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{{Short description|City in Kerala, India}}
 
{{Short description|Metropolis in Kerala, India}}
{{about|the [[city]] in India|the district|Kollam district|the eponymous port |Kollam Port|other uses|Kollam (disambiguation)}}
{{about|the [[city]] in India|the district|Kollam district|the eponymous port |Kollam Port|other uses|Kollam (disambiguation)}}
{{redirect|Quilon}}
{{redirect|Quilon}}
{{multiple issues|
{{multiple issues|
{{fanpov|date=January 2018}}
{{fan POV|date=January 2018}}
{{original research|date=June 2018}}
{{original research|date=June 2018}}
}}
}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Kollam
| name                     = Kollam
| native_name                     = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->
| native_name             = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->
| native_name_lang               = ml
| native_name_lang         = ml
| other_name                     = Quilon <br /> Desinganadu <br /> Koolam <br /> Coulão
| other_name               = Quilon, Desinganadu
| settlement_type                 = [[Metropolis]]
| settlement_type         = [[Metropolis]]
| image_skyline                   = Kollam Collage.jpg
| image_skyline           = Kollam_Collage.png
| image_alt                       =  
| image_alt               =  
| image_caption                   = From top clockwise: [[RP Mall, Kollam|RP Mall]], [[Tangasseri Lighthouse]], [[British Residency]], [[Kollam Junction railway station]], [[Ashtamudi Lake]], [[Kollam Port]], [[Adventure Park, Kollam|Asramam Adventure Park]], [[Chinnakada Clock Tower]]
| image_caption           = From top clockwise:An aerial view of the [[Ashtamudi Lake]] & [[The Raviz]], [[Thangasseri Lighthouse]], Ruins of [[St Thomas Fort]], [[Kollam KSRTC bus station]] & [[Kollam KSWTD Ferry Terminal|KSWTD Boat Jetty]], [[British Residency]], [[Downtown Kollam]] area including [[RP Mall, Kollam|RP Mall]], Tourists in [[Munroe Island]], [[Adventure Park, Kollam|Adventure Park]], [[Kollam Junction railway station]], [[Thangassery Breakwater Tourism Park|Break Water Tourism]] & [[Kollam Port]], [[Kollam Beach]] and [[Chinnakada Clock Tower]]
| etymology                      = [[Black pepper]]: ''kola'' ("black pepper")
| etymology                = [[Black pepper]]: ''kola'' ("black pepper")
| nickname                       = Prince of Arabian sea<br/ >Cashew Capital of the World<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kollams-cashew-crunch/article23701507.ece |title=Kollam's cashew crunch |work=The Hindu|date=28 April 2018 |access-date=10 August 2018}}</ref>
| nickname                 = "Prince of Arabian sea"<br/ >"Cashew Capital of the World"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kollams-cashew-crunch/article23701507.ece |title=Kollam's cashew crunch |work=The Hindu|date=28 April 2018 |access-date=10 August 2018}}</ref> <br /> "The Gateway to Backwaters" <br />
| image_map                      = Location map India Kollam EN.svg
"[[Fountain of Youth]]" <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/2012/kollam-quilon/154 | title=Kollam, Quilon, Land of cashew, coir, backwaters, Kerala Tourism }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.grunge.com/236799/the-tragic-history-of-the-search-for-the-fountain-of-youth/ | title=The Tragic History of the Search for the Fountain of Youth | newspaper=Grunge | date=14 August 2020 }}</ref> <br />
| mapsize                        = 250x200px
| image_map                = Location map India Kollam EN.svg
| map_alt                        =
| mapsize                  = 250x200px
| map_caption                    = Location of the city within [[Kollam Metropolitan Area]]
| map_alt                  =  
| pushpin_map                    = India#India Kerala
| map_caption              = Location of the city within [[Kollam Metropolitan Area]]
| pushpin_label_position          = right
| pushpin_map              = India#India Kerala
| pushpin_map_alt                =  
| pushpin_label_position  = right
| pushpin_map_caption            = Location of Kollam in India
| pushpin_map_alt          =
| coordinates                    = {{coord|8.88|N|76.60|E|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map_caption      = Location of Kollam in India
| subdivision_type                = Country
| coordinates              = {{coord|8.88|N|76.60|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_name                = India
| subdivision_type        = Country
| subdivision_type1              = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name        = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name1              = [[South India]]
| subdivision_type1        = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_type2              = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[South India]]
| subdivision_name2              = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_type2        = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type3              = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_name3              = [[Kollam District|Kollam]]
| subdivision_type3        = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type4              = Former Name
| subdivision_name3        = [[Kollam District|Kollam]]
| subdivision_name4              = Quilon, Coulão
| subdivision_type4        = Former Name
| subdivision_type5              = Native Language
| subdivision_name4        = Quilon, Desinganadu, Venad, Columbum, Kaulam (<small>see [[Names for Kollam]]</small>)
| subdivision_name5              = [[Malayalam]]
| subdivision_type5        = Native Language
| established_title              = Established
| subdivision_name5        = [[Malayalam]]
| established_date                = 1099
| established_title        = Established
| founder                        = [[Rama Varma Kulashekhara]]
| established_date        = 1099
| parts_style                    = para
| founder                  = [[Rama Varma Kulashekhara]]
| parts                          = <u>7 Zones</u>
| parts_style              = para
| p1                              = <br />Central Zone-1
| parts                    = <u>7 Zones</u>
| p2                              = Central Zone-2
| p1                      = <br />Central Zone-1
| p3                              = [[Eravipuram]]
| p2                      = Central Zone-2
| p4                              = [[Vadakkevila]]
| p3                      = [[Eravipuram]]
| p5                              = [[Sakthikulangara]]
| p4                      = [[Vadakkevila]]
| p6                              = [[Killikolloor]]
| p5                      = [[Sakthikulangara]]
| p7                              = Thrikadavoor
| p6                      = [[Kilikolloor]]
| leader_party                    = [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)|<small>''CPI(M)''</small>]]
| p7                      = Thrikadavoor
| government_type                = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]]
| leader_party            = [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)|<small>''CPI(M)''</small>]]
| governing_body                  = [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]
| government_type          = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]]
| leader_title                    = [[Mayor#India|Mayor]]
| governing_body          = [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]
| leader_name                    = Prasanna Earnest
| leader_title            = [[Mayor#India|Mayor]]
| leader_title1                  = [[Member of Parliament (India)|MP]]
| leader_name              = Prasanna Earnest
| leader_name1                    = [[N.K. Premachandran|N.K Premachandran]]
| leader_title1            = [[Member of Parliament (India)|MP]]
| leader_title2                  = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]]
| leader_name1            = [[N.K. Premachandran|N.K Premachandran]]
| leader_name2                    = [[Mukesh (actor)|Mukesh]],
| leader_title2            = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]]
[[M. Noushad|M.Noushad]]
| leader_name2            = [[Mukesh (actor)|Mukesh]]
| leader_title3                  = [[District Collector]]
| leader_title3            = [[District Collector]]
| leader_name3                    = Abdul Nasar IAS
| leader_name3             = Afsana Parveen IAS
| leader_title4                  =[[Kollam City Police|City Police Commissioner]]
| leader_title4            = [[Kollam City Police|City Police Commissioner]]
| leader_name4                    = T. Narayanan IPS
| leader_name4            = Merin Joseph IPS
| unit_pref                      = Metric
| unit_pref               = Metric
| area_footnotes                  =  
| area_footnotes          =  
| area_rank                      = 4
| area_rank                = 4
| area_total_km2                  = 73.03
| area_total_km2          = 165
| area_land_km2                  =
| area_land_km2            =  
| area_water_km2                  =  
| area_water_km2          =  
| elevation_footnotes             =  
| elevation_footnotes      =  
| elevation_m                    = 3
| elevation_m              = 3
| population_total               = 397,419
| population_total        = 1,342,509
| population_footnotes            = <ref>{{cite web | url=http://censusindia.gov.in/PopulationFinder/Population_Finder.aspx| title=Population Finder - Census of India 2011 | publisher=Government of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/| title=Thrikkadavoor panchayath| publisher=Government of Kerala| access-date=25 September 2015| archive-date=12 June 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612055856/http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=census/>
| population_footnotes    = <ref>{{cite web | url=https://amrutkerala.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CWBP_KOLLAM.pdf| title=CITY WATER BALANCE PLAN (CWBP) FOR AMRUT 2.0 | publisher=Government of Kerala}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://censusindia.gov.in/PopulationFinder/Population_Finder.aspx| title=Population Finder - Census of India 2011 | publisher=Government of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/| title=Thrikkadavoor panchayath| publisher=Government of Kerala| access-date=25 September 2015| archive-date=12 June 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612055856/http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=census/>
| population_as_of                = 2011
| population_as_of        = 2021
| population_rank                = [[List of Kerala cities by population|4]] ([[List of million-plus agglomerations in India|49th IN]])
| population_rank          = [[List of Kerala cities by population|5]] ([[List of million-plus agglomerations in India|41th IN]])
| population_density_km2          = auto
| population_density_km2  = auto
| population_metro                = 1351000
| population_metro        = 1,871,086
| population_metro_footnotes      = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf| title=Demographia World Urban Areas |publisher=Demographia |access-date=23 April 2016}}</ref>
| population_metro_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf| title=Demographia World Urban Areas |publisher=Demographia |access-date=23 April 2016}}</ref>
| population_demonym              = Kollamite, Kollathukaaran, Kollamkaran
| population_demonym      = Kollamite, Kollathukaaran, Kollamkaran
| demographics_type1              = Languages
| demographics_type1      = Languages
| demographics1_title1            = Official
| demographics1_title1    = Official
| demographics1_info1            = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]<br />English
| demographics1_info1      = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]<br />English
| timezone1                      = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1                = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1                    = +5:30
| utc_offset1              = +5:30
| postal_code_type               = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code_type         = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code                     = 691 XXX
| postal_code             = 691 XXX
| area_code_type                 = Telephone code
| area_code_type           = Telephone code
| area_code                       = '''Kollam-91-0474
| area_code               = '''Kollam-91-0474'''
| registration_plate             = '''Kollam:''' '''[[List of RTO districts in India#KL—Kerala|KL]]-02, 23, 24, 25'''
| registration_plate       = '''Kollam:''' '''[[List of RTO districts in India#KL—Kerala|KL]]-02, 23, 24, 25'''
| blank2_name_sec2               = Literacy
| blank2_name_sec2         = Literacy
| blank2_info_sec2               = 91.18%<ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove>{{cite web | url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf| title=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011; Cities having population 1 lakh and above | publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India}}</ref>
| blank2_info_sec2         = 91.18%<ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove>{{cite web | url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf| title=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011; Cities having population 1 lakh and above | publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India}}</ref>
| website                         = {{URL|www.kollam.nic.in}}
| website                 = {{URL|www.kollam.nic.in}}
| blank_name_sec2                 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]]
| blank_name_sec2         = [[Human Development Index|HDI]]
| blank_info_sec2                 = <span style="color:#090">High</span>
| blank_info_sec2         = <span style="color:#090">High</span>
| blank3_name_sec2               = [[UN/LOCODE]]
| blank3_name_sec2         = [[UN/LOCODE]]
| blank3_info_sec2               = '''IN QUI<br/ >IN KUK'''
| blank3_info_sec2         = '''IN QUI<br/ >IN KUK'''
| footnotes                       =  
| footnotes               =  
| official_name                   =  
| official_name           =  
}}
}}
'''Kollam''' ({{IPA-ml|kolːɐm|lang|Kollam-pronunciation.ogg}}), also known by its [[List of renamed Indian cities and states|former name]] '''Quilon'''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/east-is-west-and-up-is-really-down/22425156 | publisher=mid-day.com | title=East Is West And Up Is Really Down | access-date=14 January 2020}}</ref> {{audio|Pronunciation of the alternate name "Quilon" of the city Kollam.ogg|pronunciation}} and '''''Koolam''''' (in Arabic),<ref name="Koolam">{{cite book
'''Kollam''' ({{IPA-ml|kolːɐm|lang|Kollam-pronunciation.ogg}}), also known by its [[List of renamed Indian cities and states|former name]] '''Quilon'''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/east-is-west-and-up-is-really-down/22425156 | publisher=mid-day.com | title=East Is West And Up Is Really Down | date=14 January 2020 | access-date=14 January 2020}}</ref> {{audio|Pronunciation of the alternate name "Quilon" of the city Kollam.ogg|pronunciation}}(sometimes referred to by its [[Names for Kollam|historical name]] '''Desinganadu'''<ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=https://kollam.nic.in/en/history/ | title=History &#124; District Kollam, Government of Kerala &#124; India }}</ref>), is an ancient seaport and [[city]] on the [[Malabar Coast]] of India bordering the [[Laccadive Sea]], which is a part of the [[Arabian Sea]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kollam | publisher=Britannica | title=Kollam - Encyclopaedia Britannica | access-date=7 February 2020}}</ref> It is {{cvt|71|km}} north of the state capital [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/heritage-walk-explores-kollam-tangasseri-regions/article24892273.ece |title=Kollam on the itinerary |work=The Hindu|date=14 September 2018 |access-date=14 September 2018}}</ref> The city is on the banks of [[Ashtamudi Lake]] and the [[Kallada River|Kallada river]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kerala-tourism.net/kerala-cities.html|title=Kerala Cities,Cities of Kerala,Kerala India Cities,City Guide of Kerala,Kerala City Guide|website=www.kerala-tourism.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kerala-tour-package.net/Kerala_Cities.htm |title=Kerala Cities |access-date=19 August 2014 |archive-date=24 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124153004/http://www.kerala-tour-package.net/Kerala_Cities.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/13/a/K/|title=Alphabetical listing of Places in Kerala that start with K|website=www.fallingrain.com}}</ref> Kollam is the [[List of cities and towns in Kerala|fourth largest city]] in Kerala and is known for [[Cashew business in Kollam|cashew processing]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/in-2-years-80-cashew-producing-units-closed-in-kollam-61749|title=In 2 years, 80% cashew producing units closed in Kollam|website=www.downtoearth.org.in}}</ref> and coir manufacturing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/2012/coir-products/161|title=Coir products of Kerala, Kollam, Kerala, India|website=Kerala Tourism}}</ref> It is the southern gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/ashtamudi-backwaters/426|title=Ashtamudi Lake, the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala|website=Kerala Tourism}}</ref> and is a prominent tourist destination.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/video-gallery/visit-kollam/1040|title=Top 5 places to visit in Kollam &#124; Explore Kollam &#124; Kerala Tour Plan (HDR in 4k)|website=Kerala Tourism}}</ref> Kollam is one of the [[List of ancient Indian cities|most historic cities with continuous settlements]] in India.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.walkthroughindia.com/cities/12-oldest-living-continuously-inhabited-cities-india/ | title=12 Oldest Living and Continuously Inhabited Cities of India }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog/must-visit-ancient-cities-india/ | title=Explore India's History & Heritage at These Famous 15 Ancient Cities | date=22 October 2019 }}</ref><ref>https://www.adotrip.com/blog/ancient-cities-of-india {{bare URL inline|date=June 2023}}</ref> The [[Malayalam calendar]] (Kollavarsham) is also known so with the name of the city Kollam.<ref name="auto"/> Geographically, [[Quilon formation]] seen around coastal cliffs of [[Ashtamudi Lake]], represent sediments laid down in the Kerala basin that existed during Mio-Pliocene times.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010EGUGA..12.6751P/abstract |bibcode=2010EGUGA..12.6751P |title=The Quilon Limestone (Kerala Basin/India) - an archive for Miocene Indo-Pacific seagrass beds |last1=Piller |first1=Werner E. |last2=Reuter |first2=Markus |last3=Harzhauser |first3=Mathias |last4=Kroh |first4=Andreas |last5=Rögl |first5=Fred |last6=Coric |first6=Stjepan |journal=Egu General Assembly Conference Abstracts |year=2010 |page=6751 }}</ref><ref>https://www.nhm-wien.ac.at/jart/prj3/nhm-resp/data/uploads/mitarbeiter_dokumente/harzhauser/Reuter_Quilon.pdf {{bare URL PDF|date=June 2023}}</ref>
| author = S. Muhammad Hussain Nainar | year=1942
| title= Tuhfat-al-Mujahidin: An Historical Work in The Arabic Language | publisher=University of Madras
| url= https://archive.org/details/Tuhfat-al-MujahidinAnHistoricalWorkInTheArabicLanguage
}}</ref> '''''Coulão''''' (in Portuguese), and '''''Desinganadu''''', is an ancient seaport and [[city]] on the [[Malabar Coast]] of India bordering the [[Laccadive Sea]], which is a part of the [[Arabian Sea]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kollam | publisher=Britannica | title=Kollam - Encyclopaedia Britannica | access-date=7 February 2020}}</ref> It is {{cvt|71|km}} north of the state capital [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/heritage-walk-explores-kollam-tangasseri-regions/article24892273.ece |title=Kollam on the itinerary |work=The Hindu|date=14 September 2018 |access-date=14 September 2018}}</ref> The city is on the banks of [[Ashtamudi Lake]] and the [[Kallada River|Kallada river]].<ref>[http://www.kerala-tourism.net/kerala-cities.html Cities of Kerala]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kerala-tour-package.net/Kerala_Cities.htm |title=Kerala Cities |access-date=19 August 2014 |archive-date=24 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124153004/http://www.kerala-tour-package.net/Kerala_Cities.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/13/a/K Alphabetical listing of Places in State of Kerala]</ref>
It is the headquarters of the Kollam district. Kollam is the fourth largest city in Kerala and is known for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. It is the southern gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala and is a prominent tourist destination.


Kollam has a strong commercial reputation since ancient times. The [[Arab]]s, [[Phoenicians]], [[Chinese people|Chinese]], [[People of Ethiopia|Ethiopians]], [[Syrians]], [[Jews]], [[Chaldea]]ns and [[Roman people|Romans]] have all engaged in trade at the port of Kollam for millennia.<ref>{{cite book |first=K. A. Nilakanta |last=Sasthri |title=History of South India |edition=2nd| publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1958 |orig-year=1935}}</ref> As a result of Chinese trade, Kollam was mentioned by [[Ibn Battuta]] in the 14th century as one of the five Indian ports he had seen during the course of his twenty-four-year travels.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/152778/news-kerala-china-iit-prof-gulis-children/ |title=Kozhikode to China: IIT Prof Unearths 700-YO Link That'll Will Blow Your Mind! |publisher=The Better India |date=26 July 2018 |access-date=7 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="www.mathrubhumi.com">[http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/destination/kollam/1095/ Kollam - Mathrubhumi] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009210850/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/destination/kollam/1095/ |date=9 October 2014 }}</ref> Desinganadu's rajas exchanged embassies with Chinese rulers while there was a flourishing Chinese settlement at Kollam. In the ninth century, on his way to [[Guangzhou|Canton]], China, Persian merchant [[Sulaiman al-Tajir]] found Kollam to be the only port in India visited by huge Chinese junks. [[Marco Polo]], the Venetian traveller, who was in Chinese service under [[Kublai Khan]] in 1275, visited Kollam and other towns on the west coast, in his capacity as a Chinese mandarin.<ref>[http://kollam.nic.in/history.html Short History of Kollam]</ref> [[Kollam district|Kollam]] is also home to one of the [[Ezharappallikal|seven churches]] that were established by [[Thomas the Apostle|St Thomas]] as well as one of the [[Islam in Kerala|10 oldest mosques]] believed to be found by [[Malik Deenar]] in [[Kerala]].
Kollam has a strong commercial reputation since ancient times. The [[Arab]]s, [[Phoenicians]], [[Chinese people|Chinese]], [[People of Ethiopia|Ethiopians]], [[Syrians]], [[Jews]], [[Chaldea]]ns and [[Roman people|Romans]] have all engaged in trade at the port of Kollam for millennia.<ref>{{cite book |first=K. A. Nilakanta |last=Sasthri |title=History of South India |edition=2nd| publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1958 |orig-year=1935}}</ref> As a result of Chinese trade, Kollam was mentioned by [[Ibn Battuta]] in the 14th century as one of the five Indian ports he had seen during the course of his twenty-four-year travels.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/152778/news-kerala-china-iit-prof-gulis-children/ |title=Kozhikode to China: IIT Prof Unearths 700-YO Link That'll Will Blow Your Mind! |publisher=The Better India |date=26 July 2018 |access-date=7 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="www.mathrubhumi.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/destination/kollam/1095/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009210850/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/destination/kollam/1095/|url-status=dead|title=Kollam - Mathrubhumi|archivedate=9 October 2014}}</ref> Desinganadu's rajas exchanged embassies with Chinese rulers while there was a flourishing Chinese settlement at Kollam. In the ninth century, on his way to [[Guangzhou|Canton]], China, Persian merchant [[Sulaiman al-Tajir]] found Kollam to be the only port in India visited by huge Chinese junks. [[Marco Polo]], the Venetian traveller, who was in Chinese service under [[Kublai Khan]] in 1275, visited Kollam and other towns on the west coast, in his capacity as a Chinese mandarin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kollam.nic.in/history.html|title=Short History of Kollam}}</ref> [[Kollam district|Kollam]] is also home to one of the [[Ezharappallikal|seven churches]] that were established by [[Thomas the Apostle|St Thomas]] as well as one of the [[Islam in Kerala|10 oldest mosques]] believed to be found by [[Malik Deenar]] in [[Kerala]].  


