Regional History
History of Aruvikkara
The village derives its name Aruvikkara, meaning “the land on the banks of a stream.” Originating from Agasthyakoodam, which is traditionally regarded as the abode of the ancient Ayurvedic sage Agasthya Muni, the Karamana River flows through the heart of Aruvikkara like a silver chain.
Kokkothamangalam, which was ruled by Kotharani, the queen of the Pulaya community, and Vempannoor, where the Sambava Palace once stood, are historic places in Aruvikkara. The Kuthirakalam, where the Maharajas of Travancore used to tether their horses during resting periods while visiting the forests here for hunting, still exists in the area.
The Maharaja of Travancore had also selected Aruvikkara as a site for constructing a royal palace. However, according to tradition, after learning through astrological consultation that the proposed construction was against the wishes of the deity, the Maharaja abandoned the plan.
The Aruvikkara–Vattiyoorkavu–Thiruvananthapuram road, constructed during the period of royal rule, along with the Anchal Office (Post Office), Police Station, and Camp Shed built to accommodate government officials, forms an important part of Aruvikkara’s history.
In 1931, during the tenure of Lord Wellington as Viceroy, the Aruvikkara Dam was constructed across the Karamana River using the services of skilled stone masons from Tamil Nadu, with the objective of supplying drinking water to Thiruvananthapuram.
Aruvikkara is also a land that produced several brave patriots who participated in the historic Vattiyoorkavu Conference, a significant event in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. K. V. Nair, a senior officer in the British Army, and Kunjuraman Nair of Kuzhivilakam, Aruvikkara, were among those who led the Congress volunteers at that time.
During the administration of Pattom Thanu Pillai, the Chanichal Bridge was constructed to provide access to Aruvikkara for the people of the isolated Cherukonni region, situated on the banks of the Karamana River. The Aruvikkara Bridge was constructed during the period when B. Wellington served as a minister.
Around 1968, a large deposit of beryl was discovered in the riverbeds of the Karamana River. With various precious stones worth crores of rupees being found in the area, Aruvikkara gradually became a preferred destination for gem traders as well.