance. Kerala State has been divided into 14 districts, 27 revenue divisions , 78 taluks, 152 community development blocks , and 1664 revenue villages . A district
7474-567: The medieval period, and have served as centers of the Indian Ocean trade for millennia. Because of their orientation to the sea and to maritime commerce, the Malabar coast cities feel very cosmopolitan , and have been home to some of the first groups of Jews (known today as Cochin Jews ), Syrian Christians (known as Saint Thomas Christians ), Muslims (presently known as Mappilas ), and Anglo-Indians in India. A substantial portion of
7575-665: The north, covering a distance of 80 km (50 mi) within the district. The Main Central Road covers a distance of 55 km (34 mi), passing through Kesavadasapuram , Vembayam , Venjaramoodu , Kilimanoor , and Nilamel in the north. The Kerala Public Works Department maintains some 1,552 km (964 mi) of road in the district. Local bodies are responsible for the maintenance of 9,500 km (5,900 mi) of road. There are 116 bridges in Thiruvananthapuram District. Rail transport in
7676-596: The old administrative records of the Madras Presidency , it is recorded that the most remarkable plantation owned by Government in the erstwhile Madras Presidency was the Teak plantation at Nilambur planted in 1844. The District of Malabar and the ports at Beypore and Fort Kochi had some sort of importance in the erstwhile Madras Presidency as it was one of the two districts of the Presidency that lies on
7777-504: The parts of the Malabar Coast, those became British colonies, were organized into a district of British India . The British district included the present-day districts of Kannur , Kozhikode , Wayanad , Malappuram , much of Palakkad (Excluding Chittur taluk), some parts of Thrissur ( Chavakkad Taluk), and the Fort Kochi region of Ernakulam district , besides the isolated islands of Lakshadweep . The administrative headquarters
7878-654: The patronage of Ptolemy VIII , king of the Hellenistic Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. Roman establishments in the port cities of the region, such as a temple of Augustus and barracks for garrisoned Roman soldiers, are marked in the Tabula Peutingeriana , the only surviving map of the Roman cursus publicus . The term Kerala was first epigraphically recorded as Ketalaputo ( Cheras ) in
7979-489: The powerful Zamorin of Kozhikode in the battle of Purakkad in 1755. The temple of Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple , is the most recognizable and iconic landmark of the city and the district and dates back to the 16th century. In addition to the presiding deity of Padmanabha , this temple contains several shrines, dedicated to Krishna , Narasimha , Ganesha , and Ayyappa . It
8080-694: The recommendations of the State Reorganization Commission, the Vilavancode subdistrict of Thiruvananthapuram was merged with Tamil Nadu , along with another three southern subdistricts, Thovala, Agastheewaram, and Kalkulam from Travancore which eventually formed Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district . The state of Kerala came into being on 1 November 1956. In 1705 ( ME 880) the son and two daughters of Ittammar Raja of Parappanad royal house (originally based at Parappanangadi in present-day Malappuram district ) were adopted into
8181-419: The region was known as Male or Malabar . Muziris , Tyndis , Naura (near Kannur ), and Nelcynda were among the principal ports at that time. Contemporary Sangam literature describes Roman ships coming to Muziris in Kerala, laden with gold to exchange for Malabar pepper . One of the earliest western traders to use the monsoon winds to reach Kerala was Eudoxus of Cyzicus , around 118 or 166 BCE, under
8282-460: The respective revenue districts, while the remaining 12 police districts are constituted by bifurcating the revenue district into "city" and "rural" areas. Each police district is headed by a "District Police Chief" (DPC), an IPS officer typically holding the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) or above. The District Police Chief is responsible for maintaining law and order, conducting criminal investigations, and overseeing police administration in
8383-765: The scene, alongside the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party . In the 2019 General Election, both Thiruvananthapuram and Attingal parliamentary constituencies in the Thiruvananthapuram district were won by the Indian National Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). In the 2021 Assembly Election, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) secured an impressive victory by winning 13 out of
8484-544: The sea coast about 32 kilometres (20 mi) north of Thiruvananthapuram city, with a view to erecting a factory and fortifying it. The location had earlier been frequented by the Dutch, then by the British. It was from here that the English gradually extended their diplomacy to other parts of Travancore . Modern history begins with Marthanda Varma (1729 CE–1758 CE), generally regarded as the Father of modern Travancore . In
8585-466: The shores of the Arabian Sea on the west. Kollam district lies to the north, with the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu to the east and south respectively. The climate of Thiruvananthapuram district is generally hot and tropical . Large forest reserves have a favorable effect on the climate and induce rains. Cold weather is experienced in the mountain ranges . Lower down,
8686-448: The south-western coast of Maharashtra and goes along the coastal region of Goa , through the entire western coast of Karnataka and Kerala and reaches till Kanyakumari . It is flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats on the east. The Southern part of this narrow coast is the South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests . Climate-wise, the Malabar Coast, especially on its westward-facing mountain slopes, comprises
8787-566: The sword was moved to the Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram. The district is located between 8°10′N 76°25′E / 8.17°N 76.41°E / 8.17; 76.41 and 8°32′N 77°10′E / 8.54°N 77.17°E / 8.54; 77.17 . The southernmost part of the city, Parassala , is just 54 kilometres (34 mi) away from the southern peninsular tip of India, Cape Comorin (Kanyakumari). The district stretches 78 kilometres (48 mi) along
