Kozhencherry is a census town in Pathanamthitta district of Central Travancore region (South Central Kerala) in Kerala state, India. As of 2011 census, the population was 12,021 of which 5,594 are males while 6,427 are females.[2]

Kozhencherry
കോഴഞ്ചേരി
View from Kozhencherry Bridge
View from Kozhencherry Bridge
Kozhencherry is located in Kerala
Kozhencherry
Kozhencherry
Location in Kerala, India
Coordinates: 9°20′20″N 76°42′46″E / 9.3388°N 76.7127°E / 9.3388; 76.7127
Country India
StateKerala
DistrictPathanamthitta
Government
 • TypePanchayati Raj (India)
 • BodyGram Panchayat
Area
 • Total
9.74 km2 (3.76 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total
12,021
 • Density1,200/km2 (3,200/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialMalayalam, English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
689 641
Telephone code91-468
Vehicle registrationKL-03
Nearest cityThiruvananthapuram
Sex ratio90:29 ♂️/♀️
Literacy96%
Lok Sabha constituencyPathanamthitta
Vidhan Sabha constituencyAranmula
Civic agencyGrama Panchayat

Etymology

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The name Kozhencherry is believed to have originated from the Malayalam word “Kovilancheri,” which refers to a settlement near a temple in the banks of river. Over time, the name evolved into Kozhencherry.[3]

History

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Kozhencherry is located in central Travancore and at the heart of Pathanamthitta District. It lies along the banks of the sacred Pampa River, which originates from Sabarimala, and is surrounded by hills and lush green valleys. The town's history is deeply intertwined with that of Central Travancore State. Historically, Kozhencherry was one of the five major towns in the former state of Travancore.

The land of Kozhencherry is highly fertile, supporting the cultivation of plantations, paddy, tapioca, coconut, rubber, pepper, sugarcane, vegetables, spices, and more. In the past, goods from the Kozhencherry market were transported to Kochi and Alappuzha via the Pampa River in large boats. In 1869, during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal, resident Mr. G.A. Bellard initiated a public market, which later became known as the Bellard Public Market. This highlights Kozhencherry's significant role in ancient trade. The town was also closely linked to banking and cooperative societies, with Malankara Syndicate Bank being a pioneer in Travancore.

On 11 May 1935, Sri C. Kesavan called for the opening of roads and schools to the public, the cessation of Divanji's rule, and the establishment of democratic governance during a public meeting in Kozhencherry. This call to action spurred public involvement in the Freedom Struggle alongside Mahatma Gandhi. Keshavan was subsequently arrested and imprisoned. A stone monument in the town center commemorates this event.[4]

In education, Kozhencherry has made significant contributions to central Travancore. St. Thomas High School was established in 1910, attracting students from various regions. St. Thomas College followed in 1953. Recognizing Kozhencherry's prominence, a District Hospital was founded over 112 years ago by the rulers. Additionally, Kozhencherry Panchayath was established in 1953.

Geography

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The total area of this village includes hill areas, plane lands, semi hill areas and paddy fields

Climate

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Climate data for Kozhenchery, Kerala
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 31.6
(88.9)
33.2
(91.8)
33.3
(91.9)
31.6
(88.9)
30
(86)
28.1
(82.6)
27.8
(82.0)
27.9
(82.2)
28.5
(83.3)
28.7
(83.7)
28.9
(84.0)
29.8
(85.6)
30.0
(85.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 21.5
(70.7)
22.2
(72.0)
22.6
(72.7)
22.8
(73.0)
22.9
(73.2)
23
(73)
23.4
(74.1)
24.1
(75.4)
24
(75)
22.4
(72.3)
23.4
(74.1)
22.5
(72.5)
22.9
(73.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 32
(1.3)
35
(1.4)
44
(1.7)
61
(2.4)
77
(3.0)
360
(14.2)
273
(10.7)
219
(8.6)
328
(12.9)
274
(10.8)
99
(3.9)
94
(3.7)
1,896
(74.6)
Source: Climate-Data.org[5]

Administration

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Kozhencherry is part of Pathanamthitta district. Before the formation of the Pathanamthitta district in 1982, Kozhencherry belonged to Kollam district.

Tourism

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The very famous Maramon Convention conducted in this village at the sand bed of pampa river. The statue of C. KESAVAN, famous for Kozhencherry speech during Freedom Fight is very near to Village office. District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) office is in Kozhencherry village near Panchayath stadium. There is no other tourism spot in this village.

Education

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Transport

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Kozhencherry is famous for Kozhencherry Bridge which is built in 1930s

Kozhencherry primarily relies on private buses and many long-distance Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. Auto rickshaws are also commonly used and are typically hired for short distances (1–3 km) in areas not serviced by buses. Jeeps are favored for transportation in hilly or rugged terrains.

The nearest railway stations are at Thiruvalla 17.7 km (11.0 mi) and Chengannur which are nearly 12.1 km (7.5 mi) away.

The proposed Sabarimala International Airport, Cheruvally would be the closest airport upon completion, at 25 km (16 mi) from Kozhencherry township.

The nearest extant airport is Trivandrum International Airport, at 111.5 km (69.3 mi).

Hospitals

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  • Poyanil Hospital
  • Mulamoottil Eye Hospital & Research Center
  • Muthoot Hospitals Kozhencherry
  • District Hospital, Kozhencherry

Notable people

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Kozhenchery in Pathanamthitta (Kerala)". citypopulation.de/en.
  2. ^ "Kozhenchery Population". Census of India. 17 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Parish History". Kozhencherry MTC. 18 March 2023.
  4. ^ "C.KESHAVAN HISTORY" (PDF). IJCRT.
  5. ^ "CLIMATE: Kozhenchery", Climate-Data.org. Web: [1].
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