The architect of Thrissur
PREETHA SREENIVASAN
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Sakthan Thampuran's role in the formation and development of Thrissur is remarkable.
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K.K. Mustafah
During the Thrissur Pooram festivities...
THRISSUR
The cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur, derives its name from Thiru Siva Perur, which means the town of the deity Siva. Its importance as the religious and cultural centre of Kerala dates back to Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Kochi who contributed a lot towards building up this town, bestowing it with its rich cultural heritage.
Tracing the path of history, we see the reign of the Rajahs of Kochi from the 16th to 18th Century followed by the Zamorin of Kozhikode. In the 18th Century, the State fell into the hands of Hyder Ali. Sakthan Thampuran became the ruler at a time when the State was totally disorganised after a series of invasions by Tipu Sultan, who had converted the precincts of the Vadakunnathan Temple into his battle headquarters. There was also a struggle for the empire by European powers, with incessant wars for the supremacy of the Kerala coast. This made the traditional residence of the Kochi rulers at Thripunithura unsafe, and so Sakthan Thampuran shifted his residence to Thrissur.
Sakthan Thampuran revived the cultural traditions of the place and built it as a commercial centre. The overgrown teak forest around the Vadakunnathan Temple was cleared and made into an extensive maidan. Even today, it is known as the Thekkinkadu (teak forest) maidan which constitutes the centre of the town. Being a patron of arts and architecture, he was able to add beauty to the place. His keen observation made him pay attention to the minute details. An inborn aesthetic sense, combined with a knowledge of dyes created beauty and charm to the architectural structures, whose construction he personally supervised. The infrastructure of the town was also created by him, making it the hub of commercial activity. Records show that he settled 64 Syrian Christian families in the town from their business centres in adjoining areas. These businessmen, with their traditional flair for trade soon built up Thrissur into the most flourishing centre for internal trade in Kerala. Their financial acumen has been mainly responsible for founding and building up the Kuri system of financing which has now become an all India institution. This has also made Thrissur the most important banking centre in Kerala.
A grand festival involving the whole population of Thrissur, with a view to bringing monarchy and the people closer was initiated by him. It was he who chalked out the plans for the festival which was to become known all over the world as Thrissur Pooram. Knowing that competition would make them perform better, he made two temples vie with one another with a colourful display of fireworks. Being an animal lover himself, the array of elephants with their multicoloured umbrellas sparkling in the afternoon sun is a feast to the eyes. It can be proudly pointed out that the prescription laid down by Sakthan Thampuran in the 18th Century is meticulously followed even today.
Though he had peculiarities in personality, with very strong thoughts and emotions, he showed religious tolerance, donating lands for building churches. The 'aanavilakku' (elephant lamp) used during festivities in the catholic church at Kanjoor, is said to have been donated by him. His last days were in Thrissur kovilakam and after his death a tomb was erected in his memory. It is said that he could not tolerate disrespect from anybody, giving intense punishment to those who opposed him. This probably gave Rama Varma the name Sakthan Thampuran — meaning powerful ruler. But, with his strict principles and strong convictions he was able to do much. The people of Thrissur, in the midst of their activities, can pause for a moment to acknowledge this great personality to whom they are very much indebted.
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