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Kottarakkara
Kottarakkara
Gramapanchayath

Kottarakkara (Malayalam:കൊട്ടാരക്കര, IAST: Koṭṭārakkara), also transliterated as Kottarakara, is a town and taluk in Kollam District (formerly known as Quilon), in Kerala state, India. The town is close to the Kollam port which has a rich history linked to the early medieval period as well as a reputation for being an important commercial, industrial and trading center. It lies 27 kilometres (17 mi) to the east of Kollam city center and 18 kilometres (11 mi) to the west of Punalur city on National Highway 208/220.[1][2]

Kottarakkara, also known in the ancient days of the kings as the Elayadathu Swarupam, was a principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family. Its fame is also due to Kathakali, the famous dance drama which originated initially as Ramanattam created in the 17th century by Prince Kottarakkara Tampuran and later patronized by the Raja of Kottarakkara in early 19th century absorbing other dance forms of Krishnattam with further innovations. Other historical places of interest include the Ganapathi Temple and the over 700 year old Mar Thomas Church.[3]

Etymology

Kottarakkara, a compound word made up of the words Kotta, meaning "palace", and kara meaning "land", literally means "land of palaces". The small city which had several palaces was thus named "Kottarakkara."[4]

Kathakali traced its origin to the ritualistic (tantric) period of the Vedic Age and connected its growth from the popular, folk dance dramas.It was believed that Kathakali was conceived from Krishnanattam, the dance drama on the life and activities of Lord Krishna created by the Samoothirippadu ( Samoothiri or Swamy Thirumulpad), of Calicut. The reason for that is said as follows: Once Kottarakkara Thampuran the Raja of Kottarakkara who was attracted by the tone of the Krishnanattam requested the Samoothirippadu for the loan of a troupe of performers on the eve of some festive occasion. Due to internal feuds and political rivalry between them, the Samoothirippadu refused to send the performers and insulted with the remarks: “It is useless to depute the troupe, because Kottarakkara Thespian’s court would be neither able to appreciate nor understand anything of the highly artistic Krishnanattam and the high standard of the performance”. Here the political rivalry between the two chieftains leads to the art rivalry. So Kottarakkara Thampuran initiated a parallel mode of entertainment, which he called Ramanattam which was later transformed into Aattakatha, and yet later into Kathakali while Krishnanattam based on the story of Lord Krishna’s activities, Ramanaattam described the complete story of Lord Raman. Krishnanattam was written in Sanskrit, “the language of the Gods”. Ramanaattam was in Malayalam, the language of the people. The use of Malayalam, the local language (albeit as a mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam, called Manipravalam), has also helped the literature of Kathakali sound more transparent for the average audience. By the end of the seventeenth century, the finished product of Ramanaattam was placed before the world under the title Kathakali.

Geography

Kottakkara is a small principality close to Kollam. It is now a modern taluk town with all essential facilities. As a taluk headquarters, it has six panchayats. It is surrounded by several other towns namely, the Kizhekketheruvu(2.5km from kottarakara town), Karickom, Thrikkannamangal, Nellikunnam, Vendar, Mylom, Kalayapuram, Puthur, Poovattoor, Valakom, Kulakada,and many others.

NH 208(Kollam to Thirumangalam)and meets the MC road(Thiruvananthapuram to Chenganassery) at Kottarakkara. Kottarakkara is linked with Kollam (the district headquarters), both by road and rail, at a distance of 27 km. It is 72 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram (the capital of Kerala) and 80 km to the south of Kottayam.[1][3][4][5]

Christian Churches

Kottarakara is a major center of Christian community. It is major center for the Malankara Orthodox Church. The Arts and Science college, B.Ed College and Higher secondary institutions were started by Orthodox Bishop H.H Marthoma Mathews II, in the name of St.Gregorios Parumala at Gregorios mount Kottarakara. Some important churches arounf Kottarakara are Kizhakketheruvu Orthodox Valiyapalli and Kottapuram Orthodox church. Kottarakara has a major presence of Mar Thoma Christians of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church with its Head quarters at Thiruvalla. The Kottarakara Mar Thoma Church has a rich history of existence. Kottarakara holds the famous Kottarakara Convention held by Mar Thoma Churches' Trivandrum and Kollam Diocese in last week of January every year.