[[V. Nagam Aiya]] in his ''[[Travancore State Manual]]'' records that in 822 AD two [[East Syriac Rite|East Syriac]] bishops [[Mar Sabor and Mar Proth]], settled in Quilon with their followers. Two years later the Malabar Era began (824 AD) and Quilon became the premier city of the Malabar region ahead of [[Travancore]] and [[Cochin]].<ref name="Aiyya, V.V Nagom p. 244"/> [[Kollam Port]] was founded by Mar Sabor at [[Tangasseri]] in 825 as an alternative to reopening the inland seaport of Kore-ke-ni Kollam near Backare (Thevalakara), which was also known as Nelcynda and Tyndis to the Romans and Greeks and as Thondi to the Tamils.<ref name="Aiyya, V.V Nagom p. 244">Aiyya, V.V Nagom, State Manual p. 244</ref>
[[V. Nagam Aiya]] in his ''[[Travancore State Manual]]'' records that in 822 AD two [[East Syriac Rite|East Syriac]] bishops [[Mar Sabor and Mar Proth]], settled in Quilon with their followers. Two years later the Malabar Era began (824 AD) and Quilon became the premier city of the Malabar region ahead of [[Travancore]] and [[Cochin]].<ref name="Aiyya, V.V Nagom p. 244"/> [[Kollam Port]] was founded by Mar Sabor at [[Tangasseri]] in 825 as an alternative to reopening the inland seaport of Kore-ke-ni Kollam near Backare (Thevalakara), which was also known as Nelcynda and Tyndis to the Romans and Greeks and as Thondi to the Tamils.<ref name="Aiyya, V.V Nagom p. 244">Aiyya, V.V Nagom, State Manual p. 244</ref>  


Kollam city corporation received [[ISO 9000#Contents of ISO 9001:2015|ISO 9001:2015]] certification for municipal administration and services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lsgkerala.gov.in/index.php/en/news-district-news/kollam-corporation-achieved-iso-certification-1636 |title=Kollam Corporation achieved ISO Certification |date=17 May 2019 |access-date=18 June 2019}}</ref> As per the survey conducted by the [[Economist Intelligence Unit|Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)]] based on urban area growth during January 2020, [[Kollam Metropolitan Area|Kollam]] became the tenth fastest growing city in the world with a 31.1% urban growth between 2015 and 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/three-of-worlds-ten-fastest-growing-urban-areas-are-in-kerala-6205749/ |title=3 of world's 10 fastest-growing urban areas are in Kerala: Economist ranking |date=8 January 2020 |access-date=8 January 2020}}</ref> It is a coastal city and on the banks of [[Ashtamudi Lake]]. The city hosts the administrative offices of [[Kollam district]] and is a prominent trading city for the state. The proportion of females to males in Kollam city is second highest among the 500 most populous cities in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/city.php |title=census2011.co.in - Indian Cities |access-date=7 December 2015}}</ref> Kollam is one of the least polluted cities in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india.com/lifestyle/the-4-least-polluted-cities-in-india-757032/ |title=The 4 Least Polluted Cities in India - India.com |date=7 December 2015 |access-date=7 December 2015}}</ref>  
Kollam city corporation received [[ISO 9000#Contents of ISO 9001:2015|ISO 9001:2015]] certification for municipal administration and services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lsgkerala.gov.in/index.php/en/news-district-news/kollam-corporation-achieved-iso-certification-1636 |title=Kollam Corporation achieved ISO Certification |date=17 May 2019 |access-date=18 June 2019}}</ref> As per the survey conducted by the [[Economist Intelligence Unit|Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)]] based on urban area growth during January 2020, [[Kollam Metropolitan Area|Kollam]] became the tenth fastest growing city in the world with a 31.1% urban growth between 2015 and 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/three-of-worlds-ten-fastest-growing-urban-areas-are-in-kerala-6205749/ |title=3 of world's 10 fastest-growing urban areas are in Kerala: Economist ranking |date=8 January 2020 |access-date=8 January 2020}}</ref> It is a coastal city and on the banks of [[Ashtamudi Lake]]. The city hosts the administrative offices of [[Kollam district]] and is a prominent trading city for the state. The proportion of females to males in Kollam city is second highest among the 500 most populous cities in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/city.php |title=census2011.co.in - Indian Cities |access-date=7 December 2015}}</ref> Kollam is one of the least polluted cities in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india.com/lifestyle/the-4-least-polluted-cities-in-india-757032/ |title=The 4 Least Polluted Cities in India - India.com |date=7 December 2015 |access-date=7 December 2015}}</ref>


During the later stages of the rule of the [[Chera dynasty|Chera]] monarchy in Kerala, Kollam emerged as the focal point of trade and politics. Kollam continues to be a major business and commercial centre in Kerala.  Four major trading centres around Kollam are [[Kottarakara]], [[Punalur]], [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]], and [[Karunagapally]]. Kollam appeared as '''Palombe''' in [[John Mandeville|Mandeville]]'s ''[[Travels of Sir John Mandeville|Travels]]'', where he claimed it contained a [[Fountain of Youth]].<ref>Mandeville, John. ''[http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/782/pg782.txt The Travels of Sir John Mandeville]''. Accessed 24 September 2011.</ref><ref>Kohanski, Tamarah & Benson, C. David (Eds.) ''The Book of John Mandeville''. Medieval Institute Publications (Kalamazoo), 2007. Op. cit. "[http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/teams/tkap2.htm Indexed Glossary of Proper Names]". Accessed 24 September 2011.</ref>
During the later stages of the rule of the [[Chera dynasty|Chera]] monarchy in Kerala, Kollam emerged as the focal point of trade and politics. Kollam continues to be a major business and commercial centre in Kerala.  Four major trading centers around Kollam are [[Kottarakara]], [[Punalur]], [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]], and [[Karunagapally]]. Kollam appeared as '''Palombe''' in [[John Mandeville|Mandeville]]'s ''[[Travels of Sir John Mandeville|Travels]]'', where he claimed it contained a [[Fountain of Youth]].<ref>Mandeville, John. ''[http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/782/pg782.txt The Travels of Sir John Mandeville]''. Accessed 24 September 2011.</ref><ref>Kohanski, Tamarah & Benson, C. David (Eds.) ''The Book of John Mandeville''. Medieval Institute Publications (Kalamazoo), 2007. Op. cit. "[http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/teams/tkap2.htm Indexed Glossary of Proper Names]". Accessed 24 September 2011.</ref>


==Toponymy==
==Etymology==
In 825 CE, the [[Malayalam calendar]], or ''Kollavarsham'', was created in Kollam at meetings held in the city.<ref>ending with the Royal sanction of Tarissapalli copper plates to Assyrian Monks by Vaishnaite Chera King Rajashekara Varma, against the backdrop of a Shivite revival led by Adi Shankara among the Nampoothiri communities [http://www.kerala.gov.in/statistical/panchayat_statistics2001/klm_shis.htm Kerala government website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121073245/http://www.kerala.gov.in/statistical/panchayat_statistics2001/klm_shis.htm |date=21 November 2007 }}</ref> The present Malayalam calendar is said to have begun with the re-founding of the town, which was rebuilt after its destruction by fire. The name Kollam is believed to have been derived from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''Kollam'', meaning [[Black pepper|pepper]].{{cn|date=February 2022}}
{{main|Names for Kollam}}
In 825 CE, the [[Malayalam calendar]], or ''Kollavarsham'', was created in Kollam at meetings held in the city.<ref>ending with the Royal sanction of Tarissapalli copper plates to Assyrian Monks by Vaishnaite Chera King Rajashekara Varma, against the backdrop of a Shivite revival led by Adi Shankara among the Nampoothiri communities [http://www.kerala.gov.in/statistical/panchayat_statistics2001/klm_shis.htm Kerala government website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121073245/http://www.kerala.gov.in/statistical/panchayat_statistics2001/klm_shis.htm |date=21 November 2007 }}</ref> The present Malayalam calendar is said to have begun with the re-founding of the town, which was rebuilt after its destruction by fire.
 
The city was known as ''Koolam'' in Arabic,<ref name="Koolam">{{cite book |author=S. Muhammad Hussain Nainar |url=https://archive.org/details/Tuhfat-al-MujahidinAnHistoricalWorkInTheArabicLanguage |title=Tuhfat-al-Mujahidin: An Historical Work in The Arabic Language |publisher=University of Madras |year=1942}}</ref> ''Coulão'' in Portuguese, and ''Desinganadu'' in ancient Tamil literature.


==History==
==History==
{{main|History of Kollam}}
{{main|History of Kollam}}
[[File:Periplous of the Erythraean Sea.svg|left|thumbnail|Names, routes and locations of the ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]'' (1st century CE)]]
[[File:Periplous of the Erythraean Sea.svg|left|thumbnail|Names, routes and locations of the ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]'' (1st century CE)]]
[[File:Quilon 1505 verbessert.jpg|left|thumb|Kollam in the 1500s]]
As the ancient city of Quilon, Kollam was a flourishing port during the [[Pandya dynasty]] (c. 3rd century BC–12th century), and later became the capital of the independent [[Venad]] or the Kingdom of Quilon on its foundation in c. 825. Kollam was considered one of the four early [[entrepot]]s in global sea trade during the 13th century, along with [[Alexandria]] and [[Cairo]] in Egypt, the Chinese city of [[Quanzhou]], and [[Malacca]] in the Malaysian archipelago.<ref name=Tignor>{{cite book|last=tignor|first=Robert|title=Worlds together, worlds apart: a history of the world from the beginnings of humankind to the present|year=2010|publisher=W.W. Norton & Co.|location=New York|isbn=978-0-393-93492-2|page=365|url=http://books.wwnorton.com/books/detail.aspx?ID=17166|edition=3rd}}</ref> It seems that trade at Kollam seems to have flourished right into the Medieval period as in 1280, there is instance of envoys of [[Yuan dynasty|Yuan]] China coming to Kollam for establishing relations between the local ruler and China<ref>{{Cite book|work=Al-Hind,The making of the Indo-Islamic World|publisher=Brill|url=https://archive.org/details/AndreWinkAlHindTheMakingOfTheIndoIslamKhaledWahsh2FFacebook2FkWahshyahoo.com/page/n24/mode/1up?view=theater&q=Embassy|year=2002|title='Trade embassy to Kollam'}}</ref>
As the ancient city of Quilon, Kollam was a flourishing port during the [[Pandya dynasty]] (c. 3rd century BC–12th century), and later became the capital of the independent [[Venad]] or the Kingdom of Quilon on its foundation in c. 825. Kollam was considered one of the four early [[entrepot]]s in global sea trade during the 13th century, along with [[Alexandria]] and [[Cairo]] in Egypt, the Chinese city of [[Quanzhou]], and [[Malacca]] in the Malaysian archipelago.<ref name=Tignor>{{cite book|last=tignor|first=Robert|title=Worlds together, worlds apart: a history of the world from the beginnings of humankind to the present|year=2010|publisher=W.W. Norton & Co.|location=New York|isbn=978-0-393-93492-2|page=365|url=http://books.wwnorton.com/books/detail.aspx?ID=17166|edition=3rd}}</ref> It seems that trade at Kollam seems to have flourished right into the Medieval period as in 1280, there is instance of envoys of [[Yuan dynasty|Yuan]] China coming to Kollam for establishing relations between the local ruler and China<ref> {{Cite book|work=Al-Hind,The making of the Indo-Islamic World|publisher=Brill|url=https://archive.org/details/AndreWinkAlHindTheMakingOfTheIndoIslamKhaledWahsh2FFacebook2FkWahshyahoo.com/page/n24/mode/1up?view=theater&q=Embassy|year=2002|title='Trade embassy to Kollam'}}</ref>


===Pandya rule===
===Pandya rule===
[[File:Quilon 1670 verbessert.jpg|left|thumb|Capture of Kollam in 1661]]
[[File:A view of Coylang Wellcome L0038178.jpg|left|thumb|Kollam in the 1700s]]
The ancient political and cultural history of Kollam was almost entirely independent from that of the rest of Kerala. The [[Chera dynasty]] governed the area of [[Malabar Coast]] between [[Alappuzha]] in the south to [[Kasaragod]] in the north. This included [[Palakkad Gap]], [[Coimbatore]], [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]], and [[Kolli Hills]]. The region around [[Coimbatore]] was ruled by the Cheras during [[Sangam period]] between c. first and the fourth centuries CE and it served as the eastern entrance to the [[Palakkad Gap]], the principal trade route between the [[Malabar Coast]] and [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="Trade">{{cite news|last=Subramanian|first=T. S|title=Roman connection in Tamil Nadu|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007012800201800.htm&date=2007/01/28/&prd=th|access-date=28 October 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 January 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919235748/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007012800201800.htm&date=2007%2F01%2F28%2F&prd=th|archive-date=19 September 2013}}</ref> However the southern region of present-day Kerala state (The coastal belt between Thiruvananthapuram and [[Alappuzha]]) was under [[Ay dynasty]], who was more related to the [[Pandya dynasty]] of [[Madurai]] than Cheras.<ref>KA Nilakanta Sastri</ref>
The ancient political and cultural history of Kollam was almost entirely independent from that of the rest of Kerala. The [[Chera dynasty]] governed the area of [[Malabar Coast]] between [[Alappuzha]] in the south to [[Kasaragod]] in the north. This included [[Palakkad Gap]], [[Coimbatore]], [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]], and [[Kolli Hills]]. The region around [[Coimbatore]] was ruled by the Cheras during [[Sangam period]] between c. first and the fourth centuries CE and it served as the eastern entrance to the [[Palakkad Gap]], the principal trade route between the [[Malabar Coast]] and [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="Trade">{{cite news|last=Subramanian|first=T. S|title=Roman connection in Tamil Nadu|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007012800201800.htm&date=2007/01/28/&prd=th|access-date=28 October 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 January 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919235748/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007012800201800.htm&date=2007%2F01%2F28%2F&prd=th|archive-date=19 September 2013}}</ref> However the southern region of present-day Kerala state (The coastal belt between Thiruvananthapuram and [[Alappuzha]]) was under [[Ay dynasty]], who was more related to the [[Pandya dynasty]] of [[Madurai]] than Cheras.<ref>KA Nilakanta Sastri</ref>


Line 148: Line 142:
Thus began the Malayalam Era, known as [[Malayalam calendar|Kolla Varsham]] after the city, indicating the importance of Kollam in the ninth century.{{sfnp|Malekandathil|2010}} The Persian merchant Soleyman of Siraf visited Malabar in the ninth century and found Quilon to be the only port in India used by the huge Chinese ships as their transshipment hub for goods on their way from China to the Persian Gulf. The rulers of Kollam (formerly called 'Desinganadu') had trade relations with China and exchanged embassies. According to the records of the [[Tang dynasty]] (618–913),<ref>Travancore Manual, page 244</ref> Quilon was their chief port of call before the seventh century. The Chinese trade decreased about 600 and was again revived in the 13th century. ''Mirabilia Descripta'' by Bishop Catalani gives a description of life in Kollam, which he saw as the Catholic bishop-designate to Kollam, the oldest Catholic diocese in India. He also gives<ref>Mirabilia Descripta by Jordanus Catalani circa 1320–1336 (trans Hiracut Society, London)</ref> true and imaginary descriptions of life in 'India the Major' in the period before [[Marco Polo]] visited the city. [[Sulaiman al-Tajir]], a [[Persians|Persian]] merchant who visited Kerala during the reign of [[Sthanu Ravi Varma]] (9th century CE), records that there was extensive trade between Kerala and China at that time, based at the port of Kollam.<ref>{{Cite book|title=India Charitram|last=Menon|first=A. Shreedhara|publisher=DC Books|year=2016|isbn=9788126419395|location=Kottayam|pages=219}}</ref>
Thus began the Malayalam Era, known as [[Malayalam calendar|Kolla Varsham]] after the city, indicating the importance of Kollam in the ninth century.{{sfnp|Malekandathil|2010}} The Persian merchant Soleyman of Siraf visited Malabar in the ninth century and found Quilon to be the only port in India used by the huge Chinese ships as their transshipment hub for goods on their way from China to the Persian Gulf. The rulers of Kollam (formerly called 'Desinganadu') had trade relations with China and exchanged embassies. According to the records of the [[Tang dynasty]] (618–913),<ref>Travancore Manual, page 244</ref> Quilon was their chief port of call before the seventh century. The Chinese trade decreased about 600 and was again revived in the 13th century. ''Mirabilia Descripta'' by Bishop Catalani gives a description of life in Kollam, which he saw as the Catholic bishop-designate to Kollam, the oldest Catholic diocese in India. He also gives<ref>Mirabilia Descripta by Jordanus Catalani circa 1320–1336 (trans Hiracut Society, London)</ref> true and imaginary descriptions of life in 'India the Major' in the period before [[Marco Polo]] visited the city. [[Sulaiman al-Tajir]], a [[Persians|Persian]] merchant who visited Kerala during the reign of [[Sthanu Ravi Varma]] (9th century CE), records that there was extensive trade between Kerala and China at that time, based at the port of Kollam.<ref>{{Cite book|title=India Charitram|last=Menon|first=A. Shreedhara|publisher=DC Books|year=2016|isbn=9788126419395|location=Kottayam|pages=219}}</ref>


=== Ancestral Lands of Christopher Columbus ===
=== Kollam as "Colombo" in the Catalan Atlas (1375)===
[[File:Map of the Indian Empire. Wellcome M0001254.jpg|thumbnail|Kollam (marked as Quilon) on the Old map of India.]]
[[File:Sultan of Delhi (top) and King of Vijayanagar (bottom) in the Catalan Atlas of 1375.jpg|thumb|[[Delhi Sultanate|Sultan of Delhi]] (top, flag: [[File:Sultan of Delhi Flag according to the Catalan Atlas (1375).png|15px]]) and the "King of Colombo" (Kollam) at the bottom (flag: [[File:Flag_of_the_Kigdom_of_Colombo,_Catalan_Atlas_1375.png|15px]], identified as Christian due to the early [[Saint Thomas Christians|Saint Thomas Christianity]] there, and the Catholic mission under [[Jordanus]] since 1329)<ref name="VL4">{{cite journal |last1=Liščák |first1=Vladimír |title=Mapa mondi (Catalan Atlas of 1375), Majorcan cartographic school, and 14th century Asia |journal=International Cartographic Association |date=2017 |volume=1 |pages=4–5 |doi=10.5194/ica-proc-1-69-2018 |bibcode=2018PrICA...1...69L |url=https://www.proc-int-cartogr-assoc.net/1/69/2018/ica-proc-1-69-2018.pdf}}</ref> in the contemporary [[Catalan Atlas]] of 1375.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Massing |first1=Jean Michel |last2=Albuquerque |first2=Luís de |last3=Brown |first3=Jonathan |last4=González |first4=J. J. Martín |title=Circa 1492: Art in the Age of Exploration |date=1 January 1991 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-05167-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wMK-Ba0-RG4C&pg=PA30 |language=en}}</ref> Several of the location names are accurate.<ref>{{cite book |title=Cartography between Christian Europe and the Arabic-Islamic World, 1100-1500: Divergent Traditions |date=17 June 2021 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-44603-8 |page=176 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eq0zEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA176 |language=en}}</ref> The caption next to the southern king reads: ''Here rules the king of Colombo, a Christian.''<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Liščák |first1=Vladimír |title=Mapa mondi (Catalan Atlas of 1375), Majorcan cartographic school, and 14th century Asia |journal=International Cartographic Association |date=2017 |volume=1 |page=5 |doi=10.5194/ica-proc-1-69-2018 |bibcode=2018PrICA...1...69L |url=https://www.proc-int-cartogr-assoc.net/1/69/2018/ica-proc-1-69-2018.pdf}}</ref>]]
In 13th century CE, [[Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I]], a [[Pandya dynasty|Pandya]] ruler fought a war in [[Venad]] and captured the city of Kollam.<ref>KA Nilakanta Sastri, p197</ref> The city appears on the [[Catalan Atlas]] of 1375 CE as Columbo and Colobo. The map marks this city as a Christian city, ruled by a Christian ruler.
In 13th century CE, [[Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I]], a [[Pandya dynasty|Pandya]] ruler fought a war in [[Venad]] and captured the city of Kollam.<ref>KA Nilakanta Sastri, p197</ref> The city appears on the [[Catalan Atlas]] of 1375 CE as Columbo and Colobo. The map marks this city as a Christian city, ruled by a Christian ruler.<ref name="VL4"/>


The text above the picture of the king says:
The text above the picture of the king says:


''Açí seny[o]reja lo rey Colobo, christià. Pruvíncia de Columbo'' (Here reigns the Lord King Colobo, Christian, Province of Columbo).
{{blockquote|''Açí seny[o]reja lo rey Colobo, christià. Pruvíncia de Columbo''<br>(Here reigns the Lord King Colobo, Christian, Province of Columbo).<ref name="VL4"/>}}


The city was much frequented by the Genoese merchants during the 13th-14th centuries CE, followed by the Dominican and Franciscan friars from Europe. The Genoese merchants called the city Colõbo/Colombo.
The city was much frequented by the Genoese merchants during the 13th-14th centuries CE, followed by the Dominican and Franciscan friars from Europe. The Genoese merchants called the city Colõbo/Colombo.


