Kollam Quilon
—  city  —
A view of Kollam
Kollam Location of Kollam in Kerala and India
Coordinates	8°53′N 76°36′E / 8.88°N 76.60°E / 8.88; 76.60Coordinates: 8°53′N 76°36′E / 8.88°N 76.60°E / 8.88; 76.60
Country	India
State	Kerala
District(s)	Kollam
Mayor	Prasanna Earnest
City Police Commissioner	Gopesh Aggarwal IPS
Population • Density • Metro	349,033[1] (2011[update]) • 5,936 /km2 (15,374 /sq mi) • 1,110,005
Sex ratio	1069 ♂/♀
Official languages	Malayalam
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	58.18 square kilometres (22.46 sq mi) • 3 metres (9.8 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 691 0XX • Telephone • +91 (0)474 • UN/LOCODE • IN KLL, IN QUI • Vehicle • KL-02
Website	www.kollam.gov.in

Kollam, often anglicized as Quilon, is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city lies on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake on the Arabian sea coast and is situated about 71 kilometres (44 mi) north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. It is the headquarters of Kollam district and a prominent trade and commercial city.

Kollam is the fourth-largest city in Kerala, after Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, {The new population is taken as city agglomeration} in Kerala on the basis of population and the fifth-largest city on the basis of area. It is known for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. It is considered to be the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is a prominent tourist destination. The Kollam urban area comprises the fast developing suburban towns such as Kottiyam in the south, Kundara in the east, and Chavara in the north of the city. Other important towns in the city suburbs are Paravur, Eravipuram, Kannanalore, and Anchalumoodu. Karunagapally, Chathannoor, and Kottarakkara are major towns within a distance of 25 km from Kollam city centre towards north, south, and east respectively.

Kollam appeared as Palombe in Mandeville's Travels, where he claimed it contained a Fountain of Youth.^[2][3] During the later stages of the rule of the Chera monarchy in Kerala, Kollam emerged as the focal point of trade and politics. Kollam continues to be a major business and commercial centre in the central Travancore region of Kerala.

Toponomy[link]

Pepper

The Malayalam calendar, or Kollavarsham, was created in Kollam at meetings held in the city in 825 CE.^[4] The name Kollam is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word Kollam, meaning pepper.

History[link]

Kollam was a flourishing port of the Chera Dynasty until the formation of the Venad kingdom, when it became the capital of the independent Venad kingdom.

Kollam during Chera rule[link]

Kollam shares fame with Pattanam (Muziris) as an ancient seaport on the Malabar Coast of India from the early centuries of Before the Christian era.

Kollam had a sustained commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and Ancient Rome. Pliny the Elder (23–79 AD) mentions Greek ships anchored at Muziris and Nelcynda. There was also a land route over the Western Ghats. Spices, pearls, diamonds, and silk were exported to Egypt and Rome from these ports. Pearls and diamonds came to Chera Kingdom from Ceylon and the southeastern coast of India, then known as the Pandyan kingdom.

Kollam in 1500s

Capture of Kollam in 1661

Kollam in 1800s

Cosmas Indicopleustes, a Greek Nestorian sailor,^[5] in his book the Christian Topography who visited the Malabar coast in 550 CE, mentions an enclave of Christian believers in Male (Chera Kingdom). He wrote, "In the island of Tabropane (Ceylon), there is a church of Christians, and clerics and faithful. Likewise at Male, where the pepper grows and in the farming community of Kalliana (Kalliankal at Nillackal) there is also a bishop concecrated in Persia in accordance with the Nicea sunnahadose of 325 AD ."^[6] The Nestorian Patriarch Jesujabus, who died in 660 CE, mentions Kollam in his letter to Simon, Metropolitan of Persia.

In 825 CE, the Nestorian monks Mar Abo and Mar Proth arrived in Kollam on the invitation of the ruler of the Venad-a feudatory under the Chera kingdom.^[7] The two monks received a Royal sanction called "Tarsish-a-palli" near "Korukenikollam" from Chera ruler Rajashekara varman Ayyanadikal Thiruvadikal, as described on the Tharisapalli plates. Special privileges were given to the Ezhavas in the Tarisapalli sasanam. The two monks were instrumental in founding Christian churches with Syrian liturgy in the Malabar coast area distinct from ancient Hinduism. Mar Abo lived his last years at Thevalakkara, and his remains were buried there in the Martha Mariam Orthodox Church.

Kollam Port[link]

Kollam sea port was founded by Mar Abo with sanction from Udayamarthandavarma the Tamil king from Venad otherwise called Ay kingdom in 825 AD instead of re opening the inland sea port(kore-ke-ni kollam) near Backare (Thevalakara) also known as Nelcynda and Tyndis to the Romans and The Greeks and Thondi to the Taamils and is also the foundation of the new city. It is also believed that Mar Abo actually volunteered to the Chera king to create a new sea port town near at Kollam instead of his request for renewing the almost vanishing Tyndis or Nelcynda inland sea port(kore-ke-ni) at Kollam,lying idle without trade for a few centuries because of the Cheras being over run by pallavas in the 6th century AD ending the spice trade from Malabar coast. This allowed Mar Abo to stay for many decades in Chera kingdom and streamline Christian faith in the St.Thomas tradition with Syrian liturgy replacing the Sanskrit and Vedic prayers.

