Difference between revisions of "Culture of Thiruvananthapuram" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Tvm legmuseum.jpg|thumb|200px|The Legislative Museum]]
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[[Image:Location of Thiruvananthapuram Kerala.png|thumb|right|200px|Thiruvananthapuram]]
The city of [[Thiruvananthapuram]] has been the center of cultural activities of [[Kerala]] ([[India]]) from the time it served as capital of [[Travancore]] in 1745, emerging as a major intellectual and artistic center. The Thiruvananthapuram Museum and Thiruvananthapuram Zoo started during the reign of [[Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma|Swathi Thirunal]] (1813–1847), constituting one of the oldest of their kind in India.<ref name="Swathi Thirunal related institutions">
+
 
{{cite web
+
The city of [[Thiruvananthapuram]] has been the center of cultural activities of [[Kerala]] ([[India]]) from the time it served as capital of [[Travancore]] in 1745, emerging as a major intellectual and artistic center. The Thiruvananthapuram Museum and Thiruvananthapuram Zoo started during the reign of [[Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma|Swathi Thirunal]] (1813–1847), constituting one of the oldest of their kind in India.<ref>Swathi Thirunal, [http://www.swathithirunal.in/rlinsti/musiume.htm A Brief History of the Trivandrum Museum, Zoo and Gardens]. Retrieved November 26, 2017.</ref> The city's libraries include the British Library and [[Trivandrum Public library]], started in 1829.<ref>Swathi Thirunal, [http://www.swathithirunal.in/rlinsti/publibrary.htm Thiruvananthapuram Public Library]. Retrieved November 26, 2017.</ref> The 'Swathi Thirunal College of Music' and 'College of fine arts' stand at the forefront to schools of music and arts. The people of Thiruvananthapuram sometimes hear themselves referred to as "Trivandrumites."
| publisher=C-DIT
+
{{toc}}
| work=Swathi Thirunal related institutions
+
Thiruvananthapuram, located in on the [[southwest tip of India]], has played a role in wave after wave of cultural renaissances. Remote from the traditional invasion routes in the north, and protected by the northern states that dealt with invaders first, Thiruvananthapuram and the civilizations of southern India have enjoyed the relatively free development of a [[Hindu]]-based culture. [[Jain]], [[Buddhist]], [[Greco-Roman]], [[Christian]], and [[Islamic]] influences have been present in Thiruvananthapuram and infused into painting, sculpture, literature, poetry, dance, and, more recently, film but those influences have not been imposed upon the culture. The result is a distinctively [[Culture of India|Indian cultural]] representation centered out of Thiruvananthapuram.
| url=http://www.swathithirunal.in/rlinsti/musiume.htm
 
| title=Institutes by Swathi Thirunal
 
| accessdate=2006-09-30
 
}}
 
</ref> The city's libraries include the British Library and [[Trivandrum Public library]], started in 1829.<ref name="Thiruvananthapuram Public Library">
 
{{cite web
 
| publisher=C-DIT
 
| work=Swathi Thirunal related institutions
 
| url=http://www.swathithirunal.in/rlinsti/publibrary.htm
 
| title=Trivandrum Public Library
 
| accessdate=2006-09-30
 
}}
 
</ref> The 'Swathi Thirunal College of Music' and 'College of fine arts' stand at the forefrong to schools of music and arts. The people of Thiruvananthapuram sometimes hear themselves referred to as "Trivandrumites."
 
  
 