In 1329 CE [[Pope John XXII]] established Kollam / Columbo as the first and only Roman Catholic bishopric on the Indian subcontinent, and appointed [[Jordanus|Jordan of Catalonia]], a [[Dominican Order|Dominican]] friar, as the diocese's first bishop of the Latin sect. The Pope's Latin scribes assigned the name "Columbum" to Columbo.
The city was founded in 825 by Maruvān Sapir Iso, a Persian [[East Syriac Christian]] merchant, and was also christianized early by the [[Saint Thomas Christians]]. In 1329 CE [[Pope John XXII]] established Kollam / Columbo as the first and only Roman Catholic bishopric on the Indian subcontinent, and appointed [[Jordanus|Jordan of Catalonia]], a [[Dominican Order|Dominican]] friar, as the diocese's first bishop of the Latin sect.<ref name="VL4"/> The Pope's Latin scribes assigned the name "Columbum" to Columbo.


According to a book authored by Ilarius Augustus, published April, 2021 ('''Christopher Columbus: Buried deep in Latin the Indian origin of the great explorer from Genoa''<nowiki/>'), the words Columbum, Columbus and Columbo appear for the very first time in a notarial deed (lease contract) of a certain Mousso in Genoa in 1329 CE. These words appear in the form of a [[wiktionary:toponym|toponym]]. The author then shows, through the Latin text of several other notarial deeds and the documents on church history, how [[Christopher Columbus]] - also carrying the same [[wiktionary:toponym|toponym]].- was part of Mousso's family, and hence of the [[Origin theories of Christopher Columbus#Genoese birth - Indian lineage hypothesis|Indian lineage]] (although born in Genoa).
According to a book authored by Ilarius Augustus, published April, 2021 ('''Christopher Columbus: Buried deep in Latin the Indian origin of the great explorer from Genoa''<nowiki/>'), the words Columbum, Columbus and Columbo appear for the very first time in a notarial deed (lease contract) of a certain Mousso in Genoa in 1329 CE. These words appear in the form of a [[wiktionary:toponym|toponym]]. The author then shows, through the Latin text of several other notarial deeds and the documents on church history, how [[Christopher Columbus]] - also carrying the same [[wiktionary:toponym|toponym]].- was part of Mousso's family, and hence of the [[Origin theories of Christopher Columbus#Genoese birth - Indian lineage hypothesis|Indian lineage]] (although born in Genoa).
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[[File:Thambiran Vanakkam 1578.JPG|thumbnail|''[[Thambiran Vanakkam]]'' was printed at Kollam, the capital of [[Venad]] in 1578, during the Portuguese Era. It holds the record of the first book printed in any Indian language. It was written in the language ''[[Lingua Malabar Tamul]]'', which was spoken in Southern [[Kerala]] (Kollam-[[Thiruvananthapuram]] area) during the medieval period.]]
[[File:Thambiran Vanakkam 1578.JPG|thumbnail|''[[Thambiran Vanakkam]]'' was printed at Kollam, the capital of [[Venad]] in 1578, during the Portuguese Era. It holds the record of the first book printed in any Indian language. It was written in the language ''[[Lingua Malabar Tamul]]'', which was spoken in Southern [[Kerala]] (Kollam-[[Thiruvananthapuram]] area) during the medieval period.]]
[[File:Retrato de Afonso de Albuquerque (após 1545) - Autor desconhecido-cortado.png|thumb|Viceroy [[Afonso de Albuquerque]] established [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese rule]] in Kollam ({{lang-pt|Coulão}}), which lasted from 1502 until 1661.|left]]
[[File:Retrato de Afonso de Albuquerque (após 1545) - Autor desconhecido-cortado.png|thumb|Viceroy [[Afonso de Albuquerque]] established [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese rule]] in Kollam ({{lang-pt|Coulão}}), which lasted from 1502 until 1661.|left]]
[[File:1756 Bellin Map of Kollam Fort, Kerala, India - Geographicus - Coylan-bellin-1756.jpg|thumb|Kollam fort in 1756 after it had passed from Portuguese rule to the Dutch|left]]
The Portuguese arrived at [[Kappad]] [[Kozhikode]] in 1498 during the [[Age of Discovery]], thus opening a direct sea route from Europe to India.<ref>DC Books, Kottayam (2007), A. Sreedhara Menon, A Survey of Kerala History</ref> They were the first Europeans to establish a trading center in [[Tangasseri]], Kollam in 1502, which became the centre of their trade in pepper.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/thangasseri-kollam/296|title=Thangasseri, Kollam, Dutch Quilon, Kerala|website=Kerala Tourism}}</ref> In the wars with the Moors/Arabs that followed, the ancient church (temple) of St Thomas Tradition at Thevalakara was destroyed. In 1517, the Portuguese built the St. Thomas Fort in Thangasseri, which was destroyed in the subsequent wars with the Dutch. In 1661, the [[Dutch East India Company]] took possession of the city. The remnants of the old Portuguese Fort, later renovated by the Dutch, can be found at Thangasseri. In the 18th century, Travancore conquered Kollam, followed by the British in 1795.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kollamcity.in/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602132809/http://kollamcity.in/about-kollam-city|url-status=dead|title=Kollam City|archivedate=2 June 2015|website=Bebas88}}</ref> Thangasseri remains today as an Anglo-Indian settlement, though few Anglo-Indians remain. The Infant Jesus Church in Thangasseri, an old Portuguese-built church,<ref>[http://www.ucanindia.in/news/new-proof-for-preportuguese-mission-in-kollam/23928/daily New proof for Pre-Portuguese mission in Kollam]</ref> remains as a memento of the Portuguese rule of the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tourmet.com/thangassery-fort/ |title=Tourmet - Thangassery, Kollam |date=21 May 2013 |access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://indica.co.in/history-of-kollam#.UtZLhNKVO-0 |title=History of Kollam |access-date=15 January 2014 |archive-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602133158/http://indica.co.in/history-of-kollam#.UtZLhNKVO-0 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>'Jornada' of Portuguese Bishop Dom Alexis Menezes 1599–1600AD</ref>
The Portuguese arrived at [[Kappad]] [[Kozhikode]] in 1498 during the [[Age of Discovery]], thus opening a direct sea route from Europe to India.<ref>DC Books, Kottayam (2007), A. Sreedhara Menon, A Survey of Kerala History</ref> They were the first Europeans to establish a trading center in [[Tangasseri]], Kollam in 1502, which became the centre of their trade in pepper.<ref>[https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/thangasseri-kollam/296 Thangassery, Kollam - Kerala Tourism]</ref> In the wars with the Moors/Arabs that followed, the ancient church (temple) of St Thomas Tradition at Thevalakara was destroyed. In 1517, the Portuguese built the St. Thomas Fort in Thangasseri, which was destroyed in the subsequent wars with the Dutch. In 1661, the [[Dutch East India Company]] took possession of the city. The remnants of the old Portuguese Fort, later renovated by the Dutch, can be found at Thangasseri. In the 18th century, Travancore conquered Kollam, followed by the British in 1795.<ref>[http://kollamcity.in/about-kollam-city About the City of Kollam] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602132809/http://kollamcity.in/about-kollam-city |date=2 June 2015 }}</ref> Thangasseri remains today as an Anglo-Indian settlement, though few Anglo-Indians remain. The Infant Jesus Church in Thangasseri, an old Portuguese-built church,<ref>[http://www.ucanindia.in/news/new-proof-for-preportuguese-mission-in-kollam/23928/daily New proof for Pre-Portuguese mission in Kollam]</ref> remains as a memento of the Portuguese rule of the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tourmet.com/thangassery-fort/ |title=Tourmet - Thangassery, Kollam |access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indica.co.in/history-of-kollam#.UtZLhNKVO-0 |title=History of Kollam |access-date=15 January 2014}}</ref><ref>'Jornada' of Portuguese Bishop Dom Alexis Menezes 1599–1600AD</ref>
 
<gallery>
File:Quilon 1505 verbessert.jpg|Kollam in the 1500s
File:Quilon 1670 verbessert.jpg|Capture of Kollam in 1661
File:A view of Coylang Wellcome L0038178.jpg|Kollam in the 1700s
</gallery>


===Battle of Quilon===
===Battle of Quilon===
{{main|Battle of Quilon}}
{{main|Battle of Quilon}}
The [[Battle of Quilon]] was fought in 1809 between a troop of the Indian kingdom of [[Travancore]] led by the then Dalawa (prime minister) of [[Travancore]], [[Velu Thampi Dalawa]] and the [[East India Company|British East India Company]] led by Colonel Chalmers at [[Cantonment Maidan]] in Quilon. The battle lasted for only six hours<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YYlC_qF_eB0C&q=History+of+Travancore+by+P.+Shangoony+Menon&pg=PA6 |title=E-book:History of Travancore by P. Shangoony Menon |isbn=9788184650013 |access-date=2014-11-05|last1=David |first1=Maria A. |year=2009 }}</ref> and was the result of the East India Company's invasion of Quilon and their garrison situated near the Cantonment Maidan. The company forces won the battle while all the insurrectionist who participated in the war were court-martialed and subsequently hanged at the maidan.<ref name="History of Travancore">[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/a-place-in-history/article3218611.ece A place in history]</ref>
[[File:1756 Bellin Map of Kollam Fort, Kerala, India - Geographicus - Coylan-bellin-1756.jpg|thumb|Kollam fort in 1756 after it had passed from Portuguese rule to the Dutch.]]
The [[Battle of Quilon]] was fought in 1809 between a troop of the Indian kingdom of [[Travancore]] led by the then Dalawa (prime minister) of [[Travancore]], [[Velu Thampi Dalawa]] and the [[East India Company|British East India Company]] led by Colonel Chalmers at [[Cantonment Maidan]] in Quilon. The battle lasted for only six hours<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YYlC_qF_eB0C&q=History+of+Travancore+by+P.+Shangoony+Menon&pg=PA6 |title=E-book:History of Travancore by P. Shangoony Menon |isbn=9788184650013 |access-date=2014-11-05|last1=David |first1=Maria A. |year=2009 }}</ref> and was the result of the East India Company's invasion of Quilon and their garrison situated near the Cantonment Maidan. The company forces won the battle while all the insurrectionist who participated in the war were court-martialed and subsequently hanged at the maidan.<ref name="History of Travancore">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/a-place-in-history/article3218611.ece|title=A place in history|newspaper=The Hindu |date=29 June 2006|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>


===Travancore Rule===
===Travancore Rule===
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[[File:Kollam Canal, Jan 2016.jpg|thumb|[[Kollam Canal]] near [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]]|left]]
[[File:Kollam Canal, Jan 2016.jpg|thumb|[[Kollam Canal]] near [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]]|left]]
{{Main|Geography of Kollam}}
{{Main|Geography of Kollam}}
Kollam city is bordered by the [[panchayat]]s of [[Neendakara]] and [[Thrikkaruva]] to the north, [[Mayyanad]] to the south, and [[Thrikkovilvattom]] and [[Kottamkara]] to the east, and by the [[Laccadive Sea]] to the west. [[Ashtamudi Lake]] is in the heart of the city. The city is about {{cvt|71|km}} away from [[Thiruvananthapuram]], {{cvt|140|km}} away from [[Kochi]] and {{cvt|350|km}} away from [[Kozhikode]]. The [[National Waterway 3]] and [[Ithikkara River|Ithikkara river]] are two important waterways passing through the city. The {{cvt|7.7|km|adj=on}} long [[Kollam Canal]] is connecting Paravur Lake ans Ashtamudi Lake. The Kallada river, another river that flows through the suburbs of the city, empties into Ashtamudi Lake, while the Ithikkara river runs to [[Paravur Kayal]]. Kattakayal, a freshwater lake in the city, connects another water-body named Vattakkayal with Lake Ashtamudi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/20/stories/2004092005720300.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140901102439/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/20/stories/2004092005720300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 September 2014 |title=A stream fading into historyg |date=20 September 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maruthadi.elisting.in/ |title=Maruthadi - Maruthadi.Elisting.in |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.docs.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=467&Itemid=2707&limitstart=100 |title=Water Resources - Government of Kerala |date=7 March 2015 |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref> In March 2016, ''IndiaTimes'' selected Kollam as one of the nine least polluted cities on earth to which anybody can relocate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/culture/travel/9-of-the-least-polluted-cities-on-earth-you-could-consider-moving-to-251818.html |title=9 of the Least Polluted Cities on Earth You Could Consider Moving To |publisher=Indiatimes |access-date=21 March 2016}}</ref> Kollam is one among the top 10 most welcoming places in India for the year 2020, according to [[Booking.com]]'s traveller review awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/for-2nd-year-in-row-kerala-tops-list-of-most-welcoming-places-report/1832102/ |title=For 2nd year in row, Kerala tops list of most welcoming places: Report |publisher=Financial Express |date=22 January 2020 |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref>
Kollam city is bordered by the [[Panchayati raj in India|panchayat]]s of [[Neendakara]] and [[Thrikkaruva]] to the north, [[Mayyanad]] to the south, and [[Thrikkovilvattom]] and [[Kottamkara]] to the east, and by the [[Laccadive Sea]] to the west. [[Ashtamudi Lake]] is in the heart of the city. The city is about {{cvt|71|km}} away from [[Thiruvananthapuram]], {{cvt|140|km}} away from [[Kochi]] and {{cvt|350|km}} away from [[Kozhikode]]. The [[National Waterway 3]] and [[Ithikkara River|Ithikkara river]] are two important waterways passing through the city. The {{cvt|7.7|km|adj=on}} long [[Kollam Canal]] is connecting Paravur Lake ans Ashtamudi Lake. The Kallada river, another river that flows through the suburbs of the city, empties into Ashtamudi Lake, while the Ithikkara river runs to [[Paravur Kayal]]. Kattakayal, a freshwater lake in the city, connects another water-body named Vattakkayal with Lake Ashtamudi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/20/stories/2004092005720300.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140901102439/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/20/stories/2004092005720300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 September 2014 |title=A stream fading into historyg |date=20 September 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maruthadi.elisting.in/ |title=Maruthadi - Maruthadi.Elisting.in |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.docs.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=467&Itemid=2707&limitstart=100 |title=Water Resources - Government of Kerala |date=7 March 2015 |access-date=23 January 2020 |archive-date=3 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103235948/http://www.docs.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=467&Itemid=2707&limitstart=100 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In March 2016, ''IndiaTimes'' selected Kollam as one of the nine least polluted cities on earth to which anybody can relocate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/culture/travel/9-of-the-least-polluted-cities-on-earth-you-could-consider-moving-to-251818.html |title=9 of the Least Polluted Cities on Earth You Could Consider Moving To |date=13 March 2016 |publisher=Indiatimes |access-date=21 March 2016}}</ref> Kollam is one among the top 10 most welcoming places in India for the year 2020, according to [[Booking.com]]'s traveller review awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/for-2nd-year-in-row-kerala-tops-list-of-most-welcoming-places-report/1832102/ |title=For 2nd year in row, Kerala tops list of most welcoming places: Report |publisher=Financial Express |date=22 January 2020 |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref>


Kollam is an ancient trading town – trading with Romans, Chinese, Arabs, and other Orientals – mentioned in historical citations dating back to Biblical times and the reign of Solomon, connecting with Red Sea ports of the Arabian Sea (supported by a find of ancient Roman coins).<ref>{{cite web|title=The legendary beauty of Kollam|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/story-print/1159603}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=History of Kollam|url=http://paru.in/history-of-kollam|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602135640/http://paru.in/history-of-kollam|archive-date=2 June 2015}}</ref> There was also internal trade through the [[Aryankavu|Aryankavu Pass]] in [[Sengottai|Schenkottah Gap]] connecting the ancient town to Tamil Nadu. The overland trade in pepper by bullock cart and the trade over the waterways connecting [[Allepey]] and [[Cochin]] established trade linkages that enabled it to grow into one of the earliest Indian industrial townships. The rail links later established to Tamil Nadu supported still stronger trade links. The factories processing marine exports and the processing and packaging of cashewnuts extended its trade across the globe.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kollam Tourism - Official Website|url=http://www.kollamtourism.com/history.html/|access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref> It is known for [[cashew]] processing and [[coir]] manufacturing. [[Ashtamudi Lake]] is considered the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is a prominent tourist destination at Kollam. The Kollam urban area includes suburban towns such as [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] in the south, [[Kundara]] in the east and [[Karunagapally]] in the north of the city. Other important towns in the city suburbs are [[Eravipuram]], [[Kottiyam]], Kannanallur, and [[Chavara]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}
Kollam is an ancient trading town – trading with Romans, Chinese, Arabs, and other Orientals – mentioned in historical citations dating back to Biblical times and the reign of Solomon, connecting with Red Sea ports of the Arabian Sea (supported by a find of ancient Roman coins).<ref>{{cite web|title=The legendary beauty of Kollam|date=28 June 2023 |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/story-print/1159603}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=History of Kollam|url=http://paru.in/history-of-kollam|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602135640/http://paru.in/history-of-kollam|archive-date=2 June 2015}}</ref> There was also internal trade through the [[Aryankavu|Aryankavu Pass]] in [[Sengottai|Schenkottah Gap]] connecting the ancient town to Tamil Nadu. The overland trade in pepper by bullock cart and the trade over the waterways connecting [[Allepey]] and [[Cochin]] established trade linkages that enabled it to grow into one of the earliest Indian industrial townships. The rail links later established to Tamil Nadu supported still stronger trade links. The factories processing marine exports and the processing and packaging of cashewnuts extended its trade across the globe.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kollam Tourism - Official Website|url=http://www.kollamtourism.com/history.html/|access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref> It is known for [[cashew]] processing and [[coir]] manufacturing. [[Ashtamudi Lake]] is considered the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is a prominent tourist destination at Kollam. The Kollam urban area includes suburban towns such as [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] in the south, [[Kundara]] in the east and [[Karunagapally]] in the north of the city. Other important towns in the city suburbs are [[Eravipuram]], [[Kottiyam]], Kannanallur, and [[Chavara]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}