Kollam, the capital of Venad 9th to 12 century AD[link]

Chinese fishing net at Kollam

The Malayalam Era began in 825 CE; it is named 'Kolla Varsham' after Kollam, because of the importance of Kollam in the 9th century CE. Ayyanadikal Thiruvadikal granted the Tharisapalli plates copper plate grants in 825 CE to Nestorian Monk Mar S(abo)r Iso who he invited to Kollam, transferring to the Tarsish Church and the community in the St. Thomas tradition of Quilon.^[8]

A merchant, Soleyman of Siraf of Persia, visited Malabar in the 9th century and found Quilon to be the only port in India used by the huge Chinese ships as their Transhipment hub for their goods on their way from China to the Persian Gulf. The rulers of Kollam (formerly called 'Desinganadu') had trade relations with China and exchanged embassies. According to the records of the Tang Dynasty (618 AD to 913 AD),^[9] Quilon was their chief port of call before 7th century AD. The Chinese trade decreased about 600 AD and was again revived in the 13th century.

In 1291, John of Montecorvino, a Franciscan monk, became a priest at Quilon. Friar Jordanus Catalini, who arrived in 1321, effected large-scale Latin Catholic conversions and was appointed Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon in 1329. Friar Jordanus built a church, called St. Georges Church, with the patronage of Nestorian spice merchants at Jona-ka-puram (the seat of Jordanus Catalini )in Kollam and wrote Mirabilia Descripta. However, after Giovanni de' Marignolli in 1353, this Latin church was converted to a Nestorian church by the Nestorian Christians, and when Portuguese arrived in 1498, only Nestorian Christianity existed in Kerala in a visible way.^{[citation needed]}

Marco Polo, who visited China's Kublai Khan's court, traveled in 1292 through Kollam on his return journey to Venice, and gave an interesting account of the flourishing port of Kollam (coilum, as he called it) and its trade relations inter connectivity with China in the east and Europe to the west. Chinnakada, (China-kada), the city center, was so named after the Chinese merchants. The increase in commercial activity resulted in establishment of a flourishing Chinese settlement at Kollam.^{[citation needed]}

Kollam during Portuguese, Dutch and British conquests (16th to 18th centuries)[link]

Kollam fort in 1756 after it had passed from Portuguese rule to the Dutch

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a trading center in Tangasseri, Kollam in 1502, which became the centre of trade in pepper. In the wars with the Moors/Arabs that followed, the ancient church of St Thomas was destroyed. In 1517, the Portuguese built the St. Thomas Fort in Thangasseri, which was destroyed in the subsequent wars with the Dutch. The ruins of the Fort can still be seen in Thangasseri. In 1661, the Dutch took possession of the city. The remnants of the Dutch forts can be found at Thangasseri. In the 18th century, Travancore conquered Kollam, followed by the British in 1795. Thangasseri remains today as an Anglo-Indian settlement, though few Anglo-Indians remain. The Infant Jesus Church in Thangasseri, an old Portuguese-built church, remains as a memento of the Portuguese rule of the area.

Kollam as part of Travancore[link]

Kollam in British era

Velu Thampi Dalawa of Travancore worked to improve Kollam. He helped build new markets and invited merchants and traders from Madras (now Chennai) and Tirunelveli to set up trade in Kollam. Kollam, to this day has a thriving business in cashew nuts, coir and spices.

The history of the district as an administrative unit can be traced back to 1835, when the state of Travancore consisted of two revenue divisions with headquarters at Kollam.

Kollam, revenue district of Kerala (1949 onwards)[link]

At the time of the integrating of Travancore and Cochin districts in 1949, Kollam was one of the three revenue divisions in the state. Later these three revenue divisions were converted into districts. But Shencottah taluka was merged with Madras state consequent to the implementation of the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. Now the district has a single revenue division with its headquarters at Kollam Taluk Cutcherry.^{[citation needed]}

Geography[link]

Kollam city is bordered by the panchayaths of Neendakara and Thrikkadavoor to the north, Mayyanad to the south, Thrikkovilvattom and Kottamkara to the east and Arabian sea to the west. Ashtamudi lake is in the heart of the city. The city is about 63 km away from Pathanamthitta,82 km from Alappuzha,71 km from Thiruvananthapuram,142 km from Kochi,350 km from Kozhikode and 226 km from Thrissur.

Two major rivers in the district are Kallada and Ithikkara. Kallada river empties into Ashtamudi lake while Ithikkara river to Paravur kayal. Jadayuppara, Palaruvi waterfalls are also important geographical attractions of the district.

Climate[link]

Demographics[link]

As of 2011^[update] India census,^[1] Kollam city has a population of 349,033 and a population density of 5900 persons per square kilometre. The sex ratio (the number of females per 1000 males) was 1070 during the census year of 2001. The district of Kollam ranks sixth with respect to the population in the state. The city of Kollam ranks fourth in terms of population in Kerala. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Kollam has an average literacy rate of 91.47%,^[10] higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 80%. In Kollam, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. Malayalam is the most spoken language. Hindi, English and Tamil are also widely understood in the city.

