Alappuzha
Alappuzha
Alleppey | |
---|---|
Nickname: "Veniceof the East " | |
![]() | |
Coordinates:9°29′N76°20′E/ 9.49°N 76.33°E | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
District | Alappuzha district |
Government | |
• Type | Municipality |
• Body | Alappuzha Municipality |
• Municipal Chairperson | Jayamma (CPIM) |
Area | |
• Total | 65.57 km2(25.32 sq mi) |
Population | 240,991 |
• Rank | 6th |
Languages | |
• Official | Malayalam,English[4] |
Time zone | UTC+5:30(IST) |
PIN | 688001 |
Telephone code | 0477 |
Vehicle registration |
|
Sex ratio | 1079♂/♀ |
Website | alappuzha |
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Sun_rise_view_Alleppey_backwaters_%2C_Kerala_06.jpg/220px-Sun_rise_view_Alleppey_backwaters_%2C_Kerala_06.jpg)
Alappuzha(Malayalam:[aːlɐpːuɻɐ] ), also known asAlleppey,is amunicipality[1]in theAlappuzha districtofKerala,India.It is the district headquarters of the district, and is located about 130 km (80.8 mi) north of the state capitalThiruvananthapuram.As per the2011 Indian census,Alappuzha has a population of 240,991 people, and a population density of 3,675/km2(9,520/sq mi).
Alappuzha dates back to theSangam era,and was mentioned byPliny the Elderas far back as the 1st century AD as "Baraces".[5]Later in the 16th and 17th centuries, the town flourished as an important hub for trading spices with various European powers including theDutchand thePortuguese.Under the rule ofRaja Kesavadas,a port was constructed and canals for transport were laid throughout the city, and the town experienced rapid development. However, by the late 18th century, the region had come underBritish ruleand experienced a decline in its status as a centre for commerce and culture.[6]
Today, Alappuzha is a prominent tourist destination in Kerala. The town is famous for itswaterways and backwaters,and has been described as the "Venice of the East" for the small canals winding through its historic centre.[7]It plays a role as one of the primary access points for the annualNehru Trophy Boat Raceduring the festival ofOnam.[8][9]Alappuzha is also a hub forcoirmanufacturing, and has a thriving coir industry[10]
Etymology
[edit]Carved out of the erstwhileKottayamandKollamdistricts, Alappuzha district was formed on 17 August 1957 and consisted initially of seventaluks,namelyCherthala,Ambalappuzha,Kuttanad,Chengannur,KarthikappallyandMavelikkara.[11]
The district is bounded on the north byKochiand Kanayannur taluks ofErnakulamdistrict, on the east byVaikom,Kottayam andChanganasserytaluks of Kottayam district and Thiruvalla,KozhencherryandAdoortaluks ofPathanamthittadistrict, on the South byKunnathurandKarunagappallytaluks ofKollam districtand on the west by Laccadive Sea.[12]
The present Alappuzha district comprises six taluks, namely Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Karthikappally, Chengannur and Mavelikkara.[13]The area of the district is 1,414 km2(546 sq mi). Its headquarters is located at Alappuzha.
The name Ᾱlappuzha is a toponym. ‘Ᾱlayam’ means ‘home’ and ‘puzha’, according to Dr. Herman Gundert's dictionary, means ‘watercourse’ or ‘river’. The name refers to the network of waterways and backwaters in Alappuzha and its surrounding areas.
History
[edit]This sectionneeds additional citations forverification.(February 2023) |
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Stone_bridge%2C_Alleppey_1900.jpg/220px-Stone_bridge%2C_Alleppey_1900.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Alleppey_canal.jpg/200px-Alleppey_canal.jpg)
Kuttanad, therice bowlof Kerala, with its paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms, was well known even from the early periods of theSangam age.[14]
Literary works such asUnnuneeli Sandesamgive some insight into the ancient period of this district. Archaeological antiquities, such as the stone inscriptions, historical monuments found in the temples, churches, and rock-cut caves, also emphasise the historic importance of Alappuzha District.
Christianity had a foothold in this district, even from the 1st century AD. The church located atKokkamangalamwas one of the seven churches founded bySt Thomas,[citation needed]one of the twelve disciples ofJesus Christ.It is generally believed that he landed atMaliankarainMuzirisPort, presently known asCranganoreorKodungallur,in 52 AD and preached Christianity inSouth India.