== Literature ==
 
== Literature ==
Many great poets and men of letters from ancient times lived in Thiruvananthapuram, Ayyipillai Asan (15th or 16th Century AD) of Avaaduthura near [[Kovalam]] numbering among them.<ref name="Ayyippillai Asan">
+
Many great poets and men of letters from ancient times lived in Thiruvananthapuram, Ayyipillai Asan (fifteenth or sixteenth century C.E.) of Avaaduthura near [[Kovalam]] numbering among them. He wrote his famous work ''Ramakadhapattu'', which represents a stage in the evolution of the southern dialect of [[Malayalam]]. Unnayi Warrier and [[Kalakkaththu Kunchan Nambiar|Kunchan Nambiar]] represent two of the most outstanding poets patronized by the royal family of [[Travancore]]. The reign of Maharaja [[Swathi Thirunal]] (1813–1846), the royal composer, saw the golden age of [[Carnatic music]] in Kerala. The contribution of Swathi Thirunal in the realm of music has enriched even the cultural heritage of [[India]]. Irayimman Thampi (1782–1856), a contemporary of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, stands out as another composer of great originality and deep learning. Kerala Varma Valiakoi Thampuran, a scholar and poet, belonged to this period.
{{cite web
+
[[Image:Tvm legmuseum.jpg|thumb|200px|The Legislative Museum]]
| publisher=National Informatics Centre
+
Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a cultural renaissance in twentieth century. Kerala Varma Valiakoi Thampuran (1845–1914), who spent a major part of his life in [[Thiruvananthapuram]], translated [[Kalidasa]]’s [[Abhijñānaśākuntalam]] into Malayalam which won him the title of ''Kerala Kalidasa,'' earning him regard as the father of modern Malayalam prose.
| work=Arts and Culture in Trivandrum
 
| url=http://trivandrum.nic.in/art.html
 
| title=Ayyippilli Asan
 
| accessdate=2006-09-30
 
}}
 
</ref> He wrote his famous work Ramakadhapattu, which represents a stage in the evolution of the southern dialect of [[Malayalam]]. Unnayi Warrier and [[Kalakkaththu Kunchan Nambiar|Kunchan Nambiar]] represent two of the most outstanding poets patronized by the royal family of [[Travancore]]. The reign of Maharaja [[Swathi Thirunal]] (1813–1846), the royal composer, saw the golden age of [[Carnatic music]] in Kerala. The contribution of Swathi Thirunal in the realm of music has enriched even the cultural heritage of [[India]]. Irayimman Thampi (1782–1856), a contemporary of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, stands out as another composer of great originality and deep learning. Varma Valiakoi Thampuran, a scholar and poet, belonged to this period.<!-- Who is this ? Is there is anybody who is popularly known only as "Vidwan Koi Thampuran." If this is Kerala Varma Valiakoi Thampuran, he should be named as such. —>
 
 
 
Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a cultural renaissance in twentieth century. Kerala Varma Valiakoi Thampuran (1845–1914), who spent a major part of his life in [[Thiruvananthapuram]], translated [[Kalidasa]]’s [[Abhijñānaśākuntalam]] into Malayalam which won him the title of '' Kerala Kalidasa '', earning him regard as the father of modern Malayalam prose.
 
  
The contributions of [[A. R. Raja Raja Varma]] (1863–1918), known as ”Kerala Panini,” marked an important stage in the development of Malayalam literature. Another notable writer, [[C. V. Raman Pillai]] (1858–1922), had been a novelist par excellence<ref name="C.V. Raman Pillai">
+
The contributions of [[A. R. Raja Raja Varma]] (1863–1918), known as ”Kerala Panini,” marked an important stage in the development of Malayalam literature. Another notable writer, [[C. V. Raman Pillai]] (1858–1922), was a novelist par excellence. [[Kumaran Asan|Mahakavi Kumaran Asan]] (1873–1924) and Mahakavi [[Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer]] (1877–1949) emerged as the two outstanding poets from Thiruvananthapuram; Kumaran Asan standing as the true representative of the cultural renaissance. Ulloor was not only a poet but also a scholar, researcher, and historian.
{{cite web
 
| publisher=Public Relations Department, GoK
 
| work=New Movement in Malayalam Literature
 
| url=http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/romanticmoving.htm
 
| title=C.V. Raman Pillai
 
| accessdate=2006-09-30
 
}}
 
</ref>. [[Kumaran Asan|Mahakavi Kumaran Asan]] (1873–1924) and Mahakavi [[Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer]] (1877–1949) emerged as the two outstanding poets from Thiruvananthapuram; Kumaran Asan standing as the true representative of the cultural renaissance. Ulloor had been not only a poet but, also, a scholar, researcher and historian.
 