Civic Administration[link]

British Residency in Kollam

Kollam city is governed by a Municipal Corporation which is elected by the residents of the city. The corporation is divided into 55 divisions. Each division is represented by a councilor elected by the people and the Mayor is elected from among the councilors representing the political party with majority seats. There is a corporation Secretary who is the head of the office staff of the corporation. The present Mayor of Kollam Corporation is Mrs. Prasanna Earnest of the CPI(M). The police administration of the city is under the City Police Commissioner who is an IPS(Indian Police Service) officer and he reports to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Thiruvananthapuram Range. The police administration is under the State Home Department of the Government of Kerala. Kollam City is divided into three sub divisions namely Karunagappally, Kollam and Chathannoor, each comes under an Assistant Commissioner of Police. There is a City Traffic Police wing for controlling the road traffic of the city. The present Kollam City Police Commissioner is Shri.Gopesh Aggarwaal IPS (DIG).

Transport[link]

Rail[link]

Kollam Railway Station is the second largest railway station in Kerala in terms of area after Shornur Junction with a total of 8 platforms. The metre gauge track from Kollam to Punalur was converted to broad gauge under project Unigauge and was inaugurated by the Hon. Minister for State for Railways, E. Ahmed, on 12 May 2010. The Thiruvananthapuram – Ernakulam (via Kottayam and Alappuzha) line passes through Kollam. Kollam has completely electrified railway tracks. Two railway lines passing through Kottarakkara (Chengannur -Kottarakkara – Thiruvananthapuram) and Punalur (Erumeli – Punalur – Thiruvananthapuram) have been proposed and are awaiting survey.^{[citation needed]}

Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit (MEMU) services have started from Kollam to Ernakulamvia: allepy and kottayam from the 2nd week of January 2012.^[11][12] A MEMU maintenance shed along with an upcoming Service building will change the face of Kollam Junction Railway Station. Kollam also boasts the longest railway platform in Kerala: which is more than 1 KM long.^{[citation needed]}

A view of the Kollam backwaters

Roads[link]

The city is connected to other parts of Kerala and India through the National Highways 47, NH 220 and NH 208 and by the railway network. Transport is provided by State owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private transport bus operators. Road transport is also supported by private taxis and autorickshaws, also called autos.

Water[link]

The State Water Transport Department operates boat services to West Kallada, Munroe Island and Alappuzha. Double decker luxury boats run between Kollam and Allepey daily. Luxury boats, operated by Government and private owners, operate from the main boat jetty during the tourist season. The West coast canal system, which starts from Thiruvananthapuram in the south and ends at Hosdurg in the north, passes through the city of Kollam and Karunagappally taluk. The Thiruvananthapuram-Shornur canal, which forms a part of the Thiruvananthapuram-Hosdurg system, runs a distance of about 62 km. The other canal systems include the Paravur Kayal, Kollam canal and Chavara canal.

Kollam Port (Thankasseri Port) is the second largest port in Kerala after Cochin Port Trust, as of 2010. The port is undergoing infrastructural development.^{[citation needed]} The port is located near the city of Kollam. Neendakara and Shakthikulangara are twin fishing harbours in Kollam. Neendakara is one of the busiest fishing harbours in South Kerala. Some port operations are carried out through Neendakara as well.

Industries[link]

Kollam, like other districts in the state, is moderately industrialised. Some of the major employers in the public sector are Indian Rare Earths Limited (IRE) at Chavara, Kerala Metals and Minerals Limited at Chavara, Kerala Primo pipe factory at Chavara (closed 3 decades ago); United Electrical Industries (popularly known as the Meter Company) and Parvathi Spinning at Kollam.

Kundara was known as an industrial area with aluminium, ceramics, starch factories,all of them except a portion of 'ceramics' closed. Now a SEZ Techno park has been notified to bring in cutting edge Nano and Information Technology to develop these industries here^{[citation needed][citation needed]}

Cashew industry and cashew board Cashew processing and coir production are the two most important sources of employment in the private sector. Cashew processing and sorting employs a large share of women workers who manually peel and sort cashews into different categories by size. The Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Limited (KSCDC), Kollam, a Government Company, has 30 cashew factories and employs 20,000 people. Another important source of employment is tile manufacturing using clay. It is expected that a Cashew Board will be set up at Kollam for the development of cashew processing and exporting.^{[citation needed]}

Clay tiles Clay tile manufacturing continues to be a mix of both large scale units and small informal units.^{[citation needed]}

Schools[link]

M V Govt. V H S S Peroor, Kollam spread over two acres.