8888-400: The tiger, wild cat , jackal , leopard , and dhole (Indian wild dog). The Sloth bear , gaur , a few species of deer and elephants are also seen. Reptiles include snakes, lizards, crocodiles , and tortoises . There are some 75–80 species of snakes in this area of which some are highly venomous. Tourism is a major sector of Thiruvananthapuram's economy. A full range of tourist options
8989-573: The total 14 seats in the Thiruvananthapuram district. There are two Lok Sabha constituency in Thiruvananthapuram: Attingal and Thiruvananthapuram . There are 14 Kerala Legislative Assembly seats in Thiruvananthapuram district. The major towns in these district include: There are 4 municipal towns in the district. They are: National Highway 66 (formerly known as National Highway 47 ) stretches from Kaliyikkavila at its southern end to Navaikulam near Parippally in
9090-448: The total population depends on agriculture for its livelihood. Agricultural workers constitute 42% of the total labour class. Most of the workforce is engaged in low-income, low capital intensity occupations. Political and social awareness and the efforts of social, religious and cultural leaders have contributed to breaking down the traditional feudal order. Economic changes have also had an impact on community social life and attitudes. In
9191-508: The total to seven districts. Alappuzha district was carved out of erstwhile Kottayam and Kollam districts on 17 August 1957, to form the 8th district. Ernakulam district was formed on 1 April 1958 as the 9th district, carved out of parts of erstwhile Thrissur and Kottayam districts. Malappuram district was formed on 16 June 1969 as the 10th district, with Ernad and Tirur taluks of the erstwhile Kozhikode district and Perinthalmanna and Ponnani taluks of Palakkad district. Idukki district
9292-514: The two monsoons. The total length of the main canal and its branches is 266 km (165 mi). The headquarters of the district administration is at Kudappanakunnu , Thiruvananthapuram. The district administration is headed by the District collector . He/She is assisted by five deputy collectors with responsibility for general matters, land acquisition, revenue recovery, land reforms, disaster management and elections. For revenue administration,
9393-622: The unification of Malayalam -speaking territories in the southwestern Malabar Coast of India. The state comprises three parts – the Northern Kerala districts of Kasaragod , Kannur , Wayanad , Kozhikode , Malappuram ; the Central Kerala districts of Palakkad , Thrissur , Ernakulam , Idukki ; and the Southern Kerala districts of Kottayam , Alappuzha , Pathanamthitta , Kollam , and Thiruvananthapuram . Such
9494-406: The weather is bracing, and generally hot in the coastal regions. The mean maximum temperature is 95 °F (35 °C) and the mean minimum temperature is 69 °F (20 °C). As the district stretches from north to south, with the Arabian Sea to the west, the relative humidity is generally high. It rises to about 95% during the southwest monsoon . The total annual rainfall in the district
9595-402: The western coastal lowland. The moisture-laden winds of the Southwest monsoon, on reaching the southernmost point of the Indian subcontinent , because of its topography, divide into two branches; the " Arabian Sea Branch" and the " Bay of Bengal Branch". The "Arabian Sea Branch" of the Southwest monsoon first hits the Western Ghats, making Kerala the first state in India to receive rain from
9696-594: The wettest region of southern India, as the Western Ghats intercept the moisture-laden Southwest monsoon rains. The Malabar rainforests include these ecoregions recognized by biogeographers : The Monsooned Malabar coffee bean comes from this area. The Malabar Coast featured (and in some instances still does) several historic port cities. Notable among these were/are Naura , Vizhinjam , Muziris , Nelcynda , Beypore and Thundi (near Ponnani or Kadalundi ) during ancient times, and Kozhikode (Calicut), Kollam , Ponnani , Kannur (Cannanore), and Cochin in
9797-631: Was at Kozhikode . Malabar District , a part of the ancient Malabar (or Malabar Coast) was a part of the British East India Company -controlled state. It included the northern half of the state of Kerala and the islands of Lakshadweep . Kozhikode is considered as the capital of Malabar. The area was divided into two categories as North and South. North Malabar comprises present Kasaragod and Kannur Districts, Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad District and Vatakara and Koyilandy Taluks of Kozhikode District. The left-over area
9898-586: Was built by King Marthanda Varma of the Travancore royal family in 1745, when he transferred the Travancore capital from Padmanabhapuram , now in neighbouring Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu . King Marthanda Varma began his reign as 'Sree Padmanabhadasa', the Servant of Sree Padmanabha. The vast temple complex, with its tall Gopuram decorated with detailed carvings reflected in a huge temple tank ,
9999-550: Was eventually expanded as the powerful kingdom of Travancore in 18th century CE. The Tamil -Dravidian kind of architecture is also found in Padmanabhaswamy temple, which makes it distinct from the architectural style of temples in Kerala in general. In 1684, during the regency of Umayamma Rani , the English East India Company acquired a sandy spit of land at Anchuthengu , near Varkala on
10100-427: Was formed on 26 January 1972 as the 11th district, with Devikulam, Udumbanchola and Peermedu taluks of the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk of the erstwhile Ernakulam district. Wayanad district was formed on 1 November 1980 as the 12th district in Kerala by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Pathanamthitta district was formed on 1 November 1982 as the 13th district by carving out
10201-764: Was ruled by the Ay dynasty , who were related to, and officially feudatories of the Cheras. The Ay Dynasty (later known as the Venad Dynasty and finally the Thiruvithamkur Dynasty), followed by the Nannan Dynasty (later known as the Mushika dynasty and finally the Kolathiri dynasty), were the two oldest and most important lineages of the Velir clan, who had very frequent intermarriages with
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