===Climate===
===Climate===
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=== Population ===
=== Population ===
{{As of|2011|alt=As of the 2011}} India census,<ref name=census>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927004314/http://www.censusindia.net/results/data/ker_uatowns.PDF Census March 1, 2001 (via archive.org)]</ref> Kollam city had a population of 349,033 with a density of 5,400 persons per square kilometre. The sex ratio (the number of females per 1,000 males) was 1,112, the highest in the state. The district of [[Kollam district|Kollam]] ranked seventh in population in the state while the city of Kollam ranked fourth. {{As of|2010}} Kollam had an average literacy rate of 93.77%,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kollam.nic.in/edu.html |title=Kollam District |publisher=kollam.nic.in |access-date=24 June 2010}}</ref> higher than the national average of 74.04%. Male literacy stood at 95.83%, and female at 91.95%. In Kollam, 11% of the population was under six years of age. In May 2015, [[Government of Kerala]] have decided to expand [[Kollam Municipal Corporation|City Corporation of Kollam]] by merging [[Thrikkadavoor]] panchayath. So the area will become {{cvt|73.03|km2}} with a total city population of 384,892.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/thrikadavur-becomes-part-of-kollam-city/article7300668.ece |title=Thrikadavur becomes part of Kollam city |work=The Hindu|access-date=11 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/ |title=Thrikadavur Panchayath |publisher=Thrikadavur Panchayath |access-date=11 June 2015 |archive-date=12 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612055856/http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{{As of|2011|alt=As of the 2011}} India census,<ref name=census>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/data/ker_uatowns.PDF|title=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927004314/http://www.censusindia.net/results/data/ker_uatowns.PDF |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> Kollam city had a population of 349,033 with a density of 5,400 persons per square kilometre. The sex ratio (the number of females per 1,000 males) was 1,112, the highest in the state. The district of [[Kollam district|Kollam]] ranked seventh in population in the state while the city of Kollam ranked fourth. {{As of|2010}} Kollam had an average literacy rate of 93.77%,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kollam.nic.in/edu.html |title=Kollam District |publisher=kollam.nic.in |access-date=24 June 2010}}</ref> higher than the national average of 74.04%. Male literacy stood at 95.83%, and female at 91.95%. In Kollam, 11% of the population was under six years of age. In May 2015, [[Government of Kerala]] have decided to expand [[Kollam Municipal Corporation|City Corporation of Kollam]] by merging [[Thrikkadavoor]] panchayath. So the area will become {{cvt|73.03|km2}} with a total city population of 384,892.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/thrikadavur-becomes-part-of-kollam-city/article7300668.ece |title=Thrikadavur becomes part of Kollam city |work=The Hindu|date=9 June 2015 |access-date=11 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/ |title=Thrikadavur Panchayath |publisher=Thrikadavur Panchayath |access-date=11 June 2015 |archive-date=12 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612055856/http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[Malayalam]] is the most widely spoken language and official language of the city, while [[Tamil language|Tamil]] is understood by some sections in the city. There are also small communities of [[Anglo-Indian]]s, [[Konkani]] Brahmins, [[Telugu people|Telugu]] Chetty and [[Bengalis|Bengali]] migrant labourers settled in the city. For ease of administration, [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]] is divided into six zones with local zonal offices for each one.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ksudp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=268&Itemid=70 |title=Building Permit Management System -Kollam Corporation |access-date=16 December 2014}}</ref>
[[Malayalam]] is the most widely spoken language and official language of the city, while [[Tamil language|Tamil]] is understood by some sections in the city. There are also small communities of [[Anglo-Indian]]s, [[Konkani]] Brahmins, [[Telugu people|Telugu]] Chetty and [[Bengalis|Bengali]] migrant labourers settled in the city. For ease of administration, [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]] is divided into six zones with local zonal offices for each one.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ksudp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=268&Itemid=70 |title=Building Permit Management System -Kollam Corporation |access-date=16 December 2014 |archive-date=20 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220101846/http://ksudp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=268&Itemid=70 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


* Central Zone (''headquartered at [[Kollam Cantonment|Cantonment]]''), [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]
* Central Zone (''headquartered at [[Kollam Cantonment|Cantonment]]''), [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]
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{{See also|Religion in Kollam District}}
{{See also|Religion in Kollam District}}
{{bar box
{{bar box
|title=Religion in Kollam<ref name="census2001">{{cite web
|title=Religion in Kollam City (2011)<ref name="census2001">{{cite web
  | title = Kollam City Census 2011 data
  | title = Kollam City Census 2011 data
  | publisher = Census2011
  | publisher = Census2011
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|float=right
|float=right
|bars=
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|#FF7E00|56}}
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|56}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|#00693E|22}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|22}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity]]|#0000FF|21}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity]]|blue|21}}
{{bar percent|Others|#000000|1}}
{{bar percent|Others|black|1}}
|caption=Distribution of religions<br />
|caption=Distribution of religions<br />
†<small>Includes Not Stated, [[Sikh]]s (<0.01%), [[Buddhist]]s (<0.01%).</small>
†<small>Includes Not Stated, [[Sikhism]] (<0.01%), [[Buddhism]] (<0.01%).</small>
}}
}}
[[File:Front Wide Anthonys Church Kollam Kerala Mar22 A7C 01676.jpg|thumb|St. Antony's Church, Vaddy, built 1910]]
[[File:Front Wide Anthonys Church Kollam Kerala Mar22 A7C 01676.jpg|thumb|St. Antony's Church, Vaddy, built 1910]]
The city of Kollam is a microcosm of [[Kerala]] state with its residents belonging to varied religious, ethnic and linguistic groups.<ref name="A Survey of Kerala History">Menon, A Sreedhara; "A Survey of Kerala History"; DC Books, 1 January 2007 – History – pp 54–56 [https://books.google.com/books?id=FVsw35oEBv4C&dq=A+Survey+Of+Kerala+History&source=gbs_navlinks_s]</ref> There are so many ancient temples, centuries-old churches and mosques in the city and its suburbs. Kollam is a [[Hindu]] majority city in Kerala. 56.35% of Kollam's total population belongs to [[Hindu]] community. Moreover, the [[Kollam Era]] (also known as ''Malayalam Era'' or ''Kollavarsham'' or ''Malayalam Calendar'' or ''Malabar Era''), [[Solar calendar|solar]] and [[Sidereal time|sidereal]] [[Hindu calendar]] used in [[Kerala]], has been originated on 825 CE (Pothu Varsham) at (Kollam) city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kollam Era|url=http://www.new1.dli.ernet.in/data1/upload/insa/INSA_1/20005b5f_93.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527163650/http://www.new1.dli.ernet.in/data1/upload/insa/INSA_1/20005b5f_93.pdf|archive-date=27 May 2015|access-date=30 December 2014|publisher=Indian Journal History of Science}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=Broughton Richmond|title=Time measurement and calendar construction|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gUlmAAAAMAAJ|page=218|year=1956}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|author=R. Leela Devi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pXpuAAAAMAAJ|title=History of Kerala|publisher=Vidyarthi Mithram Press & Book Depot|year=1986|page=408}}</ref>  
The city of Kollam is a microcosm of [[Kerala]] state with its residents belonging to varied religious, ethnic and linguistic groups.<ref name="A Survey of Kerala History">Menon, A Sreedhara; "A Survey of Kerala History"; DC Books, 1 January 2007 – History – pp 54–56 [https://books.google.com/books?id=FVsw35oEBv4C&q=A+Survey+Of+Kerala+History]</ref> There are so many ancient temples, centuries-old churches and mosques in the city and its suburbs. Kollam is a [[Hindu]] majority city in Kerala. 56.35% of Kollam's total population belongs to [[Hindu]] community. Moreover, the [[Kollam Era]] (also known as ''Malayalam Era'' or ''Kollavarsham'' or ''Malayalam Calendar'' or ''Malabar Era''), [[Solar calendar|solar]] and [[Sidereal time|sidereal]] [[Hindu calendar]] used in [[Kerala]], has been originated on 825 CE (Pothu Varsham) at (Kollam) city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kollam Era|url=http://www.new1.dli.ernet.in/data1/upload/insa/INSA_1/20005b5f_93.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527163650/http://www.new1.dli.ernet.in/data1/upload/insa/INSA_1/20005b5f_93.pdf|archive-date=27 May 2015|access-date=30 December 2014|publisher=Indian Journal History of Science}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=Broughton Richmond|title=Time measurement and calendar construction|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gUlmAAAAMAAJ|page=218|year=1956}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|author=R. Leela Devi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pXpuAAAAMAAJ|title=History of Kerala|publisher=Vidyarthi Mithram Press & Book Depot|year=1986|page=408}}</ref>


[[Muslim]]s account for 22.05% of Kollam's total population. As per the Census 2011 data, 80,935 is the total Muslim population in Kollam.<ref>{{cite web|title=Population of Kollam City - Census 2011 data|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/461-kollam.html|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Census2011}}</ref> The Karbala Maidan and the adjacent Makani mosque serves as the Eid gah for the city. The 300-year-old Juma-'Ath Palli at Karuva houses the mortal remains of a Sufi saint, Syed Abdur Rahman Jifri.<ref>{{cite web|title=Important religious centres in Kollam|url=http://kollam.nic.in/reli.html|access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Juma-Ath-Mosque|url=http://keralapilgrimcenters.com/muslim-juma-ath-palli-kollam-mosques/|access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref>
[[Muslim]]s account for 22.05% of Kollam's total population. As per the Census 2011 data, 80,935 is the total Muslim population in Kollam.<ref>{{cite web|title=Population of Kollam City - Census 2011 data|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/461-kollam.html|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Census2011}}</ref> The Karbala Maidan and the adjacent Makani mosque serves as the Eid gah for the city. The 300-year-old Juma-'Ath Palli at Karuva houses the mortal remains of a Sufi saint, Syed Abdur Rahman Jifri.<ref>{{cite web|title=Important religious centres in Kollam|url=http://kollam.nic.in/reli.html|access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Juma-Ath-Mosque|url=http://keralapilgrimcenters.com/muslim-juma-ath-palli-kollam-mosques/|access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref>
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==Economy==
==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Kollam}}The city life of Kollam has changed in the last decade. In terms of economic performance and [[per capita income]], Kollam city is in fifth position from India and [[List of Kerala cities by GDP|third in Kerala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/newdelhi/delhi-ranked-23rd-in-mega-survey-of-53-indian-cities/article1-1358453.aspx |title=Delhi ranked 23rd in mega survey of 53 Indian cities |work=Hindustan Times|date=14 June 2015 |access-date=26 June 2015}}</ref> Kollam is famous as a city with excellent export background.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dgft.gov.in/exim/2000/AppANFS2015.pdf |title=APPENDICES AND AAYAT NIRYAT FORMS |publisher=Govt. of India |access-date=1 July 2015}}</ref> 5 star, 4 star and 3 star hotels, multi-storied shopping malls, branded jewellery, textile showrooms and car showrooms have started operations in the city and suburbs. Kollam was the third city in Kerala (after [[Kozhikode]] and [[Kochi]]) to adopt the shopping mall culture. Kollam district ranks first in livestock wealth in the state. [[Downtown Kollam]] is the main [[Central business district|CBD]] of Kollam city.[[File:RP Mall, Kollam.jpg|thumb|[[RP Mall, Kollam]] - Kollam was the third city in [[Kerala]] (after Kochi and Kozhikode) to adopt the shopping mall culture|left]][[File:Chinese fishing net at kollam.JPG|right|thumb|A large [[Chinese fishing nets|Chinese fishing net]] at [[Ashtamudi Lake]] in Kollam city]]
{{main|Economy of Kollam}}
[[File:RP Mall, Kollam.jpg|thumb|[[RP Mall, Kollam]]]]
[[File:Chinese Fishing Net Raising Birds Sunrise Ashtamudi Kollam Mar22 A7C 01784.jpg|right|thumb|A large [[Chinese fishing nets|Chinese fishing net]] at [[Ashtamudi Lake]] in Kollam city]]
 
The city life of Kollam has changed in the last decade. In terms of economic performance and [[per capita income]], Kollam city is in fifth position from India and [[List of Kerala cities by GDP|third in Kerala]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/newdelhi/delhi-ranked-23rd-in-mega-survey-of-53-indian-cities/article1-1358453.aspx |title=Delhi ranked 23rd in mega survey of 53 Indian cities |work=Hindustan Times |date=14 June 2015 |access-date=26 June 2015 |archive-date=26 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626182426/http://www.hindustantimes.com/newdelhi/delhi-ranked-23rd-in-mega-survey-of-53-indian-cities/article1-1358453.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kollam is famous as a city with excellent export background.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dgft.gov.in/exim/2000/AppANFS2015.pdf |title=APPENDICES AND AAYAT NIRYAT FORMS |publisher=Govt. of India |access-date=1 July 2015}}</ref> 5 star, 4 star and 3 star hotels, multi-storied shopping malls, branded jewellery, textile showrooms and car showrooms have started operations in the city and suburbs. Kollam was the third city in Kerala (after [[Kozhikode]] and [[Kochi]]) to adopt the shopping mall culture. Kollam district ranks first in livestock wealth in the state. [[Downtown Kollam]] is the main [[Central business district|CBD]] of Kollam city.
 
Dairy farming is fairly well developed. Also there is a chilling plant in the city. Kollam is an important maritime and port city. Fishing has a place in the economy of the district. Neendakara and [[Sakthikulangara]] villages in the suburbs of the city have fisheries. An estimated 134,973 persons are engaged in fishing and allied activities. Cheriazheekkal, Alappad, Pandarathuruthu, Puthenthura, [[Neendakara]], [[Tangasseri|Thangasseri]], [[Eravipuram]] and [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] are eight of the 26 important fishing villages. There are 24 inland fishing villages. The Government has initiated steps for establishing a fishing harbour at Neendakara. Average fish landing is estimated at 85,275 tonnes per year. One-third of the state's fish catch is from Kollam. Nearly 3000 mechanised boats are operating from the fishing harbour. FFDA and VFFDA promote fresh water fish culture and prawn farming respectively. A fishing village with 100 houses is being built at Eravipuram. A prawn farm is being built at [[Ayiramthengu]], and several new hatcheries are planned to cater to the needs of the aquaculturists. Kerala's only turkey farm and a regional poultry farm are at [[Kureepuazha (Perinad)|Kureepuzha]].<ref>[http://www.old.kerala.gov.in/dept_anihusbandry/modifi.htm Department of Animal Husbandry - Kerala]</ref>
Dairy farming is fairly well developed. Also there is a chilling plant in the city. Kollam is an important maritime and port city. Fishing has a place in the economy of the district. Neendakara and [[Sakthikulangara]] villages in the suburbs of the city have fisheries. An estimated 134,973 persons are engaged in fishing and allied activities. Cheriazheekkal, Alappad, Pandarathuruthu, Puthenthura, [[Neendakara]], [[Tangasseri|Thangasseri]], [[Eravipuram]] and [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] are eight of the 26 important fishing villages. There are 24 inland fishing villages. The Government has initiated steps for establishing a fishing harbour at Neendakara. Average fish landing is estimated at 85,275 tonnes per year. One-third of the state's fish catch is from Kollam. Nearly 3000 mechanised boats are operating from the fishing harbour. FFDA and VFFDA promote fresh water fish culture and prawn farming respectively. A fishing village with 100 houses is being built at Eravipuram. A prawn farm is being built at [[Ayiramthengu]], and several new hatcheries are planned to cater to the needs of the aquaculturists. Kerala's only turkey farm and a regional poultry farm are at [[Kureepuazha (Perinad)|Kureepuzha]].<ref>[http://www.old.kerala.gov.in/dept_anihusbandry/modifi.htm Department of Animal Husbandry - Kerala]</ref>


There are two Central Government industrial operations in the city, the Indian Rare Earths, Chavara and [[Parvathy Mills Limited|Parvathi Mills Ltd.]], Kollam. Kerala Ceramics Ltd. in [[Kundara]], Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Company in [[Kundara]], Kerala Premo Pipe factory in [[Chavara]], Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited in Chavara and United Electrical Industries in Kollam are Kerala Government-owned companies. Other major industries in the private/cooperative sector are Aluminium Industries Ltd. in [[Kundara]], Thomas Stephen & Co. in Kollam, Floorco in Paravur and Cooperative Spinning Mill in Chathannoor.<ref>[http://www.kollamcorporation.gov.in/trade-commerce Kollam - Trade & Commerce]</ref> The beach sands of the district have concentrations of such heavy minerals as Ilmenite, Rutile, Monosite and Zircon, which offer scope for exploitation for industrial purposes.
There are two Central Government industrial operations in the city, the Indian Rare Earths, Chavara and [[Parvathy Mills Limited|Parvathi Mills Ltd.]], Kollam. Kerala Ceramics Ltd. in [[Kundara]], Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Company in [[Kundara]], Kerala Premo Pipe factory in [[Chavara]], Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited in Chavara and United Electrical Industries in Kollam are Kerala Government-owned companies. Other major industries in the private/cooperative sector are Aluminium Industries Ltd. in [[Kundara]], Thomas Stephen & Co. in Kollam, Floorco in Paravur and Cooperative Spinning Mill in Chathannoor.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kollamcorporation.gov.in/trade-commerce |title=Kollam - Trade & Commerce |access-date=10 January 2014 |archive-date=22 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122192403/http://www.kollamcorporation.gov.in/trade-commerce |url-status=dead }}</ref> The beach sands of the district have concentrations of such heavy minerals as Ilmenite, Rutile, Monosite and Zircon, which offer scope for exploitation for industrial purposes.
[[File:Kollam technopark, Kundara.jpg|thumb|Technopark Kollam]]
[[File:Kollam technopark, Kundara.jpg|thumb|Technopark Kollam]]
Besides large deposits of China clay in Kundara, Mulavana and Chathannoor, there are also lime-shell deposits in Ashtamudi Lake and Bauxite deposits in Adichanallur.<ref>[http://www.kollam.gov.in/reso.html resources - Kollam]</ref>
Besides large deposits of China clay in Kundara, Mulavana and Chathannoor, there are also lime-shell deposits in Ashtamudi Lake and Bauxite deposits in Adichanallur.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kollam.gov.in/reso.html|title=resources - Kollam}}</ref>