  
[[Sreekanteswaram Padmanabha Pillai]] who hailed from here, wrotte [[Shabdatharavali]], the comprehensive dictionary in Malayalam. The two all-time great social reformers in Kerala [[Narayana Guru]] and [[Chattampi Swamikal]] had been born here. They contributed much to the Malayalam literature through their books.
+
[[Sreekanteswaram Padmanabha Pillai]] wrote [[Shabdatharavali]], the comprehensive [[dictionary]] in Malayalam. The two all-time great social reformers in Kerala [[Narayana Guru]] and [[Chattampi Swamikal]] were born there. They contributed much to the Malayalam literature through their books.
  
 
== Painting and Sculpture ==
 
== Painting and Sculpture ==
 
[[Image:Meramaid1.jpg|thumb|200px|'''Giant Statue''' of '''Mermaid''' at [[Shankumugham Beach]]]]
 
[[Image:Meramaid1.jpg|thumb|200px|'''Giant Statue''' of '''Mermaid''' at [[Shankumugham Beach]]]]
Contributions of Thiruvananthapuram to painting have been immense. The earliest of murals from the Kerala tradition had been found in a small cave-shrine at Thirunandikkara in south Travancore, now a part of [[Tamil Nadu]]. The themes of those murals evidently draw from Hindu lore, but the style closely resembles the [[Buddhist]] tradition, believed to belong come from the 9th century. Siva, Parvathi and Ganapathi number among the figures represented. [[Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple]] at Thiruvananthapuram has several murals, which belongs to the 18th century. The paintings at Koikal Temple at Attingal bear close resemblance to those in the Padmanabha Swami Temple, examples of 16th century Kerala
+
Contributions of Thiruvananthapuram to painting have been immense. The earliest of murals from the Kerala tradition had been found in a small cave-shrine at Thirunandikkara in south Travancore, now a part of [[Tamil Nadu]]. The themes of those murals evidently draw from Hindu lore, but the style closely resembles the [[Buddhist]] tradition, believed to belong come from the ninth century. Siva, Parvathi and Ganapathi number among the figures represented. [[Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple]] at Thiruvananthapuram has several murals, which belongs to the eighteenth century. The paintings at Koikal Temple at Attingal bear close resemblance to those in the Padmanabha Swami Temple, examples of sixteenth century Kerala
paintings.<ref name="Mural Paintings">
+
paintings.
{{cite web
+
| publisher=National Informatics Centre
+
[[Raja Ravi Varma]] (1848–1905), an illustrious painter of the district, stands at the cross-roads of Indian art history. Ravi Varma’s contribution to Indian painting was substantial and singular, earning him official regard as ''a prince among painters and painter among princes'' by the Kerala government.<ref>Indian Art Circle, [http://www.indianartcircle.com/arteducation/ravi.shtml Raja Ravi Varma]. Retrieved November 26, 2017.</ref> The Sri Chitra Art Gallery preserves some of the most famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. The Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple at Thiruvananthapuram has preserved the relics of the best traditions of stone sculpture in the State.
| work=Arts and Culture in Trivandrum
 
| url=http://trivandrum.nic.in/art.html
 
| title=Mural Paintings in Trivandrum
 
| accessdate=2006-09-30
 
}}
 
</ref>
 
[[Raja Ravi Varma]] (1848–1905), an illustrious painter of the district, stands at the cross-roads of Indian art history. Ravi Varma’s contribution to Indian painting had been  substantial and singular,<ref name="Raja Ravi Varma">
 
{{cite web
 
| publisher=Indian Art Circle
 
| work=Paintings
 
| url=http://www.indianartcircle.com/arteducation/ravi.shtml
 
| title=Raja Ravi Varma
 
| accessdate=2006-09-30
 
}}
 
</ref> earning him official regard as ''a prince among painters and painter among princes'' by the Kerala government.<ref name="Raja Ravi Varma painter">
 
{{cite web
 
| publisher=Government of Kerala
 
| work=Arts and Culture
 
| url=http://www.tvm.kerala.gov.in/art&culture.htm
 
| title=Raja Ravi Varma - painter prince
 
| accessdate=2006-10-18
 
}}
 
</ref> The Sri Chitra Art Gallery preserve some of the most famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. The Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple at Thiruvananthapuram has preserved the relics of the best traditions of stone sculpture in the State.
 
