Changanassery: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by Yamaguchi先生
Last edited March 17, 2026
VisualWikitext
>Yamaguchi先生
m Reverted edits by 150.129.101.67 (talk) to last version by Dontknowhat
 
slightly adjust citations per standard format per sources
 
(One intermediate revision by one other user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Town in Kerala, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Changanassery
| name               = Changanassery
| native_name                     =  
| native_name       = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT guideline. -->
| native_name_lang               = ml
| native_name_lang   =  
| other_name                     = Changanacherry
| other_name         = Changanacherry
| settlement_type                 = Town
| settlement_type   = [[List of urban local bodies in Kerala|Municipality]]<ref name="auto1">https://lsgkerala.gov.in/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| image_skyline                   = Changanassery Landmarks.JPG
| image_skyline     = {{multiple image
| image_alt                       =  
| border                          = infobox
| image_caption                   = Top left: Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple. Top right: Anchu Vilaku Lamps. Middle left: Saint Berchmans College. Middle right: Saint Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral. Bottom left: Vandipetta Boat Jetty. Bottom right: Main gate in Nair Service Society Headquarters.
| total_width                    = 300
| nickname                       =  
| image_style                    =
| map_alt                         =  
| perrow                          = 2/2/1
| map_caption                     =  
| image1                          = SB College, Changanassery, Kerala, India.JPG
| pushpin_map                     = India Kerala#India
| image2                          = ChanganasseryAnchuVilakku.jpg
| pushpin_label_position         =  
| image3                          = Ilamkavu Devi temple.jpg
| pushpin_map_alt                 =  
| image4                          = Changanssery Boat Jetty with Market Church.jpg
| pushpin_map_caption             =  
| image5                          = NSS Hindu College, Changanassery.jpg
| coordinates                     = {{coord|9.466667|N|76.55|E|display=inline,title}}
}}
| subdivision_type               = Country
| image_alt         =  
| subdivision_name               = India
| image_caption     = Clockwise, top to bottom: [[St. Berchmans College]]; The Anchuviḷakku; Iḷamkavu Devi Temple; The boat jetty; [[NSS Hindu College, Changanassery|NSS Hindu College]]
| subdivision_type1               = State
| nickname           =  
| subdivision_name1              = [[Kerala State|Kerala]]
| map_alt           =  
| subdivision_type2              = District
| map_caption       =  
| subdivision_name2               = [[Kottayam district|Kottayam]]
| pushpin_map       = India Kerala#India
| established_title               = <!-- Established -->
| pushpin_label_position =  
| established_date               =  
| pushpin_map_alt   =  
| founder                         =  
| pushpin_map_caption =  
| named_for                       =  
| coordinates       = {{coord|9.466667|N|76.55|E|display=inline,title}}
| government_type                 =  
| subdivision_type   = Country
| governing_body                 = Municipality
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| leader_title                   = Chairman
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| leader_name                     =  
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts in India|District]]
| leader_title1                   = Vice Chairman
| subdivision_name1  = [[Kerala]]
| leader_name1                   =  
| subdivision_name2 = [[Kottayam]]
| unit_pref                       = Metric
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| area_footnotes                 =  
| established_date   =  
| area_rank                       =  
| founder           =  
| area_total_km2                 = 13.5
| named_for         =  
| population_total               = 47,485
| government_type   =  
| population_as_of               = 2011
| governing_body     = Municipality
| population_rank                 = 16th
| leader_title       = Chairman
| population_density_km2         = auto
| leader_name       =  
| population_demonym             =  
| leader_title1     = Vice Chairman
| population_note                 =  
| leader_name1       =  
| demographics_type1             = Languages
| unit_pref         = Metric
| demographics1_title1           = Official
| area_footnotes     =  
| demographics1_info1             = [[Malayalam]], English
| area_rank         =  
| timezone1                       = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| area_total_km2     = 13.5
| utc_offset1                     = +5:30
| area_metro_km2    = 43.8
| elevation_footnotes             =  
| population_total   = 47,485
| elevation_m                     = 11
| population_as_of   = 2011
| postal_code_type               = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| population_rank   =  
| postal_code                     = 686101
| population_density_km2 = auto
| area_code_type                 = Telephone code
| population_metro  = 127,987
| area_code                       = 0481
| population_demonym =  
| registration_plate             = KL 33
| population_note   =  
| website                         =  
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| footnotes                       =  
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| official_name                   =  
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam]], English<ref>{{cite web |title=The Kerala Official Language (Legislation) Act, 1969 |url=http://www.lawsofindia.org/pdf/kerala/1969/1969KERALA7.pdf |access-date=10 August 2022 |archive-date=20 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420030352/http://www.lawsofindia.org/pdf/kerala/1969/1969KERALA7.pdf |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
| timezone1         = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1       = +5:30
| elevation_footnotes =  
| elevation_m       = 11
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code       = 686101
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| area_code         = 0481
| registration_plate = KL 33
| website           =  
| footnotes         =  
| official_name     =  
}}
}}
[[File:Boat transport at Changanassery.JPG|thumb|Waterways]][[File:Changanassery Railway Station Main Building - long view.jpg|thumb|Railway station]]
[[File:Changanassery Boat Jetty.jpg|thumb|Boat jetty]]
[[File:Changanassery KSRTC Bus Station.jpg|thumb|Bus station in Changanassery]]
[[File:Changanassery Road Network.png|thumb|Road network]]
'''Changanassery''', {{IPA-ml|t̠͡ʃɐŋːɐn̺ɐːʃːeːɾi|IPA}}, (also known by its former name '''Changanacherry''') is a municipal town in [[Kottayam district]] in the state of [[Kerala]], [[India]].  Changanassery is the gateway to the [[Western Ghats]] and [[Kuttanad]]. It is one of the major educational and religious centres of [[Kerala]], with nearly 100% literacy. There are five colleges, eight higher secondary schools, one vocational higher secondary school and ten high schools within a four-kilometre radius of the town.
Changanacherry Pin Code is 686101. Pin Code is also known as Zip Code or Postal Code. Changanacherry is located in district Kottayam, Kerala, INDIA.