Infant Jesus and Mount Carmel at Thangasseri were set up during the British Raj as India's leading Anglo-Indian schools while St.Joseph's convent Girls Higher secondary school,Tuet, Govt.Boys Higher secondary school, Thevally and St.Aloysius Higher secondary school have already celebrated the centenary years of cherished existence with over 5,000 students studying in each school. Trinity Lyceum, Krist Raj Boys Higher secondary and Vimala Hridaya Girls Higher secondary schools at Pattathanam are the other three Big Schools in Kollam with over five thousand students studying. Other large schools in Kollam include "St. Mary's Residential School" S.N.Public, S.N. trust, Kendriya Vidyalaya, St. Jude Higher Secondary School, Mukhathala.Other schools in the city include:

• Lake Ford School
• Mayyanad Higher Secondary School, Kollam
• Amrita Vidyalayam(ICSE), peroor, Kollam.
• SNSMHSS,Elampeloor,Kundara,Kollam
• GHSS, Chathannoor, Kollam
• The King's School (Cambridge International School), kottiyam, kollam
• Meenakshi Vilasam Government Vocational Higher Secondary School
• Indian Public School
• National Public School
• The Oxford School
• The City Public School
• Govt. Model High School for Girls, Thevally
• Seventh Day Adventist School
• Peace Public School
• Preshitha Matha ICSE School, Mangad, Kollam
• MES Public School
• AKM Higher Secondary School
• St. Mary's Residential School
• Mahatma Central School
• Vimalahridaya Special School
• TKM Centenary Public School, Kollam
• TKM Higher Secondary School, Kollam
• Navdeep Public School, Decent Jn., Kollam
• Govt. Higher Secondary School, Mangad
• Govt. Higher Secondary School, Vallikeezhu, Kavanad, Kollam
• St.Jude HSS Mukhathal, Kollam
• St. Johns High School, Eravipuram, Kollam
• LVHS GOVT High School, Mynagappally, Kollam Dist.
• MSHS Boys and Girls Higher Secondary School, Mynagappally, Kollam.
• Govt HIgher Secondary School, Sastham Cottah, Kollam.
• Santhinikethan Higher Secondary School Patharam Mynagappally, Kollam
• Govt Higher Secondary School Karunagappaly Kollam.,
• Govt HighSchool Boys & Girls, KArunagappally Kollam.
• CMS LP School Mynagappally Panchayath, Kollam Dist.
• Amritha Higher Secondary School Vallikkavu Karunagappaly, Kollam.
• Sree Buddha Central School Karunagappaly, Kollam
• Thazhava Higher Secondary School Karunagappally, Kollam
• Nehru Memorial English Medium High School, Kaithakuzhy, Kollam.
• KRGPMHSS, Odanavattom, Kottarakkara, Kollam
• Infant Jesus Anglo Indian high school
• The City Central School

Institutions For Higher Education[link]

Arts & Science Colleges[link]

• Sree Narayana College, Kollam
• Sree Narayana College, Punalur
• Sree Narayana College for Women, Kollam
• Fatima Mata National College, Kollam
• TKM College of Arts and Science, Karikode, Kollam
• DB College Sasthamcottah, Kollam
• Baby John Memorial Government College, Chavara, Kollam
• NSS College, Kottiyam, Kollam
• NSS College, Karunagappally.
• Sree Vidyadhiraja Arts And Science College, Karunagappally*
• Saint Gregorius College, Kottarakkara, Kollam
• MSM College Kayamkulam, Kollam,
• SpeedWings Aviation Academy, S.N College Jn. KOLLAM. IATA Authorised Training Centre, WORLD NO.2

Engineering Colleges[link]

View of Kollam-Punalur Passenger Train passing by the TKM college.

• TKM College of Engineering, Karikode, Kollam
• TKM Institute Of Technology,Karuvelil,Kollam.
• UKF College of Engineering and Technology,Parippally.
• Valiyakoonambaikulathamma college of engineering and Technology
• Shahul Hameed Memorial Engineering College,Kadakkal,Kollam
• MES Institute of Technology and Management,Chathannoor.
• Bishop Jerome Institute of Technology, Kollam.
• Sree Narayana Institute of Technology, Vadakkevila, Kollam
• Younus College of Engineering, Kollam.
• College of Engineering, Perumon, Kollam.
• College of Engineering College, Karunagappally, Kollam.
• College of Engineering, Kottarakkara,Kollam.
• Travancore Engineering College, Oyoor, Kollam.
• BMC College Of Engineering, Sasthamcottah, Kollam.
• Amritha school of Engineering,Amritapuri,Kollam.
• Younus College of Engineering for Women,Thalachira P O,Kottarakkara,Kollam
• Hindustan College of Engineering,Arippa,Chozhiyakode P O,Kulathupuzha.

Polytechnic Colleges[link]

SN Polytechnic College (S.N.P.T.C) Kottiyam in 2008

• Govt. Polytechnic College, Ezhukone
• Govt. Polytechnic College, Punaloor
• S.N Polytechnic College, Kottiyam
• Model Polytechnic, Karunagappally, Kollam.

