TRAVANCORE Meaning and
Definition
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Travancore is a historical region situated in the southernmost part of the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the present-day state of Kerala. It is derived from "Thiruvithamcoore," which means "the land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy" in the local Malayalam language. Travancore was a princely state ruled by the Travancore Royal Family, under the governance of a Maharaja, who was regarded as the Padmanabha Dasa (the servant of Lord Vishnu).
Covering an area of approximately 7,000 square miles, Travancore was well-known for its fertile tracts of land, abundant natural resources, and scenic beauty. The region boasted a rich cultural heritage, with a strong influence of Hinduism. The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, was a major religious center and an important cultural symbol.
Throughout history, Travancore flourished economically, primarily through trade and agriculture. The region, blessed with an extensive coastline, was renowned for its thriving sea ports and trade routes connecting India with the Middle East and Europe. Its agricultural activities included the cultivation of crops like rice, coconut, tea, rubber, and spices.
Travancore has left an indelible mark on India's historical, political, and cultural landscape. After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Travancore merged with the Kingdom of Cochin and the British Malabar region to form the state of Thiru-Kochi. Subsequently, Thiru-Kochi was united with the region of Kasaragod to create the present-day state of Kerala. Today, Travancore remains an integral part
Etymology of TRAVANCORE
The term "Travancore" is derived from the name of the region it refers to, which is located in the southern part of present-day Kerala state in India. The etymology of the word "Travancore" has two possible origins:
1. Legend has it that the term "Travancore" is derived from the combination of two Malayalam words: "Thiru" meaning "sacred" or "holy", and "Anjchi" meaning "lotus". Therefore, "Travancore" is said to mean "Land of the Sacred Lotus". This interpretation is based on the belief that the region was created by Lord Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who threw his axe into the sea and reclaimed the land that emerged from the waters in the form of a sacred lotus.
