Attingal

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Attingal | type = city | latd = 8.68 | longd = 76.83
locator_position = right | state_name = Kerala
district = Thiruvananthapuram
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altitude = 23
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 35,648| population_density =
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area_telephone =
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Attingal is a town and a municipality in the Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala state, India.

History

Feudal status

The senior most females in the Royal family of erstwhile Travancore were known as the Attingal Ranis. The eldest princess was known as 'Attingal Mootha Thampuran' (Senior Rani of Attingal), the next princess in seniority as 'Attingal Elaya Thampuran' (Junior Rani of Attingal). The Ranis of Attingal, although they were rightfully entitled only to the revenues of Attingal and had no sovereign powers over the fief often entered into separate treaties and transactions with foreign traders such as the Dutch.

Attingal Revolution

The grant of Anchuthengu to the English provoked the wrath of a section of the local population and in 1697 the English factory was subjected to a violent but futile attack. In 1721, the English factors felt the need to appease the "Rani of Attingal" (Queen), after alienating the local population by their "overbearing behaviour". They sent a set of presents to the Rani. The local agents of the "Pillamar" (the famous Ettuveetil Pillamar), demanded that those presents should be given to them for transmission to the Rani. When this was denied, 140 Englishmen were massacred on their way to the Rani, and the fort was besieged for nearly six months. The fort was only relieved when reinforcements arrived from Talassery.

Similarly the grant of Talassery was resented by "Kurangoth Nair" who claimed the territory to be under his control. He, in alliance with one of the dissident Kolathiri princes, raided the company's warehouse and inflicted heavy damage to property in 1704-05.

Many historians nowadays consider Attingal Revolution as the First revolution against the British in India long before the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857, unfortunately not getting the importance it truly deserves. According to Jacob Wisher a Dutch priest in his writings, the 140 English Men actually reached the Attingal palace and Rani Tricked them by informing them that she will not be able to see them that night. And they were wisely spread among different location in the palace so that they cannot help each other. That night itself they were brutally attacked by the locals and all of them except the local servants were murdered. However, there are some slight variations can be seen in this story as well according to some British officials.

Geography

Attingal is located at coord|8.68|N|76.83|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/13/Attingal.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Attingal] ] . It has an average elevation of 23 metres (75 feet).

Demographics

According to the 2001 census, [GR|India] Attingal has a population of 35,648. Males constitute 47% of the population and females 53%. Attingal has an average literacy rate of 95%, with 98% of males and 92% of females literate. 11% of the population is under the age of 6.The Municipality does not have a drainage system or a waste water system.

Tourism

Sarkara Devi Temple and Varkala beach (17 km) Anjengo Fort are tourist attractions near Attingal.

Attingal Bus Station, Varkala Railway Station (15 km), Chirayinkeezhu Railway station (6 km), Kadakkavoor Railway station (6 km) and Trivandrum International Airport (30 km) are the nearest transportation facilities. The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), is 31 km south of Attingal. The historical fort of Anchuthengu is around 10 km from Attingal town. The famous Siva temple of "Avanavanchery Indilayappan swami" is within the Attingal municipal area.

References

For more information please visit [http://www.ecityatl.com ecityatl] , The Digital Integration of Attingal.