History of Russelpuram, Near Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram | English Documentary

Charles Taze Russell (February 16, 1852 – October 31, 1916) was an American Christian restorationist minister from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and founder of what is now known as the Bible Student movement. After his death, Jehovah's Witnesses and numerous independent Bible Student groups developed from this base.

Upon his visit to India in 1912, Russell spoke at a village called Nyarakad, near Balaramapuram. Afterward the name of the village was changed to Russellpuram, meaning The Place of Russell, and so it is called to this day.

S.P. Devasahayam, hailed from a place named Ethamozhi near Nagercoil.  As a science student he had gone to America in 1905 and there he met Charles Taze Russell. After spending some time with him in studying the Bible, Davey returned to his native village in South Travancore and started forty Bible study groups in and around Nagercoil, at the extreme southern tip of the Indian Peninsula. In the same year, A. J. Joseph, from Kottayam began searching for Bible truth and later came in contact with C.T. Russell. He also got the opportunity to meet C.T. Russell at Madras during his visit to India in 1912.

C.T. Russell was invited to South Travancore by S.P. Davey and upon Russell’s arrival at Quilon raiway station from Madras, S.P. Davey came down from Neyyatinkara and greeted Russell at the railway station. Russell was garlanded in typical Indian style. S.P. Davey took C.T. Russell to Njarakadu where he had already been running a Bible study group in 1909.

Upon reaching Njarakadu, the villagers were very excited and gave a Royal welcome  to Russell. S.P. Davey arranged a talk for C.T. Russell at an Auditorium at Njarakadu and many flooded  to listen to the talk. Russell continued to deliver  talks and discussions at Njarakadu and its surrounding places. The people of Njarakadu loved C.T. Russell and as a respect for C.T. Russell,  the name of the village was changed to Russellpuram, meaning the place of Russell.

Such meetings came to the notice of the King of Travancore, who invited C.T. Russell to the Royal palace. Russell also arranged for the Maharajah to be presented with six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures, as well as the Bible. The king treated Russell very respectfully and requested for his photograph to be taken, which was later hung in the Maharajah’s palace. The British government representative, known as the Political Resident, arranged for the Russell to speak at the Victoria Jubilee Town Hall in Trivandrum.

Full length Malayalam Interview with Mr. Alexander.

(Video Release Date: March 16,2020)

നാഞ്ചിനാട്ടിലൂടെ ഒരു യാത്ര (Nanjilnadu) | Malayalam Documentary

തിരുവിതാംകൂറിന്റെ ഭാഗമായിരുന്ന നാഞ്ചിനാട് ഇന്ന് തമിഴ്നാട്ടിലെ കന്യാകുമാരി ജില്ലയിലാണ്. പ്രകൃതിരമണീയമായ ഈ നാടിന്റെ കഥകള്‍ തെക്കന്‍ കേരളത്തിന്‍റെ സാംസ്കാരിക പൈതൃകത്തെ  വിളിച്ചോതുന്നവയാണ്. 

എത്ര വര്‍ണ്ണിച്ചാലും പങ്കു വച്ചാലും പറഞ്ഞാലും ഒരിക്കലും മതിവരാത്തത്ര,  കൊതിപ്പിക്കുന്ന സൌന്ദര്യം തുളുമ്പി നില്കുന്ന,  പച്ചപ്പ്‌ നിറഞ്ഞ പാടങ്ങളും തോടുകളും,  പോക്കാച്ചിതവളകളും കുളക്കടവുകളും,  മാമ്പഴങ്ങളും കരിക്കും കശുവണ്ടിയും പനയും, നന്മ നിറഞ്ഞ നാട്ടുകാരും എല്ലാമെല്ലാം നിറഞ്ഞ നാടും പ്രകൃതിയും. ഇവയെല്ലാം ഈ നാടിന്റെ  മനോഹാരിത വർധിപ്പിക്കുന്നു.

തോടുകളുടെയും വയലുകളുടെയും നെല്‍പ്പാടങ്ങളുടെയും പറുദീസയാനിവിടം.തക്കലയിൽ നിന്നും എകദേശം നാലരകിലോമീറ്റര്‍ സഞ്ചരിച്ചാൽ എങ്ങും പച്ച പരവതാനി വിരിച്ചു പറന്നു കിടക്കുന്ന നെൽപ്പാടങ്ങൾ കാണാം. 

ഈസുന്ദരമനോഹരമായ,  പലതലമുറ ക്ഷാമം അകറ്റിയ, നെല്ലറയായ   വയലോരങ്ങൾക് പിറകിൽ രേഖകളില്ലാതെ മണ്മറഞ്ഞപോയ ചരിത്രം മറഞ്ഞ കിടക്കുന്നു. പണ്ട് കൊടുംക്ഷാമം നേരിട്ടിരുന്ന തിരുവിതാങ്കൂർ സംസ്ഥാനം മുന്കരുതലെന്നവണ്ണം 40 വര്ഷങ്ങളുടെ കഠിന പ്രയത്നംകൊണ്ട് മലകുടഞ് ഉടലെടുത്തതാണ് ഇന്നീ കാണുന്ന നെല്ലറ.

അന്ന് നാല്പതുവര്ഷത്തോളം അടിമപ്പണി ചെയ്തു കൊയ്തെടുത്ത ഈ നെൽപാടങ്ങൾക്കിടയിൽ അതിന്റെ അവസാന ഓർമ്മകളുംതാങ്ങി നിൽക്കുന്ന  കല്മണ്ഡപങ്ങൾ ഇന്നും അങ്ങിങ്ങായി ശിരസ്സ്സുയർത്തി നില്കുന്നു. 

