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

From New World Encyclopedia
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== 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 are immense. The earliest of murals that can be attributed to the Kerala tradition are found in a small cave-shrine at Thirunandikkara in south Travancore, now a part of [[Tamil Nadu]]. The themes of these murals are evidently drawn from Hindu lore, but the style closely resembles the [[Buddhist]] tradition. These are believed to belong to the 9th century. Siva, Parvathi and Ganapathi are 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, which are 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 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
 
paintings.<ref name="Mural Paintings">
 
paintings.<ref name="Mural Paintings">
 
{{cite web
 
{{cite web
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}}
 
}}
 
</ref>  
 
</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 is substantial and singular.<ref name="Raja Ravi Varma">
+
[[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
 
{{cite web
 
| publisher=Indian Art Circle
 
| publisher=Indian Art Circle
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| accessdate=2006-09-30
 
| accessdate=2006-09-30
 
}}
 
}}
</ref> He is officially regarded as ''a prince among painters and painter among princes'' by the Kerala government.<ref name="Raja Ravi Varma painter">
+
</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
 
{{cite web
 
| publisher=Government of Kerala
 
| publisher=Government of Kerala
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| accessdate=2006-10-18
 
| accessdate=2006-10-18
 
}}
 
}}
</ref> Some of the most famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma are preserved in the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. The Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple at Thiruvananthapuram has preserved the relics of the best traditions of stone sculpture in the State.
+
</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]] are common in the city. There are also statues in other categories such as animals, fiction, etc.
+
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)]]
 
[[Image:Iffk logo.JPG|left|frame|Logo - International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK)]]
A strong film culture prevails in the city. The city is home to animation companies like [[Toonz India Ltd]] and [[Tata Elxsi|Tata Elxsi Ltd]]. The Kinfra Film and Video Park<ref name="Kinfra Film Park">
+
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  
 
{{cite news  
 
| url =http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/12/26/stories/2003122600441100.htm
 
| url =http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/12/26/stories/2003122600441100.htm
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| date = 2003-12-26
 
| date = 2003-12-26
 
| accessdate = 2006-10-18}}
 
| accessdate = 2006-10-18}}
</ref> is located near [[Technopark Kerala|Technopark]] and is an advanced film and animation production facilities in India.<ref name="9 billion for Kinfra Film Park">
+
</ref> has its headquarters near [[Technopark Kerala|Technopark]].<ref name="9 billion for Kinfra Film Park">
 
{{cite news  
 
{{cite news  
 
| url =http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?it=7517
 
| url =http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?it=7517
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—>  
 
—>  
  
The [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam film industry]] was earlier based in [[Chennai]] (Madras). The Malayalam film industry slowly started to get rooted in Thiruvananthapuram towards the end of 1970s. The '''Kerala State Film Development Corporation''' (KSFDC), which was established in 1975 by the Government of Kerala, accelerated this re-planting.<ref name="KSFDC">
+
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
 
{{cite web
 
| publisher=PRD, Kerala  
 
| publisher=PRD, Kerala  
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</ref> As a result, many studios and related industries started popping up in and around Thiruvananthapuram.   
 
</ref> As a result, many studios and related industries started popping up in and around Thiruvananthapuram.   
  
'''The International Film Festival of Kerala''' ([[IFFK]]) is held in November/December every year and is acknowledged as one of the leading such events in India.<ref name="IFFK">
+
'''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">
 
{{cite web
 
{{cite web
 
| publisher=Government of Kerala  
 
| publisher=Government of Kerala  
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| date = 2005-12-31
 
| date = 2005-12-31
 
| accessdate = 2006-09-30}}
 
| accessdate = 2006-09-30}}
</ref> Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, founded in 1998, is based at Thiruvananthapuram. The city holds the maximum number of theatres 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>
+
</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}}
+
<!--{{seealso|Cinema halls in Trivandrum}}—>
  
 
== Cuisine and Festivals ==
 
== Cuisine and Festivals ==
The city comes to 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<ref name="Festivals">
 
{{cite web
 
{{cite web
 
| publisher=Government of Kerala  
 
| publisher=Government of Kerala  
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</ref>.   
 
</ref>.   
  
Apart from this, there are cultural festivals organised through out the year by both government and non-government organisations. The 75-day annual Soorya Festival, is one of such prominent event in the city. This festival is 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 name="Soorya Festival">
 
{{cite news  
 
{{cite news  
 
| url =http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/09/21/stories/2005092101431903.htm
 
| url =http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/09/21/stories/2005092101431903.htm
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| date = 2005-09-21
 
| date = 2005-09-21
 
| accessdate = 2006-11-04}}
 
| accessdate = 2006-11-04}}
</ref> and covers literature, movies, dance, music, theatre and folk arts.<ref name="Soorya Festival 2006">
+
</ref> and covers literature, movies, dance, music, theater and folk arts.<ref name="Soorya Festival 2006">
 
{{cite news  
 
{{cite news  
 
| url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/09/16/stories/2006091601580100.htm
 
| url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/09/16/stories/2006091601580100.htm
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| date = 2006-09-16
 
| date = 2006-09-16
 
| accessdate = 2006-11-04}}
 
| accessdate = 2006-11-04}}
</ref> Other major annual cultural festivals are week long Swathi Music Festival held in January, 9 day long Navaratri Music fete held in September/October, 10 day long Nishagandhi Dance and Music show, 5 day long Nishagandhi Musical nights, [[International Film Festival of Kerala]], etc.
+
</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]].
  