== Geography ==
'''Changanassery''', ({{IPA|ml|t͡ʃɐŋːɐnaːʃeːɾi|IPA}}) [[Renaming of cities in India|formerly]] '''Changanacherry''',  is a [[List of urban local bodies in Kerala|municipality]]<ref name="auto1"/> in the [[Kottayam district]] of [[Kerala]], India. It is located {{convert|17|km|1|abbr=on}} south of the district headquarters in [[Kottayam]] and about {{convert|115|km|1|abbr=on}} north of the state capital [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. As per the [[2011 census of India|2011 Indian census]], Changanassery has a population of 47,485 people, and a population density of {{convert|3517|/sqkm|abbr=on}}.
Changanassery is located 18&nbsp;km south of [[Kottayam]] on the Main Central road. With a population of 127,987 as of 2011,<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2011: Data from the 2011 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> its population was already 36,000 as early as the 1951 census. The town is situated near the tripoint of Kottayam, [[Alappuzha district|Alappuzha]] and [[Pathanamthitta district|Pathanamthitta]] districts. It had one of the leading markets in Kerala connecting the main three districts. It is located in between the low level paddy fields of [[Kuttanad]] and the sloppy midlands of the eastern parts of the [[Kottayam district|Kottayam]] and [[Pathanamthitta district|Pathanamthitta]] districts.{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}


== History ==
Changanassery is an important market town, was historically one of the centres of administration and culture in the [[Central Division (Travancore)|Central Travancore]] region. The Changanassery market, established in AD 1805, served as the main trading point in the transport of rice, pepper, dry ginger, and piece goods between the coastal areas in the west and the mountains of the east. The "Anchu Vilakku" lamps were installed by the locals in 1905 near the boat jetty, and continues to serve as a symbol of the religious and ethnic harmony of the region.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://livelifeveryday.blogspot.com/2017/10/changanacherry-market.html | title=Changanacherry Market }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/kerala/2021/11/30/tourism-in-changanasherry-kerala-tourism.html | title=From Anchuvilakku to Vandipetta, Changanassery beckons tourists with heritage sites }}</ref> Changanassery is also famous for [[St. Berchmans College|SB College]], one of the oldest and prestigious institutions established by the [[Catholic Church]] in 1922 and for providing higher education to Travancore Region in Kerala in beginning of 20 th Century. [[St. Berchmans College|The College Tower]] of SB College, with [[Christ the King|Christ The King]] on top of it, continues to stand as symbol for wisdom and education in Kerala.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Staff Reporter |date=2021-06-17 |title=Historic SB college to celebrate 100 years |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/historic-sb-college-to-celebrate-100-years/article34841306.ece/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathews |first=Stephen |date=2020-12-11 |title=ST BERCHMANS COLLEGE : CHRIST KING CAMPUS |url=https://smusings.in/2020/12/11/st-berchmans-college-christ-king-campus/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Stephen Musings |language=en}}</ref>
The first recorded history on the origin of Changanacherry is obtained from Sangam period literature. According to Sangam era documents, Uthiyan [[Cheralatan|Cheralathan]] (Perum Chorru Udiyan Cheralathan, Athan I, or Udiyanjeral - AD c. 130) is the first recorded Kera (Chera) dynasty ruler of the Sangam period in ancient South India. {{sfn|Singh|2008|p=384}}<ref name="sen2">{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Sailendra |title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History |publisher=Primus Books |year=2013 |isbn=978-9-38060-734-4 |pages=60–61}}</ref> He had his capital at a place called "Kuzhumur" in [[Kuttanad]] and expanded the kingdom northward and eastward from his original homeland (''izham'' or ''illam'' in Tamil). His lifetime is broadly determined to be between the first and third century AD. His queen was Veliyan Nalini, the daughter of Veliyan Venman. Present-day Changanacherry and Kuttanad was the capital of the Kera (Chera) dynasty at that time until it was burnt down by [[Karikala Chola]], changing the name of Kuzhumur to Chutta-nadu ("burnt-land"), which became Kuttanad. Similarly, "Keralathan" is the Malayalam pronunciation of Tamil "Cheralathan" and the world "[[Keralam]]" may be a derivative version of "Chera-izham" or "Kera-illam", meaning "Chera-homeland" in Tamil). Keralathan's descendant was [[Senguttavan]] Cheran (Chenguttavan means "brave-hearted" in Malayalam); the towns of Chenganacherri and Chengana are named after him). Sengana-cherri means "Sengan's town" in old Tamil. After the [[Chera dynasty]] defeat, the word ''cherri'' took on the concurrent meaning of "the land of the defeated" and eventually was equated to mean a slum in Chola kingdom.{{citations needed|date=May 2021}}