  
 
Thiruvananthapuram city possess many statues in Kerala. The statues of freedom fighters, political leaders, rulers of [[Travancore]] abound throughout the city, as well as statues in other categories such as animals and fiction.
 
Thiruvananthapuram city possess many statues in Kerala. The statues of freedom fighters, political leaders, rulers of [[Travancore]] abound throughout the city, as well as statues in other categories such as animals and fiction.
  
 
== Film ==
 
== Film ==
[[Image:Iffk logo.JPG|left|frame|Logo - International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK)]]
+
A strong film culture prevails in the city, serving as home to animation companies like [[Toonz India Ltd]] and [[Tata Elxsi|Tata Elxsi Ltd]]. The Kinfra Film and Video Park, an advanced film and animation production facilities,<ref>Sankar Radhakrishnan, [http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/12/26/stories/2003122600441100.htm  Kinfra Film & Video Park to house animation zone] ''Hindu Business Line'', December 26, 2003. Retrieved November 26, 2017.</ref> has its headquarters near [[Technopark Kerala|Technopark]].<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/21/stories/2005072101640200.htm Theatre opened at Kinfra park] ''The Hindu'', July 21, 2005. Retrieved November 26, 2017.</ref>
A strong film culture prevails in the city, serving as home to animation companies like [[Toonz India Ltd]] and [[Tata Elxsi|Tata Elxsi Ltd]]. The Kinfra Film and Video Park, an advanced film and animation production facilities,<ref name="Kinfra Film Park">
 
{{cite news
 
| url =http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/12/26/stories/2003122600441100.htm
 
| title = Kinfra Film & Video Park to house animation zone
 
| work = Kinfra Film Park
 
| publisher = Hindu Business Line
 
| date = 2003-12-26
 
| accessdate = 2006-10-18}}
 
</ref> has its headquarters near [[Technopark Kerala|Technopark]].<ref name="9 billion for Kinfra Film Park">
 
{{cite news
 
| url =http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?it=7517
 
| title =  Theatre opened at Kinfra park
 
| work = Kinfra Film Park
 
| publisher = Source: IANS
 
| date = 2006-08-22
 
| accessdate = 2006-10-18}}
 
</ref><ref name="Kinfra Film Park">
 
{{cite news
 
| url =http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/21/stories/2005072101640200.htm
 
| title =  Theatre opened at Kinfra park
 
| work = Kinfra Film Park
 
| publisher = Hindu Business Line
 
| date = 2005-07-21
 
| accessdate = 2006-10-18}}
 
</ref>
 
<!-- Some more sources for reference : A stride in computer animation - http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/12/stories/2005091202092000.htm
 
A one-stop tech shop - http://www.flonnet.com/fl2227/stories/20060113005712000.htm
 
—>
 
 
 
The [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam film industry]] had been based earlier in [[Chennai]] (Madras). The Malayalam film industry slowly started to set in roots in Thiruvananthapuram towards the end of 1970s. The '''Kerala State Film Development Corporation''' (KSFDC), established in 1975 by the Government of Kerala, accelerated that re-planting.<ref name="KSFDC">
 
{{cite web
 
| publisher=PRD, Kerala
 
| work=Mass Media in Thiruvananthapuram
 
| url=http://www.tvm.kerala.gov.in/massmedia.htm
 
| title=KSFDC helped in uprooting Malayalam films from Chennai
 
| accessdate=2006-09-30
 
}}
 
</ref> As a result, many studios and related industries started popping up in and around Thiruvananthapuram. 
 
