Kottayam

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Kottayam
Country India
State Kerala
Region Central Kerala
District Kottayam District
Known As Land of Letters, Lakes and Latex; Rome of the East; Rubber Capital of India; Mecca of Publications
Etymology Kotta (fort) + Akam (inside) = Interior of the fort
Founded c. 1749 AD (present town)
Area (District) 2,208 sq km
Population (2011 Town) 55,374 (town); 357,302 (urban agglomeration)
Population (2011 District) 19,79,384
Literacy 100% (First town in India — 1989)
Religion Hindus 49.32%; Christians 44.60%; Muslims 5.89%
Distance from Thiruvananthapuram 151 km
Tourist Season September to March
Key Products Rubber, Spices, Coconut, Paddy

Kottayam is a historic city and district located in central Kerala, India, serving as the administrative headquarters of Kottayam District. Famously known as the Land of Letters, Lakes and Latex — reflecting its extraordinary literacy record, the scenic Vembanad Lake and its dominance in rubber cultivation — Kottayam holds a unique and celebrated place in Kerala's cultural, economic and social history. It was the first town in India to achieve 100% literacy in 1989, is widely regarded as the Rubber Capital of India, and is home to the first Malayalam printing press — established in 1820. Sometimes referred to as the Rome of the East for its dense concentration of ancient churches, it is one of the most significant centres of the Syrian Christian community in India.

Etymology

The name Kottayam is derived from two Malayalam words — Kotta (meaning fort) and Akam (meaning inside) — together meaning interior of the fort. The original old town of Kottayam was founded on the hilltop now known as Kunnumpuram. The fortress — called Thaliyil Kotta — was founded by the local chieftain known as the Thekkumkoor Raja, who ruled from Thazhathangady till the mid-18th century.

History

Ancient and Medieval Period

Kottayam's history is traced to its origins as a trading outpost at Thazhathangady on the banks of the Meenachil River. Over the years, a new settlement grew with Thirunakkara at its centre. The town was under the rule of the Thekkumkoor dynasty — whose fort at Thaliyil served as the seat of power — until the mid-18th century.

In 1749 AD, the Maharaja of Travancore — Marthanda Varma — attacked Kottayakam (interior of the fort), the capital of Thekkumkoor, defeated its rulers, and annexed the region to the Kingdom of Travancore. The present town of Kottayam effectively took shape after this annexation. Every stone of the original Thaliyil fort was subsequently dismantled and repurposed — leaving no trace of the original structure.

Colonial Period and Christian Heritage

Kottayam is the centre of the Syrian Christian community of Kerala — a community that traces its origin to the Apostle St. Thomas, who is believed to have visited Kerala in 53 CE and established seven churches along the Malabar Coast.

During the British period, Kottayam continued to be ruled under the Princely State of Travancore. The most transformative colonial-era contribution to the city was the establishment of the first Malayalam printing press by Benjamin Bailey — a Christian missionary — in 1820 AD. This single event launched Kottayam as the undisputed centre of Malayalam publishing and literature — earning it its enduring title as the Land of Letters (Akshara Nagari).

The CMS College — the first college in Kerala — was also established in Kottayam, further cementing the city's role as an educational and cultural pioneer.

Modern Period

Kottayam developed into an important market centre in the early 20th century after tea and rubber plantations were established in the nearby Anaimalai Hills. The city became the commercial hub for rubber and spices — and today most of India's natural rubber originates from the Kottayam region.

In 1989, Kottayam became the first town in India to achieve 100% literacy — a landmark achievement that brought national and international recognition to the district.

Geography

Kottayam district is located in central Kerala and covers an area of 2,208 sq km. It is flanked by:

  • East — The majestic Western Ghats
  • West — Vembanad Lake and Kuttanad's paddy fields
  • North — Ernakulam District
  • South — Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta Districts
  • East — Idukki District

The city of Kottayam is situated approximately 151 km north of Thiruvananthapuram — the state capital of Kerala.

Economy

Kottayam is the richest district in Kerala for agricultural commodities. Key economic sectors include:

  • Rubber — Kottayam is the Rubber Capital of India; the Rubber Board of India — one of the first commodity boards in the country — is headquartered in Kottayam. Most of India's natural rubber originates from here.
  • Spices — A major centre for the trading of spices including pepper, cardamom and others
  • Coconut and Cocoa — Significant agricultural crops
  • Paddy — Cultivated extensively in the Kuttanad region

Culture and Literature

Land of Letters — Akshara Nagari

Kottayam is Kerala's foremost centre of literature and print media — earning the title Land of Letters (Akshara Nagari). The city is the hometown of a vast number of books and periodicals. The first Malayalam printing press was established here in 1820 by Benjamin Bailey — and the tradition of publishing has never ceased.

Several of Kerala's leading newspapers and magazines are published from Kottayam:

  • Deepika — The first newspaper in Kerala
  • Malayala Manorama — The leading newspaper in Kerala
  • Mangalam — A prominent Malayalam publication

Rome of the East

Kottayam is sometimes called the Rome of the East — reflecting its extraordinary density of ancient churches and its position as the principal centre of Syrian Christian culture in Kerala. The district has over 70 churches, 50 temples and a 1,000-year-old mosque — reflecting its deep tradition of religious harmony.

Notable religious sites include:

  • Kottayam Valiya Palli (St. Mary's Church) — One of the oldest churches in Kerala
  • Cheriya Palli (St. Mary's Small Church) — Famous for its ancient murals
  • Manarcad Cathedral — A major pilgrimage centre
  • Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple — A prominent Hindu temple in the heart of the city
  • Kumaranalloor Devi Temple — A celebrated temple in the district
  • Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid — One of the oldest mosques in the region
  • Elia Cathedral — Thronal Cathedral of the Catholicos of the East

Education

Kottayam is one of Kerala's most important educational centres. Key institutions include:

  • CMS College, Kottayam — The first college established in Kerala
  • Several Christian colleges, including institutions for women
  • Multiple professional colleges affiliated with the University of Kerala
  • Numerous schools contributing to the district's 100% literacy achievement

Tourism and Landmarks

Kottayam is a major tourist destination in Kerala — offering a unique blend of backwaters, highlands, wildlife and cultural heritage. Key attractions include:

  • Vembanad Lake — One of the largest lakes in India; the site of the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race and other spectacular boat races held each August and September
  • Kumarakom — A cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake; famous for backwater tourism and bird sanctuary
  • Vagamon — A scenic hill station near Kottayam
  • Illikkal Kallu — A prominent rock formation and trekking destination
  • Ettumanoor Shiva Temple — A famous pilgrim centre
  • Peermade and Thekkady — Accessible from Kottayam; popular for wildlife and spice plantations
  • Sabarimala — The famous pilgrimage centre; Kottayam is a key gateway

Connectivity

Kottayam is well connected by road, rail and water:

  • Road — Connected to Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mangalore and Coimbatore via state and national highways; frequent KSRTC buses available
  • Rail — Kottayam Railway Station is a major stop on the main Kerala rail network
  • Water — Frequent ferries run by the Kerala State Water Transport Corporation connect Kottayam to Alappuzha (Alleppey) through scenic backwaters — the cheapest and most scenic mode of transport between the two cities

Notable Personalities

Kottayam has produced and been home to several distinguished personalities across education, management, social work and public life:

  • Dr. SREEKUMAR D. MENON D. Litt — Distinguished academic, management expert, psychotherapist, research guide and world record holder for non-repeated academic degrees; resident of South Pampady, Kottayam

See Also

References

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