== Governance==
==Administration==
The city is governed by the Changanacherry Municipal Council. Sri. Saajan Francis is the chairperson of the municipality and the vice chairperson is Smt. Ambika Vijayan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.changanasserymunicipality.in/council|title=Changanacherry Municipality|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301092848/http://www.changanasserymunicipality.in/council|archive-date=1 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The city is governed by the Changanacherry Municipal Council.Ms Beena Joby is the chairperson of the municipality and the vice chairperson Mr Mathews George.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.changanasserymunicipality.in/council|title=Changanacherry Municipality|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301092848/http://www.changanasserymunicipality.in/council|archive-date=1 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>


It heads the taluk Kachery (office). It also heads the Munsiff's court and the judicial first class magistrate's court.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ecourts.gov.in/Ecourt4|title=Courts in Changanacherry|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301011430/http://ecourts.gov.in/Ecourt4|archive-date=1 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
It heads the taluk Kachery (office). It also heads the Munsiff's court and the judicial first class magistrate's court.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ecourts.gov.in/Ecourt4|title=Courts in Changanacherry|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301011430/http://ecourts.gov.in/Ecourt4|archive-date=1 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Line 88: Line 91:
  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030085443/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf  
  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030085443/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf  
  |archive-date=2008-10-30  
  |archive-date=2008-10-30  
}}</ref> However, after the Delimitation Commission's Report in 2005, in order to retain Mavelikkara Lok Sabha Constituency, Changanacherry segment in Kottayam and the neighbouring constituencies in Alappuzha and Kollam districts were put together under [[Mavelikara (Lok Sabha constituency)|Mavelikkara constituency]]. Sri. Kodikunnil Suresh represents Mavelikkara constituency in Parliament and Sri. C. F. Thomas has been representing Changanacherry Constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly for almost the last four decades.
}}</ref> However, after the Delimitation Commission's Report in 2005, in order to retain [[Mavelikara (Lok Sabha constituency)|Mavelikkara]] Lok Sabha Constituency, Changanacherry segment in Kottayam and the neighbouring constituencies in Alappuzha and Kollam districts were put together under [[Mavelikara (Lok Sabha constituency)|Mavelikkara constituency]]. Sri. Kodikunnil Suresh represents Mavelikkara constituency in Parliament and Sri. Job Michael represents Changanacherry Constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly now.
 
==Geography and climate==
Changanassery has a [[tropical monsoon climate]]. There is significant rainfall in most months of the year. The short dry season has little effect on the overall climate. The [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen-Geiger climate classification]] is ''Am''. The temperature here averages {{convert|26.3|°C|disp=or}}. In a year, the average rainfall is about {{convert|2979|mm|in|0|disp=or}}.
{{Weather box|location=Changanassery|metric first=yes|single line=yes|Jan high C=31|Feb high C=32.7|Mar high C=33.4|Apr high C=32.1|May high C=30.3|Jun high C=28.4|Jul high C=28.1|Aug high C=28.1|Sep high C=28.6|Oct high C=28.9|Nov high C=29|Dec high C=29.6|Jan low C=26.3|Feb low C=27.5|Mar low C=28.4|Apr low C=27.9|May low C=27|Jun low C=25.7|Jul low C=25.3|Aug low C=25.3|Sep low C=25.6|Oct low C=25.7|Nov low C=25.7|Dec low C=25.8|rain colour = green|Jan rain mm=22|Feb rain mm=26|Mar rain mm=67|Apr rain mm=167|May rain mm=346|Jun rain mm=530|Jul rain mm=497|Aug rain mm=401|Sep rain mm=305|Oct rain mm=324|Nov rain mm=222|Dec rain mm=72|source={{cite web|website=Climate Data|url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/44308|title=Changanassery Climate}}}}


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
[[File:Archbishop's House, Changanassery, Kerala.jpg|thumb|Syro-Malabar Catholic Archbishop's house]]
{{Historical populations|align = left
As of the 2011 India [[census]] Changanassery municipality has a population of 47,485;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/india/kerala/|title=Kerala (India): Districts, Cities and Towns - Population Statistics, Charts and Map|website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> the total population of Changanassery UA/Metropolitan region is 127,987. The male population was 61,807, while the female population was 66,180.
|1901| 14264
|1911| 17242
The literacy rate of Changanassery Agglomeration is 97.56%, which is higher than the national urban average of 85%. The literacy rates for male and female for Changanassery stood at 98.19% and 96.98% respectively. Total literates in Changanassery UA were 113,597, of which males were 54,901 and the remaining 58,696 were females.
|1921| 18955
|1931| 24201
|1941| 28381
|1951| 36289
|1961| 42376
|1971| 48545
|1981| 51955
|1991| 52455
|2001| 51967
|2011| 47685


The child population (age 0–6) of Changanassery UA is around 9.02% of the total Changanassery UA population, which is lower than the national urban average of 10.93%. The total number of children in Changanassery urban region was 11,550, of which 5,895 were males while the remaining 5,655 children were females.
}}
The Indian census collects statistics for both the Changanassery municipality and the Changanassery Urban Agglomeration (including its surrounding panchayat areas). The Changanassery UA includes Changanassery municipality as well as neighbouring panchayats like [[Paippad]], [[Thrikodithanam]] and [[Chethipuzha]] in Vazhapilly panchayat.