  
'''The International Film Festival of Kerala''' ([[IFFK]]), held in November/December every year, has been acknowledged as one of the leading such events in India.<ref name="IFFK">
+
The [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam film industry]] had been based earlier in [[Chennai]] (Madras). The Malayalam film industry slowly started to set in roots in Thiruvananthapuram towards the end of 1970s. The '''Kerala State Film Development Corporation''' (KSFDC), established in 1975 by the Government of Kerala, accelerated that re-planting. As a result, many studios and related industries started popping up in and around Thiruvananthapuram.
{{cite web
 
| publisher=Government of Kerala  
 
| work=International Film Festival of Kerala
 
| url=http://www.kerala.gov.in/keralcaljan05/p26-27.pdf
 
| title=IFFK (International Film Festival of Kerala)
 
| accessdate=2006-09-30
 
}}
 
</ref> The well-informed, serious-minded audience in the city frames the success of IFFK.<ref name="International Film Festival of Kerala">
 
{{cite news
 
| url = http://www.flonnet.com/fl2227/stories/20060113006412200.htm
 
| title =  IFFK - Best among Asian film events
 
| work = Reinventing Kerala
 
| publisher = Frontline
 
| date = 2005-12-31
 
| accessdate = 2006-09-30}}
 
</ref> Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, founded in 1998, bases their activities in Thiruvananthapuram. The city holds the largest number of theaters in the state, all within a radius of 3 km.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/08/04/stories/2007080451840100.htm The cinema capital] </ref>
 
  
<!{{seealso|Cinema halls in Trivandrum}}—>
+
'''The International Film Festival of Kerala''' ([[IFFK]]), held in November/December every year, has been acknowledged as one of the leading such events in India.<ref>
 +
Government of Kerala. International Film Festival of Kerala. [http://iffk.in/about-us/ IFFK (International Film Festival of Kerala)]. Retrieved November 26, 2017.</ref> The well-informed, serious-minded audience in the city frames the success of IFFK. Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, founded in 1998, bases their activities in Thiruvananthapuram. The city holds the largest number of theaters in the state, all within a radius of 3 km.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/08/04/stories/2007080451840100.htm The cinema capital] ''The Hindu'', July 19, 2011. Retrieved November 26, 2017.</ref>
  
 
== Cuisine and Festivals ==
 
== Cuisine and Festivals ==
 
[[Image:Tvm ffshow.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Kanakakkunnu Palace Compounds - A popular hang out place of people of Thiruvananthapuram]]
 
[[Image:Tvm ffshow.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Kanakakkunnu Palace Compounds - A popular hang out place of people of Thiruvananthapuram]]
The city breaks into a festive mood during the festival season of [[Onam]] in August/September, and during the tourist season later in the year. The state government conducts the tourism week celebrations every year during Onam with cultural events taking place at various centers in the city. The other major events include the annual flower show, the [[Attukal|Attukal Pongala]], the Aaraat of [[Padmanabha Swamy Temple]], the Beemapally Uroos, Vettucaud Perunaal, etc<ref name="Festivals">
+
The city breaks into a festive mood during the festival season of [[Onam]] in August/September, and during the tourist season later in the year. The state government conducts the tourism week celebrations every year during Onam with cultural events taking place at various centers in the city. The other major events include the annual flower show, the [[Attukal|Attukal Pongala]], the Aaraat of [[Padmanabha Swamy Temple]], the Beemapally Uroos, Vettucaud Perunaal, etc.   
{{cite web
 
| publisher=Government of Kerala
 
| work=Major Festivals
 
| url=http://www.tvm.kerala.gov.in/festivals.htm
 
| title=Major Religious Festivals in Thiruvananthapuram
 
| accessdate=2006-11-24
 
}}
 
</ref>.   
 