ITI[link]

• Govt ITI Chanthanathoppu Kollam.
• Govt Women's ITI Ramankulangara Kollam,

Medical Colleges[link]

• Travancore Medical College, Kollam
• Azeezia Medical College, Kollam
• ESIC Medical College, Kollam

MBA Colleges[link]

• TKM Institute of Management, Kollam
• MSNIMT, Chavara, Kollam
• SN Institute OF Management Kollam.
• University OF Information Technology, Kollam.
• Sankar Institute of Science Technology And Management, Chathanoor, Kollam.
• Speedwings Aviation Academy, S.N College Jn. KOLLAM.

Hotel Management Colleges[link]

• Sankar Institute of Science Technology And Management, Chathanoor, Kollam.
• Speedwings Aviation Academy, S.N College Jn. Kollam.

Nursing Colleges[link]

• Government School of Nursing, Kollam
• Govt. School of Nursing for SC/ST, Kollam
• Upasana College of Nursing
• VNSS College of Nursing
• Bishop Benziger College of Nursing
• Dr.Nair's College of Nursing
• Holy Cross College of Nursing, Kottiyam, Kollam
• Sankars Nursing College, Kollam.

BED Colleges[link]

• BMMC II Training Bed College, Kottarakkara, Kollam
• Adoor Govt. Bed College, Kollam
• Govt. Bed College, Kollam
• Bed College Patharam, Sooranad, Kollam Dist.
• Bed College, Chavara, Kollam
• Bed College Fathima Matha Kollam
• Bed College Varkala.

Notable Events[link]

Kollam Pooram, part of the Ashramam Sree Krishnaswamy Temple Festival, is the biggest cultural celebration in south Kerala. Kollam Pooram is usually held on April 15, and occasionally on April 16. The pooram is held at the Ashramam maidan.

Chittumala Theerthatanam is an annual march held on Thiruvonam, to promote communal harmony; it started in 1968. It starts from Munroe Island 25KM from Kollam and ends at Chittumala.

Culture[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

Kollam, the capital of the erstwhile Venad, was a centre of learning and culture. It attracted distinguished scholars from all parts of South India. Leelathilakam and Unnuneeli Sandesam, two literary works of historical importance, are contributions of 14th century Kollam. The dance form of Kathakali, in its new version of Ramanattam, was the creation of Kottarakkara Thampuran, who also translated Krishnanattam from Sanskrit to Malayalam.^{[citation needed]}

Other notable figures are K. C. Kesava Pillai, a poet and playwright; he originated the musical play in Malayalam through his work Sadarma. His Kesaveeyam, a Mahakavyam^{[clarification needed]}, is of outstanding literary importance. Paravoor Kesavan Asan, the founding editor of Sujanandini, wrote Saratchandrika a study of Ayurvedic system of medicine.

Coming to modern times, Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai and Soornadu Kunjan Pillai, noted literary historians and poets like O. N. V. Kurup, Thirunalloor Karunakaran, Punaloor Balan, novelist and poet Lalithambika Antharjanam are some of the literary luminaries hailing from this district.^{[citation needed]}

Leaders like T. M. Varghese, C. Kesavan, Kumbalathu Sanku Pillai, N. Sreekantan Pillai, R. Sankar and C. M. Stephen who played prominent roles in shaping the socio-political destiny of the State, are also from this district. The district gave birth to well known freedom fighters like Chandiran Kali Ambi, Kadakkal Manthri and Franco Raghavan Pillai.^{[citation needed]}

Training colleges[link]

Kasthoorba Gandhi TTI, Mathilil, Mathilil. Kollam, Kerala was started during 2004. It is owned by Kasthoorba Gandhi memorial women’s charitable society registered under Travancore Cochin Charitable Society’s Act. About 50 women irrespective of caste, creed or politics are members of the society. This is the only TTI in the state which is run by a women’s organization.

Places of worship[link]

Temples[link]

Mukathala Murari (SreeKrishna) Temple

There are a number of temples, ashrams and holy sites in the city, including Sree Subramanya Swami Kshethram Poojappura, in Keralapuram near Kundara. The Mata Amritanandamayi Math is situated at Parayakadavu in this district, about 20 km from the Kollam. Aasramam Sreekrishna Swamy temple is in the city where the annual Kollam pooram takes place. The Mukhathala Murari (Sree Krishna Swamy) Temple^[13] at Mukhathala is about 10 km from the city. Umayanalloor Sree Balasubramanya Swamy(Lord Muruga)Temple about 8 km from Kollam. Sree Mahaganapathy temple at Kottarakara about 25 km from Kollam.

Vadakkevila Koonambaikulam Temple

Other temples in the city include Kottarakulam Mahaganapathy temple, Mulamkadakom Devi temple, Rameswaram temple, Mahavishnu temple at Thirumullavaram, Ammachiveedu temple, Ashtamudi Veerabhadraswami temple, Pattathanam Ammannada temple, Dharmasastha temple at Kadappakkada,Peroor sree meenakshi temple at Punthalathazham,Mangalathu temple^[14] at Punthalathazham,Puttingal temple at Paravur^[15] etc.