The district flourished in religion and culture under the second Chera Empire, during 9th to 12th centuries AD. The literary work, `Ascharya Choodamani`, a Sanskrit drama written bySakthibhadran,a scholar ofChengannur,enables us to know many pertinent facts. Further, the temple on LordAyyappan,in Mukkal vattam near Muhamma in Alappuzha District, is calledCheerappanchira,for the Kalari from which Lord Ayyappa learnt his martial arts. A recent album byP. Unni Krishnanon Lord Ayyappa, titled 'Sabarimalai Va Charanam Solli Va', has songs illustrating the history of this temple and Lord Ayyappa's stay here before he went to conquer the Mahishi Demon.[15]
Since landing inCalicutin 1498, thePortuguesestarted playing an influential role in Alappuzha. They began by spreading Catholicism and converting already existingChristiansinto Catholics.St Andrew's Basilicawas built during this period.[16]
In the 17th century, as thePortuguesepower declined, theDutchgained a predominant position in the principalities of this district. They built many factories and warehouses for storingpepperandginger,relying on several treaties signed between the Dutch and theRajasofPurakkad,Kayamkulamand Karappuram. In course of time they also delved into the political and cultural affairs of the district. At that time MaharajaMarthanda Varma(1706–1758), who was the 'Maker of modernTravancore', intervened in the political affairs of those princedoms.
TravancoreDewanRamayyan Dalawa(d. 1756) resided inMavelikkarawhere he had a palace built by Marthanda Varma. After the death of his wife, Ramayyan consorted with a Nair lady fromMavelikkaraof the Edassery family (PGN Unnithan, a member of this family, later became the last Dewan of Travancore in 1947). After his death Ramayyan's descendants left Travancore to settle inPudukkottaiin Tamil Nadu. His Nair consort was given gifts and presents and special allowances from the Travancore government in recognition of his services to the state while his own descendants were bestowed with the honorific title of Dalawa.
In the 19th century the district saw progress in many spheres. One of the five subordinate courts opened in the state in connection with the reorganization of the judicial system by ColonelGeorge Monrowas located atMavelikkara.The first post office and first telegraph office in the former Travancore state were established in this district. The first manufacturing factory for thecoirmats was established in 1859. In 1894 the city Improvement Committee was set up.
The district played a role in the freedom struggle of the country. The struggles ofPunnapra and Vayalarin 1946 arrayed the people against SirC. P. Ramaswami Iyer,who was Dewan of Travancore. This led to Ramaswami Iyer's exit from the political scene of Travancore. A popular Ministry was formed in Travancore on 24 March 1948 after India's independence. Travancore andCochinstates were integrated on 1 July 1949. This arrangement continued until the formation of Kerala State on 1 November 1956, under theStates Reorganisation Act 1956.The district came into existence as a separate administrative unit on 1 August 1957.
Raja Kesavadas and Alappuzha
[edit]Raja Kesavadas,theDewanofTravancoreduring the reign ofDharma Raja Karthika Thirunal Rama Varmain 18th century was well known for his planning skills and administrative acumen. He was the master mind in developing the Alappuzha town.[17]
He found Alappuzha as an ideal location and constructing a well planned port city inTravancore.Alappuzha was most suitable, because of the geographical and oceanic reasons. He constructed two parallel canals for bringing goods to port from backwaters and offered infrastructural facilities to merchants and traders from Surat, Mumbai and Kutch to start industrial enterprises, trading, and cargo centres. Alappuzha attained progress and became the financial nerve centre of Travancore during his time.[18]The port was opened in 1762, mainly for the export of coir-matting and coir-yarn. Kesavadas built three ships for trade with Calcutta and Bombay, and alleppey afforded a convenient depot for the storage and disposal of goods produce in the east.[19]
Geography
[edit]Alappuzha is located at9°32′N76°24′E/ 9.54°N 76.40°E.[20]The average elevation is 1 metre (3.3 ft).[21] Alappuzha covers an area of 1,414 square kilometres (546 sq mi) and is flanked by 2,195 square kilometres (847 sq mi) ofVembanad Lake,where six major rivers spread out before joining the 80 km coast line of the district. The city of Alappuzha is crisscrossed by a system ofcanals,which is a part of theNational Waterway 3.[22]
The district is a sandy strip of land intercepted by lagoons, rivers and canals. There are no mountains or hills in the district except some scattered hillocks lying betweenBharanikkavuandChengannurblocks in the eastern portion of the district. There are no forest area in this district.
Alappuzha is bounded by the Laccadive Sea on its west. The town has a network of lakes, lagoons andfresh waterrivers. The richness of the coastal Alappuzha waters is expressed annually in the blooming and consequent deposit of a huge quantity of fishes andprawnson the Alappuzha coast called ‘[Chakara]’. This annual shifting of sandbank appears during the post-monsoon period and contributes to the local economy and is a festive season for the people of Kerala. The annual floods rejuvenate and cleanse the soil and water due to which there is abundance of marine life like prawns,lobsters,fishes, turtles and otherflorain the sea.