Known as the "Cashew Capital of the World", Kollam is noted for its traditional [[cashew]] business and is home to more than 600 cashew-processing units. Every year, about 800,000 tonnes of raw cashews are imported into the city for processing<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.madhyamam.com/news/313464/141013 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-11-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022170950/http://www.madhyamam.com/news/313464/141013 |archive-date=22 October 2014 }} Online Customs Clearance Facility for Kollam Port to be ready in a month</ref> and an average of 130,000 tonnes of processed cashews are exported to various countries worldwide.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/rise-in-earnings-from-cashew-kernel-exports/article3893095.ece] Rise in earnings from cashew kernel exports - The Hindu</ref> The [[Cashew Export Promotion Council of India]] (CEPCI) expects a rise in exports to 275,000 tonnes by 2020, an increase of 120 per cent over the current figure.<ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/cashew-body-sets-target-to-double-exports-by-2020-108122901044_1.html] CEPCI - Kollam</ref> The [[Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Limited]] (KSCDC) is situated at [[Mundakkal]] in Kollam city. The company owns 30 cashew factories all across Kerala. Of these, 24 are located in Kollam district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cashewcorporation.com/Organization.php |title=:: KSCDC :: |publisher=Cashewcorporation.com |access-date=26 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215062231/http://cashewcorporation.com/Organization.php |archive-date=15 February 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kollamcity.in/kerala-state-cashew-development-corporation |title=:: The Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Limited :: |publisher=Cashewcorporation.com |access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref>
Known as the "Cashew Capital of the World", Kollam is noted for its traditional [[cashew]] business and is home to more than 600 cashew-processing units. Every year, about 800,000 tonnes of raw cashews are imported into the city for processing<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.madhyamam.com/news/313464/141013 |language=ml |script-title=ml:കൊല്ലം തുറമുഖത്തെ കസ്റ്റംസ് ക്ളിയറന്‍സുകള്‍ ഓണ്‍ലൈന്‍ സംവിധാനത്തിലേക്ക് |access-date=2014-11-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022170950/http://www.madhyamam.com/news/313464/141013 |archive-date=22 October 2014 }} Online Customs Clearance Facility for Kollam Port to be ready in a month</ref> and an average of 130,000 tonnes of processed cashews are exported to various countries worldwide.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/rise-in-earnings-from-cashew-kernel-exports/article3893095.ece] Rise in earnings from cashew kernel exports - The Hindu</ref> The [[Cashew Export Promotion Council of India]] (CEPCI) expects a rise in exports to 275,000 tonnes by 2020, an increase of 120 per cent over the current figure.<ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/cashew-body-sets-target-to-double-exports-by-2020-108122901044_1.html] CEPCI - Kollam</ref> The [[Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Limited]] (KSCDC) is situated at [[Mundakkal]] in Kollam city. The company owns 30 cashew factories all across Kerala. Of these, 24 are located in Kollam district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cashewcorporation.com/Organization.php |title=:: KSCDC :: |publisher=Cashewcorporation.com |access-date=26 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215062231/http://cashewcorporation.com/Organization.php |archive-date=15 February 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kollamcity.in/kerala-state-cashew-development-corporation |title=:: The Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Limited :: |publisher=Cashewcorporation.com |access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref>


Kollam is one of many seafood export hubs in India with numerous companies involved in the sector. Most of these are based in the [[Maruthadi]], [[Sakthikulangara]], [[Kavanad]], [[Neendakara]], [[Asramam]], [[Kilikollur]], [[Thirumullavarum|Thirumullavaram]] and [[Uliyakovil]] areas of the city.<ref>[http://www.keralaexporters.com/categories/food/] Kerala Exporters</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mpeda.com/exporters/IQF/ExportersOtherMarineProducts.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-11-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043858/http://www.mpeda.com/exporters/IQF/ExportersOtherMarineProducts.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016}} Kollam - Marine Food Exporters</ref> Capithans, Kings Marine Exporters, India Food Exports and Oceanic Fisheries are examples of seafood exporters.<ref>[http://e-mpeda.nic.in/registration/Exporter_Item.aspx?pcode=05&product=Live%20other%20than%20ornamental%20fish] Registered Kerala Exporters</ref>
Kollam is one of many seafood export hubs in India with numerous companies involved in the sector. Most of these are based in the [[Maruthadi]], [[Sakthikulangara]], [[Kavanad]], [[Neendakara]], [[Asramam]], [[Kilikollur]], [[Thirumullavarum|Thirumullavaram]] and [[Uliyakovil]] areas of the city.<ref>[http://www.keralaexporters.com/categories/food/] Kerala Exporters</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mpeda.com/exporters/IQF/ExportersOtherMarineProducts.htm |title=Other Items |access-date=2014-11-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043858/http://www.mpeda.com/exporters/IQF/ExportersOtherMarineProducts.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016}} Kollam - Marine Food Exporters</ref> Capithans, Kings Marine Exporters, India Food Exports and Oceanic Fisheries are examples of seafood exporters.<ref>[http://e-mpeda.nic.in/registration/Exporter_Item.aspx?pcode=05&product=Live%20other%20than%20ornamental%20fish] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209205334/http://e-mpeda.nic.in/registration/Exporter_Item.aspx?pcode=05&product=Live%20other%20than%20ornamental%20fish|date=9 December 2014}} Registered Kerala Exporters</ref>


{{see also|Ashtamudi Lake}}
{{see also|Ashtamudi Lake}}
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'''[[Kollam Pooram]]''', part of the [[Asramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple]] Festival, is usually held on 15 April, but occasionally on 16 April. The pooram is held at the Ashramam maidan.
'''[[Kollam Pooram]]''', part of the [[Asramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple]] Festival, is usually held on 15 April, but occasionally on 16 April. The pooram is held at the Ashramam maidan.


The '''[[President's Trophy Boat Race]] (PTBR)''' is an annual regatta held in Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. The event was inaugurated by President Prathibha Patil in September 2011. The event has been rescheduled from 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=presidents trophy boat race|url=http://presidentstrophy.gov.in/|access-date=20 April 2013|publisher=Presidentstrophy.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=24 October 2016|title=President's Trophy boat race on November 1|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/presidents-trophy-boat-race-on-nov-1/article9260279.ece|access-date=20 April 2013|publisher=The Hindu}}</ref>
The '''[[President's Trophy Boat Race]] (PTBR)''' is an annual regatta held in Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. The event was inaugurated by President Prathibha Patil in September 2011. The event has been rescheduled from 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=presidents trophy boat race|url=http://presidentstrophy.gov.in/|access-date=20 April 2013|publisher=Presidentstrophy.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=24 October 2016|title=President's Trophy boat race on November 1|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/presidents-trophy-boat-race-on-nov-1/article9260279.ece|access-date=20 April 2013|work=The Hindu}}</ref>


==Transport==
==Transport==
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===Rail===
===Rail===
{{see also|Kollam Junction railway station}}
{{see also|Kollam Junction railway station}}
{{rws|Kollam Junction}} is the second largest railway station in Kerala in area, after [[Shoranur Junction]], with a total of 6 platforms. The station has 17 rail tracks. Kollam junction has world's second longest railway platform, measuring 1180.5 m(3873&nbsp;ft).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/asia/west-bengal-tea-plantations-and-other-rajera-relics-9835426.html |title=West Bengal: tea plantations and other Raj-era relics|access-date=3 April 2019}}</ref>
[[File:Main terminal of Kollam Junction railway station, Jan 2017.jpg|right|thumb|Main terminal of [[Kollam Junction railway station]]]]
{{rws|Kollam Junction}} is the second largest railway station in Kerala in area, after [[Shoranur Junction]], with a total of 6 platforms. The station has 17 rail tracks. Kollam junction has world's third longest railway platform, measuring 1180.5 m(3873&nbsp;ft).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/asia/west-bengal-tea-plantations-and-other-rajera-relics-9835426.html |title=West Bengal: tea plantations and other Raj-era relics|access-date=3 April 2019}}</ref>
Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit ([[MEMU]]) have a maintenance shed at Kollam Junction. The MEMU services started from Kollam to Ernakulam via Alappuzha and Kottayam in the second week of January 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/article163030.ece| title=Timings of MEMUs included |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=2 July 2010 |access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref> By 1 December 2012, MEMU service between Kollam and [[Nagercoil]] became a reality and later extended up to [[Kanyakumari]]. Kollam MEMU Shed inaugurated on 1 December 2013 for the maintenance works of MEMU rakes. [[Kollam MEMU Shed]] is the largest MEMU Shed in Kerala, which is equipped with most modern facilities. There is a long-standing demand for the Kollam Town Railway Station in the Kollam-Perinad stretch and "S.N College Railway Station" in the Kollam-[[Eravipuram]] stretch. The railway stations in Kollam city are [[Kollam Junction railway station]], [[Eravipuram railway station]] and [[Kilikollur railway station]].
Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit ([[MEMU]]) have a maintenance shed at Kollam Junction. The MEMU services started from Kollam to Ernakulam via Alappuzha and Kottayam in the second week of January 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/article163030.ece| title=Timings of MEMUs included |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=2 July 2010 |access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref> By 1 December 2012, MEMU service between Kollam and [[Nagercoil]] became a reality and later extended up to [[Kanyakumari]]. Kollam MEMU Shed inaugurated on 1 December 2013 for the maintenance works of MEMU rakes. [[Kollam MEMU Shed]] is the largest MEMU Shed in Kerala, which is equipped with most modern facilities. There is a long-standing demand for the Kollam Town Railway Station in the Kollam-Perinad stretch and "S.N College Railway Station" in the Kollam-[[Eravipuram]] stretch. The railway stations in Kollam city are [[Kollam Junction railway station]], [[Eravipuram railway station]] and [[Kilikollur railway station]].


A new suburban rail system has been proposed by the Kerala Government and Indian Railways on the route [[Thiruvananthapuram]] - Kollam - [[Haripad]]/[[Chengannur]] for which MRVC is tasked to conduct a study and submit a report. Ten trains, each with seven coaches, will transport passengers back and forth along the [[Trivandrum]]-Kollam-[[Chengannur]]-[[Kottarakara]]-[[Adoor]] section.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/new-drm-optimistic-about-suburban-project/article5547937.ece |title=New DRM optimistic about suburban project - KERALA |work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-01-13}}</ref>
A new suburban rail system has been proposed by the Kerala Government and Indian Railways on the route [[Thiruvananthapuram]] - Kollam - [[Haripad]]/[[Chengannur]] for which MRVC is tasked to conduct a study and submit a report. Ten trains, each with seven coaches, will transport passengers back and forth along the [[Trivandrum]]-Kollam-[[Chengannur]]-[[Kottarakara]]-[[Adoor]] section.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/new-drm-optimistic-about-suburban-project/article5547937.ece |title=New DRM optimistic about suburban project - KERALA |work=The Hindu|date=6 January 2014 |access-date=2018-01-13}}</ref>


===Road===
===Road===
The city of Kollam is connected to almost all the cities and major towns in the state, including [[Trivandrum]], [[Alappuzha]], [[Kochi]], [[Palakkad]], [[Kottayam]], [[Kottarakkara]], and Punalur, and with other Indian cities through the NH 66, NH 183, NH 744 - and other state PWD Roads. Road [[transport]] is provided by state-owned [[Kerala]] State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private transport bus operators. Kollam is one among the five KSRTC zones in Kerala.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/thiruvananthapuram-ksrtc-executive-directors-in-charge-of-zones/articleshow/56403671.cms| title=Thiruvananthapuram: KSRTC executive directors in-charge of zones |work=The Times of India|date=8 January 2017 |access-date=9 January 2017}}</ref> Road transport is also provided by private taxis and autorickshaws, also called autos. There is a city private bus stand at Andamukkam. There is a [[Kollam KSRTC Bus Station|KSRTC bus station]] beside [[Ashtamudi Lake]]. Buses to various towns in Kerala and interstate services run from this station.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=NH%20in%20Kerala&pageId=301| title=National Highways in Kerala |publisher=Kerala PWD |access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref>
The city of Kollam is connected to almost all the cities and major towns in the state, including [[Trivandrum]], [[Alappuzha]], [[Kochi]], [[Palakkad]], [[Kottayam]], [[Kottarakkara]], and Punalur, and with other Indian cities through the NH 66, NH 183, NH 744 - and other state PWD Roads. Road [[transport]] is provided by state-owned [[Kerala]] State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private transport bus operators. Kollam is one among the five KSRTC zones in Kerala.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/thiruvananthapuram-ksrtc-executive-directors-in-charge-of-zones/articleshow/56403671.cms| title=Thiruvananthapuram: KSRTC executive directors in-charge of zones |work=The Times of India|date=8 January 2017 |access-date=9 January 2017}}</ref> Road transport is also provided by private taxis and autorickshaws, also called autos. There is a city private bus stand at Andamukkam. There is a [[Kollam KSRTC Bus Station|KSRTC bus station]] beside [[Ashtamudi Lake]]. Buses to various towns in Kerala and interstate services run from this station.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=NH%20in%20Kerala&pageId=301|title=National Highways in Kerala|publisher=Kerala PWD|access-date=9 August 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816023351/http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=NH%20in%20Kerala&pageId=301|url-status=dead}}</ref>


{{Multiple image
{{Multiple image
| align = center
| align             = center
| direction = horizontal
| direction         = horizontal
| image1 = Dalavapuram bridgea.jpg
| image1           = Dalavapuram bridgea.jpg
| caption1 = Dalavapuram bridge near Kollam City - This bridge had given a new way of connectivity for the people of Dalavapuram with Kollam City along with the existing boat services
| caption1         = [[Chavara Thekkumbhagom]] bridge near Kollam City - This bridge had given a new way of connectivity for the people of Thekkumbhagom with Kollam City along with the existing boat services
| image2 = Kollam Bypass, Feb 2020.jpg
| image2           = Kollam Bypass, Feb 2020.jpg
| caption2 = [[Kollam Bypass]] - The {{cvt|13.141|km|adj=on}} long Kollam Bypass project was actually planned in 1975 but works got delayed due to political and financial issues
| caption2         = [[Kollam Bypass]] - The {{cvt|13.141|km|adj=on}} long Kollam Bypass project was actually planned in 1975 but works got delayed due to political and financial issues
| image3 = KSRTC Bus Station, Kollam.jpg
| image3           = KSRTC Bus Station, Kollam.jpg
| caption3 = [[Kollam KSRTC Bus Station]] is situated at the banks of famous [[Ashtamudi Lake]]. One of the main bus stations in the state, still waiting to get a makeover.
| caption3         = [[Kollam KSRTC Bus Station]] is situated at the banks of famous [[Ashtamudi Lake]]. One of the main bus stations in the state, still waiting to get a makeover.
| total_width =  
| image4            = Traffic Thevally Bridge Kollam Kerala Mar22 A7C 01797.jpg
| alt1 =  
| caption4          = Traffic on the Thevally Bridge connecting Thevally to Kottayathukadavu, over [[National Waterway 3]], [[Ashtamudi Lake]]
| total_width       =  
| alt1             =  
}}
}}


===Water===
===Water===
[[File:Kollam-Dalavapuram boat service.jpg|thumb|Kollam-Dalavapuram boat service]]
[[File:Houseboat Thevally Bridge Ashtamudi Kollam Mar22 R16 05860.jpg|thumb|Houseboat passing under Thevally Bridge]]
The [[Kerala State Water Transport Department|State Water Transport Department]] operates boat services to [[West Kallada]], [[Munroe Island]], Guhanandapuram, Dalavapuram and [[Alappuzha]] from [[Kollam KSWTD Ferry Terminal]] situated on the banks of the [[Ashtamudi Lake]]. [[Asramam Link Road]] in the city passes adjacent to the ferry terminal.<ref name="Introduction-KSWTD">{{cite web|url=http://swtd.gov.in/index.php?langCode=en&compName=general&compView=aboutdept |title=Kerala State Water Transport Department - Introduction|publisher=KSWTD |access-date=2015-01-04}}</ref>
The [[Kerala State Water Transport Department|State Water Transport Department]] operates boat services to [[West Kallada]], [[Munroe Island]], Guhanandapuram ,[[chavara Thekkumbhagom]], Dalavapuram and [[Alappuzha]] from [[Kollam KSWTD Ferry Terminal]] situated on the banks of the [[Ashtamudi Lake]]. [[Asramam Link Road]] in the city passes adjacent to the ferry terminal.<ref name="Introduction-KSWTD">{{cite web |url=http://swtd.gov.in/index.php?langCode=en&compName=general&compView=aboutdept |title=Kerala State Water Transport Department - Introduction |publisher=KSWTD |access-date=2015-01-04 |archive-date=26 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226161243/http://swtd.gov.in/index.php?langCode=en&compName=general&compView=aboutdept |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Double decker luxury boats run between Kollam and [[Allepey]] daily. Luxury boats, operated by the government and private owners, operate from the main boat jetty during the tourist season. The West coast canal system, which starts from [[Thiruvananthapuram]] in the south and ends at [[Hosdurg]] in the north, passes through [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]], the city of Kollam and Karunagappally taluk.<ref name="Corporation of Kollam">{{cite web|url=http://www.kollamcorporation.gov.in/transport |title=Transport - Kollam Corporation|publisher=Kollam Municipal Corporation |access-date=2015-01-04}}</ref><ref name="Routes-KSWTD">{{cite web|url=http://swtd.gov.in/index.php?langCode=en&compName=general&compView=placesnroute |title=Important places enroute - KSWTD|publisher=KSWTD |access-date=2015-01-04}}</ref>
Double decker luxury boats run between Kollam and [[Allepey]] daily. Luxury boats, operated by the government and private owners, operate from the main boat jetty during the tourist season. The West coast canal system, which starts from [[Thiruvananthapuram]] in the south and ends at [[Hosdurg]] in the north, passes through [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]], the city of Kollam and Karunagappally taluk.<ref name="Corporation of Kollam">{{cite web |url=http://www.kollamcorporation.gov.in/transport |title=Transport - Kollam Corporation |publisher=Kollam Municipal Corporation |access-date=2015-01-04 |archive-date=20 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020124744/http://www.kollamcorporation.gov.in/transport |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Routes-KSWTD">{{cite web |url=http://swtd.gov.in/index.php?langCode=en&compName=general&compView=placesnroute |title=Important places enroute - KSWTD |publisher=KSWTD |access-date=2015-01-04 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061357/http://swtd.gov.in/index.php?langCode=en&compName=general&compView=placesnroute |url-status=dead }}</ref>


[[Kollam Port]] is the second largest port in Kerala, after [[Cochin Port Trust]]. It is one of two international ports in Kerala. Cargo handling facilities began operation in 2013.<ref>''[http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/18/stories/2009061855000700.htm Kollam port starts cargo handling]{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}''. Accessed 29 July 2014.</ref> Foreign ships arrive in the port regularly with the MV Alina, a {{convert|145|m|adj=on}} vessel registered in Antigua anchored at the port on 4{{nbsp}}April 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Foreign-Ship-Reaches-Kollam-Port/2014/04/05/article2150731.ece#.U0I8V9LHm-0 |title=Foreign Ship Reaches Kollam Port|publisher=The New Indian Express |date=5 April 2014 |access-date=7 April 2014}}</ref> Once the Port starts functioning in full-fledged, it will make the transportation activities of Kollam-based cashew companies more easy.<ref>''[http://www.shippingtribune.com/kollam-cashew-importers-suffering-due-port-congestion-tuticorin-terminal/ Kollam cashew importers suffering due to port congestion at tuticorin terminal]''. Accessed 29 July 2014.</ref> Shreyas Shipping Company is now running a regular container service between [[Kollam Port]] and [[Cochin Port|Kochi Port]].<ref>''[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/shreyas-shipping-starts-kochikollam-container-service/article5339784.ece Shreyas Shipping starts Kochi-Kollam container service]''. Accessed 29 July 2014.</ref><ref>''[http://www.eximin.net/NewsDetails.aspx?name=73939 Shreyas Shipping inaugurates Kollam port with new service]''. Accessed 29 July 2014.</ref>
[[Kollam Port]] is the second largest port in Kerala, after [[Cochin Port Trust]]. It is one of two international ports in Kerala. Cargo handling facilities began operation in 2013.<ref>''[http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/18/stories/2009061855000700.htm Kollam port starts cargo handling]{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}''. Accessed 29 July 2014.</ref> Foreign ships arrive in the port regularly with the MV Alina, a {{convert|145|m|adj=on}} vessel registered in Antigua anchored at the port on 4{{nbsp}}April 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Foreign-Ship-Reaches-Kollam-Port/2014/04/05/article2150731.ece#.U0I8V9LHm-0 |title=Foreign Ship Reaches Kollam Port|publisher=The New Indian Express |date=5 April 2014 |access-date=7 April 2014}}</ref> Once the Port starts functioning in full-fledged, it will make the transportation activities of Kollam-based cashew companies more easy.<ref>''[http://www.shippingtribune.com/kollam-cashew-importers-suffering-due-port-congestion-tuticorin-terminal/ Kollam cashew importers suffering due to port congestion at tuticorin terminal]''. Accessed 29 July 2014.</ref> Shreyas Shipping Company is now running a regular container service between [[Kollam Port]] and [[Cochin Port|Kochi Port]].<ref>''[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/shreyas-shipping-starts-kochikollam-container-service/article5339784.ece Shreyas Shipping starts Kochi-Kollam container service]''. Accessed 29 July 2014.</ref><ref>''[http://www.eximin.net/NewsDetails.aspx?name=73939 Shreyas Shipping inaugurates Kollam port with new service]''. Accessed 29 July 2014.</ref>
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[[Kerala State Institute of Design]] (KSID), a design institute under Department of labour and Skills, [[Government of Kerala]], is located at Chandanathope in Kollam. It was established in 2008 and was one of the first state-owned design institutes in India. KSID currently conducts Post Graduate Diploma Programs in Design developed in association with [[National Institute of Design]], Ahmedabad.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Admission-Process-Starts-at-KSID-for-New-Diploma-Courses/2015/05/14/article2812971.ece|title = Admission Process Starts at KSID for New Diploma Courses}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/institute-of-design-inaugurated/article1277100.ece|title = Institute of design inaugurated}}</ref>
[[Kerala State Institute of Design]] (KSID), a design institute under Department of labour and Skills, [[Government of Kerala]], is located at Chandanathope in Kollam. It was established in 2008 and was one of the first state-owned design institutes in India. KSID currently conducts Post Graduate Diploma Programs in Design developed in association with [[National Institute of Design]], Ahmedabad.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Admission-Process-Starts-at-KSID-for-New-Diploma-Courses/2015/05/14/article2812971.ece|title = Admission Process Starts at KSID for New Diploma Courses}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/institute-of-design-inaugurated/article1277100.ece|title = Institute of design inaugurated}}</ref>