The general cuisine of the people is [[Kerala cuisine|Keralite cuisine]], which is generally characterised 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 are popular. [[Fast food]] culture is also very prominent in 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 [[Ayya vaikundar avataram]].—>
  
== See also ==
+
 
 +
<!--== See also ==
 
{{Related Topics - Thiruvananthapuram Culture}}
 
{{Related Topics - Thiruvananthapuram Culture}}
 +
—>
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
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== External Links ==
 
== External Links ==
* [http://www.swathithirunal.in Swathi Thirunal web site]
+
* [http://www.swathithirunal.in Swathi Thirunal web site]. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
* [http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India/trava5.htm Royal Website]
+
* [http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India/trava5.htm Royal Website]. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
* [http://www.ksfdc.org official website - Kerala State Film Development Corporation]
+
* [http://www.ksfdc.org official website - Kerala State Film Development Corporation]. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
* [http://www.keralafilm.com official website of Kerala Chalachitra Academy]
+
* [http://www.keralafilm.com official website of Kerala Chalachitra Academy]. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
* [http://www.fineartscollege.org Official website] of the [[College of Fine Arts Trivandrum]]
+
* [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]
+
* [http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2007/01/19/stories/2007011900280300.htm Swathi Sangeethotsavam 2007]. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
  
  

Revision as of 17:56, 4 December 2007

The Legislative Museum

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 forefrong to schools of music and arts. The people of Thiruvananthapuram sometimes hear themselves referred to as "Trivandrumites."

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.[3] 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. Varma Valiakoi Thampuran, a scholar and poet, belonged to this period.

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[4]. 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.

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 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 paintings.[5] 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,[6] earning him official regard as a prince among painters and painter among princes by the Kerala government.[7] 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.

Film

File:Iffk logo.JPG
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 Ltd. The Kinfra Film and Video Park, an advanced film and animation production facilities,[8] has its headquarters near Technopark.[9][8]

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.[10] 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.[11] The well-informed, serious-minded audience in the city frames the success of IFFK.[12] 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.[13]


Cuisine and 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 Pongala, the Aaraat of Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the Beemapally Uroos, Vettucaud Perunaal, etc[14].

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[15] and covers literature, movies, dance, music, theater and folk arts.[16] 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

Kanakakkunnu Palace Compounds - A popular hang out place of people of Thiruvananthapuram
  1. Trivandrum Public Library. Swathi Thirunal related institutions. C-DIT. Retrieved 2006-09-30.
  2. Ayyippilli Asan. Arts and Culture in Trivandrum. National Informatics Centre. Retrieved 2006-09-30.
  3. C.V. Raman Pillai. New Movement in Malayalam Literature. Public Relations Department, GoK. Retrieved 2006-09-30.
  4. Mural Paintings in Trivandrum. Arts and Culture in Trivandrum. National Informatics Centre. Retrieved 2006-09-30.
  5. Raja Ravi Varma. Paintings. Indian Art Circle. Retrieved 2006-09-30.
  6. Raja Ravi Varma - painter prince. Arts and Culture. Government of Kerala. Retrieved 2006-10-18.
  7. 8.0 8.1 "Kinfra Film & Video Park to house animation zone", Kinfra Film Park, Hindu Business Line, 2003-12-26. Retrieved 2006-10-18. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "Kinfra Film Park" defined multiple times with different content
  8. "Theatre opened at Kinfra park", Kinfra Film Park, Source: IANS, 2006-08-22. Retrieved 2006-10-18.
  9. KSFDC helped in uprooting Malayalam films from Chennai. Mass Media in Thiruvananthapuram. PRD, Kerala. Retrieved 2006-09-30.
  10. IFFK (International Film Festival of Kerala). International Film Festival of Kerala. Government of Kerala. Retrieved 2006-09-30.
  11. "IFFK - Best among Asian film events", Reinventing Kerala, Frontline, 2005-12-31. Retrieved 2006-09-30.
  12. The cinema capital
  13. Major Religious Festivals in Thiruvananthapuram. Major Festivals. Government of Kerala. Retrieved 2006-11-24.
  14. "Soorya fest begins", 75 day Soorya festival, Hindu Business Line, 2005-09-21. Retrieved 2006-11-04.
  15. "Soorya's cultural extravaganza from Thursday", Soorya festival at Trivandrum, Hindu Metro Plus, 2006-09-16. Retrieved 2006-11-04.

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