== Education ==
As of the [[2011 Indian census]] Changanassery municipality has a population of 47,485, an 8.2% decline from the 51,967 registered in 2001. Of this, 48.13% are male and 51.86% are female. The total population of the Changanassery UA is 127,987, of which 48.29% are male and 51.71% are female.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/india/kerala/|title=Kerala (India): Districts, Cities and Towns - Population Statistics, Charts and Map|website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2011: Data from the 2011 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> The percentage of children below the age of 6 was 8.9% in Changanassery and 9.02% in the Changanassery UA. The literacy rate of Changanassery in 2011 was 97.19% (98.01% for males and 96.45% for females), which was higher than the state average of 94% and the national average of 74.04%. The literacy rate of the Changanassery UA in 2011 was 97.56% (98.19% for males and 96.98% for females).
There was a Vedic school at Vazhappally Salagramam (Vazhappally Shala)  in ancient times during the rule of the [[Thekkumkur]]. It was run exclusively for Brahmins. It is the oldest educational institution in Changanassery on record. The Vazhappally Sala was destroyed by army of Ramayyan Dalawa during the [[Battle of Changanassery]] between Thekkumkur and Travancore in 1790.<ref>Shungoonny Menon - A HISTORY OF TRAVANCORE - First edition: 1878, New edition: 1983, Page 130, 131 - {{ISBN|8170200407|8120601696}}</ref>


# L.P. School, Perunna (1880); started by Kainikara Govinda Pillai
===Religion===
# St. Joseph's School, Changanassery (January 16, 1888) : It had been the long cherished dream of Blessed Chavara to open a school for the education of girls at Changanassery. St Joseph’s Girls Higher Secondary School, a realization of this blessed priest’s dream, is situated at the heart of Changanassery town known for its religious tolerance, and rich cultural heritage
{{Pie chart
# St. Mary's L.P. School, Changanassery (October 15, 1888)
|thumb = right
# Government English High School, Puzhavathu (1889); Later this school become Government High School - Changanassery
|caption = '''Religion in Changanassery''' (2011)<ref name="census_2011_religion">[https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11379/download/14492/DDW32C-01%20MDDS.XLS Census data] censusindia.gov.in</ref>
# St. Berchman's High School, Changanassery (February 3, 1891); Poet Ulloor S. Parameshwara Iyer, Kainikkara brothers, Mar Antony Padiyara and Mar Joseph Powathil studied in this school.
|label1 = [[Hinduism in Kerala|Hinduism]]
# [[St. Berchmans College]], Changanassery (June 19, 1922); The college was initially started in a building (now it is a museum) near to St. Mary's Parel Church. It was a junior college affiliated to Madras University. In 1927, graduate courses were started. Travencore University was founded on November 1, 1937 to which the college was then affiliated. Postgraduate courses were started in 1957. St. Berchmans College situated in Changanacherry , Kottayam District, Kerala, is an independent instructive organization associated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. This establishment was established in 1922 and is perceived under the UGC Act, 1956. In the fourth pattern of accreditation in 2017-2022, the school was evaluated at A by the NAAC. It was positioned 79 in All India Ranking by National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2020 in the class of College.
|value1 = 48.05
# [[NSS Hindu College, Changanassery]] (June 1949); The college was started in the rooms provided at the N.S.S. High School and it was shifted to a new building subsequently in 1955. NSS Hindu College, Changanassery, one of the biggest and most seasoned establishments of advanced education in Kerala. Set up in 1947, it is licensed from UGC, NAAC and it is associated to Mahatma Gandhi University. NSS, Changanassery offers 30 courses across 5 streams specifically Vocational, Arts, Hotel Management, Science, Commerce and Banking and across 8 degrees like BA, BSc, B.Com, MA, MSc. Hostel office isn't accessible for its understudies.
|color1 = darkorange
# [[Assumption College, Changanasserry]] (1950); This college dedicated for Women. Assumption College, affiliated to University of Kerala in 1949, is at present affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Included under section 2(f) and 12 B of the UGC Act, the College was accredited by the NAAC in the year 2000.  
|label2 = [[Christianity in Kerala|Christianity]]
# [[NSS Training College, Changanacherry]]
|value2 = 34.67
# NSS Homeo College, Kurichy
|color2 = Blue
# St. Joseph College of Communication, Kurisummood ----St. Joseph College of Communication, Kurisummoodu Changanacherry - 686104 (SJCC) located at - Kottayam Kerala is one of the popular colleges in India. The College has been rated by 7 people on CBSE. The St. Joseph College of Communication, Kurisummoodu Changanacherry - 686104 has been viewed 21 times by the visitors on CBSE. This College is counted among the top-rated Colleges in Kerala with an excellent academic track record.
|label3 = [[Islam in Kerala|Islam]]
# Kristu Jyothi College, Chethipuzha
|value3 = 17
# Biswas, Institute of management studies, Thegana, Changanacherry
|color3 = Green
|label4 = None
|value4 = 0.23
|color4 = black
|label5 = Other
|value5 = 0.04
|color5 = grey
}}
According to the 2011 census, [[Hinduism in Kerala|Hindus]] are the plurality, with 48% of the population adhering to the religion. [[Christianity in Kerala|Christians]] form a significant minority, constituting 35% of the population. [[Islam in Kerala|Muslims]] constitute 17% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/803303-thiruvalla-kerala.html|title=Thiruvalla Municipality City Population Census 2011-2024 &#124; Kerala|website=www.census2011.co.in}}</ref>


