Thrissur district

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

?Thrissur Kerala • India
An elephant carrying Thidambu during the Thrissur Pooram festival
Thrissur
Coordinates: 10°31′N 76°13′E / 10.52, 76.21
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area	3,032 km² (1,171 sq mi)
Headquarters	Thrissur
Population • Density	2,975,440 • 981 /km² (2,541 /sq mi)
Collector	M. Beena
ISO abbreviation	IN-KL-8-XXXX
Website: thrissur.nic.in

Coordinates: 10°31′N 76°13′E / 10.52, 76.21

Thrissur ( Trichur / Trissur) (Malayalam: തൃശ്ശൂര്‍) is a district situated in the central part of Kerala state, India. Thrissur district was formed in July 1, 1949. The headquarters of the district has the same name, Thrissur City. It is an important cultural center. The district is famous for its numerous ancient Temples, Churches, and Mosques and "Pooram" festivals including the world famous Thrissur Pooram and is known as the "Cultural Capital of Kerala". Thrissur Pooram is the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. Some famous temples include Guruvayur Sreekrishna Temple, Thriprayar Sreerama Temple, Kodungaloor Bhagavathi Temple, Irinjalakkuda Koodalmanikkyam Bharatha Temple, Thiruviluamala Villuadrinatha Temple and Thrissur Vadakkumnatha Temple.

Contents 1 Etymology 2 History 3 Demographics 4 Demographic and geographic data 5 Geography and climate 6 Culture 7 Famous festivals 8 Government and politics 9 Media 10 Industries 11 Places of Interest in Thrissur Rural 12 Important towns in Thrissur Rural District 13 External links 14 Notes 15 Photo gallery of Thrissur District

[edit] Etymology

The name Thrissur is derived from 'Tri-Shiva-Perur' (Malayalam: തൃശ്ശിവേപരൂ൪) , which means the place with three famous Siva temples which are said to be the Vadakkunnathan, Kottapuram Siva Temple^{[citation needed]} and Punkunnam Siva Temple. (Alternately, the name can be parsed as 'Thiru-Siva-Perur', the place with the holy name of Siva.) Thrissur was also known as Vrishabhadripuram and Ten Kailasam in ancient days.

[edit] History

Main article: History of Thrissur

From ancient times, Thrissur District has played a significant part in the political history of south India. The early political history of the District is interlinked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over vast portions of Kerala with their capital at Vanchi. The whole of the present Thrissur District was included in the early Chera Empire. The District can claim to have played a significant part in fostering the trade relations between Kerala and the outside world in the ancient and medieval period.

Kodungalloor which had the unique distinction of being the "Primum Emporium India", also belongs to the signal honour of having first given shelter to all the three communities which have contributed to the prosperity of Malabar'. These three communities are the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims. The history of Thrissur District from the 9th to the 12th centuries is the history of Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram and the history since 12th century is the history of the rise and growth of Perumpadappu Swarupam.

In 1790 Raja Rama Varma (1790-1805) popularly known as Saktan Tampuran ascended the throne of Cochin. With the accession of this ruler the English or modern period in the history of Cochin and of the District began. Saktan Tampuran was mainly responsible for the destruction of the power of the feudal Nair chieftains and increase of royal power. Another potent force in the public life of Trichur and its suburbs was the Namboodithiri community and Menons of Royal ancestry. A large part of the Trichur Taluk was for long under the domination of the Yogiatiripppads, the ecclesiastical heads of the Vadakkunnathan and Perumanam Devaswoms.

The wave of nationalism and political consciousness which swept through the country since the early decades of this century has its repercussions in the District as well. Thrissur District can claim the honour of having been in the forefront of the country-wide movement for temple entry and abolition of untouchability. The famous Guruvayur Satyagraha is a memorable episode in the history of the national movement.

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 India censusCensus of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns. (Provisional). Census Commission of India. Retrieved on 2007-09-03., Thrissur District had a population of 2,975,440 ^[1]. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Thrissur has an average literacy rate of 86%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 87%, and female literacy is 85%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Hindus ,Christians and Muslims constitute the bulk of the population of this district.

The Nairs and the Ezhavas are numerically the most dominant Hindu communities of Thrissur. Ambalavasis and Tamil brahmins also form a not so insignificant percentage of the Hindu population.. The Scheduled Castes, around 12 % of the population of the district, also form a significant section among the Hindus of the district.

The Catholics - both Syrian and Latin, Jacobites and Chaldeans are the main sections of the Christian Community in the district. Catholics constitute 91% of the Christian population of the district spreading in 5 dioceses namely Thrissur(4,60,000), Irinjalakkuda(2,52,000) and Kottappuram(75,000). Jacobites and Chaldean Syrians constitute the rest. Kunnamkulam, a small town in the northern part of the district is the important center for the Jacobites. Jacobite church (40000 followers counting both factions together) has 2 diocese in the district, namely Kunnamkulam for Orthodox faction and Thrissur for jacobite faction. Chaldean Syrians spread around Thrissur city with 25000 followers. A church known as Thozhiyoor church has its own headquarters at Guruvayur with 7000 followers.