Gateway to Ashramam Sree Krishnaswamy Temple at Kollam

Mosques[link]

Some of the famous mosques are Valiyapalli at Jonakappuram, Chinnakada juma Masjid, Juma-'Ath Palli at Kollurvila, Juma-'Ath Palli at Thattamala, Muslim Juma-'Ath Palli at Karuva, Kalamala Palli at Kalamala, Muthirapparambu Palli at Muthirapparambu and Siyavathummodu Palli at Kilikolloor.^{[citation needed]}

The 300 year old Juma-'Ath Palli at Karuva houses the mortal remains of a Sufi saint-Syed Abdur Rahman Jifri in its premises.^{[citation needed]}

The Karbala Maidan and the adjacent Makani mosque serves as the Eid gah for the city's. Muthirapparambu Palli is the most important masjid in Kollam District. This masjid is situated in Vellaitambalam. One of the oldest masjid in Kerala, the mosque was built by an Labba family. The Maqbara of Muthirapparambu Uppa is famous in this masjid. Many people, Muslims and non-Muslims, are visiting this maqbara. Other important places are Asthamudi, Thirumullavaram, Mamootilkadavu and Thoppilkadavu, which are located near this masjid. The place has beautiful backwaters, which connect it to Kollam and Allapuzha. Several famous temples and churches are situated in this area.^{[16][Full citation needed]}

Churches[link]

The Apostle Thomas founded one of his "seven and a half churches" in First Century AD at Thevalakara in Kollam.

• Kadeesa Syrian Orthodox Church, Jonakapuram, Kollam, originally founded by the first Latin Bishop of Asia Jordanius Kathlani in the 14th century with the patronage of Nestorian Syrian liturgy Orthodox Christians

• St.Peters Church Moothakara,Infant Jesus Shrine Moothakara is a pilgrim center located near Civil Station
• Fathima Matha Shrine
• St.George shrine, Kadavoor
• St Anthony's Church Vaddy
• The CSI Christ Church,Craven L.M.S, Kollam claims to have its roots in the London Missionary Society. This missionary society like other religious and philanthropic organizations which sprang into existence at the close of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th centuries was the result of the evangelistic revival among the Ezhava & Nadar communities of Kerala

• Infant Jesus Cathedral Thangasseri
• St. Casmir Church Mathilil, Kollam
• St. Sebastin church, Tuet, which is one of the pilgrim center located at kollam city. And Velankanni matha shrine is located at near the kollam bus station.
• Christ the king church, Kottappuram, Mulavana, Kollam
• The Disciples Fellowships, Pattathanam, Kollam

Hospitals[link]

This are some of the hospitals in Kollam. Organizations on this list should either have an accompanying existing article link which verifies their association, or reliable sources as footnotes against the name showing they are notable and in Kollam.

• Kerala E.N.T. Research Foundation (KERF), Thevally^[17]
• Bishop Benziger hospital^[18]
• Matha Hospital, Mathilil.
• Sanker's Hospital, Kollam
• Upasana Hospital, Kollam
• Dr. Nair's Hospital, Kollam
• Travancore Medical College, Medicity, Byepass, Kollam
• Azeezia Medical College Hospital, Meeyannoor, Kollam
• Kumar Hospital, Kollam
• Holy Cross Hospital, Kottiyam, Kollam
• Prathibha Hospital, Kollam
• ESIC Model Hospital, Ashramom, Kollam
• ESIC Medical College Hospital, Parippally, Kollam
• District Hospital, Kollam
• Govt. Victoria Hospital, Kollam
• Royal Hospital, Chathannoor
• J.S.M Maternity Hospital, Chathannoor
• Shivapriya Ayurveda Hospital, Karammcode, Chathannoor
• AM Hospital, Karunagappally, Kollam
• SBM Hospital, Karunagappally, Kollam
• Appolo Hospital, Karunagappaly, Kollam.
• Padmvathy SUperspecially Hospital, Sastham Cottah, Kollam.
• Parabhrhma Hospital Ochira Kollam,

Physiotherapy Centre[link]

• kaya rehabs (physiotherapy centre),Hospital Jn:,Kundara, Kollam

For Stay[link]

• Hotel Raviz, Mathilil, Kollam
• The Quilon Beach, Chinnakkada, Kollam
• Hotel Nani, Chinnakkada, Kollam
• Hotel Sea Bee
• Hotel Nila Palace, Ezhukone,Kollam
• Aquasserenne Resort, Paravur

Famous Personalities[link]

Industry[link]

• M. K. K. Nair IAS (1930 Dec 29 - 1987 Sep 27, Deputy Secretary of Government of India. Project Manager of Bhilai Steel Plant, General Manager & Managing Director of Fertilizers And Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT). Great contributions to industrial sector of Kerala and well known for the uplift of Kerala art and culture, especially Kathakali. He was the Chairman of Kerala Kalamandalam and Member of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy.)