Thebackwatersandwetlandshost thousands of migrantcommon teal,ducksandcormorantsevery year who reach here from long distances. A major feature of the area is the region called Kuttanad, the 'granary of Kerala'.Kuttanadis also known as the rice bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. The paddy fields lie about 0.6 to 2 m below mean sea level.[14]
Climate
[edit]Owing to its proximity to the sea, the climate of Alappuzha is humid and hot during the summer, although it remains fairly cool and pleasant during the months of October and November. The average monthly temperature is 27 degrees Celsius. The district gets the benefit of two seasonal monsoons, as in other parts of the state. Alappuzha town experiences a long monsoon season with heavy showers as both theSouthwestandNortheast monsooninfluences the weather of Alappuzha. The South-west monsoon affects the climate in the months from June to September. On the other hand, the North-east monsoon brings rain from October to November. The average rainfall received by the region is 2763 mm.[23]
Climate data for Alappuzha (1991–2020, extremes 1944–2012) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 36.7 (98.1) |
37.4 (99.3) |
37.9 (100.2) |
38.2 (100.8) |
36.7 (98.1) |
37.2 (99.0) |
34.0 (93.2) |
34.2 (93.6) |
34.8 (94.6) |
35.6 (96.1) |
35.4 (95.7) |
36.6 (97.9) |
38.2 (100.8) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 32.7 (90.9) |
33.0 (91.4) |
33.6 (92.5) |
33.7 (92.7) |
32.8 (91.0) |
30.4 (86.7) |
29.4 (84.9) |
29.6 (85.3) |
30.5 (86.9) |
31.3 (88.3) |
32.0 (89.6) |
32.5 (90.5) |
31.8 (89.2) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 22.5 (72.5) |
23.6 (74.5) |
25.0 (77.0) |
25.4 (77.7) |
25.3 (77.5) |
23.9 (75.0) |
23.2 (73.8) |
23.5 (74.3) |
23.8 (74.8) |
23.8 (74.8) |
23.8 (74.8) |
22.9 (73.2) |
23.9 (75.0) |
Record low °C (°F) | 17.3 (63.1) |
18.7 (65.7) |
18.8 (65.8) |
19.2 (66.6) |
20.0 (68.0) |
19.5 (67.1) |
19.9 (67.8) |
19.4 (66.9) |
20.4 (68.7) |
19.3 (66.7) |
20.0 (68.0) |
17.8 (64.0) |
17.3 (63.1) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 16.3 (0.64) |
42.1 (1.66) |
62.7 (2.47) |
131.7 (5.19) |
274.1 (10.79) |
592.0 (23.31) |
485.9 (19.13) |
349.8 (13.77) |
296.5 (11.67) |
357.4 (14.07) |
175.8 (6.92) |
48.2 (1.90) |
2,832.4 (111.51) |
Average rainy days | 1.0 | 1.9 | 3.3 | 6.7 | 11.6 | 21.3 | 21.4 | 16.6 | 13.8 | 15.0 | 8.5 | 2.9 | 123.9 |
Averagerelative humidity(%)(at 17:30IST) | 68 | 70 | 73 | 74 | 78 | 86 | 88 | 87 | 84 | 81 | 78 | 71 | 86 |
Source:India Meteorological Department[24][25] |
Demographics
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/JainTempleAlappuzhaFrontPrd.jpg/250px-JainTempleAlappuzhaFrontPrd.jpg)
Year | Pop. | ±% |
---|---|---|
1991 | 174,666 | — |
2001 | 239,384 | +37.1% |
2011 | 240,991 | +0.7% |
Sources:
|
According to the 2011 census, Alappuzha Municipality+Outgrowths had a population of 240,991 with 116,439 men and 124,552 women. The City spreads over Alappuzha municipality and the outgrowths ofPunnapraandKalarcodevillages with an area of 65.57 km2(25.32 sq mi) and population density of 3,675 persons per square kilometre. There were 22,361 persons under six years of age. Theliteracy rateof Alappuzha city stands at 95.81% with 209,201 literates where 101,927 are males (97.3%) and 107,274 are females (94.43%). Alappuzha had a sex ratio of 1070.[27]
The population is predominantlyHindus,and there are sizeable numbers ofChristiansandMuslims.The most widely spoken language isMalayalam,although many people speakKonkani.