  
Apart from that, both government and non-government groups organize cultural festivals through out the year. The 75-day annual Soorya Festival provides an example of one of such prominent event in the city. This festival has been acclaimed as the longest running cultural festival in the world<ref name="Soorya Festival">
+
Apart from that, both government and non-government groups organize cultural festivals through out the year. The 75-day annual Soorya Festival provides an example of one of such prominent event in the city. This festival has been acclaimed as the longest running cultural festival in the world<ref>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/09/21/stories/2005092101431903.htm Soorya fest begins] ''Hindu Business Line'', September 21, 2005. Retrieved November 26, 2017. </ref> and covers literature, movies, dance, music, theater and folk arts.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/sooryas-cultural-extravaganza-from-thursday/article3199702.ece Soorya's cultural extravaganza from Thursday] ''The Hindu'', March 23, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2017.</ref> Other major annual cultural festivals include the week long Swathi Music Festival held in January, nine day long Navaratri Music fete held in September/October, 10 day long Nishagandhi Dance and Music show, and five day long Nishagandhi Musical nights, [[International Film Festival of Kerala]].
{{cite news
 
| url =http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/09/21/stories/2005092101431903.htm
 
| title =  Soorya fest begins
 
| work = 75 day Soorya festival
 
| publisher = Hindu Business Line
 
| date = 2005-09-21
 
| accessdate = 2006-11-04}}
 
</ref> and covers literature, movies, dance, music, theater and folk arts.<ref name="Soorya Festival 2006">
 
{{cite news
 
| url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/09/16/stories/2006091601580100.htm
 
| title =  Soorya's cultural extravaganza from Thursday
 
| work = Soorya festival at Trivandrum
 
| publisher = Hindu Metro Plus
 
| date = 2006-09-16
 
| accessdate = 2006-11-04}}
 
</ref> Other major annual cultural festivals include the week long Swathi Music Festival held in January, nine day long Navaratri Music fete held in September/October, 10 day long Nishagandhi Dance and Music show, and five day long Nishagandhi Musical nights, [[International Film Festival of Kerala]].
 
  
 
People generally enjoy [[Kerala cuisine|Keralite cuisine]], characterized by an abundance of [[coconut]] and [[spice|spices]]. Other [[South Indian culture#Cuisine|South India]]n cuisines, as well as [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]] and [[Indian cuisine|North Indian]] cuisines, have a popular following. [[Fast food]] culture pervades the city.
 
People generally enjoy [[Kerala cuisine|Keralite cuisine]], characterized by an abundance of [[coconut]] and [[spice|spices]]. Other [[South Indian culture#Cuisine|South India]]n cuisines, as well as [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]] and [[Indian cuisine|North Indian]] cuisines, have a popular following. [[Fast food]] culture pervades the city.
 
<!--See also [[Ayya vaikundar avataram]].—>
 
<!--== See also ==
 
{{Related Topics - Thiruvananthapuram Culture}}
 
—>
 
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
 
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
* Subramoniam, V. I. (People and Culture). Thiruvananthapuram: International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 1993. OCLC 61819996.
+
* Subramoniam, V. I. ''Dravidian Encyclopaedia.'' Thiruvananthapuram: International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 1990. {{OCLC|27815603}}
* Subramoniam, V. I. Dravidian Encyclopaedia. Vol. 2, People and Culture. Thiruvananthapuram: International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 1993.OCLC 45558287.
+
* Subramoniam, V. I. ''Dravidian Encyclopaedia. Vol. 2, People and Culture.'' Thiruvananthapuram: International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 1993. {{OCLC|45558287}}
* Subramoniam, V. I. Dravidian Encyclopaedia. Thiruvananthapuram: International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 1990. OCLC 27815603
+
* Subramoniam, V. I. ''People and Culture.'' Thiruvananthapuram: International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 1993. {{OCLC|61819996}}
  
 
== External Links ==
 
== External Links ==
* [http://www.swathithirunal.in Swathi Thirunal web site]. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
+
All links retrieved May 5, 2022.
* [http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India/trava5.htm Royal Website]. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
+
* [http://www.swathithirunal.in Swathi Thirunal web site].  
* [http://www.ksfdc.org official website - Kerala State Film Development Corporation]. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
+
* [http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India/trava5.htm Royal Website].  
* [http://www.keralafilm.com official website of Kerala Chalachitra Academy]. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
+
* [http://www.keralafilm.com Official website of Kerala Chalachitra Academy].  
* [http://www.fineartscollege.org Official website] of the [[College of Fine Arts Trivandrum]]. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
 