[[Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction|Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC-Kollam)]] is an institute of international standards situated at [[Chavara]] in Kollam city to support the skill development programmes for construction related occupations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skilldevelopment.gov.in/states.html |title=States-Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship |publisher=Government of India |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> [[Institute of Fashion Technology Kerala|The Institute of Fashion Technology, Kollam]], [[Kerala]] is a fashion technology institute situated at Vellimon, established in technical collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology and the Ministry of Textiles. In addition, there are two IMK (Institute of Management, Kerala) Extension Centres active in the city.<ref name="IMK Extension Centres">{{cite web | url = http://www.imk.ac.in/extension.htm | title = IMK Extension Centres - Kerala | access-date = 2014-01-08 | year = 2012 | publisher = imk.ac.in}}</ref> [[Kerala Maritime Institute]] is situated at [[Neendakara]] in Kollam city to give maritime training for the students in Kerala.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/maritime-institute-to-come-up-at-neendakara/article289620.ece |title=Maritime institute to come up at Neendakara |work=The Hindu|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> More than 5,000 students have been trained at Neendakara maritime institute under the Boat Crew training programme.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2013/may/08/Steps-begun-to-set-up-Maritime-university-475431.html | title=Steps begun to set up Maritime university | date=8 May 2013 |newspaper=The New Indian Express |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref>
[[Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction|Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC-Kollam)]] is an institute of international standards situated at [[Chavara]] in Kollam city to support the skill development programmes for construction related occupations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skilldevelopment.gov.in/states.html |title=States-Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship |publisher=Government of India |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> [[Institute of Fashion Technology Kerala|The Institute of Fashion Technology, Kollam]], [[Kerala]] is a fashion technology institute situated at Vellimon, established in technical collaboration with the [[National Institute of Fashion Technology]] and the Ministry of Textiles. In addition, there are two IMK (Institute of Management, Kerala) Extension Centres active in the city.<ref name="IMK Extension Centres">{{cite web | url = http://www.imk.ac.in/extension.htm | title = IMK Extension Centres - Kerala | access-date = 2014-01-08 | year = 2012 | publisher = imk.ac.in}}</ref> [[Kerala Maritime Institute]] is situated at [[Neendakara]] in Kollam city to give maritime training for the students in Kerala.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/maritime-institute-to-come-up-at-neendakara/article289620.ece |title=Maritime institute to come up at Neendakara |work=The Hindu|date=23 May 2009 |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> More than 5,000 students have been trained at Neendakara maritime institute under the Boat Crew training programme.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2013/may/08/Steps-begun-to-set-up-Maritime-university-475431.html | title=Steps begun to set up Maritime university | date=8 May 2013 |newspaper=The New Indian Express |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref>


Apart from colleges, there are a number of bank coaching centres in Kollam.<ref name="Bank test coaching Centres - Kollam">{{cite web | url = http://careeradda.co.in/index.php?topic=3021.0 | title = Which is the best banking coaching centre in India - Kollam | access-date = 2014-08-09}}</ref> Kollam is known as India's hub for bank test coaching centres with around 40 such institutes in the district.<ref name="Kollam - The bank test coaching hub of India">{{cite web | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/Engineering-graduates-opt-for-banking-sector/articleshow/16597692.cms | title = Engineering graduates opt for banking sector | access-date = 2014-08-09 |work = Times of India}}</ref> Students from various Indian states such as [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Karnataka]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Bihar]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]] also come here for coaching.
Apart from colleges, there are a number of bank coaching centres in Kollam.<ref name="Bank test coaching Centres - Kollam">{{cite web | url = http://careeradda.co.in/index.php?topic=3021.0 | title = Which is the best banking coaching centre in India - Kollam | access-date = 2014-08-09}}</ref> Kollam is known as India's hub for bank test coaching centres with around 40 such institutes in the district.<ref name="Kollam - The bank test coaching hub of India">{{cite news | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/Engineering-graduates-opt-for-banking-sector/articleshow/16597692.cms | title = Engineering graduates opt for banking sector | access-date = 2014-08-09 |work = Times of India| date = 29 September 2012 }}</ref> Students from various Indian states such as [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Karnataka]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Bihar]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]] also come here for coaching.


==Sports==
==Sports==
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;Hindus and temples
;Hindus and temples
[[File:Kottarakkara Temple(HighResoluion).jpg|thumb|right|Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram]]
[[File:Kottarakkara Temple(HighResoluion).jpg|thumb|right|Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram]]
[[Anandavalleeshwaram Sri Mahadevar Temple]] is a 400 years old ancient Hindu temple in the city. The 400-year-old [[Sanctum sanctorum]] of this temple is finished in teak.<ref>{{cite web|title=400-year-old sreekovil to be replaced|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/400yearold-sreekovil-to-be-replaced/article7468835.ece|access-date=13 October 2015|work=The Hindu}}</ref> [[Ammachiveedu Muhurthi|Ammachiveedu Muhurthi temple]] is another major temple in the city that have been founded around 600 years ago by the Ammachi Veedu family, aristocrats from Kollam.<ref name="kollamcity1">[http://www.kollamcity.com/index.php?menu=other&menu1=Religious Ammachiveedu Muhurthi Temple] at kollamcity.com</ref><ref name="thekeralatemples1">[http://www.thekeralatemples.com/templeinfo/others/ammachiveedu_muhurthi.htm Ammachiveedu Muhurthi Temple] at thekeralatemples.com</ref> The [[Kollam pooram]], a major festival of Kollam, is the culmination of a ten-day festival, normally in mid April, of [[Asramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple]].<ref name="Hindu">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080409111532/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/05/stories/2008040551540300.htm News article regarding kollam pooram]</ref> [[Kottankulangara Devi Temple]] is one of the world-famous Hindu temples in [[Kerala]] were cross-dressing of men for ''Chamayavilakku'' ritual is a part of traditional festivities. The men also carry large lamps. The first of the two-day dressing event drew to a close early on Monday.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala temple: Where the lady with the lamp is a man|url=http://www.ndtv.com/south/kerala-temple-where-the-lady-with-the-lamp-is-a-man-517252|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=NDTV}}</ref> Moreover, [[Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram]] in [[Kottarakkara]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Of small appam and Kottarakkara|url=http://mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/travel_special/of_small_appam_and_kottarakkara/139317/|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Mathrubhumi}}</ref> [[Puttingal Temple|Puttingal Devi Temple]] in [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Puttingal Devi Temple, aravur|url=http://www.puttingaltemple.org/|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Puttingal Devi Temple}}</ref> [[sooranad north anayadi Pazhayidam Sree Narasimha Swami Temple]] [[Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Temple]] in [[Poruvazhy]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Malanada temple fete draws big crowds|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/malanada-temple-fete-draws-big-crowds/article3205866.ece|access-date=25 March 2013|work=The Hindu}}</ref> [[Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple]] in [[Sasthamkotta]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple|url=http://www.sasthamcotta.com/Dharmasastha%20Temple.html|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple}}</ref> Sakthikulangara Sree Dharma Sastha temple,<ref>/Sakthikulangara-sreesharmasastha-karadevasom.com/</ref> Thrikkadavoor Sree Mahadeva Temple in [[Thrikkadavoor|Kadavoor]] and Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple in Ponmana<ref>{{cite web|title=Here, bells on tree answer your prayers|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141127/nation-current-affairs/article/here-bells-tree-answer-your-prayers|access-date=25 March 2013|work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> Padanayarkulangara mahadeva temple Karunagappally,<ref>{{cite web|title=No permission for RSS to conduct 'shakha' in temple: Kerala HC told|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/No-permission-for-RSS-to-conduct-shakha-in-temple-Kerala-HC-told/articleshow/47558696.cms|access-date=25 March 2013|work=The Times of India}}</ref> Ashtamudi Sree Veerabhadra Swamy Temple are the other famous Hindu worship centres in the [[Kollam Metropolitan Area]].
[[Anandavalleeshwaram Sri Mahadevar Temple]] is a 400 years old ancient Hindu temple in the city. The 400-year-old [[Sanctum sanctorum]] of this temple is finished in teak.<ref>{{cite news|title=400-year-old sreekovil to be replaced|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/400yearold-sreekovil-to-be-replaced/article7468835.ece|access-date=13 October 2015|work=The Hindu|date=26 July 2015 }}</ref> [[Ammachiveedu Muhurthi|Ammachiveedu Muhurthi temple]] is another major temple in the city that have been founded around 600 years ago by the Ammachi Veedu family, aristocrats from Kollam.<ref name="kollamcity1">[http://www.kollamcity.com/index.php?menu=other&menu1=Religious Ammachiveedu Muhurthi Temple] at kollamcity.com</ref><ref name="thekeralatemples1">[http://www.thekeralatemples.com/templeinfo/others/ammachiveedu_muhurthi.htm Ammachiveedu Muhurthi Temple] at thekeralatemples.com</ref> The [[Kollam pooram]], a major festival of Kollam, is the culmination of a ten-day festival, normally in mid April, of [[Asramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple]].<ref name="Hindu">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/05/stories/2008040551540300.htm|title=The Hindu : Kerala / Kollam News : Kollam Pooram on April 15|date=9 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409111532/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/05/stories/2008040551540300.htm |archive-date=9 April 2008 }}</ref> [[Kottankulangara Devi Temple]] is one of the world-famous Hindu temples in [[Kerala]] were cross-dressing of men for ''Chamayavilakku'' ritual is a part of traditional festivities. The men also carry large lamps. The first of the two-day dressing event drew to a close early on Monday.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala temple: Where the lady with the lamp is a man|url=http://www.ndtv.com/south/kerala-temple-where-the-lady-with-the-lamp-is-a-man-517252|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=NDTV}}</ref> Moreover, [[Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram]] in [[Kottarakkara]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Of small appam and Kottarakkara|url=http://mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/travel_special/of_small_appam_and_kottarakkara/139317/|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Mathrubhumi|archive-date=28 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828170452/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/travel_special/of_small_appam_and_kottarakkara/139317/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [https://g.co/kgs/oaWNDA Guhanandapuram Subramanya Temple] in [[Chavara Thekkumbhagom]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.keralatemples.net/klm_subra.html|title=Welcome to the Temples of God's Own Country|website=www.keralatemples.net}}</ref> [[Puttingal Temple|Puttingal Devi Temple]] in [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Puttingal Devi Temple, aravur|url=http://www.puttingaltemple.org/|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Puttingal Devi Temple}}</ref> [[sooranad north anayadi Pazhayidam Sree Narasimha Swami Temple]] [[Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Temple]] in [[Poruvazhy]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Malanada temple fete draws big crowds|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/malanada-temple-fete-draws-big-crowds/article3205866.ece|access-date=25 March 2013|work=The Hindu|date=24 March 2012 }}</ref> [[Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple]] in [[Sasthamkotta]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple|url=http://www.sasthamcotta.com/Dharmasastha%20Temple.html|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple|archive-date=6 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206180354/http://sasthamcotta.com/Dharmasastha%20Temple.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sakthikulangara Sree Dharma Sastha temple,<ref>/Sakthikulangara-sreesharmasastha-karadevasom.com/</ref> Thrikkadavoor Sree Mahadeva Temple in [[Thrikkadavoor|Kadavoor]] and Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple in Ponmana<ref>{{cite web|title=Here, bells on tree answer your prayers|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141127/nation-current-affairs/article/here-bells-tree-answer-your-prayers|access-date=25 March 2013|work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> Padanayarkulangara mahadeva temple Karunagappally,<ref>{{cite web|title=No permission for RSS to conduct 'shakha' in temple: Kerala HC told|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/No-permission-for-RSS-to-conduct-shakha-in-temple-Kerala-HC-told/articleshow/47558696.cms|access-date=25 March 2013|work=The Times of India}}</ref> Ashtamudi Sree Veerabhadra Swamy Temple are the other famous Hindu worship centres in the [[Kollam Metropolitan Area]].


;Christianity and churches
;Christianity and churches
[[File:Kollam neue Kathedrale.JPG|thumb|right|New cathedral in [[Tangasseri]], Kollam]]
[[File:Kollam neue Kathedrale.JPG|thumb|right|Infant Jesus Cathedral in [[Tangasseri]], Kollam]]
The [[Infant Jesus Cathedral]] in [[Tangasseri]] is established by [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] during 1614. It is now the pro-cathedral of [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon]] – the ancient and first Catholic diocese of India. The church remains as a memento of the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] rule of old [[Quilon]] city.<ref name="Church_Kollam">{{cite news|title=About Kollam City|location=Kollam, India|url=http://kollamcity.in/about-kollam-city|url-status=dead|access-date=19 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602132809/http://kollamcity.in/about-kollam-city|archive-date=2 June 2015|quote=About the city of Quilon}}</ref> St. Sebastian's Church at [[Neendakara]] is another important church in the city. The [[Dutch Church, Munroe Island|Dutch Church in Munroe Island]] is built by [[Dutch People|the Dutch]] in 1878.<ref>{{cite news|title=The emerald isle|work=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/travel/the-emerald-isle/article4316024.ece|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref> Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine in [[Cutchery]] is another important Christian worship place in Kollam city. Saint Casimir Church in [[Thrikkadavoor|Kadavoor]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Church festival from Saturday|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/22/stories/2005042205760300.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2005-04-22|access-date=19 January 2016}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Holy Family Church in [[Kavanad]], St.Stephen's Church in Thoppu<ref>{{cite web|title=St.Stephen's Church|url=http://ststephenschurchkollam.weebly.com/|access-date=19 January 2016|publisher=Kollam St.Stephen's Church}}</ref> and St.Thomas Church in [[Kadappakada]] are some of the other major [[Christianity|Christian]] churches in Kollam.<ref>{{cite news|title=St.Thomas Church|work=The Hindu|url=http://catholicchurches.in/directory/changanacherry-churches/st-thomas-church-kollam.htm|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Piety marks Good Friday observance|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/piety-marks-good-friday-observance/article5927794.ece|access-date=19 January 2016|work=The Hindu}}</ref>
The [[Infant Jesus Cathedral]] in [[Tangasseri]] is established by [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] during 1614. It is now the pro-cathedral of [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon]] – the ancient and first Catholic diocese of India. The church remains as a memento of the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] rule of old [[Quilon]] city.<ref name="Church_Kollam">{{cite news|title=About Kollam City|location=Kollam, India|url=http://kollamcity.in/about-kollam-city|url-status=dead|access-date=19 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602132809/http://kollamcity.in/about-kollam-city|archive-date=2 June 2015|quote=About the city of Quilon}}</ref> St. Sebastian's Church at [[Neendakara]] is another important church in the city. The [[Dutch Church, Munroe Island|Dutch Church in Munroe Island]] is built by [[Dutch People|the Dutch]] in 1878.<ref>{{cite news|title=The emerald isle|work=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/travel/the-emerald-isle/article4316024.ece|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref> Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine in [[Cutchery]] is another important Christian worship place in Kollam city. Saint Casimir Church in [[Thrikkadavoor|Kadavoor]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Church festival from Saturday|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/22/stories/2005042205760300.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2005-04-22|access-date=19 January 2016}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Holy Family Church in [[Kavanad]], St.Stephen's Church in Thoppu<ref>{{cite web|title=St.Stephen's Church|url=http://ststephenschurchkollam.weebly.com/|access-date=19 January 2016|publisher=Kollam St.Stephen's Church}}</ref> and St.Thomas Church in [[Kadappakada]] are some of the other major [[Christianity|Christian]] churches in Kollam.<ref>{{cite news|title=St.Thomas Church|work=The Hindu|url=http://catholicchurches.in/directory/changanacherry-churches/st-thomas-church-kollam.htm|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Piety marks Good Friday observance|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/piety-marks-good-friday-observance/article5927794.ece|access-date=19 January 2016|work=The Hindu|date=18 April 2014 }}</ref>


'''Muslims and mosques'''[[File:കരുനാഗപ്പള്ളി‍മുസ്ലീം‍പള്ളി.jpg|right|thumb|Karunagappally Mosque]]
'''Muslims and mosques'''[[File:കരുനാഗപ്പള്ളി‍മുസ്ലീം‍പള്ളി.jpg|right|thumb|Karunagappally Mosque]]
Kottukadu Juma Masjid in [[Chavara]], Elampalloor Juma-A-Masjid, Valiyapalli in Jonakappuram, [[Chinnakada]] Juma Masjid, Juma-'Ath Palli in Kollurvila, Juma-'Ath Palli in [[Thattamala]] and Koivila Juma Masjid in [[Chavara]] are the other major Mosques in Kollam.<ref>{{cite web|title=Juma-Ath-Palli|url=http://www.webindia123.com/city/kerala/kollam/destinations/mosque/jumaathpalli.htm|access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Elampalloor Juma-A-Masjid|url=http://elampalloormuslimjama-ath.org/aboutus.html|access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref>
Kottukadu Juma Masjid in [[Chavara]], Elampalloor Juma-A-Masjid, Valiyapalli in Jonakappuram, [[Chinnakada]] Juma Masjid, Juma-'Ath Palli in Kollurvila, Juma-'Ath Palli in [[Thattamala]] and Koivila Juma Masjid in [[Chavara]] are the other major Mosques in Kollam.<ref>{{cite web|title=Juma-Ath-Palli|url=http://www.webindia123.com/city/kerala/kollam/destinations/mosque/jumaathpalli.htm|access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Elampalloor Juma-A-Masjid|url=http://elampalloormuslimjama-ath.org/aboutus.html|access-date=29 July 2014|archive-date=9 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809144815/http://elampalloormuslimjama-ath.org/aboutus.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
=== Places around oceans ===
 
* Thirumullvaram Beach - It is one of popular beaches in the city of Kollam and a tourist destination.
* Jatayu Earth Center - Legend has it that Jatayu, a character from Ramayana, tried to rescue Sita from being kidnapped by Ravana breathed his last at this place. It is an emerging tourist spot.
* Thangassery Light House - The light house is located at Thangassery in Kollam. It was opened in 1902 and was a major source navigational aid for the ships of that area. It is close to Thangassery Dockyard.
* Ashtamudi Lake - Ashtamudi Lake is a backwater lake and a very popular tourist destination. It is known for its wetland ecosystem and a large palm-shaped water body.