The standard dialect of Malayalam spoken is Central Travancore dialect.[28]Konkani is a language that is spoken in theKonkanregion. During the Portuguese and Dutch invasions of the 16th and 18th centuries, manyKonkanismigrated southwards toThuravoor,Cherthalaand Alappuzha in the state ofTravancoreas well as other places in Kerala likeCochin,Kodungalloor,andKollam.A majority of these people got settled in Alappuzha.[29][30][31]
Economy
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Alleppey_Boat_houses.jpg/220px-Alleppey_Boat_houses.jpg)
The economy of the district is based on agriculture and marine products. The agricultural activities predominantly revolve around theKuttanadregion, the rice bowl of Kerala. Though the district is industrially backward, some traditional industries based oncoirand coir products, marine products, handlooms, different types ofhandicrafts,toddy tappinghave been active from the very early times. The district is known as the traditional home of coir industry in Kerala.[32]
The availability of raw materials and the existence of backwaters and canals suitable for the getting of green husk and accessibility of transportation are the main factors of the development of this industry.Arabshad carried on trade in coir products from very ancient period. The manufacture of mats and mattings were first introduced in 1859 by James Durragh.[33]
The Coir Board was established by the Central Government under the provisions of the Coir Industry Act in 1955.[34]A coir research institute functions atKalavoor.[35]The National Coir Training and Designing Centre was established at Alappuzha in 1965.
Coiris the most important commodity manufactured in Alappuzha,Kayamkulam,Kokkothamangalam,Komalapuram,Mannancherry,MuhammaandVayalar.[36]Coir products are available inCherthalaandMannancherry,lime shell inArookuttyandKodamthuruth,plywoodinChengannur,Keltron controls inAroor,[37]potassium chlorideinMavelikkara,and coconuts and coconut oil inThanneermukkom.Other important commodities manufactured in these towns arecopra,glass, mats andmatches.[38]
In recent times, tourism has become a major source of revenue. This is mainly due to the presence ofhouseboatsthat provide the tourists with a view of the scenic backwaters of the town. Another reason is the proximity to other tourist spots likeMunnar,VarkalaandWayanad.Furthermore, as per the Tourist Statistics by Kerala Tourism, there is a 74.55% increase in tourists arriving in Alleppey between 2021 and 2020 while the average for the entire state stands at 51.09%.[39]
Backwater paddy cultivation
[edit]This sectionneeds additional citations forverification.(February 2023) |
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Kerala_Kuttanad2.jpg/220px-Kerala_Kuttanad2.jpg)
The major occupation in Alappuzha is farming. The Rice Bowl of Kerala, Kuttanadu is located in Alappuzha. Large farming areas nearVembanad Lakewere reclaimed from the lake. In earlier times, the reclamation was done mainly from the shallow part of theVembanad Lakeor from the periphery of river Pamba. These reclamations constituted small areas of paddy fields calledPadsekharam.The bailing out of water from those fields were done manually using water wheels (Chakram). Gradually the manual method used for bailing out of water gave way to steam engines.
Three stages can be identified in the reclamation of lands from the Vembanad Lake. In the first stage it was carried out by private entrepreneurs without any financial support from the part of the government. ThePattom Proclamation,made by the Travancore Kingdom in the year 1865, gave a great boost to the reclamation activities between 1865 and 1890. During this period de-watering of the polders were done manually, using waterwheels, restricting large-scale reclamations. Only about 250 hectares of land were reclaimed during this period. Venadu Lake and Madathil Lake that were reclaimed during this period are considered as the firstKayal Nilam(lake-reclaimed land) which were reclaimed from Vembanad Lake.[40]The pioneering reclamation activity of lake-reclamation and cultivation was made byPallithanam Luca Matthai.[41]The period between 1865 and 1890 is usually considered as the first phase of lake-cultivation.
The introduction of kerosene engines for dewatering resulted in the reclamation of wider areas of the lake for cultivation. It made the farmers consider venturing into the deeper parts of the lake. During the period between 1898 and 1903, reclamation activity was led byPallithanam Luca Mathai(alias Pallithanathu Mathaichen) who reclaimed the Cherukara and Pallithanam Moovayiram kayals.
The second phase (1890 to 1903) of reclamation activities came to a halt because of the ban on lake reclamation imposed by the Madras Government in 1903. Cherukali Kayal, Rama Rajapuram Kayal, Aarupanku Kayal, Pantharndu Panku Kayal, and Mathi Kayal were the other major reclamations during this period.
In 1912, the Madras Government approved a proposal from the Travencore Government for further reclamations in three stages. Under this reclamation scheme areas were notified for reclamation in blocks each named by an alphabet letter. Out of the total area of 19,500 acres of reclaimed land 12,000 acres were reclaimed between 1913 and 1920. The reclamations between 1914 and 1920 are known as new reclamations, which were carried out in three periods. In the first period Blocks A to G measuring 6300 Acres were reclaimed. C Block, D Block (Attumukham Aarayiram (Attumuttu Kayal), Thekke Aarayiram and Vadakke Aarayiram) and E Block (Erupathinalayiram Kayal) F Block (Judge's Aarayiram Kayal) and G Block (Kochu Kayal) are the major reclamations during this period. During the second period of new reclamation, blocks H to N measuring 3600 acres were reclaimed. During the third period of new reclamation, R Block measuring 1,400 acres were reclaimed.