Muslims live predominantly in coastal belt, from north Punnayoorkkulam to South Azhikode, of the district. Sunnis are the major section in Muslim community.

[edit] Demographic and geographic data

Source: Official Statistics 2007 ^[2]

District	Thrissur
Area	3,032
Population	29,74,232
Males	14,22,052
Females	15,52,180
Sex ratio : Females/1000	1,092
Density of Population	981
Per Capita Income (in Rs)	21,362
Literacy rate	92.27%; Male 95.11%; Female 89.71%
Coastal line in km.	54
Water bodied area in ha.	5,573
Forest area in ha.	103619

[edit] Geography and climate

Thrissur is situated in south western India 10.52° N 76.21° E and is in the central part of Kerala state_name, India. Thrissur is at sea level and spans an area of about 3032 km². It is bounded on the north by Palakkad district, on the east by Palakkad district and Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, on the south by Ernakulam and Idukki districts, and on the west by the Arabian Sea(54 km).
Descending from the heights of the Western Ghats in the east, the land slopes towards the west forming three distinct natural divisions - the highlands, the plains and the sea board

The Periyar, the Chalakudy, the Karuvannur, the Kurumali River (main tributary of the Karuvannur river) and the Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are the main river systems in the district. They take their origin from the mountains on the east, and flow westward and discharge into the Arabian Sea. There are a number of tributaries also joining these main rivers. There are waterfalls such as Athirappilly Falls.

The district has a tropical humid climate with an oppressive hot season and plentiful and seasonal rainfall. The hot season from March to May is followed by the South West Monsoon season from June to September. The period from December to February is the North East Monsoon season, although the rain stop by the end of December and the rest of the period is generally dry.

[edit] Culture

Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth, is the cultural capital of Kerala. The town is famous for its pooram festival. Thrissur and Pooram, (the festival of festivals with an unmatched pageantry of a hundred drums, dozens of caparisoned elephants and brilliant fireworks) are so inseparably integrated that the extravaganza of Pooram, excites you in the same breath when you hear the name of Thrissur.

This district is also a veritable treasure trove of history. The sylvan beauty of Northern Kerala begins here, with tiny, tranquil hamlets by the sides of tediously flowing rivers. An ancient cultural center, Thrissur houses the Kerala Kalamandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy, the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy.

The town is built around a hillock, crowned by the famous Vadakkumnathan (Siva) Temple. The temple is a classical example of Kerala style of architecture and houses several sacred shrines.

Malik Bin Deenar and 20 others who were the followers Muhammad, the founder of Islam, first landed in Kodungallur in Thrissur district when they came to India. Islam received royal patronage in some states here, and later spread to other parts of India. He built a mosque Cheraman Juma Masjid there in the shape of a Hindu temple. It could also have been the first mosque in the world as the exact date of making is not known. Though, generally it is considered to be the second mosque of the world after the mosque in Medina,Saudi Arabia

Thrissur also has added to its name The Church of Our Lady of Dolors, popularly known as the New Church. It is the biggest church in South Asia. The first church of India is also situated in Thrissur, the St. Thomas church at Palayoor. The Metropolitan of the Chaldean Syrian Church (the name used for the Church of the East in India) is also headquartered in Thrissur, and many religious publications are printed by Mar Narsai Press. The largest Christian piligrim center in the district, St.Joseph's Shrine is situated at Pavaratty.

Saint Thomas (Apostle) is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (Muziris) in 52 AD. The Saint Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.

Guruvayur, famous for the Sree Krishna Temple, is situated 25 km to the North of the city. It is a sacred place not only for Keralites but for Hindus all over the world as well. The adjacent towns of Chavakkad and Kunnamkulam are important centers of Muslims and Christians respectively.

The Temple at Thriprayar is another important place of worship. This ancient temple is one of the few Temples dedicated to Lord Srirama in Kerala. Incidently, two other temples dedicated to Lord Rama, viz., the Thiruvilwamala Temple and the Kadavallur Temple fall in Thrissur district.

Kodungallur, the capital of the erstwhile Chera Empire, is a region of great archeological and historical significance. The famous Bhagavathi Temple here attracts thousands of devotees from all over Kerala. The Cheraman Juma Masjid, believed to be the oldest Mosque in India is situated here.

Irinjalakkuda, where the only Bharatha Temple in India is located, is another place of importance. The Unnayi Warrier Smaraka Kalanilayam which is located near the Koodalmanickyam Temple is an important center of Kathakali Learning.

Since ancient times Thrissur has been the most important center of Vedic Learning in Kerala. Yagas are still conducted in her soil with the same fervour as they used to be. The only centre of traditional Vedic Learning left in Kerala is situated in the heart of Thrissur Town.