== Transport ==
The headquarters of the [[Nair Service Society]], an organization created for the social advancement and welfare of the Nair community of Hindus, is located in Perunna. Changanassery is also the center of the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Changanacherry|Archdiocese of Changanassery]], one of the largest dioceses of the Syro-Malabar Catholic church in India.
The state-run [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation]] (KSRTC) runs bus services to nearby towns. Separate private bus terminals are available for those traveling to Eastern [[High Range]] areas. Also, a combined bus station facility for both private and state buses travelling to Western Changanassery ([[Kuttanad]]), Southern Changanassery ([[Mavelikara]]) and Northern Changanassery ([[Kottayam]]) is available. There is a dedicated KSRTC bus station in the heart of the town. Govt Water Transport facilities are available to remote places and major towns nearby. [[Changanacherry railway station]] serves Western Changanassery ([[Kuttanad]]) and Eastern Changanassery ([[Karukachal]]). [[Cochin International Airport]] is the nearest airport, which is 106&nbsp;km away from [[Changanacherry]].


{| class="wikitable" border="1"
== Education ==
|-
There was a Vedic school at Vazhappally Salagramam (Vazhappally Shala) in ancient times during the rule of the [[Thekkumkur]]. It was run exclusively for Brahmins. It is the oldest educational institution in Changanassery on record. The Vazhappally Sala was destroyed by the army of Ramayyan Dalawa during the [[Battle of Changanassery]] between Thekkumkur and Travancore in 1790.<ref>Shungoonny Menon - A HISTORY OF TRAVANCORE - First edition: 1878, New edition: 1983, Page 130, 131 - {{ISBN|8170200407|8120601696}}</ref>
! colspan="4"| Ferry Services from / to Changanacherry
|-
! Source
! Departure
! Destination
! Route
|-style="background: #2988BC; color: white"
| rowspan="5"| Changanacherry
| 07:45
| Lisieux (near Kavalam)
| Kidangara-Michael Church-Krishnapuram-Kavalam
|-style="background: #2988BC; color: white"
| 09:15
| Alappuzha
| Kidangara-Michael Church-Krishnapuram-Kavalam-Lisieux-Rajapuram-C Block-Kuppapuram-Soman Jetty
|-style="background: #2988BC; color: white"
| 12:30
| Aramana
| Kidangara-Michael Church-Krishnapuram-Kavalam
|-style="background: #2988BC; color: white"
| 16:45
| Alappuzha
| Kidangara-Michael Church-Krishnapuram-Kavalam-Lisieux-Rajapuram-C Block-Kuppapuram-Soman Jetty
|-style="background: #2988BC; color: white"
| 20:00
| Rajapuram
| Kidangara-Michael Church-Krishnapuram-Kavalam-Lisieux
|-style="background: #ED8C72; color: white"
| Rajapuram
| 05:45
| rowspan="5"| Changanacherry
| Lisieux-Kavalam-Krishnapuram-Michael Church-Kidangara
|-style="background: #ED8C72; color: white"
| Aramana
| 06:45
| Kidangara-Michael Church-Krishnapuram-Kavalam
|-style="background: #ED8C72; color: white"
| Lisieux (near Kavalam)
| 09:15
| Kavalam-Krishnapuram-Michael Church-Kidangara
|-style="background: #ED8C72; color: white"
| Aramana
| 14:45
| Kidangara-Michael Church-Krishnapuram-Kavalam
|-style="background: #ED8C72; color: white"
| Lisieux (near Kavalam)
| 16:15
| Kavalam-Krishnapuram-Michael Church-Kidangara
|}
 
== Centres of worship ==
 
Notable worship centres in Changanacherry are Perunnai Sree Subramaniya Swamy Temple, [[Anandasramam, Changanacherry|Anandasramam]], St. Mary's church (Parel palli), Valiapally (Metropolitan Church), India Pentecostal Church of God [IPC], Assemblies of God Church [Pentecostal church], Kavil Bhagavathi Temple, The Holy Trinity Church, Puthoorpalli Muslim Juma-ath and [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Changanassery]]


'''Mary's Church, Parel (Changanacherry)''' Established in 1981, this is a designated pilgrim centre which attracts multitudes disregarding social divisions on religion and caste.
# [[St. Berchmans Higher Secondary School|St Berchmans Higher Secondary School]], Changanassery (1891); One of the oldest residential high schools in Kerala, (then known as) St Berchmans English High School was established by [[Charles Lavigne|Fr Charles Lavigne]] and clergy of Catholic Church in 1891. Even though made for [[Seminary|Seminarians]], the school, soon, was made for public. In 1998 the High School was promoted to Higher Secondary School providing both [[Primary education|primary]] and [[secondary education]]. Cardinals such as [[Antony Padiyara]] and [[George Alencherry]] and archbishops such as [[Joseph Powathil]] and [[Joseph Perumthottam]] are alumni of the school.
 
