History of Grama Panchayat
History of Grama Panchayat
Until the early 19th century, this area was known as Anthiyurkkad. It served as a key halting point on the route to Padmanabhapuram, the capital of the Kingdom of Travancore.
However, the area had become overgrown with dense forest and a haven for thieves, making travel difficult for wayfarers.
Recognizing this, Maharaja Avittom Thirunal Balarama Varma (reign: 1798–1810 AD) entrusted his *Dalava* (Prime Minister), Umminithampi (tenure: 1809–1812 AD), with the task of clearing the forest located between Thiruvananthapuram and Neyyattinkara.
Under Umminithampi's leadership, the forest was cleared, and weavers and other skilled artisans were brought from Tamil Nadu to settle in the area.
The region was named Balaramapuram in honor of the reigning Maharaja.
Key Historical Features
Handloom Industry: Balaramapuram gained global renown through its distinctive handloom textiles (Balaramapuram Handloom). Maharaja Balarama Varma brought the Shaliyar community—skilled weavers from regions in Tamil Nadu such as Valliyoor, Thuckalay, and Ervadi—to this area and settled them here to weave the textiles required for the royal palace.
'Kasavu' dhotis and Kerala sarees, still woven today on traditional pit looms, are the hallmarks of Balaramapuram handloom.
Balaramapuram handloom has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Anjuvannatheruvu: This area derives its name from the fact that five communities—Shaliyar, Vanigar, Vellalar, Muslims, and Mukkuvar—whom Maharaja Balarama Varma had settled here, lived together in this locality. This reflects the region's cultural diversity and religious harmony.
Commercial Importance: Balaramapuram is considered the most important commercial hub in Thiruvananthapuram district after the Chalai Market. The local market plays a significant role in regulating the prices of commodities like rice and vegetables.
Geographical Location: This Grama Panchayat is situated in the Neyyattinkara Taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district. Excellent transportation facilities are available here, as the National Highway passes through the area.
Balaramapuram is regarded as the most important market in Thiruvananthapuram district after the Chalai Market. Handloom weaving was first introduced in Balaramapuram during the reign of Maharaja Balarama Varma. In consultation with his *Dalawa* (Chief Minister) Umminithampi, the Maharaja initiated measures to transform Balaramapuram and its surrounding areas into an agro-based commercial and industrial hub by developing traditional sectors such as paddy and coconut cultivation, fishing, weaving, and oil processing. Specific locations were designated and organized into dedicated streets, equipped with the necessary infrastructure for industrial development. Seven weaving families (belonging to the Shaliyar community) were brought from Tamil Nadu to weave garments for the royal family and were resettled in a specially designated area in Balaramapuram—a locality now known as Shaliyar Street. Trading centers were established at strategic locations to facilitate the easy exchange of goods. The current residents of the houses lining Shaliyar Street are the descendants of those original seven families. The Shaliyar families speak Tamil and enter into marital alliances exclusively within their own community. The Shaliyar community resides across four main streets: Ottatheruvu, Irattatheruvu, Vinayagar Theruvu, and Puthan Theruvu. The Agasthyar Temple is situated on the main street. The 'Irattatheruvu' (Twin Street) houses two temples: the Mutharamman Temple and the Vinayagar Temple. There is also a Ganapathi temple on Thoppu Street. It is mandatory for men over the age of 18 to become members of the temple committee. Over time, traders from other castes and religions also settled in this street; among them were Muslims and Christian fishermen who had arrived from Thiruvithamcode in the present-day Kanyakumari district. With the arrival of the fishing community in the Shaliyar street, the area also came to be known as "Anju Varnatheruvu" (Street of Five Colors/Communities). The name "Anju Varnatheruvu" represents five communities: Shaliyars, fishermen, Muslims, Vaniyars, and Brahmins. The homes of the Shaliyar weavers reflect their culture, occupation, and religious beliefs. Textile production units operate within each of these Shaliyar houses, which stand wall-to-wall with one another. Depending on capacity, some houses also operate showrooms. Distinctive in appearance, the architectural style and interior layout of these Shaliyar homes are perfectly suited to the weaving industry.
