ALAPPUZHA
Alappuzha is a
very important place in Kerala and have witnessed many revolutions in the
past. It is the Land Mark between the broad Arabian sea and a net work of
rivers flowing into it. Though the present town owes its existence to
the sagacious Diwan Rajakesavadas in the second half of 18th century,
district of Alappuzha figures in classified Literature.
Alleppy also
known as kuttanadu is the rice
bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and
canals with lush green coconut palms , was well known even from the early
periods of the Sangam age.
Alleppey
district was formed on 17th of August 1957.The name of the district Alleppey,
the anglicized form was changed as ‘Alappuzha’ in February, 1990. It is assumed that the name of Alappuzha
was derived by the geographical position and physical features of the place
which means ”the land between the sea and the network of rivers flowing into
it".
Modern Alleppey
During the reign of Dharmaraja the district was improved by all
means. Raja Kesava Das, who was known as the
‘Maker of modern Alleppey’, the then Diwan of Travancore made Alappuzha a premier port town of Travancore.
He constructed several roads and canals to improve communications and built
warehouses. He gave all facilities to merchants and traders from far and
near. During the reign of Balaramavarma Maharaja, Velu Thampi Dalava took
keen interest in the development of the town and port. He brought the whole
area of the island Pathiramanal under coconut cultivation and large tracts
under paddy cultivation. The role of Velu Thampi Dalava in the development
of Alappuzha is worth mentioning. In the 19th century the district attained
progress in all spheres. One of the five subordinate courts opened in the
state in connection with the reorganization of the judicial system by
Colonel Munro was located at Mavelikkara. The credit of having the first
post office and first telegraph office in the erstwhile Travancore state
goes to this district.
Punnapra-Vayalar
The historic struggles of Punnapra and Vayalar in 1946 stiffened
the attitude of the people against Sir C.P.Ramaswamy Iyer, Diwan of
Travancore, which ultimately led to his exit from the political scene of
Travancore. After India became independent, a popular Ministry was formed in
Travancore in 1948 and on in 1949 Travancore and Cochin
states were integrated and the position continue till the formation of
Kerala State on Ist November 1956 as per the States Reorganization Act 1956.
The district came into existence as a separate administrative unit on Ist
August 1957 .
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