History

Historically, the small town was known as the land of palaces of kings in Kerala. Its earliest known palace construction is traced to the 14th century. This is attributed to the dynasty of Ilayidathu (also known as Kunninmel), who established themselves here. During the period 1383–1444, Chera Udaya Marthanda Verma ruled over Venad and built his palace here. It was then the capital of the Ilayidathu Swarupam (also spelled Elayadutharai Swarupam), which is testified by the remnants of seven palaces.[4]

Kathakali performance in front of Big Lamp
Kathakali performance in front of Big Lamp

In the 17th century, history[clarification needed] also records the emergence of an early format of the famous Kathakali dance drama known as Ramanattam, which emerged as a result of the rivalry of the kings of the two neighbouring principalities of the Raja of Kottarakkara and that of the Manaveda, Zamorin of Kozhikode (the Raja of Kozikode or Calicut who had developed the Krishnattam (an eighty-day dance drama format). Manaveda refused the request of the Prince of Kottarakkara to send the Krisnattam troupe to Kottakkara with a snide remark that "no connoisseur at Kottarakkara could appreciate Krishnaattam". Prince Tampuran felt insulted and then decided to take it a challenge and invented his own form of the dance form which was called the Ramanattam with the Rama theme developed in the Krishnaattam style.[6][7] Thus, Kottarakkara town got the distinction of being the first in Kerala from where the famous Indian classical dance form originated when it was the capital of the Elayadathu Swarupam, the principality in central Kerala, which was a branch of the Travanacore royal family. He adopted eight stories into creating into dance drama formats which were known as Ramanattam, meaning dance related to Rama (of the Hindu epic Ramayana fame), which were precursors to the Kathakalli which developed in later years with amalgamation with other formats of Krishnattam and early forms of Katahkalii; however only three formats of this creation are performed now as part of Kathakalli. Four more dance drama episodes of Kathakalli plays developed 200 years later, after Ramanattam.[6]

In 1739, the Dutch and allied forces had attacked the Travancore forces who were backed by the British at at Kottarakkara. The Dutch then installed the princess of Elayadathu Swarupam, who had escaped earlier from Kottarakkara to Tekkumkur as the ruler of the state. In return, the princess had gifted to the Dutch a large farm about 15 miles from Kollam and also at Bichnor where they established their “redoubt”. Followed by this victory, on December 30, 1739 the armed forces than attacked the Travancore and won many battles.[8]

However, in the 18th century, the last queen of this dynasty surrendered her kingdom to Marthanda Varma (her cousin), following which the queen went to Cochin where she sought asylum from the Dutch. The Dutch had provided her a pension of 2 rupees and 5 annas.[9][10]

After Tipu Sultan invaded Malabar, Dharma Raja the royal family member of North Malabar settled in Kottarakara. In the mid 19th century, the family line disintegrated.[4]

In 1835, it became part of the administrative unit of Kollam as part of the Travancore state which had two revenue divisions, the Kottayam and the Kollam. In 1949, it became part of the integrated state of Travancore and Cochin.[2] The town Village, Block and Jilla and, of course, the state and central governments.

Politics

Kottarakara Assembly Constituency is part of the Mavelikkara (Lok Sabha constituency).[11] Kottarakkara is an official taluk of India and has administrative authority over 27 villages. Kathakali traced its origin to the ritualistic (tantric) period of the Vedic Age and connected its growth from the popular, folk dance dramas.It was believed that Kathakali was conceived from Krishnanaattam, the dance drama on the life and activities of Lord Krishna created by the Samoothirippadu ( Samoothiri or Swamy Thirumulpad), of Calicut.The reason for that is said as follows: Once Kottarakkara Thampuran the Raja of Kottarakkara who was attracted by the tone of the Krishnanaattam requested the Samoothirippadu for the loan of a troupe of performers on the eve of some festive occasion.Due to internal feuds and political rivalry between them, the Samoothirippadu refused to send the performers and insulted with the remarks: “It is useless to depute the troupe, because Kottarakkara Thespian’s court would be neither able to appreciate nor understand anything of the highly artistic Krishnanaattam and the high standard of the performance”.Here the political rivalry between the two chieftains leads to the art rivalry. So Kottarakkara Thampuran initiated a parallel mode of entertainment, which he called Raamanaattam which was later transformed into Aattakatha, and yet later into Kathakali while Krishnanaattam based on the story of Lord Krishna’s activities, Raamanaattam described the complete story of Lord Raman.Krishnanaattam was written in Sanskrit, “the language of the Gods”. Raamanaattam was in Malayalam, the language of the people. The use of Malayalam, the local language (albeit as a mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam, called Manipravalam), has also helped the literature of Kathakali sound more transparent for the average audience. By the end of the seventeenth century, the finished product of Raamanaattam was placed before the world under the title Kathakali.

Aisha Potty-MLA of Kottarakara constituency has been representing Kottarakara in Kerala Legislative Assembly as CPI(M) Member for two consecutive terms.

