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Thrissur Travel Guide
The term Thrissur is the abbreviated anglicized form of the Malayalam word "THRISSIVAPERUR"
which means the town of the "SACRED SIVA". The town is built on an elevated
ground, at the apex of which is the famous "VADAKKUMNATHAN" Temple.
A place of great antiquity, Thrissur was also known as "VRISHABHADRIPURAM"
and "TEN KAILASAM" in ancient days. 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. It can
also claim to have played an important part in fostering cultural relations and
in laying the foundation of a cosmopolitan and compose culture in this part of
the country. 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 the course of its long and
chequered history, the Perumpadappu Swarupam had its capital at different places.
We learn from the literary works of the period that the Perumpadappu Swarupam
had its headquarters at Mahodayapuram and that a number of Naduvazhies in Southern
and Central Kerala recognized the supremacy of the Perumpadappu Moopil. The Perumpadappu
Moopil is even referred to as the "Kerala Chakravarthi" in the "Sivavilasam"
and some other works. One of the landmarks in the history of the Perumpadapu
Swarupam is the foundation of a new era called Pudu Vaipu Era. The Pudu Vaipu
Era is traditionally believed to have commenced from the date of which the island
of Vypeen was thrown from the sea. The 14th and 15 centuries constituted
a period of aggressive wars in the course of which the Samorins of Calicut acquired
a large part of the present Thrissur District. In the subsequent centuries
the Portugese dominated the scene. By the beginning of the 17th century the Portugese
power in Kerala was on the verge of collapse. About this time other European
powers like the Dutch and the English appeared on the scene and challenged the
Portugese. Internal dissension in the Perumpadappu Swarupam helped the Dutch in
getting a footing on the Kerala Coast. As the Kerala Chiefs were conscious of
the impending doom of the Portugese, they looked upon the Dutch as the rising
power and extended a hearty welcome to them. The decadence and consequential
want of solidarity opened the flood gates of aggression. Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan
figured very prominently during the period.
Thrissur Travel Guide , Kerala
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