History

The name Aruvikkara is believed to have originated from its location on the banks of a stream (“Aruvi”).

Major Historical Events and Places

• Karamana River: The river originates from Agasthyarkoodam, traditionally regarded as the abode of the ancient Ayurvedic sage Agasthya Muni, and flows through the village like a silver ribbon.
• Ancient Centres of Administration: Kokkothamangalam, which was ruled by Kotharani, the queen of the Pulaya community, and Vembannoor, where the Sambava Palace once stood, are historical areas within Aruvikkara.
• Connection with Travancore:
  • Kuthirakkalam, where the Travancore kings used to tie their horses when they came for hunting, still exists in the area.
  • The Maharaja of Travancore had planned to construct a royal palace here, but later withdrew the plan after learning that it was against the wishes of the presiding deity.
  • The Aruvikkara–Vattiyoorkavu–Thiruvananthapuram road, constructed during the period of Travancore rule, along with the Anchal Post Office, Police Station, and Camp Shed for government officials, form part of Aruvikkara's history.
• Aruvikkara Dam: In 1931, during the period of Lord Wellington, the dam was constructed across the Karamana River by stone workers from Tamil Nadu to supply drinking water to Thiruvananthapuram.
• Freedom Struggle: Aruvikkara is a land that produced several patriots who participated in the historic Vattiyoorkavu Conference, an important event in the history of India's freedom movement. K. V. Nair and Kuzhivilakathu Kunjuraman Nair led the Congress volunteers.
• Bridges:
  • Chanichal Bridge: During the administration of Pattom Thanu Pillai, this bridge was constructed across the Karamana River to connect the people of the isolated Cheriyakonni area with Aruvikkara.
  • Aruvikkara Bridge: The bridge was constructed during the tenure of B. Wellington as Minister.
• Discovery of Beryl: Around 1968, deposits of beryl reportedly valued at crores of rupees were discovered in the riverbeds of the Karamana River.