Spiritual leaders[link]

• Chattampi Swamikal^[19]
• Mata Amritanandamayi
• Bishop Jerome Koivila
• Swami Santhananthagiri

Literature[link]

• Kakkanadan (Writer)
• K. C. Kesava Pillai (Poet)
• Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai (Historian)
• Sooranad Kunjan Pillai (Scholar)
• Lalithambika Antharjanam (Writer)
• Thirunalloor Karunakaran (Poet)
• O. N. V. Kurup (Poet)
• Pattathuvila Karunakaran (Short story writer)
• Johnson Eyeroor (Writer)
• Kureepuzha Sreekumar (Poet)
• Vrindavanam Venugopalan (Writer)
• D. Vinayachandran (Writer)
• K O Johnson (poet)
• K P Appan (Critic)

Politics[link]

• C. M. Stephen (opposition Leader, Republic of India-1977)
• T. M. Varghese (Freedom fighter)
• C. Kesavan (Freedom fighter)
• R. Sankar (Freedom fighter, Leader SNDP yogam, Ex-CM of kerala)
• Thangal Kunju Musaliar
• M. A. Baby {C.P.I (M), C.C.Member}
• P. K. Gurudasan (Minister, Labour and Excise)
• R. Balakrishna Pillai (Former Minister and founder of Kerala Congress)
• Baby john (Former Minister)
• Shibu Baby John (Minister for Labour & Rehabilitation of Kerala)
• K. B. Ganesh Kumar(Minister for Forest, Sports and Cinema of Kerala)
• E.Balandhan {Politburo Member C.P.I(M), C.C.Member}
• B.Wellington(former Minister for Health)

Journalism[link]

• K. Balakrishnan (Journalist)

Theatre, art, music, cinema[link]

• Pannisseri Nanu Pillai^{[citation needed]}
• O. Madhavan^{[citation needed]} (Theater Artist)
• V. Sambasivan^{[citation needed]} (Kadhaprasangam artist)
• Kambisseri Karunakaran, (Journalist, Drama-Cini artist & writer)
• Devarajan Master (Cine Music Director)
• Raveendran (Famous Cine Music Director)
• Resul Pookutty (Oscar award winner, sound technician)
• Shaji N. Karun (Film Director)
• Rajeev Anchal (Film Director)
• Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair (actor)
• Jayan (actor)
• Thilakan (actor)
• Murali (actor)
• Mukesh (actor)
• Suresh Gopi (actor)
• Kollam Thulasi (actor)
• Balachandra Menon (actor)
• Kundara jhony (actor)
• Urvashi (actress)
• Kalpana (actress)
• Kalaranjini (actress)
• Saikumar^{[citation needed]} (actor)
• K. B. Ganesh Kumar^{[citation needed]} (Cine Artist, Minister for Forest, Sports and Cinema of Kerala)
• Benny Dayal^[20] (Playback Singer)
• Thoppil Bhasi(Drama)

Sports[link]

• Suresh Babu (Olympian athlete)
• T. C. Yohannan (Athlete)

See also[link]

• Kollam district
• Kollam Beach
• Kollam Fest
• President's Trophy Boat Race
• Kollam pooram

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kollam

• Kollam District official website
• The enhanced version of the Kollam Official website

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Vava Suresh
Vava Suresh

Activities[link]

Vava Suresh is popular for his snake handling skills which he attributes to his instinctive passion for snakes from childhood and experience from longtime association with the reptiles from the age of twelve. He is widely known for his conservation activities like rescual & release of endangered species of snakes as well as preservation of collected eggs till hatching periods.^[1][2] He releases his reptile collections into natural habitats at regular intervals of time.^[3]

Accidents[link]

During his long career of conservation activities, he has encountered numerous accidents. The latest of these happened recently while attempting to catch a female cobra with eggs at a location in the city. Owing to repeated demands from media, Suresh took the snake out from his bag and was bitten while putting it back.^[4] He was injured and rushed to the city Medical College. Though he was found to be poisoned, he survived the attack and continues his conservation activities.

Recognitions[link]

Suresh was declared winner of 'Vocational Service Award 2011' instituted by the Rotary Club's Thiruvananthapurm division.^[5][6] He was selected for his service to the society for many years. The announcement was made by Rotary president Zeil S Jose and secretary Cherry Abraham.

References[link]

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. It needs additional citations for verification. Tagged since January 2011. It may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Tagged since January 2011.

Jose Prakash (14 April 1925 – 24 March 2012) was an actor and singer who worked in Malayalam cinema. He was a singer turned actor who had appeared in more than 300 films mostly in antagonist roles. He was awarded with the J. C. Daniel Award for 2012.^[2]He died at the age of 86.

He dominated the Malayalam film industry in the role of villain for around 40 years. Later, he switched to character roles in mid 90s.

Early career[link]

Jose Prakash was in the army before entering the film industry. Like other actors of that age he was not a theatre or stage artist. He had served for British Indian army for 8 years. He later left army and return to his homeland and start small business. Having interest in cinema and music from childhood he started a small club with his friends called Kottayam Arts Club in which he was the lead singer. Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair once saw his performance and called him as a singer for his debut directorial film Shariyo Thetto. It was Thikkurissy who gave him the name Jose Prakash.