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2022}}
<!-- [[WP:NFCC]] violation: [[File:JayanFinalStillPhoto.jpg|thumb|130px|right|[[Jayan]] - Malayalis consider him the "Immortal Star" of the Malayalam Film Industry]] -->
<!-- [[WP:NFCC]] violation: [[File:JayanFinalStillPhoto.jpg|thumb|130px|right|[[Jayan]] - Malayalis consider him the "Immortal Star" of the Malayalam Film Industry]] -->
Notable individuals born in Kollam include:
Notable individuals born in Kollam include:
Line 451: Line 453:
* [[Matha Amrithananda Mayi]], spiritual leader
* [[Matha Amrithananda Mayi]], spiritual leader
* [[Sooraj Surendran]], electronic engineer
* [[Sooraj Surendran]], electronic engineer
* [[Fawaz Jaleel]], Author
* [[:it:Gopakumar R|R. Gopakumar]], visual artist, India's first major digital art collector
* [[:it:Gopakumar R|R. Gopakumar]], visual artist, India's first major digital art collector


Line 484: Line 485:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
 
{{Sister project links|Kollam}}
{{Sister project links|Kollam}}
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Kollam}}
*  
* {{Official website|http://kollam.nic.in/Default.htm}}
* {{Official website|http://kollam.nic.in/Default.htm}}
{{Kollam |state=expanded}}
{{Kollam |state=expanded}}

Revision as of 06:36, 22 July 2023


Kollam
Quilon, Desinganadu
From top clockwise:An aerial view of the Ashtamudi Lake & The Raviz, Thangasseri Lighthouse, Ruins of St Thomas Fort, Kollam KSRTC bus station & KSWTD Boat Jetty, British Residency, Downtown Kollam area including RP Mall, Tourists in Munroe Island, Adventure Park, Kollam Junction railway station, Break Water Tourism & Kollam Port, Kollam Beach and Chinnakada Clock Tower
Etymology: Black pepper: kola ("black pepper")
Nickname(s): 
"Prince of Arabian sea"
"Cashew Capital of the World"[1]
"The Gateway to Backwaters"
"Fountain of Youth" [2][3]
Location of the city within Kollam Metropolitan Area
Location of the city within Kollam Metropolitan Area
Kollam is located in India
Kollam
Kollam
Location of Kollam in India
Kollam is located in Kerala
Kollam
Kollam
Kollam (Kerala)
Coordinates: 8°53′N 76°36′E / 8.88°N 76.60°E / 8.88; 76.60
Country India
RegionSouth India
StateKerala
DistrictKollam
Former NameQuilon, Desinganadu, Venad, Columbum, Kaulam (see Names for Kollam)
Native LanguageMalayalam
Established1099
Founded byRama Varma Kulashekhara
Boroughs7 Zones
Central Zone-1, Central Zone-2, Eravipuram, Vadakkevila, Sakthikulangara, Kilikolloor, Thrikadavoor
Government
 • TypeMayor–Council
 • BodyKollam Municipal Corporation
 • MayorPrasanna Earnest (CPI(M))
 • MPN.K Premachandran
 • MLAMukesh
 • District CollectorAfsana Parveen IAS
 • City Police CommissionerMerin Joseph IPS
Area
 • Metropolis165 km2 (64 sq mi)
 • Rank4
Elevation
3 m (10 ft)
Population
 (2021)[4][5][6][7]
 • Metropolis1,342,509
 • Rank5 (41th IN)
 • Density8,100/km2 (21,000/sq mi)
 • Metro1,871,086
Demonym(s)Kollamite, Kollathukaaran, Kollamkaran
Languages
 • OfficialMalayalam
English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
691 XXX
Telephone codeKollam-91-0474
Vehicle registrationKollam: KL-02, 23, 24, 25
HDIHigh
Literacy91.18%[9]
UN/LOCODEIN QUI
IN KUK
Websitewww.kollam.nic.in

Kollam (Malayalam: [kolːɐm] (About this soundlisten)), also known by its former name Quilon[10] About this soundpronunciation (sometimes referred to by its historical name Desinganadu[11]), is an ancient seaport and city on the Malabar Coast of India bordering the Laccadive Sea, which is a part of the Arabian Sea.[12] It is 71 km (44 mi) north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.[13] The city is on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada river.[14][15][16] Kollam is the fourth largest city in Kerala and is known for cashew processing[17] and coir manufacturing.[18] It is the southern gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala[19] and is a prominent tourist destination.[20] Kollam is one of the most historic cities with continuous settlements in India.[21][22][23] The Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham) is also known so with the name of the city Kollam.[11] Geographically, Quilon formation seen around coastal cliffs of Ashtamudi Lake, represent sediments laid down in the Kerala basin that existed during Mio-Pliocene times.[24][25]

Kollam has a strong commercial reputation since ancient times. The Arabs, Phoenicians, Chinese, Ethiopians, Syrians, Jews, Chaldeans and Romans have all engaged in trade at the port of Kollam for millennia.[26] As a result of Chinese trade, Kollam was mentioned by Ibn Battuta in the 14th century as one of the five Indian ports he had seen during the course of his twenty-four-year travels.[27][28] Desinganadu's rajas exchanged embassies with Chinese rulers while there was a flourishing Chinese settlement at Kollam. In the ninth century, on his way to Canton, China, Persian merchant Sulaiman al-Tajir found Kollam to be the only port in India visited by huge Chinese junks. Marco Polo, the Venetian traveller, who was in Chinese service under Kublai Khan in 1275, visited Kollam and other towns on the west coast, in his capacity as a Chinese mandarin.[29] Kollam is also home to one of the seven churches that were established by St Thomas as well as one of the 10 oldest mosques believed to be found by Malik Deenar in Kerala.

V. Nagam Aiya in his Travancore State Manual records that in 822 AD two East Syriac bishops Mar Sabor and Mar Proth, settled in Quilon with their followers. Two years later the Malabar Era began (824 AD) and Quilon became the premier city of the Malabar region ahead of Travancore and Cochin.[30] Kollam Port was founded by Mar Sabor at Tangasseri in 825 as an alternative to reopening the inland seaport of Kore-ke-ni Kollam near Backare (Thevalakara), which was also known as Nelcynda and Tyndis to the Romans and Greeks and as Thondi to the Tamils.[30]

Kollam city corporation received ISO 9001:2015 certification for municipal administration and services.[31] As per the survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) based on urban area growth during January 2020, Kollam became the tenth fastest growing city in the world with a 31.1% urban growth between 2015 and 2020.[32] It is a coastal city and on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake. The city hosts the administrative offices of Kollam district and is a prominent trading city for the state. The proportion of females to males in Kollam city is second highest among the 500 most populous cities in India.[33] Kollam is one of the least polluted cities in India.[34]

During the later stages of the rule of the Chera monarchy in Kerala, Kollam emerged as the focal point of trade and politics. Kollam continues to be a major business and commercial centre in Kerala. Four major trading centers around Kollam are Kottarakara, Punalur, Paravur, and Karunagapally. Kollam appeared as Palombe in Mandeville's Travels, where he claimed it contained a Fountain of Youth.[35][36]

Etymology

In 825 CE, the Malayalam calendar, or Kollavarsham, was created in Kollam at meetings held in the city.[37] The present Malayalam calendar is said to have begun with the re-founding of the town, which was rebuilt after its destruction by fire.

The city was known as Koolam in Arabic,[38] Coulão in Portuguese, and Desinganadu in ancient Tamil literature.

History

Names, routes and locations of the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st century CE)

As the ancient city of Quilon, Kollam was a flourishing port during the Pandya dynasty (c. 3rd century BC–12th century), and later became the capital of the independent Venad or the Kingdom of Quilon on its foundation in c. 825. Kollam was considered one of the four early entrepots in global sea trade during the 13th century, along with Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt, the Chinese city of Quanzhou, and Malacca in the Malaysian archipelago.[39] It seems that trade at Kollam seems to have flourished right into the Medieval period as in 1280, there is instance of envoys of Yuan China coming to Kollam for establishing relations between the local ruler and China[40]

Pandya rule

The ancient political and cultural history of Kollam was almost entirely independent from that of the rest of Kerala. The Chera dynasty governed the area of Malabar Coast between Alappuzha in the south to Kasaragod in the north. This included Palakkad Gap, Coimbatore, Salem, and Kolli Hills. The region around Coimbatore was ruled by the Cheras during Sangam period between c. first and the fourth centuries CE and it served as the eastern entrance to the Palakkad Gap, the principal trade route between the Malabar Coast and Tamil Nadu.[41] However the southern region of present-day Kerala state (The coastal belt between Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha) was under Ay dynasty, who was more related to the Pandya dynasty of Madurai than Cheras.[42]

Along with (Muziris and Tyndis), Quilon was an ancient seaport on the Malabar Coast of India from the early centuries before the Christian era. Kollam served as a major port city for Pandya dynasty on the western coast while Kulasekharapatnam served Pandyas on the eastern coast. The city had a high commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and Ancient Romans. Pliny the Elder (23–79 AD) mentions Greek ships anchored at Muziris and Nelcynda. There was also a land route over the Western Ghats. Spices, pearls, diamonds, and silk were exported to Egypt and Rome from these ports. Pearls and diamonds came to the Chera Kingdom from Ceylon and the southeastern coast of India, then known as the Pandyan Kingdom.

Cosmas Indicopleustes, a Greek Nestorian sailor,[43] in his book the Christian Topography[44] who visited the Malabar Coast in 550, mentions an enclave of Christian believers in Male (Malabar Coast). He writes, "In the island of Tabropane (Ceylon), there is a church of Christians, and clerics and faithful. Likewise at Male, where the pepper grows, and in the farming community of Kalliana (Kalliankal at Nillackal) there is also a bishop consecrated in Persia in accordance with the Nicea Sunnahadose of 325 AD."[45] The Nestorian Patriarch Jesujabus, who died in 660 AD, mentions Kollam in his letter to Simon, Metropolitan of Persia.

Kollam is also home to one of the oldest mosques in Indian subcontinent. According to the Legend of Cheraman Perumals, the first Indian mosque was built in 624 AD at Kodungallur with the mandate of the last the ruler (the Cheraman Perumal) of Chera dynasty, who left from Dharmadom to Mecca and converted to Islam during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (c. 570–632).[46][47][48][49] According to Qissat Shakarwati Farmad, the Masjids at Kodungallur, Kollam, Madayi, Barkur, Mangalore, Kasaragod, Kannur, Dharmadam, Panthalayini, and Chaliyam, were built during the era of Malik Dinar, and they are among the oldest Masjids in Indian subcontinent.[50] It is believed that Malik Dinar died at Thalangara in Kasaragod town.[51]

Capital of Venad (9th to 12th centuries)

India in 1320 CE. The Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari area in the southernmost tip of Indian subcontinent, which was the main seat of Ay dynasty and later Venad dynasty, was under the influence of Pandya dynasty

The port at Kollam, then known as Quilon, was founded in 825 by the Nestorian Christians Mar Sabor and Mar Proth with sanction from Ayyanadikal Thiruvadikal, the king of the independent Venad or the State of Quilon, a feudatory under the Chera kingdom.[52][53][54]

It is believed that Mar Sapor Iso also proposed that the Chera king create a new seaport near Kollam in lieu of his request that he rebuild the almost vanished inland seaport at Kollam (kore-ke-ni) near Backare (Thevalakara), also known as Nelcynda and Tyndis to the Romans and Greeks and as Thondi to the Tamils, which had been without trade for several centuries because the Cheras were overrun by the Pallavas in the sixth century, ending the spice trade from the Malabar coast. This allowed the Nestorians to stay in the Chera kingdom for several decades and introduce the Christian faith among the Nampoothiri Vaishnavites and Nair sub-castes in the St. Thomas tradition, with the Syrian liturgy as a basis for the Doctrine of the Trinity, without replacing the Sanskrit and Vedic prayers.[55] The Tharisapalli plates presented to Maruvan Sapor Iso by Ayyanadikal Thiruvadikal granted the Christians the privilege of overseeing foreign trade in the city as well as control over its weights and measures in a move designed to increase Quilon's trade and wealth.[54][56] The two Christians were also instrumental in founding Christian churches with Syrian liturgy along the Malabar coast, distinct from the ancient Vedic Advaitam propounded by Adi Shankara in the early ninth century among the Nampoothiri Vaishnavites and Nair Sub Castes, as Malayalam was not accepted as a liturgical language until the early 18th century.

Thus began the Malayalam Era, known as Kolla Varsham after the city, indicating the importance of Kollam in the ninth century.[54] The Persian merchant Soleyman of Siraf visited Malabar in the ninth century and found Quilon to be the only port in India used by the huge Chinese ships as their transshipment hub for goods on their way from China to the Persian Gulf. The rulers of Kollam (formerly called 'Desinganadu') had trade relations with China and exchanged embassies. According to the records of the Tang dynasty (618–913),[57] Quilon was their chief port of call before the seventh century. The Chinese trade decreased about 600 and was again revived in the 13th century. Mirabilia Descripta by Bishop Catalani gives a description of life in Kollam, which he saw as the Catholic bishop-designate to Kollam, the oldest Catholic diocese in India. He also gives[58] true and imaginary descriptions of life in 'India the Major' in the period before Marco Polo visited the city. Sulaiman al-Tajir, a Persian merchant who visited Kerala during the reign of Sthanu Ravi Varma (9th century CE), records that there was extensive trade between Kerala and China at that time, based at the port of Kollam.[59]

Kollam as "Colombo" in the Catalan Atlas (1375)

Sultan of Delhi (top, flag: ) and the "King of Colombo" (Kollam) at the bottom (flag: , identified as Christian due to the early Saint Thomas Christianity there, and the Catholic mission under Jordanus since 1329)[60] in the contemporary Catalan Atlas of 1375.[61] Several of the location names are accurate.[62] The caption next to the southern king reads: Here rules the king of Colombo, a Christian.[63]

In 13th century CE, Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I, a Pandya ruler fought a war in Venad and captured the city of Kollam.[64] The city appears on the Catalan Atlas of 1375 CE as Columbo and Colobo. The map marks this city as a Christian city, ruled by a Christian ruler.[60]

The text above the picture of the king says:

Açí seny[o]reja lo rey Colobo, christià. Pruvíncia de Columbo
(Here reigns the Lord King Colobo, Christian, Province of Columbo).[60]

The city was much frequented by the Genoese merchants during the 13th-14th centuries CE, followed by the Dominican and Franciscan friars from Europe. The Genoese merchants called the city Colõbo/Colombo.

The city was founded in 825 by Maruvān Sapir Iso, a Persian East Syriac Christian merchant, and was also christianized early by the Saint Thomas Christians. In 1329 CE Pope John XXII established Kollam / Columbo as the first and only Roman Catholic bishopric on the Indian subcontinent, and appointed Jordan of Catalonia, a Dominican friar, as the diocese's first bishop of the Latin sect.[60] The Pope's Latin scribes assigned the name "Columbum" to Columbo.

According to a book authored by Ilarius Augustus, published April, 2021 ('Christopher Columbus: Buried deep in Latin the Indian origin of the great explorer from Genoa'), the words Columbum, Columbus and Columbo appear for the very first time in a notarial deed (lease contract) of a certain Mousso in Genoa in 1329 CE. These words appear in the form of a toponym. The author then shows, through the Latin text of several other notarial deeds and the documents on church history, how Christopher Columbus - also carrying the same toponym.- was part of Mousso's family, and hence of the Indian lineage (although born in Genoa).

Kozhikode Influences

The port at Kozhikode held superior economic and political position in medieval Kerala coast, while Kannur, Kollam, and Kochi, were commercially important secondary ports, where the traders from various parts of the world would gather.[65]

Portuguese, Dutch and British Trade and Influences (16th to 18th centuries)

Thambiran Vanakkam was printed at Kollam, the capital of Venad in 1578, during the Portuguese Era. It holds the record of the first book printed in any Indian language. It was written in the language Lingua Malabar Tamul, which was spoken in Southern Kerala (Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram area) during the medieval period.
Viceroy Afonso de Albuquerque established Portuguese rule in Kollam (Portuguese: Coulão), which lasted from 1502 until 1661.

The Portuguese arrived at Kappad Kozhikode in 1498 during the Age of Discovery, thus opening a direct sea route from Europe to India.[66] They were the first Europeans to establish a trading center in Tangasseri, Kollam in 1502, which became the centre of their trade in pepper.[67] In the wars with the Moors/Arabs that followed, the ancient church (temple) of St Thomas Tradition at Thevalakara was destroyed. In 1517, the Portuguese built the St. Thomas Fort in Thangasseri, which was destroyed in the subsequent wars with the Dutch. In 1661, the Dutch East India Company took possession of the city. The remnants of the old Portuguese Fort, later renovated by the Dutch, can be found at Thangasseri. In the 18th century, Travancore conquered Kollam, followed by the British in 1795.[68] Thangasseri remains today as an Anglo-Indian settlement, though few Anglo-Indians remain. The Infant Jesus Church in Thangasseri, an old Portuguese-built church,[69] remains as a memento of the Portuguese rule of the area.[70][71][72]

Battle of Quilon

Kollam fort in 1756 after it had passed from Portuguese rule to the Dutch.

The Battle of Quilon was fought in 1809 between a troop of the Indian kingdom of Travancore led by the then Dalawa (prime minister) of Travancore, Velu Thampi Dalawa and the British East India Company led by Colonel Chalmers at Cantonment Maidan in Quilon. The battle lasted for only six hours[73] and was the result of the East India Company's invasion of Quilon and their garrison situated near the Cantonment Maidan. The company forces won the battle while all the insurrectionist who participated in the war were court-martialed and subsequently hanged at the maidan.[74]

Travancore Rule

In the early 18th century CE, the Travancore royal family adopted some members from the royal family of Kolathunadu based at Kannur, and Parappanad based in present-day Malappuram district.[75] Later, Venad Kingdom was completely merged with the Kingdom of Travancore during the rein of Marthanda Varma and Kollam remained as the capital of Travancore Kingdom. Later on, the capital of Travancore was relocated to Thiruvananthapuram.

Travancore became the most dominant state in Kerala by defeating the powerful Zamorin of Kozhikode in the battle of Purakkad in 1755.[76] The Government Secretariat was also situated in Kollam till the 1830s. It was moved to Thiruvananthapuram during the reign of Swathi Thirunal.[77]

Excavation at Kollam Port seabed

Excavations are going on at Kollam Port premises since February 2014 as the team has uncovered arrays of antique artifacts, including Chinese porcelain and coins.[78] A Chinese team with the Palace Museum, a team from India with Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR) discovered Chinese coins and artifacts that show trade links between Kollam and ancient China.[79]

Geography

Kollam Canal near Paravur

Kollam city is bordered by the panchayats of Neendakara and Thrikkaruva to the north, Mayyanad to the south, and Thrikkovilvattom and Kottamkara to the east, and by the Laccadive Sea to the west. Ashtamudi Lake is in the heart of the city. The city is about 71 km (44 mi) away from Thiruvananthapuram, 140 km (87 mi) away from Kochi and 350 km (220 mi) away from Kozhikode. The National Waterway 3 and Ithikkara river are two important waterways passing through the city. The 7.7 km (4.8 mi) long Kollam Canal is connecting Paravur Lake ans Ashtamudi Lake. The Kallada river, another river that flows through the suburbs of the city, empties into Ashtamudi Lake, while the Ithikkara river runs to Paravur Kayal. Kattakayal, a freshwater lake in the city, connects another water-body named Vattakkayal with Lake Ashtamudi.[80][81][82] In March 2016, IndiaTimes selected Kollam as one of the nine least polluted cities on earth to which anybody can relocate.[83] Kollam is one among the top 10 most welcoming places in India for the year 2020, according to Booking.com's traveller review awards.[84]

Kollam is an ancient trading town – trading with Romans, Chinese, Arabs, and other Orientals – mentioned in historical citations dating back to Biblical times and the reign of Solomon, connecting with Red Sea ports of the Arabian Sea (supported by a find of ancient Roman coins).[85][86] There was also internal trade through the Aryankavu Pass in Schenkottah Gap connecting the ancient town to Tamil Nadu. The overland trade in pepper by bullock cart and the trade over the waterways connecting Allepey and Cochin established trade linkages that enabled it to grow into one of the earliest Indian industrial townships. The rail links later established to Tamil Nadu supported still stronger trade links. The factories processing marine exports and the processing and packaging of cashewnuts extended its trade across the globe.[87] It is known for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. Ashtamudi Lake is considered the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is a prominent tourist destination at Kollam. The Kollam urban area includes suburban towns such as Paravur in the south, Kundara in the east and Karunagapally in the north of the city. Other important towns in the city suburbs are Eravipuram, Kottiyam, Kannanallur, and Chavara.[citation needed]

Climate

Kollam experiences a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen Am) with little seasonal variation in temperatures. December to March is the dry season with less than 60 millimetres or 2.4 inches of rain in each of those months. April to November is the wet season, with considerably more rain than during December to March, especially in June and July at the height of the Southwest Monsoon.