Due to the steep decline in the price of rice during 1920 to 1940, the reclamation activities became sluggish, but they gained momentum again in the early 1940s. During this period, in order to increase the agricultural output, government initiated aGrow More Foodcampaign and provided incentives to encourage new reclamations. The advent of electric motors made the reclamation easier, cheaper and less risky as compared to the earlier periods. The last tract of the reclamations namely Q, S and T block were made during this period.[42]
Transport
[edit]Road
[edit]National highways
[edit]Nation Highway 66,connectingPanveltoKanyakumariruns through the Alappuzhacity centre.TheAlappuzha Bypasswas built to route the national highway around city centers between Kommady andKalarkode.National Highway 66 connects Alappuzha city to other major cities like Mumbai,Udupi,Mangalore,Kannur,Kozhikode,Ernakulam, Kollam and Trivandrum. There is a plan to upgradeState Highway 11to a national highway in order to help connect Alappuzha toKodaikanalas part of promoting the coastal-hill tourism project.[43]
State highways
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/KSRTC_Bus_stand_Alappuzha.jpg/250px-KSRTC_Bus_stand_Alappuzha.jpg)
There are eight state highways in Alappuzha district, of which three of them originates from Alappuzha town. State Highway 11 starts fromKalarcodeand ends atPerunna.This highway is locally known as AC road (Alappuzha-Changanassery road) and it covers a distance of 24.2 km. It is an important road which connects Alappuzha town withKottayam district.Stateway High 40is an interstate highway in Alappuzha district which connects Alappuzha town withMaduraiinTamil Nadu.It is the only interstate highway in Alappuzha district.State Highway 66originates from Alappuzha town and terminates atThoppumpady.[44]
There are two bus terminals are situated in Alappuzha town, one for KSRTC buses (situated near state water transport corporation headquarters, boat jetty road) and the V K soman memorial municipal bus stand for private buses and interstate bound contract carriage buses (situated near Vazhicherry). KSRTC buses connect Alappuzha with, among other places,Banglore,Mysore,Kollur,Mangalore,Chennai,Coimbatore,Trivandrum,andThiruvalla.SETCandTNSTCply many daily services to the city.Karnataka State Road Transport Corporationhave two daily services originating from Alappuzha.[citation needed]
Water
[edit]The presence of a lot of backwaters and canals makes water transport a popular means of transport.National Waterway-3passes through Alappuzha. There is aSWTDboat jetty in the city that lies opposite to theKSRTCbus stand. It is served by boat services to Kottayam and Kollam cities besides other small towns and jetties. Availing anSWTDboat is a cheaper alternative to houseboats for visiting tourists.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/The_Public_Transport_Through_Waters_in_Kerala.jpg/220px-The_Public_Transport_Through_Waters_in_Kerala.jpg)
Rail
[edit]Alappuzhais linked byErnakulam–Kayamkulam coastal railway lineand connects to cities like Trivandrum, Kollam, Cochin,Coimbatore,Chennai,Delhi,BokaroandMumbai.Therailway stationis about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the heart of the city.[45]A total of four trains originate from Alappuzha to cities likeKannur,Chennai,DhanbadandTatanagar.There are a lot of local trains running throughout the day, which connect Alappuzha to other towns near by. Since Alappuzha is a prime destination, trains from important cities likeDelhi,Chandigarh,Hyderabad,Bangalore,Mangalore,KozhikodeandAmritsarpass through this station.[46]
Air
[edit]Cochin International Airport,which is 78 kilometres (48 mi) to the North, is the closest airport.Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,159 kilometres (99 mi) to the South, is the other airport that links the district with other countries. International tourists use these airports to reach Alappuzha. The other nearest airports areCalicut(236 kilometres (147 mi)) andCoimbatore(254 kilometres (158 mi)) airports. A helipad in the town is reserved for government uses.