[edit] Famous festivals

• Thrissur Pooram
• Uthralikkavu Pooram (Vela)
• Machad Mamangam (Machattu Kuthira Vela)
• Anthi Mahakalan Kavu Vela
• Parakkottukavu Talappoli
• Cheeramkulam Pooram
• Parkadi Pooram
• Kuttiyankavu Vela
• Kattakambal Pooram
• Elavally Pooram
• Kalleyi (Chowannur) Pooram
• Pandaloor (Chowannur) Pooram
• Arattupuzha Pooram
• Kodungallur Bharani
• Koodalmanikyam Utsavam
• Guruvayur Ekadasi
• Pavaratty Perunnal

[edit] Government and politics

Taluks & its Headquarters Thrissur Thrissur Mukundapuram Irinjalakuda Kodungallur Kodungallur Chavakad Chavakad Thalapilly Wadakkanchery

Municipalities Kunnamkulam Chalakudi Kodungallur Chavakad Guruvayur Irinjalakuda

The main legislative constituency in the district is Thrissur City. Apart from the city constituency, there are 13 other constituencies from the district of Thrissur: Ollur, Guruvayoor, Chalakkudy, Cherpu, Nattika, Kodungallur, Irinjalakuda, Kodakara, Mala, Manaloor, Kunnamkulam, Wadakkancheri, and Chelakkara.

There are two parliament constituencies : Thrissur and Mukundapuram. Sri.C.K.Chandrappan is the Thrissur M.P and Sri. Lonappan Nambadan is the Mukundapuram M.P.

For administrative purposes, the district of Thrissur is divided into five talukas. These five taluk centres are administrative hubs for 151 villages in Thrissur.

[edit] Media

The first newspaper which published from Thrissur was Lokamanyan in 1920. Then came Deenabandhu in 1941. Major Malayalam newspapers published in Thrissur include Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhumi, Deshabhimani and Deepika, Kerala Koumudi and Madhymam. A number of evening papers are also published from the city. Newspapers in other regional languages like Hindi, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu are also sold in large numbers.

[edit] Industries

Thrissur is famous for the power loom industry and the Textile Mills like the Alagappa Textiles in AlagappaNagar, Kerala Lakshmi Mills at Pullazhi, Thrissur Cotton Mills at Nattika, Rajgopal Textiles at Athani, Sitaram Spinning and Weaving Mills Thrissur, Vanaja Textiles at Kuriachira and Kunnath Textiles at Thrissur. Thrissur are engaged in the manufacture of hosiery products. The coir and the tile industry offer employment for many people in the district. The first saw mill in the state was erected at Trichur (1905). Most of the timber is brought down from the forests to Thrissur and Chalakkudy, which are the most important timber marts in the District. Canning industry has sprung up in Thrissur and Darlco Cannings and Kayee Plantations Cannings; both situated at Thrissur are important units. The Thrissur Fruits and Vegetables Marketing Society are establishing a canning industrial unit at Nadathara and it is going on very successfully. Besides all these the match stick industry, pharmaceuticals, printing etc give Thrissur its fame as a bustling industrial centre. The first Worker's Indian Coffee House of the state was opened in Thrissur (1957).

[edit] Places of Interest in Thrissur Rural

• Athirapilly Water Falls (63 km from Thrissur City) This 80 feet high waterfall at the threshold of the Sholayar ranges is a popular picnic spot. Two amusement parks - DreamWorld and SilverStorm - are located nearby.
• Vazhachal Just a short drive from Athirapilly is close to dense forests and a part of the Chalakudy river.
• Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary (23 km from city) It is the largest elephant park in the world, with over 60 elephants.
• Peechi Dam (20 km from city) It is a good picnic spot
• Chavakad Beach (25 km) A sea shore for rare scenic beauty. Acknowledged as one of the best beaches along the west coast.
• Vazhani Dam (24 km from city) It is a good picnic spot
• Chimmony dam (35 km from city) It is a beautiful picnic spot with facilities for boating
• Kerala Kalamandalam (30 km) It is in Cheruthuruthy and was founded by the Poet Sri. Vallathol Narayana Menon, to encourage the study of the ancient arts of Kerala such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattom.
• Cheraman Juma Masjid - built around 612 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar. First mosque constructed in India. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca.

[edit] Important towns in Thrissur Rural District

• Irinjalakuda
• Kodungallur
• Chalakudy
• Chavakkad
• Thriprayar
• Kunnamkulam
• Guruvayoor
• Wadakanchery

[edit] External links

• Satellite image of Thrissur
• Government Portal
• For travel guide, information on pilgrimage centres etc.
• For more informations
• Website of Thrissur Police
• Glance at Tourist Places in Thrissur

[edit] Notes

[edit] Photo gallery of Thrissur District

An elephant saluting Vadakkunathan during Thrissur pooram.	Elephant Sanctuary at Punnathur kotta, Guruvayoor - 27 km from Thrissur City.	Chimmony dam - 30 km from Thrissur City.	A Mosque.
Thecke Chira, showing Ancient Veda Study Centre , in Thrissur City.	Guruvayur Temple entrance - 25 km from Thrissur City.	East Gate of Vadakumnathan Temple.	Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple.
Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple.	Poonkunnam Shiva Temple.	Dawn at Kurumaly River.	Poothan and Thira for the Machattu Mamangam festival.
Muthuvara Shiva Temple.

Districts of Kerala, India
Alappuzha • Ernakulam • Idukki • Kannur • Kasargod • Kollam • Kottayam • Kozhikode • Malappuram • Palakkad • Pathanamthitta • Thiruvananthapuram • Thrissur • Wayanad