History
Name Origin
• Until the beginning of the 19th century, the area was known as Antiyurkkad. It was a major stopover point on the route to Padmanabhapuram, the capital of the Travancore princely state.
• The area was overgrown with forests and became a haven for robbers, causing great hardship for travelers.
• Realizing this, Maharaja Avittam Thirunal Balarama Varma (Reign: CE 1798 - 1810) commissioned his Dalawa (Prime Minister), Ummini Thampi (Reign: CE 1809 - 1812), to clear the forest between Thiruvananthapuram and Neyyattinkara.
• Under Ummini Thampi's leadership, the forest was cleared, and weavers and other artisans from Tamil Nadu were brought in and settled here.
• In honor of the ruling Maharaja, the area was named Balaramapuram.
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Key Historical Features Handloom Industry: Balaramapuram is world-famous for its unique Handloom fabrics (Balaramapuram Handloom). Maharaja Balarama Varma settled expert weavers from the Saliyar (Shali Gothra) community, brought from Valliyoor, Thakkala, and Ervadi in Tamil Nadu, to weave clothes for the royal palace.
o Even today, the Kasavu Mundu (Dhoti with gold border) and Kerala Sarees, woven on traditional Pit Looms, are the specialty of Balaramapuram handlooms.
o Balaramapuram Handloom has been granted Geographical Indication (GI Tag) status.
• Anjuvannatheruvu): This area got its name because five communities—the Saliyar, Vanigar, Vellalar, Muslims, and Mukkuvar—who were settled by the Maharaja, lived together here. This signifies the cultural diversity and communal harmony of the region.
• Commercial Importance: Balaramapuram is considered the most important commercial center in Thiruvananthapuram district after the Chalai market. Its market plays a significant role in controlling the prices of rice and vegetables.
• Geographical Location: The Grama Panchayat is located in Neyyattinkara Taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has excellent transport connectivity as the National Highway passes through it.