# [[St. Berchmans College]], Changanassery (19 June 1922); One of the top ten oldest colleges in Kerala, St Berchmans College was initially started in a building (now a museum) near to St. Mary's Parel Church in 1922 by [[Thomas Kurialacherry]] on the [[cornerstone]] laid by [[Charles Lavigne]] with the help of the [[Catholic Church]] and the [[Travancore royal family]]. It was a junior college affiliated to Madras University. In 1927, graduate courses were started. Travancore University was founded on 1 November 1937 to which the college was then affiliated. Postgraduate courses were started in 1957. Now it is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam. St. Berchmans College situated in Changanacherry, Kottayam District, Kerala, is an independent instructive (Autonomous) organization associated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. This establishment was established in 1922 and is perceived under the UGC Act, 1956. In the fifth pattern of accreditation in 2022, the school was evaluated at A+ by the NAAC. It was positioned 54 in All India Ranking by [[National Institutional Ranking Framework]] (NIRF) in 2022 in the class of College. The college is known for its Victorian architecture, especially the College Tower, and for its alumni such as [[Prem Nazir]], [[Oommen Chandy]], [[Thomas Tharayil (archbishop of Changanassery)|Thomas Tharayil]] and so on.
'''Marth Mariyam Metropolitan Cathedral''', also known as Valiyapally, is the cathedral of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Changanassery and also a Marian pilgrimage centre in Kerala,
# [[NSS Hindu College, Changanassery]] (June 1949); The college was started in the rooms provided at the N.S.S. High School and was shifted to a new building in 1955. Set up in 1947, it is licensed from UGC, NAAC, and is associated with Mahatma Gandhi University. NSS, Changanassery offers 30 courses across 5 streams specifically Vocational, Arts, Hotel Management, Science, Commerce and Banking and across 8 degrees like BA, BSc, B.Com, MA, MSc.
# Assumption College, Changanasserry (1950); women's college. Assumption College, affiliated to University of Kerala in 1949, is at present affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Included under section 2(f) and 12 B of the UGC Act, the College was accredited by the NAAC in the year 2000.


== Notable people ==
== Notable people ==
<!---♦♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Bharatpedia ♦♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦♦--->
{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
Line 199: Line 170:
* [[Joseph Powathil|Mar. Joseph Powathil]]
* [[Joseph Powathil|Mar. Joseph Powathil]]
* [[George Alencherry|Mar George Alencherry]]
* [[George Alencherry|Mar George Alencherry]]
* [[Joseph Perumthottam|Mar Joseph Perumthottam]]
* [[Alummoodan]]
* [[Alummoodan]]
* [[L. A. Ravi Varma|Dr. L.A. Ravi Varma]]
* [[L. A. Ravi Varma|Dr. L.A. Ravi Varma]]
Line 213: Line 185:
* [[Roshan Mathew]]
* [[Roshan Mathew]]
}}
}}
<!---♦♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Bharatpedia ♦♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦♦--->


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Thottackad]]
*[[Thottackad]]
*[[Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram|Palayam]]
*[[Karukachal]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
===Bibliography===
* {{citation|last=Singh|first=Upinder|author-link=Upinder Singh|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: from the Stone Age to the 12th century|date=2008|publisher=[[Longman|Pearson Longman]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|isbn=978-81-317-1120-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.changanachery.com/ About Changanacherry]
* [http://www.changanachery.com/ About Changanacherry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709061155/http://www.changanachery.com/ |date=9 July 2011 }}
* [http://www.archdiocesechanganacherry.org/ Archdiocese of Changanacherry]
* [http://www.archdiocesechanganacherry.org/ Archdiocese of Changanacherry]
* [http://www.nsshinducollege.org/ NSS HINDU COLLEGE CHANGANACHERRY]
* [http://www.nsshinducollege.org/ NSS HINDU COLLEGE CHANGANACHERRY]
* [http://www.sjcc.co.in St Joseph College of Communication]
* [http://www.sjcc.co.in St Joseph College of Communication]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120504174513/http://www.sbcollege.org/index.php St. Berchmans College]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120504174513/http://www.sbcollege.org/index.php St. Berchmans College]
* [http://www.changanasserymunicipality.in/ Changanassery Municipality]
* [http://www.changanasserymunicipality.in/ Changanassery Municipality] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214183512/https://www.changanasserymunicipality.in/ |date=14 December 2021 }}


{| style="centre; margin:150 0 0 0;"
{| style="centre; margin:150 0 0 0;"
Line 253: Line 230:


[[Category:Changanassery| ]]
[[Category:Changanassery| ]]
[[Category:Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2001]]
[[Category:All articles containing potentially dated statements]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Kottayam district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Kottayam district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Kottayam district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Kottayam district]]
Line 260: Line 235:
[[Category:Kingdom of Thekkumkur]]
[[Category:Kingdom of Thekkumkur]]
[[Category:Culture of Kerala]]
[[Category:Culture of Kerala]]
[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]
[[Category:Former capitals in India]]
[[Category:Historical Indian regions]]