Landmarks

Kottarakkara Palace

The town contains many notable places of worship, including Sree Maha Ganapthy Temple (in the suburb of Kizhakkekara), dated to the 10th-11th century, shrine of Ganapathy, Mahadeva Temple (in the western suburb of Padinjattinkara), Kottarakkara Goshala and Kulasekharanellor Sree BhadraKali Temple, amongst many other temples.

There are many churches in this area ,and it is a major center for both the Malankara Orthodox Church[9] and the Mar Thoma Church. The most important churches are Kizhakketheruvu Orthodox Valiyapalli, Kottarakara Mar Thoma Pally, Padinjaretheruvu Orthodox Church, Kottapuram Orthodox Church, and Neeleswaram St. Mary's Orthodox Church. There are also Catholic churches, Pentecostal church's (namely The Pentecostal Church, Church of God) and a mosques near the market in Kottarakkara.[9]

Kottarakkara Sree Manikanteswara Mahadeva

Kottarakkara Sree Manikanteswara Mahadeva Temple is located near the "Althara", on the northern side. Shiva in the form of a fierce hunter is deified here. Another shrine next to it is a Durga temple, where the deity installed is known as Pazenadu Bhagavathy. Devi[12] The idol of was carved out from the root of the jack tree by Perumthachan.[9]

Notable people

Education Institutions

Schools

  • St.Marys Higher Secondary School
  • MGM
  • St.Gegorious
  • Marthoma Girl Higher Secondary School
  • Boys Higher Secondary School
  • Neduvathoor Higher Secondary School


Colleges

  • IHRD College of Engineering
  • Vijaya nursing college
  • St.Gegorious College

Hospitals

  • Pranav Hospital
  • Govt Hospital
  • Vijaya hospital
  • KNS
  • Kristuraj
  • Valakom Hospital
  • Aroma Hospital
  • Lotus Heart Centre
  • Maitri Hospital

Banks

  • State Bank of Travancore
  • State Bank of India
  • Punjab National Bank
  • Syndicate Bank
  • ICICI Bank
  • Federal Bank Ltd
  • South Indian Bank
  • Union Bank of India
  • Vijaya Bank
  • Bank of Baroda
  • Axis Bank
  • Indian Bank
  • Dhanalekshmi Bank
  • Catholic Syrian Bank
  • Canara Bank
  • Corporation Bank

Transportation

Transportation is mainly dependant on private buses as well as the state run KSRTC buses. It is well connected to the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram by KSRTC Fast Passenger, super fast, deluxe, a/c buses. Buses are also ply to the district headquarters of Kollam and Pathanamthitta and to towns in Tamilnadu like Coimbatore,Tenkasi and Shencotta and Daily trips to Munnar,Banglore,Kummly,Ooty.

Kottarakkara Railway Station is located on the Kollam-Madurai railway line. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram. Kottarakkara railway station, which currently connects to Kollam and Punalur. There are four services in this route right now and It is heard that many more services would be inducted in this route since the Punalur-Schengotta ghat section has been closed for Broad Gauge conversion. Once the conversion is over, this will serve as the shortest route from Kollam to Chennai and from Kochi port to Tuticorin port


References

  1. ^ a b "Kollam Town". Kollam District officialwebsite National Informatics Centre. Retrieved 22 February 2011.
  2. ^ a b "Short History of Kollam". Retrieved 22 February 2011. {{cite web}}: Text "Kollam: National Informatics Centre" ignored (help)
  3. ^ a b "Kottarakkara Taluk". Retrieved 22 February 2011. {{cite web}}: Text "Kollam; National Informatics centre" ignored (help)
  4. ^ a b c d "History". kottarakkara.com. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  5. ^ "District Information". Retrieved 22 February 2011. {{cite web}}: Text "Kollam: National Informatics Centre" ignored (help)
  6. ^ a b K. Ayyappapanicker; Sahitya Akademi (1997). Medieval Indian literature: an anthology. Sahitya Akademi. pp. 317–. ISBN 9788126003655. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  7. ^ C. Rajendran; University of Calicut. Dept. of Sanskrit (2002). Living traditions of Nāṭyaśāstra. New Bharatiya Book Corp. ISBN 9788187418467. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  8. ^ M. O. Koshy (1989). The Dutch power in Kerala, 1729-1758. Mittal Publications. pp. 64–. ISBN 9788170991366. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  9. ^ a b c d "Kottarakkara". Kottarapuram Family Club. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  10. ^ "New Kottarakkara portal". Xomba.com. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  11. ^ "Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies" (PDF). Kerala. Election Commission of India. Retrieved 2008-10-20.
  12. ^ K. Srikumaran (1 January 2005). Theerthayathra: a pilgrimage through various temples. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 129. ISBN 9788172763633. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
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