Administration and politics
[edit]Alappuzha city officials | |
---|---|
District Collector | John V SamuelIAS |
Municipal chairperson | (Mrs) jayamma[47] |
SP & District Police Chief | Chaitra Teresa John IPS[48] |
The two administrative systems prevailing in the district arerevenueandlocal self-government.Under the revenue system, the district is divided into two revenue divisions, sixtaluksand 91 villages. The two revenue divisions are Alappuzha division comprisingCherthala,AmbalappuzhaandKuttanadtaluks consisting of 47 villages andChengannurdivision comprisingKarthikapally,ChengannurandMavelikkarataluks consisting of 44 villages. For census purposes,Aroor,Arookutty,Kodamthuruth,ThanneermukkomVadakku, Thaneermukkam Thekku,VayalarEast andKokkothamangalamvillage, except the portions included inCherthalamunicipality are treated in the 1981 census as census towns based on the threefold criteria adopted for treating a place as census town.[citation needed]
Under the local self-government system, the district is divided into five statutory towns and development blocks consisting of 71panchayats.The jurisdiction of a Development Block includes the areas falling in census towns also.[49]
There were ninelegislative assemblysegments in Alappuzha district for the2011 Assembly elections.They areAroor,Cherthala,Alappuzha,Kuttanad,Haripad,Kayamkulam,MavelikkaraandChengannur.[50]
Alappuzha assembly constituency is part of Alappuzha (Lok Sabha constituency). The otherLok Sabhaconstituency of the district isMavelikkara.[51]
Parliament representatives | |||
---|---|---|---|
Name | Lok-Sabha constituency | Year | Political party |
P. K. Vasudevan Nair | Alappuzha | 1962–1977 | Communist Party of India (as Ambalappuzha seat) |
R.Achuthan | Mavelikara | 1962–1967 | Indian National Congress |
G.P. Mangalathumadom | Mavelikara | 1967–1971 | Samyukta Socialist Party |
R. Balakrishna Pillai | Mavelikara | 1971–1977 | Kerala Congress |
B.K. Nair | Mavelikara | 1977–1980 | Indian National Congress |
Suseela Gopalan | Alappuzha | 1980–1984 | Communist Party of India (Marxist) |
Prof. P.J. Kurien | Mavelikara | 1980–1984,1989-1998 | Indian National Congress |
Vakkom Purushotham | Alappuzha | 1984–1991 | Indian National Congress |
Thampan Thomas | Mavelikara | 1984–1989 | Janata Party |
T. J. Anjalose | Alappuzha | 1991–1996 | Communist Party of India (Marxist) |
Ramesh Chennithala | Mavelikara | 1999–2004 | Indian National Congress |
C.S. Sujatha | Mavelikara | 2004–2009 | Communist Party of India (Marxist) |
V.M Sudheeran | Alappuzha | 1977–1980, 1996–2004 | Indian National Congress |
Dr. K.S Manoj | Alappuzha | 2004–2009 | Communist Party Of India (Marxist) |
K.C Venugopal MP | Alappuzha | 2009- 2014 | Indian National Congress |
Kodikunnil SureshMP | Mavelikara | 2009-2014 | Indian National Congress |
K.C Venugopal MP | Alappuzha | 2009- 2014 | Indian National Congress |
Kodikunnil SureshMP | Mavelikara | 2009-2014 | Indian National Congress |
K.C Venugopal MP | Alappuzha | 2014- 2019 | Indian National Congress |
Kodikunnil SureshMP | Mavelikara | 2014-2019 | Indian National Congress |
A. M. Ariff | Alappuzha | 2019- | Communist Party of India (Marxist) |
Kodikunnil SureshMP | Mavelikara | 2019- | Indian National Congress |
Education
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/St._Joseph%27s_College_for_Women_Alappuzha.jpg/220px-St._Joseph%27s_College_for_Women_Alappuzha.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Alappuzha_Medical_College.jpg/220px-Alappuzha_Medical_College.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Leo_XIII_HSS%2C_Alappuzha.jpg/220px-Leo_XIII_HSS%2C_Alappuzha.jpg)
There are schools, computer institutes and colleges all over the district, with nine training schools, 405 lower primary schools, 105 high schools and 87 higher secondary schools.[52]
The first school in Alappuzha, theChurch Missionary Society(CMS) School, was established in 1816. The school was established by the Rev. Thomas Norton, the first CMS missionary to India. The school is run by theCSIChrist Church, Alappuzha. The first higher secondary school in Alappuzha was the Leo XIIIth Higher Secondary School, which was opened on 1 June 1889 by Portuguese BishopJohn Gomes PereiraofCochin.The first polytechnic college in Alappuzha was the Carmel Polytechnic College, established by Fr. Gilbert Palaekunnel and it is managed by CMI Congregation. Carmel is the academically top-ranked polytechnic in the state still.[53]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/Cemp2.jpg/220px-Cemp2.jpg)