Latest revision as of 18:40, 17 March 2026


Changanassery
Changanacherry
Municipality[1]
Clockwise, top to bottom: St. Berchmans College; The Anchuviḷakku; Iḷamkavu Devi Temple; The boat jetty; NSS Hindu College
Changanassery is located in Kerala
Changanassery
Changanassery
Changanassery is located in India
Changanassery
Changanassery
Coordinates: 9°28′00″N 76°33′00″E / 9.466667°N 76.55°E / 9.466667; 76.55
Country India
StateKerala
DistrictKottayam
Government
 • BodyMunicipality
Area
 • Municipality[1]13.5 km2 (5.2 sq mi)
 • Metro
43.8 km2 (16.9 sq mi)
Elevation
11 m (36 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Municipality[1]47,485
 • Density3,500/km2 (9,100/sq mi)
 • Metro
127,987
Languages
 • OfficialMalayalam, English[2]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
686101
Telephone code0481
Vehicle registrationKL 33

Changanassery, (ml) formerly Changanacherry, is a municipality[1] in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It is located 17 km (10.6 mi) south of the district headquarters in Kottayam and about 115 km (71.5 mi) north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. As per the 2011 Indian census, Changanassery has a population of 47,485 people, and a population density of 3,517/km2 (9,110/sq mi).

Changanassery is an important market town, was historically one of the centres of administration and culture in the Central Travancore region. The Changanassery market, established in AD 1805, served as the main trading point in the transport of rice, pepper, dry ginger, and piece goods between the coastal areas in the west and the mountains of the east. The "Anchu Vilakku" lamps were installed by the locals in 1905 near the boat jetty, and continues to serve as a symbol of the religious and ethnic harmony of the region.[3][4] Changanassery is also famous for SB College, one of the oldest and prestigious institutions established by the Catholic Church in 1922 and for providing higher education to Travancore Region in Kerala in beginning of 20 th Century. The College Tower of SB College, with Christ The King on top of it, continues to stand as symbol for wisdom and education in Kerala.[5][6]

Administration[edit | edit source]

The city is governed by the Changanacherry Municipal Council.Ms Beena Joby is the chairperson of the municipality and the vice chairperson Mr Mathews George.[7]

It heads the taluk Kachery (office). It also heads the Munsiff's court and the judicial first class magistrate's court.[8] Changanacherry assembly constituency was a part of Kottayam (Lok Sabha constituency).[9] However, after the Delimitation Commission's Report in 2005, in order to retain Mavelikkara Lok Sabha Constituency, Changanacherry segment in Kottayam and the neighbouring constituencies in Alappuzha and Kollam districts were put together under Mavelikkara constituency. Sri. Kodikunnil Suresh represents Mavelikkara constituency in Parliament and Sri. Job Michael represents Changanacherry Constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly now.

Geography and climate[edit | edit source]

Changanassery has a tropical monsoon climate. There is significant rainfall in most months of the year. The short dry season has little effect on the overall climate. The Köppen-Geiger climate classification is Am. The temperature here averages 26.3 °C or 79.3 °F. In a year, the average rainfall is about 2,979 millimetres or 117 inches.

Climate data for Changanassery
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 31
(88) 		32.7
(90.9) 		33.4
(92.1) 		32.1
(89.8) 		30.3
(86.5) 		28.4
(83.1) 		28.1
(82.6) 		28.1
(82.6) 		28.6
(83.5) 		28.9
(84.0) 		29
(84) 		29.6
(85.3) 		30.0
(86.0)
Average low °C (°F) 26.3
(79.3) 		27.5
(81.5) 		28.4
(83.1) 		27.9
(82.2) 		27
(81) 		25.7
(78.3) 		25.3
(77.5) 		25.3
(77.5) 		25.6
(78.1) 		25.7
(78.3) 		25.7
(78.3) 		25.8
(78.4) 		26.4
(79.5)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 22
(0.9) 		26
(1.0) 		67
(2.6) 		167
(6.6) 		346
(13.6) 		530
(20.9) 		497
(19.6) 		401
(15.8) 		305
(12.0) 		324
(12.8) 		222
(8.7) 		72
(2.8) 		2,979
(117.3)
Source: "Changanassery Climate". Climate Data.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Historical population
YearPop.±%
190114,264—    
191117,242+20.9%
192118,955+9.9%
193124,201+27.7%
194128,381+17.3%
195136,289+27.9%
196142,376+16.8%
197148,545+14.6%
198151,955+7.0%
199152,455+1.0%
200151,967−0.9%
201147,685−8.2%

The Indian census collects statistics for both the Changanassery municipality and the Changanassery Urban Agglomeration (including its surrounding panchayat areas). The Changanassery UA includes Changanassery municipality as well as neighbouring panchayats like Paippad, Thrikodithanam and Chethipuzha in Vazhapilly panchayat.