Climate data for Kollam
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 31
(88)
31
(88)
32
(90)
32
(90)
31
(88)
29
(84)
29
(84)
29
(84)
29
(84)
30
(86)
29
(84)
30
(86)
30
(86)
Average low °C (°F) 23
(73)
23
(73)
25
(77)
26
(79)
25
(77)
24
(75)
24
(75)
24
(75)
24
(75)
24
(75)
24
(75)
23
(73)
24
(75)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 18
(0.7)
26
(1.0)
53
(2.1)
147
(5.8)
268
(10.6)
518
(20.4)
381
(15.0)
248
(9.8)
209
(8.2)
300
(11.8)
208
(8.2)
51
(2.0)
2,427
(95.6)
Average rainy days (≥ 0.1 mm) 1 2 4 8 11 21 19 16 12 12 8 3 117
Source: Weather2Travel

Demographics

Population

As of the 2011 India census,[7] Kollam city had a population of 349,033 with a density of 5,400 persons per square kilometre. The sex ratio (the number of females per 1,000 males) was 1,112, the highest in the state. The district of Kollam ranked seventh in population in the state while the city of Kollam ranked fourth. As of 2010 Kollam had an average literacy rate of 93.77%,[88] higher than the national average of 74.04%. Male literacy stood at 95.83%, and female at 91.95%. In Kollam, 11% of the population was under six years of age. In May 2015, Government of Kerala have decided to expand City Corporation of Kollam by merging Thrikkadavoor panchayath. So the area will become 73.03 km2 (28.20 sq mi) with a total city population of 384,892.[89][90] Malayalam is the most widely spoken language and official language of the city, while Tamil is understood by some sections in the city. There are also small communities of Anglo-Indians, Konkani Brahmins, Telugu Chetty and Bengali migrant labourers settled in the city. For ease of administration, Kollam Municipal Corporation is divided into six zones with local zonal offices for each one.[91]

In 2014, former Kollam Mayor Mrs. Prasanna Earnest was selected as the Best Lady Mayor of South India by the Rotary Club of Trivandrum Royal[92]

Religion

Religion in Kollam City (2011)[93]
Religion Percentage
Hinduism
56%
Islam
22%
Christianity
21%
Others
1%
Distribution of religions
Includes Not Stated, Sikhism (<0.01%), Buddhism (<0.01%).
St. Antony's Church, Vaddy, built 1910

The city of Kollam is a microcosm of Kerala state with its residents belonging to varied religious, ethnic and linguistic groups.[94] There are so many ancient temples, centuries-old churches and mosques in the city and its suburbs. Kollam is a Hindu majority city in Kerala. 56.35% of Kollam's total population belongs to Hindu community. Moreover, the Kollam Era (also known as Malayalam Era or Kollavarsham or Malayalam Calendar or Malabar Era), solar and sidereal Hindu calendar used in Kerala, has been originated on 825 CE (Pothu Varsham) at (Kollam) city.[95][96][97]

Muslims account for 22.05% of Kollam's total population. As per the Census 2011 data, 80,935 is the total Muslim population in Kollam.[98] The Karbala Maidan and the adjacent Makani mosque serves as the Eid gah for the city. The 300-year-old Juma-'Ath Palli at Karuva houses the mortal remains of a Sufi saint, Syed Abdur Rahman Jifri.[99][100]

Christians account for 21.17% of the total population of Kollam city.[101] The Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon (Kollam) is the first Catholic diocese in India. The diocese was first erected by Pope John XXII on 9 August 1329. It was re-erected on 1 September 1886. The diocese covers an area of 1,950 km2 (750 sq mi) and contains a population of 4,879,553, Catholics numbering 235,922 (4.8%). The famous Infant Jesus Cathedral, 400 years old, located in Thangassery, is the co-cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon.[102] CSI Kollam-Kottarakara Diocese is one of the twenty-four dioceses of the Church of South India.[103] The Headquarters of the Kerala region of The Pentecostal Mission for Kottarakkara, is in Kollam.

Civic administration

British Residency in Asramam, Kollam - Till 1829, Quilon was the capital of the Travancore State with the headquarters of the British Residency situated here

Kollam City is a Municipal Corporation with elected Councillors from its 55 divisions. The Mayor, elected from among the councillors, generally represents the political party holding a majority. The Corporation Secretary heads the office of the corporation.

Map of Kollam Metropolitan Area

The present Mayor of Kollam Corporation is Adv.V. Rajendrababu of CPI(M).[104]

The police administration of the city falls under the Kollam City Police Commissionerate which is headed by an IPS (Indian Police Service) cadre officer and he reports to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Thiruvananthapuram Range. The police administration comes under the State Home Department of the Government of Kerala. Kollam City is divided into three subdivisions, Karunagappally, Kollam and Chathannoor, each under an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Urban structure

With a total urban population of 1,187,158[105] and 349,033 as city corporation's population, Kollam is the fourth most populous city in the state and 49th on the list of the most populous urban agglomerations in India. As of 2011 the city's urban growth rate of 154.59% was the second highest in the state.[106] The Metropolitan area of Kollam includes Uliyakovil, Adichanalloor, Adinad, Ayanivelikulangara, Chavara, Elampalloor, Eravipuram (Part), Kallelibhagom, Karunagappally, Kollam, Kottamkara, Kulasekharapuram, Mayyanad, Meenad, Nedumpana, Neendakara, Oachira, Panayam, Panmana, Paravur, Perinad, Poothakkulam, Thazhuthala, Thodiyoor, Thrikkadavoor, Thrikkaruva, Thrikkovilvattom, and Vadakkumthala.[107]

The Kerala Government has decided to develop the City of Kollam as a "Port City of Kerala". Regeneration of the Maruthadi-Eravipuram area including construction of facilities for fishing, tourism and entertainment projects will be implemented as part of the project[108]

Economy

RP Mall, Kollam
A large Chinese fishing net at Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam city

The city life of Kollam has changed in the last decade. In terms of economic performance and per capita income, Kollam city is in fifth position from India and third in Kerala.[109] Kollam is famous as a city with excellent export background.[110] 5 star, 4 star and 3 star hotels, multi-storied shopping malls, branded jewellery, textile showrooms and car showrooms have started operations in the city and suburbs. Kollam was the third city in Kerala (after Kozhikode and Kochi) to adopt the shopping mall culture. Kollam district ranks first in livestock wealth in the state. Downtown Kollam is the main CBD of Kollam city.

Dairy farming is fairly well developed. Also there is a chilling plant in the city. Kollam is an important maritime and port city. Fishing has a place in the economy of the district. Neendakara and Sakthikulangara villages in the suburbs of the city have fisheries. An estimated 134,973 persons are engaged in fishing and allied activities. Cheriazheekkal, Alappad, Pandarathuruthu, Puthenthura, Neendakara, Thangasseri, Eravipuram and Paravur are eight of the 26 important fishing villages. There are 24 inland fishing villages. The Government has initiated steps for establishing a fishing harbour at Neendakara. Average fish landing is estimated at 85,275 tonnes per year. One-third of the state's fish catch is from Kollam. Nearly 3000 mechanised boats are operating from the fishing harbour. FFDA and VFFDA promote fresh water fish culture and prawn farming respectively. A fishing village with 100 houses is being built at Eravipuram. A prawn farm is being built at Ayiramthengu, and several new hatcheries are planned to cater to the needs of the aquaculturists. Kerala's only turkey farm and a regional poultry farm are at Kureepuzha.[111]

There are two Central Government industrial operations in the city, the Indian Rare Earths, Chavara and Parvathi Mills Ltd., Kollam. Kerala Ceramics Ltd. in Kundara, Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Company in Kundara, Kerala Premo Pipe factory in Chavara, Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited in Chavara and United Electrical Industries in Kollam are Kerala Government-owned companies. Other major industries in the private/cooperative sector are Aluminium Industries Ltd. in Kundara, Thomas Stephen & Co. in Kollam, Floorco in Paravur and Cooperative Spinning Mill in Chathannoor.[112] The beach sands of the district have concentrations of such heavy minerals as Ilmenite, Rutile, Monosite and Zircon, which offer scope for exploitation for industrial purposes.

Technopark Kollam

Besides large deposits of China clay in Kundara, Mulavana and Chathannoor, there are also lime-shell deposits in Ashtamudi Lake and Bauxite deposits in Adichanallur.[113]

Known as the "Cashew Capital of the World", Kollam is noted for its traditional cashew business and is home to more than 600 cashew-processing units. Every year, about 800,000 tonnes of raw cashews are imported into the city for processing[114] and an average of 130,000 tonnes of processed cashews are exported to various countries worldwide.[115] The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) expects a rise in exports to 275,000 tonnes by 2020, an increase of 120 per cent over the current figure.[116] The Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Limited (KSCDC) is situated at Mundakkal in Kollam city. The company owns 30 cashew factories all across Kerala. Of these, 24 are located in Kollam district.[117][118]

Kollam is one of many seafood export hubs in India with numerous companies involved in the sector. Most of these are based in the Maruthadi, Sakthikulangara, Kavanad, Neendakara, Asramam, Kilikollur, Thirumullavaram and Uliyakovil areas of the city.[119][120] Capithans, Kings Marine Exporters, India Food Exports and Oceanic Fisheries are examples of seafood exporters.[121]

Kollam's Ashtamudi Lake clam fishery was the first Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fishery in India.[122] The clam fishery supports around 3,000 people involved in the collection, cleaning, processing and trading of clams. Around 90 species of fish and ten species of clams are found in the lake.

Culture

Kollam Fest is Kollam's own annual festival, attracting mostly Keralites but also hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists to Kollam. The main venue of Kollam Fest is the historic and gigantic Ashramam Maidan. Kollam Fest is the signature event of Kollam. Kollam Fest seeks to showcase Kollam's rich culture and heritage, tourism potential and investments in new ventures.[123]

Kollam Pooram, part of the Asramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple Festival, is usually held on 15 April, but occasionally on 16 April. The pooram is held at the Ashramam maidan.

The President's Trophy Boat Race (PTBR) is an annual regatta held in Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. The event was inaugurated by President Prathibha Patil in September 2011. The event has been rescheduled from 2012.[124][125]

Transport

Air

Old Kollam Airport area, Asramam

The city corporation of Kollam is served by the Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 56 kilometers from the city via NH66 . Trivandrum International Airport is the first international airport in a non-metro city in India.[126]

Rail

Main terminal of Kollam Junction railway station

Kollam Junction is the second largest railway station in Kerala in area, after Shoranur Junction, with a total of 6 platforms. The station has 17 rail tracks. Kollam junction has world's third longest railway platform, measuring 1180.5 m(3873 ft).[127] Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit (MEMU) have a maintenance shed at Kollam Junction. The MEMU services started from Kollam to Ernakulam via Alappuzha and Kottayam in the second week of January 2012.[128] By 1 December 2012, MEMU service between Kollam and Nagercoil became a reality and later extended up to Kanyakumari. Kollam MEMU Shed inaugurated on 1 December 2013 for the maintenance works of MEMU rakes. Kollam MEMU Shed is the largest MEMU Shed in Kerala, which is equipped with most modern facilities. There is a long-standing demand for the Kollam Town Railway Station in the Kollam-Perinad stretch and "S.N College Railway Station" in the Kollam-Eravipuram stretch. The railway stations in Kollam city are Kollam Junction railway station, Eravipuram railway station and Kilikollur railway station.

A new suburban rail system has been proposed by the Kerala Government and Indian Railways on the route Thiruvananthapuram - Kollam - Haripad/Chengannur for which MRVC is tasked to conduct a study and submit a report. Ten trains, each with seven coaches, will transport passengers back and forth along the Trivandrum-Kollam-Chengannur-Kottarakara-Adoor section.[129]

Road

The city of Kollam is connected to almost all the cities and major towns in the state, including Trivandrum, Alappuzha, Kochi, Palakkad, Kottayam, Kottarakkara, and Punalur, and with other Indian cities through the NH 66, NH 183, NH 744 - and other state PWD Roads. Road transport is provided by state-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private transport bus operators. Kollam is one among the five KSRTC zones in Kerala.[130] Road transport is also provided by private taxis and autorickshaws, also called autos. There is a city private bus stand at Andamukkam. There is a KSRTC bus station beside Ashtamudi Lake. Buses to various towns in Kerala and interstate services run from this station.[131]

Chavara Thekkumbhagom bridge near Kollam City - This bridge had given a new way of connectivity for the people of Thekkumbhagom with Kollam City along with the existing boat services
Kollam Bypass - The 13.141 km (8.165 mi) long Kollam Bypass project was actually planned in 1975 but works got delayed due to political and financial issues
Kollam KSRTC Bus Station is situated at the banks of famous Ashtamudi Lake. One of the main bus stations in the state, still waiting to get a makeover.
Traffic on the Thevally Bridge connecting Thevally to Kottayathukadavu, over National Waterway 3, Ashtamudi Lake

Water

Houseboat passing under Thevally Bridge

The State Water Transport Department operates boat services to West Kallada, Munroe Island, Guhanandapuram ,chavara Thekkumbhagom, Dalavapuram and Alappuzha from Kollam KSWTD Ferry Terminal situated on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake. Asramam Link Road in the city passes adjacent to the ferry terminal.[132]

Double decker luxury boats run between Kollam and Allepey daily. Luxury boats, operated by the government and private owners, operate from the main boat jetty during the tourist season. The West coast canal system, which starts from Thiruvananthapuram in the south and ends at Hosdurg in the north, passes through Paravur, the city of Kollam and Karunagappally taluk.[133][134]

Kollam Port is the second largest port in Kerala, after Cochin Port Trust. It is one of two international ports in Kerala. Cargo handling facilities began operation in 2013.[135] Foreign ships arrive in the port regularly with the MV Alina, a 145-metre (476 ft) vessel registered in Antigua anchored at the port on 4 April 2014.[136] Once the Port starts functioning in full-fledged, it will make the transportation activities of Kollam-based cashew companies more easy.[137] Shreyas Shipping Company is now running a regular container service between Kollam Port and Kochi Port.[138][139]

Education

Ornate, pink-and-white building with traditional Mughal architecture
TKM Engineering College in Karicode

There are many respected colleges, schools and learning centres in Kollam. The city and suburbs contribute greatly to education by providing the best and latest knowledge to the scholars. The Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, the first private school of its kind in the state, is at Kilikollur, about 7 km (4.3 mi) east of Kollam city, and is a source of pride for all Kollamites. The Government of Kerala has granted academic autonomy to Fatima Mata National College, another prestigious institution in the city.[140] Sree Narayana College, Bishop Jerome Institute (an integrated campus providing Architecture, Engineering and Management courses), and Travancore Business Academy are other important colleges in the city. There are two law colleges in the city, Sree Narayana Guru College of Legal Studies under the control of Sree Narayana Trust and N S S Law College managed by the N.S.S. There are also some best schools in Kollam including Trinity Lyceum School, Infant Jesus School, St Aloysius H.S.S, The oxford school, Sri Sri Academy etc.

Sree Narayana Guru College of Legal Studies in Karbala

Kerala State Institute of Design (KSID), a design institute under Department of labour and Skills, Government of Kerala, is located at Chandanathope in Kollam. It was established in 2008 and was one of the first state-owned design institutes in India. KSID currently conducts Post Graduate Diploma Programs in Design developed in association with National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.[141][142]

Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC-Kollam) is an institute of international standards situated at Chavara in Kollam city to support the skill development programmes for construction related occupations.[143] The Institute of Fashion Technology, Kollam, Kerala is a fashion technology institute situated at Vellimon, established in technical collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology and the Ministry of Textiles. In addition, there are two IMK (Institute of Management, Kerala) Extension Centres active in the city.[144] Kerala Maritime Institute is situated at Neendakara in Kollam city to give maritime training for the students in Kerala.[145] More than 5,000 students have been trained at Neendakara maritime institute under the Boat Crew training programme.[146]

Apart from colleges, there are a number of bank coaching centres in Kollam.[147] Kollam is known as India's hub for bank test coaching centres with around 40 such institutes in the district.[148] Students from various Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh also come here for coaching.

Sports

Cricket is the most popular sport, followed by hockey and football. Kollam is home to a number of local cricket, hockey and football teams participating in district, state-level and zone matches. An International Hockey Stadium with astro-turf facility is there at Asramam in the city, built at a cost of Rs. 13 crore.[149] The land for the construction of the stadium was taken over from the Postal Department at Asramam, Kollam. The city has another stadium named the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Kollam. It is a multipurpose stadium and has repeatedly hosted such sports events as the Ranji Trophy, Santhosh Trophy and National Games.[150] Two open grounds in the city, the Asramam Maidan and Peeranki Maidan, are also used for sports events, practice and warm-up matches.

Tourist places

Places of worship

Hindus and temples
Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram

Anandavalleeshwaram Sri Mahadevar Temple is a 400 years old ancient Hindu temple in the city. The 400-year-old Sanctum sanctorum of this temple is finished in teak.[151] Ammachiveedu Muhurthi temple is another major temple in the city that have been founded around 600 years ago by the Ammachi Veedu family, aristocrats from Kollam.[152][153] The Kollam pooram, a major festival of Kollam, is the culmination of a ten-day festival, normally in mid April, of Asramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple.[154] Kottankulangara Devi Temple is one of the world-famous Hindu temples in Kerala were cross-dressing of men for Chamayavilakku ritual is a part of traditional festivities. The men also carry large lamps. The first of the two-day dressing event drew to a close early on Monday.[155] Moreover, Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram in Kottarakkara,[156] Guhanandapuram Subramanya Temple in Chavara Thekkumbhagom,[157] Puttingal Devi Temple in Paravur,[158] sooranad north anayadi Pazhayidam Sree Narasimha Swami Temple Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Temple in Poruvazhy,[159] Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Sasthamkotta,[160] Sakthikulangara Sree Dharma Sastha temple,[161] Thrikkadavoor Sree Mahadeva Temple in Kadavoor and Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple in Ponmana[162] Padanayarkulangara mahadeva temple Karunagappally,[163] Ashtamudi Sree Veerabhadra Swamy Temple are the other famous Hindu worship centres in the Kollam Metropolitan Area.

Christianity and churches
Infant Jesus Cathedral in Tangasseri, Kollam

The Infant Jesus Cathedral in Tangasseri is established by Portuguese during 1614. It is now the pro-cathedral of Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon – the ancient and first Catholic diocese of India. The church remains as a memento of the Portuguese rule of old Quilon city.[164] St. Sebastian's Church at Neendakara is another important church in the city. The Dutch Church in Munroe Island is built by the Dutch in 1878.[165] Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine in Cutchery is another important Christian worship place in Kollam city. Saint Casimir Church in Kadavoor,[166] Holy Family Church in Kavanad, St.Stephen's Church in Thoppu[167] and St.Thomas Church in Kadappakada are some of the other major Christian churches in Kollam.[168][169]

Muslims and mosques

Karunagappally Mosque

Kottukadu Juma Masjid in Chavara, Elampalloor Juma-A-Masjid, Valiyapalli in Jonakappuram, Chinnakada Juma Masjid, Juma-'Ath Palli in Kollurvila, Juma-'Ath Palli in Thattamala and Koivila Juma Masjid in Chavara are the other major Mosques in Kollam.[170][171]

Notable people

Notable individuals born in Kollam include:

See also

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External links