Film career[link]

Singer[link]

Jose Prakash started his early career as a singer who lend his voice for Prem Nazir, Sathyaneshan Nadar etc. Malayalam industry was not professional at early 1950s usually actors sing for themselves. Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair introduced him to V. Dakshinamoorthy who liked his voice and lend his voice for the film Shariyo Thetto in 1953 directed by Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair. In this film philosophical number "Paadu pettu paadangalil" sung by Jose Prakash introduced a new trend in Malayan cinema. He also did a small role in the movie. He was not at all a professional singer and does not attend any musical class. In the early 1960s Malayalam film industry became professional and the introduction of talented singers like A. M. Rajah, K. J. Yesudas ended the careers of all non professional singers. Up to 1960's he had sung around 60 songs for various actors like Prem Nazir etc.

Actor[link]

During his singing career he had done small roles and cameos for films. His first break as an actor was Bhakta Kuchela in 1961.But his major break as a villain was Olavum Theravum in 1969 and he later went on to do many films mostly in villain roles.He and KP Ummer dominated Malayalam film industry in the role of Antagonist and was a hard target for Heroes. Up to date he had acted for more than 350 films in Malayalam language. He retired from film industry in 2003 due to health reasons. His last film was Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum directed by Sibi Malayil. After a long gap of 8 years he did a small cameo role in Traffic.

Personal life[link]

He was born as the eldest of 8 children of K.J.Joseph & Eliyamma Joseph. He has a younger brother Prem Prakash who is also an actor. He was settled around 30 years in Madras and later moved to Cochin. In 2003 his right leg had to be amputated due to Diabetes. After 2003, he retired from the film industry due to this reason. He has 6 children, 4 sons and 2 daughters. He was residing with his elder son in Cochin till his death on 24 March 2012.

Selected filmography[link]

As an actor[link]

• Traffic 2011
• Mr. Brahmachari 2003
• Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum 2003
• Pathram 1999
• Vazhunnor 1999 ..... Bishop
• Meenathil Thalikettu 1998
• Man of the Match 1996
• Bheesmacharya 1994
• Akashadoothu 1993
• Devasuram 1993
• Maanthrika Cheppu 1992
• Indrajaalam 1990
• Orukkam 1990
• Veena Meettiya Vilangukal 1990
• Kottayam Kunjachan 1990
• Ee Kannikoodi 1990
• Adikkurippu 1989
• Adharvam 1989
• Dhinarathrangal 1988
• Loose Loose Arappiri Loose 1988
• Vrutham 1987
• Aankiliyude Tharattu 1987
• Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormaykku 1987
• Rajavinte Makan 1986
• Kshamichu Ennoru Vakku 1986
• Snehamulla Simham 1986
• Adukkan Entheluppam 1986
• Ente Kanakkuyil 1985
• Eeran Sandhya 1985
• Ee Sabdam Innathe Sabdam 1985
• Aa Neram Alppa Dooram 1985
• Nirakkoottu 1985
• Parannu Parannu Parannu 1984
• Koottinilamkili 1984
• Piriyilla Naam 1984
• Swanthamevide Bandhamevide 1984
• Oru Mukham Pala Mukham 1983
• Belt Mathai 1983
• Koodevide 1983
• Sara Varsham 1982
• Ithu Njangalude Katha 1982
• John Jaffer Janardhanan 1982
• Ithiri Neram Othiri Karyam 1982
• Aarathi 1981
• Thrishna 1981
• Raktham 1981
• Ahimsa 1981
• Ariyappedatha Rahasyam 1981
• Love in Singapore 1980
• Manushya Mrugam 1980
• Sakthi 1980
• Puthiya Velicham 1979
• Avano Atho Avalo 1979
• Mamangam 1979
• Eeta 1978
• Lisa 1978
• Pancha Thanthram 1974
• Jesus 1973
• CID Nazir 1971
• Ollavum Theeravum 1969
• Bhaktha Kuchela 1961
• Harishchandra 1955
• Sheriyo Thetto 1953 -Debut Film as singer and actor

As a singer[link]

• "Om Namashivaaya" - Love in Kerala (1968)
• "Oronnoro Chenchorathan" - Avan Varunnu (1954)
• "Neelippenne" - Manasakshi (1954)
• "Kannuneer Nee Choriyaathe" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
• "Paadupettu Paadangalil" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
• "Thaarame Thaanuvaru" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
• "Vaarmazhaville Va" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
• "Kelkuka Ha" - Alphonsa (1952)
• "Chinthayil Neerunna" - Visappinte Vili (1952)
• "Ramanan" - Visappinte Vili (1952)

As a Television actor[link]

• Aakashadooth (2012)- A teleserial from Surya Tv which is the sequel of the hit malayalam film Akashadoothu
• Mikhaelinte Santhathikal - as Mikhael

Further reading[link]

• Jose Prakash Celbrating his 84th birtday-http://www.ratedesi.com/video/v/XJgxBIs0Hpk/Actor-Jose-Prakash-celebrates-84th-birthday!
• Jose Prakash at the Internet Movie Database
• http://www.hindu.com/mp/2011/01/03/stories/2011010351160400.htm
• http://www.malayalamtv.com/MeetTheStar-7/Prem+Prakash.html?id=62

References[link]