Colleges in Alappuzha offer bothgraduateandpostgraduatecourses for their students.[54]
Major college institutes
[edit]- College of Engineering, Cherthala[55]
- Cochin University College of Engineering Kuttanad[56]
- Sanatana Dharma College[57]
- S. D. V. College of Arts and Applied Science[58]
- Sree Narayana College Cherthala-SN College Kanjikkuzhy[59]
- N.S.S. College, Cherthala[60]
- Government College, Ambalappuzha[61]
- College of Engineering and Management, Punnapra[62]
- Mar Gregorios College Punnapra[63]
- College of Engineering Chengannur[64]
- College of Applied Sciences, Mavelikkara[65]
- Carmel College of Engineering and Technology Alappuzha[66]
- Government T D Medical College, Alappuzha[67]
- St Joseph's College for Women, Alappuzha[68]
- St Michael's College, Cherthala[69]
- T. K. Madhava Memorial College[70]
- St. Aloysius College Edathua[71]
- Bishop Moore CollegeMavelikkara
- Milad-E-Sherief Memorial College, Kayamkulam(MSM)
- Christian College, Chengannur
Religious buildings and shrines
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/Mar_Sleeva_Forane_Church.jpg/220px-Mar_Sleeva_Forane_Church.jpg)
Hindu temples in Alappuzha (Alleppey)
[edit]- Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple
- Anandeshwaram Mahadeva Temple
- Chakkulathukavu Temple(Bhagavathy Temple)
- Chettikulangara Devi Temple
- Chengannur Mahadeva Temple
- Cheriyanad Sree Balasubrahmanya Swami Temple
- Chunakkara Thiruvairoor Mahadevar Temple
- Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple
- Kanichukulangara Devi Temple
- Kuttikattu Sree Bhadra Kali Devi Temple
- Karthyayani Devi Temple, Cherthala
- Kandiyoor Sree Mahadeva Temple,Mavelikkara
- Karayamvattam Hanuman Temple
- Mannarasala Temple(Sree Nagaraja Temple)
- Maruthorvattom Sri Dhanwanthari Temple, Cherthala
- Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
- Mavelikara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple
- Padanilam Parabrahma Temple,Nooranad
- Thripuliyoor Mahavishnu Temple
- Thrikkunnappuzha Sree Dharmasastha Temple
- Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple
- Thuravoor Mahakshetram
- Thiruvizha Mahadeva Temple, Cherthala
- Valiyakulangara Devi Temple,Karthikappally
- Vettikodu Sri Nagararaja Temple
- Mararikulam Sree Mahadeva Temple
Christian churches in Alappuzha (Alleppey)
[edit]- St Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal
- St. George/Paul Forane Church
- Basilica of St Mary, Champakulam (Chambakulam kalloorkadu Basilica)
- St Thomas Church, Thumpoly(Thumpoly pally)
- Our Lady of Assumption Church, Poomkavu
- St. Mary's Forane Church, Pulinkunnoo
- St Mary's Forane Church, Thankey
- St Mary's Forane Church, Pallipuram
- Mount Carmel Cathedral Church, Alappuzha
- St Thomas Orthodox Cathedral,Karthikappally
Muslim mosques in Alappuzha (Alleppey)
[edit]- Maqam Masjid,civil station ward, Alappuzha.[72]
- Saukar Masjid,a mosque built in 1850.[73]
- Makidusha Jumah Masjid Alappy
- Kizhake Masthan Jumah Masjid
- Padinjaare Jumah Masjid
- Thekke Jumah Masjid
- Kadhar Ali Bava Thykaav Dargah
- Purakkad Mosque Dargah
- Zilla Court Jumah Makidusha
- Kakkazhom Jumah Masjid
Sports
[edit]Alappuzha is globally famous for snake boat races, especially the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in thePunnamada Lakenear Alappuzha. In 1952, whenJawaharlal Nehru,the first prime minister of India, visited Kerala, the people of Alleppey decided to give a special entertainment for their prestigious guest and conducted a snake boat race. Nehru got so excited by this event and he jumped into 'Nadubhagam Chundan' (a snake boat), ignoring the security officials. By this excitement of sailing in a snake boat he donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the race. Other than this snake boat racecricket,football,basketballandrowingare among the most popular sports in town. In 2015, theKerala Cricket Associationinaugurated theKCA Cricket Stadium Alappuzha,which is an A-class cricket stadium.[74]Another stadium named as EMS Stadium or municipal stadium is under construction as of 2021.
Notable people
[edit]![]() | This article's list of residentsmay not follow Wikipedia'sverifiabilitypolicy.(February 2021) |
- Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai- Novelist and short story writer, recipient of India's highest literary award, the Jnanpith.