As of the 2011 Indian census Changanassery municipality has a population of 47,485, an 8.2% decline from the 51,967 registered in 2001. Of this, 48.13% are male and 51.86% are female. The total population of the Changanassery UA is 127,987, of which 48.29% are male and 51.71% are female.[10][11] The percentage of children below the age of 6 was 8.9% in Changanassery and 9.02% in the Changanassery UA. The literacy rate of Changanassery in 2011 was 97.19% (98.01% for males and 96.45% for females), which was higher than the state average of 94% and the national average of 74.04%. The literacy rate of the Changanassery UA in 2011 was 97.56% (98.19% for males and 96.98% for females).

Religion[edit | edit source]

Religion in Changanassery (2011)[12]

  Hinduism (48.05%)
  Christianity (34.67%)
  Islam (17%)
  None (0.23%)
  Other (0.04%)

According to the 2011 census, Hindus are the plurality, with 48% of the population adhering to the religion. Christians form a significant minority, constituting 35% of the population. Muslims constitute 17% of the population.[13]

The headquarters of the Nair Service Society, an organization created for the social advancement and welfare of the Nair community of Hindus, is located in Perunna. Changanassery is also the center of the Archdiocese of Changanassery, one of the largest dioceses of the Syro-Malabar Catholic church in India.

Education[edit | edit source]

There was a Vedic school at Vazhappally Salagramam (Vazhappally Shala) in ancient times during the rule of the Thekkumkur. It was run exclusively for Brahmins. It is the oldest educational institution in Changanassery on record. The Vazhappally Sala was destroyed by the army of Ramayyan Dalawa during the Battle of Changanassery between Thekkumkur and Travancore in 1790.[14]

  1. St Berchmans Higher Secondary School, Changanassery (1891); One of the oldest residential high schools in Kerala, (then known as) St Berchmans English High School was established by Fr Charles Lavigne and clergy of Catholic Church in 1891. Even though made for Seminarians, the school, soon, was made for public. In 1998 the High School was promoted to Higher Secondary School providing both primary and secondary education. Cardinals such as Antony Padiyara and George Alencherry and archbishops such as Joseph Powathil and Joseph Perumthottam are alumni of the school.
  2. St. Berchmans College, Changanassery (19 June 1922); One of the top ten oldest colleges in Kerala, St Berchmans College was initially started in a building (now a museum) near to St. Mary's Parel Church in 1922 by Thomas Kurialacherry on the cornerstone laid by Charles Lavigne with the help of the Catholic Church and the Travancore royal family. It was a junior college affiliated to Madras University. In 1927, graduate courses were started. Travancore University was founded on 1 November 1937 to which the college was then affiliated. Postgraduate courses were started in 1957. Now it is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam. St. Berchmans College situated in Changanacherry, Kottayam District, Kerala, is an independent instructive (Autonomous) organization associated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. This establishment was established in 1922 and is perceived under the UGC Act, 1956. In the fifth pattern of accreditation in 2022, the school was evaluated at A+ by the NAAC. It was positioned 54 in All India Ranking by National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2022 in the class of College. The college is known for its Victorian architecture, especially the College Tower, and for its alumni such as Prem Nazir, Oommen Chandy, Thomas Tharayil and so on.
  3. NSS Hindu College, Changanassery (June 1949); The college was started in the rooms provided at the N.S.S. High School and was shifted to a new building in 1955. Set up in 1947, it is licensed from UGC, NAAC, and is associated with Mahatma Gandhi University. NSS, Changanassery offers 30 courses across 5 streams specifically Vocational, Arts, Hotel Management, Science, Commerce and Banking and across 8 degrees like BA, BSc, B.Com, MA, MSc.
  4. Assumption College, Changanasserry (1950); women's college. Assumption College, affiliated to University of Kerala in 1949, is at present affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Included under section 2(f) and 12 B of the UGC Act, the College was accredited by the NAAC in the year 2000.

Notable people[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://lsgkerala.gov.in/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf Template:Bare URL PDF
  2. ↑ "The Kerala Official Language (Legislation) Act, 1969" (PDF). Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  3. ↑ "Changanacherry Market".
  4. ↑ "From Anchuvilakku to Vandipetta, Changanassery beckons tourists with heritage sites".
  5. ↑ Staff Reporter (17 June 2021). "Historic SB college to celebrate 100 years". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
  6. ↑ Mathews, Stephen (11 December 2020). "ST BERCHMANS COLLEGE : CHRIST KING CAMPUS". Stephen Musings. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
  7. ↑ "Changanacherry Municipality". Archived from the original on 1 March 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  8. ↑ "Courts in Changanacherry". Archived from the original on 1 March 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  9. ↑ "Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies" (PDF). Kerala. Election Commission of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 October 2008. Retrieved 19 October 2008.
  10. ↑ "Kerala (India): Districts, Cities and Towns - Population Statistics, Charts and Map". www.citypopulation.de.
  11. ↑ "Census of India 2011: Data from the 2011 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  12. ↑ Census data censusindia.gov.in
  13. ↑ "Thiruvalla Municipality City Population Census 2011-2024 | Kerala". www.census2011.co.in.
  14. ↑ Shungoonny Menon - A HISTORY OF TRAVANCORE - First edition: 1878, New edition: 1983, Page 130, 131 - ISBN 8170200407, 8120601696

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Changanassery&oldid=460204"
Discover more