The document provides a detailed history of Thalassery (Tellicherry), India, originally known as Shwetaranyapura. It describes how the town emerged as a trade center for spices attracting Portuguese, Dutch, French and British traders who established warehouses and ports in the 15th-18th centuries. It also summarizes the major religious sites, communities, cultural practices like Theyyam performances, and industries that were important to the town's history such as spice and oil production.
The document provides a detailed history of Thalassery (Tellicherry), India, originally known as Shwetaranyapura. It describes how the town emerged as a trade center for spices attracting Portuguese, Dutch, French and British traders who established warehouses and ports in the 15th-18th centuries. It also summarizes the major religious sites, communities, cultural practices like Theyyam performances, and industries that were important to the town's history such as spice and oil production.
The document provides a detailed history of Thalassery (Tellicherry), India, originally known as Shwetaranyapura. It describes how the town emerged as a trade center for spices attracting Portuguese, Dutch, French and British traders who established warehouses and ports in the 15th-18th centuries. It also summarizes the major religious sites, communities, cultural practices like Theyyam performances, and industries that were important to the town's history such as spice and oil production.
The facts suggests that, the town was initially known as Thiruvangadu (old village, meaning big forests), as mentioned in Gazetteer of Madras Provinces published during First World War. But as per the legends, it was initially known as “Shwetaranyapura” (Shweta - white , aranya - forests, pura - city) - This is dated back to the times of the sage Shweta Muni or the scholar Shwetaketu (a Shavitie Scholar) The British renamed it as Tellicherry meaning head quarters of Cherries - the streets, kachahari - taluka In 1498AD Portuguese landed at Calicut, and later during the British Period it was established as the Headquarters of the Malabar district. Thalassery emerged as Headquarters of North Kerela and Headquarters of South Kerela was Palakkad. Vasco-Da-Gama although landed at Calicut first but the trade first began with Kolotharis. Now known as Palayagadi, there was a famous port Madai which was their centre. The Portuguese and Dutch established their warehouses during the late fifteenth century. King Samudri was against growing interference of the Portuguese and so were the localities. In the later period, French also came here, and Punnol (under the ownership of Local ruler - Kurungothu Nair) became an active Port. In the first part of the seventeenth century, French built their warehouses in Punnol. They settled their and started collecting Spices. French contacted the local ruler, Kurungothu Nair who was under the Kottayam ruler for their support. Next it was the British, who joined in the race of trade. They directly contacted the Charrakal Palace, residence of the Kolothary Ruler. He gave them permission build their stores. It was the period, when the French-British fights were happening in the Europe. The same reflected over here, French were against the growing successful trade of the British and the local Kurungothu ruler was burning under the fire of negligence by British. So thus, very soon around the beginning of the 18th century British faced attacks at the Thalassery centres. This enforced their demand to establish a fortified factory and they got the permission. The construction of the fort started in 1702AD and finished by 1708AD. As the different companies came, they established their own warehouses in and around the port area. Portuguese built the Rosary Church. British had built their own fort and factory. A Sub Collector‟s Bungalow was established in the close proximity to the fort. T.H. Baber built Palli Centre Bungalow. District Court and District Judge‟s bungalow was established. Sir Brown built a Bungalow over here similar to his bungalow in England at the banks of river Thames. The campus has now been converted to Kannur Medical College. In the St. Peters Area, several hospitals established. A Coffee Curing Centre of Volkart was constructed. Mumballi‟s bakery was the first in India located here Chirrakal Shiva Temple + Temple Pond Thiruvangad Temple, one of the ancient temples, dated back to more than 2500 years. Jagannatha Temple -established by Sri Narayana Guru for especially lower communities but people from all classes were allowed. Thodikalam Temple - demolished by British Army in 1797AD, led by Col Dunlop and Col Dove by the order of General Stewart 20 kms from Thalassery, Kannur Kootkumparambi road, famous for Snake worship. Thirukai Centre Temple, which had a 16acre tank, which now has became 10 acres only. Currently under Kottayam kings. Konkani Brahmins established Lakshmi Narayana temple Kadirur Surya Narayana Temple Small shrine at the back of the Juma Masjid Old mosque in Valvattanam (more than 1000yrs old). Odathil Palli, primarily belonging to Keyis but all are allowed, burial only of Keyis. Stadium Juma Masjid , one of the very old mosques. Islam came here around 1400 years ago, by Arabs who came here for trade Mattambram Palli Peringadi Mosque near New Mahe Vallapattanam Mosque Molliangomme Mosque- people from all communities came for worshipping while going to sea Ibu Minar mosque „Arrakal Kingdom‟, first Muslim kingdom, have a Matriarchal system Rosary Church, under Goan Diocese o In 1609 AD, Archbishop of Varapura adopted this church, thus then it came under KERELA DIOCESE Anglican Church St. Peter‟s Church KAAVU PALLIYARA GURUKULAMS THARAVADS o Akkaraveedu, old tharavad o Tharavad of CVN o Tharavad of Prof. K.T. Ravindran o Under the Bishop of Thalassery (between Kadirur-Nayauar Road) MALIAKKAL RESIDENCES KEYI community Houses, first Keyi was Haukarnausa, who became commisioner agent of East India Company, managing imports and exports. PIERS: dated back to more than 100 years old. Used for transportation purposes; built by British. HOUSES: Chandu Menon‟s house, now completely demolished Sattiu Sanya‟s house, a very famous author Seshagiri Prabhu‟s house, an eminent Theatre person, very old house with a European appearance Lingileri House in Kothuparambu Thalassery is known worldwide for the best spices and oil. Tellicherry Pepper, Cinnamon and Oil were the main agents which attracted the traders. Sir Mardok Brown established once biggest Cinnamon estate of Asia in Ancharakandi. The town is famous for its 3 C‟s, Cakes, Cricket and Circus. British used to bring along with them their Army , to feed them they needed Bakers. Thus soon the localities learnt the baking techniques and Bakeries were established over here. Arthur Welleselley is considered responsible for the attraction of Cricket in Thalassery. Theyyam - It is another major magnet of the area attracting, it is performed solely by specific communities only. There exist more than 400 types of Theyyams. Kaavas have their associative value with them. British banned Kallari weapons A Kallari, 100yrs back in Thalassery against British Tharavad of CVN, outhouse first Kallari, for Kallari Martial Arts and sytems of Medicine Kallari-Kuzhi Kallari, no permanent buildings, but had the centres with absolute unique measurements For traditional Kallari, pit must be made JHETKHAS: horse carts, old Jhetkhas with wood, later with Brass BRUHAM: pulled by 3-4 horses HANDLOOM: special Kannur centre, German influence, Pil looms used for bathing towels Weaver‟s street, weavers centre in Kannur Street LAMP, special kerosene street lamps EDUCATION centres ANGLO INDIAN COMMUNITY, near Nettar Story of PALASHI and his BALLADS Community of Performers More than 400 types Mega festivals of Theyyam- Perungodiyattam once in 10-15 years Meaning of Kaavu- full of trees Theyyam done in two stages Oorachari Gurukulam- 3 gurus o Gurus- teachers of Sanskrit o Scholars in Sanskrit and Malayalam o They claim to be Guru of Gundert
Grand Moving Diorama of Hindostan: Displaying the Scenery of the Hoogly, the Bhagirathi, and the Ganges, from Fort William, Bengal, to Gangoutri, in the Himalaya