- Vayalar Ramavarma- Malayalam poet and film lyricist
- Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker- Social reformer inKerala
- M. K. Sanu– writer, critic and social activist, a permanent member of the International body for Human rights
- Irayimman Thampi- Carnatic musician as well as a music composer from Kerala
- Kavalam Narayana Panicker- director, poet
- S. D. Shibulal- chief executive officer and managing director ofInfosys
- Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru- Founder ofSanthigiri Ashram
- Ganesh Puthur- Writer, Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award Winner
- P. S. Karthikeyan- Former Secretary, S. N. Trust, former Director ofSNDPYogam, former Member of the Legislative Assembly (Aroor), Chief Editor of Dinamani daily
- P. Narayana Kurup- Malayalam Poet
- Joy J. Kaimaparamban- English and Malayalam author
- Itty Achudan- the major contributor of ethno-medical information for the compilation ofHortus Malabaricus
- Eleanour Sinclair Rohde- British gardener and writer on horticulture
- V. P. Sivakumar- short story writer
- Justice C.T.Ravikumar- Supreme Court Judge.
- M. G. Sreekumar- Musician, singer and music director
- Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma- Poet and lyricist
- Kavalam Sreekumar- Classical musician, playback singer, composer
- Nedumudi Harikumar- Poet, Writer
- Rajeev Alunkal- lyricist, poet and orator
Religion
[edit]- Karunakara Guru- founder of Santhigiri Ashramam
- Palackal Thoma Malpan- founder of theCarmelites of Mary Immaculate
- Mgr. Joseph C. Panjikaran- founder of the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph
- Antony Theodore- Christian educator, poet, social worker
- SaintKuriakose Elias Chavara- Christian saint
Politics
[edit]- A. K. Antony- three times Chief Minister of Kerala inUDFMinistry, former Indian Defence Minister
- V. S. Achuthanandan- former chief minister of Kerala and one of the most senior communist politicians of India
- Ramesh Chennithala- former Home Minister and Former Leader of the opposition of Kerala, current legislative assembly member of Haripad constituency.
- Suseela Gopalan- Former Kerala Industries Minister and Communist Leader
- K. R. Gowri- Revenue Minister in first KeralaLDFministry, initiated theland reformsin Kerala, Agriculture minister in Kerala UDF Ministry
- Vayalar Ravi- former Home minister of Kerala in UDF Ministry, former Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs
- C. K. Chandrappan- communist leader and former Member of Parliament
- S. Ramachandran Pillai- Politburo member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and General Secretary of All India Kisan Sabha (Peasants Union)
- G. Sudhakaran- member of theCommunist Party of India (Marxist)and former PWD minister of Kerala
- P. Parameswaran- Director of Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram; philosopher
Cinema
[edit]- Sreekumaran Thampi- lyricist, director, producer and screenwriter in Malayalam cinema
- Jomon T. John- Indian cinematographer
- Ratheesh- Malayalam film actor
- Kunchacko- Indian film producer and director
- Nedumudi Venu- Malayalam film actor.
- Fazil- Malayalam film director
- Kunchacko Boban- Malayalam film actor
- Riaz M T- Malayalam film actor
- Fahadh Faasil- Malayalam film actor
- Jagannatha Varma- Kathakali artist, actor in Malayalam film and serial
- Ashokan- Malayalam film actor
- Rajan P. Dev– Malayalam film actor and drama/theatre person
- S. L. Puram Sadanandan- Malayalam playwright and film scriptwriter
- Chelangatt Gopalakrishnan- writer and film critic
- Radhika (Malayalam actress)- Malayalam film actress
- Navodaya Appachan- Malayalam movie producer and businessman
- Jijo Punnoose- film director
- Padmarajan- film director
- Narendra Prasad- film actor, writer and critic
- KPAC Lalitha- Malayalam film actress
- Beeyar Prasad- Indian Malayalam lyricist and poet
- Madhu Muttom- Screenwriter ofManichitrathazhu,Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal
- Samantha Ruth Prabhu- Actress
- Navya Nair- Actress
- MG Sreekumar- Playback Singer
Sport
[edit]- Prasanth Parameswaran- Kerala first class cricketer (Indian Premier LeagueandRoyal Challengers Bangaloreplayer)
- Saji Thomas- sportsman and Arjuna awardee
- K. Udayakumar-India men's national volleyballPlayer,Arjuna Awardee
See also
[edit]- Alappuzha East
- Alappuzha West
- Alappuzha Lighthouse
- Alappuzha Beach
- Ernakulam-Kayamkulam coastal railway line
- KCA Cricket Stadium, Alappuzha
- List of people from Alappuzha
- Technical Higher Secondary School, Cherthala,Pallippuram
- Travancore Labour Association
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External links
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
Alappuzhatravel guide from Wikivoyage
- Kerala State Water Transport Department official website
- Official website of Alappuzha District
- Backwaters of AlappuzhaArchived19 December 2019 at theWayback Machine
- Venice of the East, Alleppey