* [http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2007/01/19/stories/2007011900280300.htm Swathi Sangeethotsavam 2007]. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
 
 
 
  
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Revision as of 00:00, 6 May 2022

Thiruvananthapuram

The city of Thiruvananthapuram has been the center of cultural activities of Kerala (India) from the time it served as capital of Travancore in 1745, emerging as a major intellectual and artistic center. The Thiruvananthapuram Museum and Thiruvananthapuram Zoo started during the reign of Swathi Thirunal (1813–1847), constituting one of the oldest of their kind in India.[1] The city's libraries include the British Library and Trivandrum Public library, started in 1829.[2] The 'Swathi Thirunal College of Music' and 'College of fine arts' stand at the forefront to schools of music and arts. The people of Thiruvananthapuram sometimes hear themselves referred to as "Trivandrumites."

Thiruvananthapuram, located in on the southwest tip of India, has played a role in wave after wave of cultural renaissances. Remote from the traditional invasion routes in the north, and protected by the northern states that dealt with invaders first, Thiruvananthapuram and the civilizations of southern India have enjoyed the relatively free development of a Hindu-based culture. Jain, Buddhist, Greco-Roman, Christian, and Islamic influences have been present in Thiruvananthapuram and infused into painting, sculpture, literature, poetry, dance, and, more recently, film but those influences have not been imposed upon the culture. The result is a distinctively Indian cultural representation centered out of Thiruvananthapuram.

Literature

Many great poets and men of letters from ancient times lived in Thiruvananthapuram, Ayyipillai Asan (fifteenth or sixteenth century C.E.) of Avaaduthura near Kovalam numbering among them. He wrote his famous work Ramakadhapattu, which represents a stage in the evolution of the southern dialect of Malayalam. Unnayi Warrier and Kunchan Nambiar represent two of the most outstanding poets patronized by the royal family of Travancore. The reign of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal (1813–1846), the royal composer, saw the golden age of Carnatic music in Kerala. The contribution of Swathi Thirunal in the realm of music has enriched even the cultural heritage of India. Irayimman Thampi (1782–1856), a contemporary of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, stands out as another composer of great originality and deep learning. Kerala Varma Valiakoi Thampuran, a scholar and poet, belonged to this period.

The Legislative Museum

Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a cultural renaissance in twentieth century. Kerala Varma Valiakoi Thampuran (1845–1914), who spent a major part of his life in Thiruvananthapuram, translated Kalidasa’s Abhijñānaśākuntalam into Malayalam which won him the title of Kerala Kalidasa, earning him regard as the father of modern Malayalam prose.

The contributions of A. R. Raja Raja Varma (1863–1918), known as ”Kerala Panini,” marked an important stage in the development of Malayalam literature. Another notable writer, C. V. Raman Pillai (1858–1922), was a novelist par excellence. Mahakavi Kumaran Asan (1873–1924) and Mahakavi Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer (1877–1949) emerged as the two outstanding poets from Thiruvananthapuram; Kumaran Asan standing as the true representative of the cultural renaissance. Ulloor was not only a poet but also a scholar, researcher, and historian.

Sreekanteswaram Padmanabha Pillai wrote Shabdatharavali, the comprehensive dictionary in Malayalam. The two all-time great social reformers in Kerala Narayana Guru and Chattampi Swamikal were born there. They contributed much to the Malayalam literature through their books.

Painting and Sculpture

Giant Statue of Mermaid at Shankumugham Beach

Contributions of Thiruvananthapuram to painting have been immense. The earliest of murals from the Kerala tradition had been found in a small cave-shrine at Thirunandikkara in south Travancore, now a part of Tamil Nadu. The themes of those murals evidently draw from Hindu lore, but the style closely resembles the Buddhist tradition, believed to belong come from the ninth century. Siva, Parvathi and Ganapathi number among the figures represented. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple at Thiruvananthapuram has several murals, which belongs to the eighteenth century. The paintings at Koikal Temple at Attingal bear close resemblance to those in the Padmanabha Swami Temple, examples of sixteenth century Kerala paintings.

Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1905), an illustrious painter of the district, stands at the cross-roads of Indian art history. Ravi Varma’s contribution to Indian painting was substantial and singular, earning him official regard as a prince among painters and painter among princes by the Kerala government.[3] The Sri Chitra Art Gallery preserves some of the most famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. The Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple at Thiruvananthapuram has preserved the relics of the best traditions of stone sculpture in the State.

Thiruvananthapuram city possess many statues in Kerala. The statues of freedom fighters, political leaders, rulers of Travancore abound throughout the city, as well as statues in other categories such as animals and fiction.

Film

A strong film culture prevails in the city, serving as home to animation companies like Toonz India Ltd and Tata Elxsi Ltd. The Kinfra Film and Video Park, an advanced film and animation production facilities,[4] has its headquarters near Technopark.[5]

The Malayalam film industry had been based earlier in Chennai (Madras). The Malayalam film industry slowly started to set in roots in Thiruvananthapuram towards the end of 1970s. The Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), established in 1975 by the Government of Kerala, accelerated that re-planting. As a result, many studios and related industries started popping up in and around Thiruvananthapuram.

The International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), held in November/December every year, has been acknowledged as one of the leading such events in India.[6] The well-informed, serious-minded audience in the city frames the success of IFFK. Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, founded in 1998, bases their activities in Thiruvananthapuram. The city holds the largest number of theaters in the state, all within a radius of 3 km.[7]

Cuisine and Festivals

Kanakakkunnu Palace Compounds - A popular hang out place of people of Thiruvananthapuram

The city breaks into a festive mood during the festival season of Onam in August/September, and during the tourist season later in the year. The state government conducts the tourism week celebrations every year during Onam with cultural events taking place at various centers in the city. The other major events include the annual flower show, the Attukal Pongala, the Aaraat of Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the Beemapally Uroos, Vettucaud Perunaal, etc.

Apart from that, both government and non-government groups organize cultural festivals through out the year. The 75-day annual Soorya Festival provides an example of one of such prominent event in the city. This festival has been acclaimed as the longest running cultural festival in the world[8] and covers literature, movies, dance, music, theater and folk arts.[9] Other major annual cultural festivals include the week long Swathi Music Festival held in January, nine day long Navaratri Music fete held in September/October, 10 day long Nishagandhi Dance and Music show, and five day long Nishagandhi Musical nights, International Film Festival of Kerala.

People generally enjoy Keralite cuisine, characterized by an abundance of coconut and spices. Other South Indian cuisines, as well as Chinese and North Indian cuisines, have a popular following. Fast food culture pervades the city.

Notes

  1. Swathi Thirunal, A Brief History of the Trivandrum Museum, Zoo and Gardens. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  2. Swathi Thirunal, Thiruvananthapuram Public Library. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  3. Indian Art Circle, Raja Ravi Varma. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  4. Sankar Radhakrishnan, Kinfra Film & Video Park to house animation zone Hindu Business Line, December 26, 2003. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  5. Theatre opened at Kinfra park The Hindu, July 21, 2005. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  6. Government of Kerala. International Film Festival of Kerala. IFFK (International Film Festival of Kerala). Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  7. The cinema capital The Hindu, July 19, 2011. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  8. Soorya fest begins Hindu Business Line, September 21, 2005. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  9. Soorya's cultural extravaganza from Thursday The Hindu, March 23, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2017.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Subramoniam, V. I. Dravidian Encyclopaedia. Thiruvananthapuram: International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 1990. OCLC 27815603
  • Subramoniam, V. I. Dravidian Encyclopaedia. Vol. 2, People and Culture. Thiruvananthapuram: International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 1993. OCLC 45558287
  • Subramoniam, V. I. People and Culture. Thiruvananthapuram: International School of Dravidian Linguistics, 1993. OCLC 61819996

External Links

All links retrieved May 5, 2022.

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