Kilimanoor

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Kilimanoor | type = Town | latd = 8.767 | longd = 76.88
state_name = Kerala
district = Thiruvananthapuram
leader_title = Block Panchayat President
leader_name = Smt. Anithakumari
elevation =
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 20,055 | population_density = 937
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total = 19.04
area_telephone = 0470
Available Mobile R ages = 0470
postal_code = 695601
vehicle_code_range =KLT,KLV,KRT,KRV,KET,KEV,KBT,KBV,KL-01/KL16
sex_ratio = 1074
unlocode =
website =
website_caption =
footnotes = The details are for Kilimanoor Panchayat

Kilimanoor is a town in Kerala, India. It is situated 36 km from Trivandrum city center on the MC/SH 1 Road.With
*Nearest Railway Station - Chirayankizh.
*Nearest Airport - Trivandrum International Airport

History

Kilimanoor (meaning the land of the "Kili" bird and the deer) was once under a tribal chief during the anarchic days of the Ettuveetil Pillamar of Travancore. This chief rebelled against the Maharajah Marthanda Varma following which the region was annexed and given as freehold to the present Royal House of Kilimanoor. [The Travancore State Manual by V.Nagam Aiya]

This Royal House of Kilimanoor has a history of more than 300 years. Although the earliest of the buildings were built much before, it was in 1753, the Palace was built as the present complex. Kilimanoor palace occupies a prominent place in history of Kerala.

In 1705 (ME 880) the son and two daughters of Ittammar Raja of Beypore Thattarikovilakam, a Kolathunadu royal house, were adopted by the Royal house of Venad. Ittammar Raja 's sister and her sons, Rama Varma and Raghava Varma settled in Kilimanoor and married the now adopted sisters. Marthanda Varma, the founder of the Kingdom of Travancore was the son of Raghava Varma. Raghava Varma's nephew, Ravi Varma Koil Thampuran, married Marthanda Varma's sister. Their son came to be known as Dharma Raja Kartika Thirunnal Rama Varma. In 1740, when an allied force lead by Dutch Captain Hockert supporting Deshinganadu king attacked Venad, an army from Kilimanoor tactfully resisted and then defeated them. Although a small victory, this was the first time an Indian army defeated a European Power. In recognition of this feat, Marthanda Varma, in 1753, exempted the areas under control of Kilimanoor palace from taxes and proclaimed autonomous status. The present palace complex was also built during this time. The present Ayyappa temple. for the family deity, was also built.

Velu Thampi Dalawa held meetings at Kilimanoor palace planning his revolts on the British. He handed over his sword at the palace before going for his final battle against the British. India's First President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad received the Sword from the palace and it is now kept at the national museum in Delhi.

Pesonalities

*Raja Ravi Varma
*Kilimanoor Raja Raja Varma Koithampuran
*Raja Raja Varma
*Kilimanoor Rathnakaran
*Kilimanoor Chandran
*Kilimanoor Ramakanthan
*Damu.V.K
*Asish N R

References

* [http://www.kerala.gov.in/statistical/panchayat_statistics2001/thiru_01.pdf Kerala Govt]
* [http://trivandrum.nic.in/panchayatpopulation1.html Thiruvananthapuram district Website]