ഇറച്ചകുളത്തുനിന്നും ഏതാനും കിലോമീറ്റർ സഞ്ചരിച്ചാൽ മുക്കടൽ ഡാമിൽ എത്തുകയായി. പൂർണമായും കളിമണ്ണിലും ഗ്രാനൈറ്റിലും നിർമിച്ച അണക്കെട്ടാണ് മുക്കടൽ ഡാം. അതിനാൽ തന്നെ പ്രകൃതിയാലുള്ള മണ്ണുകൊണ്ടുള്ള ഡാം എന്ന് ഇതിനെ വിശേഷിപ്പിക്കുന്നു. നാഗര്കോവിലിലും പരിസര പ്രദേശത്തും ഉള്ള നിവാസികൾ ശുദ്ധ ജലത്തിനായി ഈ ഡാമിനെ ആശ്രയിക്കുന്നു. 

കന്യാകുമാരി ജില്ലയുടെ വടക്കേ അറ്റത്തായി പശ്ചിമ ഘട്ടത്തോട് ചേർന്നു കിടക്കുന്ന മനോഹരം ആയ ഒരു ഗ്രാമം ആണ് കടുക്കറ. പഴയ തിരുവിതാംകൂർ സംസ്ഥാനത്തിന്റെ ഒരു അതിർത്തി പ്രദേശം ആയിരുന്നു ഇവിടം. ഒരുകാലത്തു ശത്രുക്കളുടെ ആക്രമണം തടയാൻ കടുക്കറ മുതൽ കന്യാകുമാരി വരെ 27 കിലോമീറ്റർ നീളം ഉള്ള ഒരു കോട്ട പണിയപ്പെട്ടിരുന്നു. കോട്ട പരിപൂർണം ആയി നശിച്ചെങ്കിലും അതിന്റെ അവശിഷ്ടങ്ങൾ കടുക്കറ പ്രദേശത്തു ചില ഇടങ്ങളിൽ ഇന്നും കാണാനാകും. 

ഒരു ചരിത്ര ശേഷിപ്പ് പോലെ ഇന്നും നിലനിൽക്കുന്ന ഒരു കൽമണ്ഡപം കടുക്കറയിൽ കാണാനാകും. ഇറച്ചകുളത്തിനു സമീപം ഉള്ള താഴകുടിയിലാണ് ഈ കൽമണ്ഡപം സ്ഥിതി ചെയ്യുന്നത്. പ്രദേശവാസികൾ ഈ കൽമണ്ഡപം നിധി പോലെ  ഇന്നും കാത്തു സൂക്ഷിക്കുന്നു. 

വയലുകൾ നികത്തി പണിയപ്പെട്ട  കൊണ്ഗ്രീറ്റ് സൌതങ്ങളും ഫാക്ടറികളും സമൂഹത്തിനു മുന്നേ ചോദ്യ ചിഹ്ന്നമായി തല ഉയർത്തുമ്പോൾ നാം നമ്മുടെ തന്നെ അടിവേരുകൾ മാന്തുകയാണ് എന്ന വസ്തുത ഒരിക്കലും  വിസ്മരിക്കരുത്. 

നെൽവയലുകൾ നഷ്ട്ടപെടുമ്പോൾ കാര്ഷിക സംസ്കൃതി മാത്രം അല്ല തകരുന്നത് സമൂഹത്തിന്റെ പൊതുവായ സന്തുലിതാവസ്തക്കും അത് കോട്ടം വരുത്തുന്നു. വരുന്ന തലമുറയ്ക്ക് നെൽകൃഷിയും നെല്പാടങ്ങളും കല്മണ്ഡപങ്ങളും കേട്ട് കേൾവി മാത്രം ആകാതെ ഇന്ന് നില നിൽകുന്ന വയലുകൾ അതെ പടി നിലനിർത്തുവാനും നമ്മുടെ സംസ്കാരം കാത്തു സൂക്ഷിക്കുവാനും എല്ലാവരും ഉണര്ന്നു പ്രവർത്തികേണ്ട അവസാന സന്ദര്ഭം തന്നെയാണിത്.

(Video Release Date March 09,2020)

Veteran Actor Madhu talks about his Kanyakumari Life | Malayalam Interview

Veteran Malayalam Actor Madhu shares his experiences in Kanyakumari District. Mr. Madhavan Nair, commonly known by his stage name Madhu, is an Indian film actor, director, producer, and playback singer, who works in Malayalam Cinema. 

His Father hailed from Padmanabhapuram, Thuckalay. Mr. Madhu started his career as a Hindi lecturer in S T Hindu College and then Scott Christian College at Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District.

(Video release date: May 10,2018)

A Trip to Cape Comorin, Kanyakumari | English Documentary

Kanyakumari "The Virgin Princess" (also known as Cape Comorin) is a town in Kanyakumari District in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is the southern tip of Indian subcontinent. The southernmost town in mainland India, it is sometimes referred to as 'The Land's End'.

A popular tourist destination in India which is famous for its unique sunrise and sunset point , the 41-metre (133 ft) Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial off the coast, and as a pilgrimage centre. Lying at the tip of peninsular India, Kanyakumari is bordered on the west, south and east by the Laccadive Sea. It has a coastal line of 71.5 kilometres (44.4 mi) stretched on the three sides.

The town is situated 90 kilometres (56 mi) south of Thiruvananthapuram city, and about 20 kilometres (12 mi) south of Nagercoil, the headquarters of Kanyakumari District.

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a popular tourist monument in Vavathurai, Kanyakumari, India. The memorial stands on one of two rocks located about 500 kilometres (310 mi) east of the mainland of Vavathurai. It was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock. 

The Thiruvalluvar Statue has a height of 29 metres (95 feet) and stands upon an 11.5-metre (38 ft) rock that represents the 38 chapters of "virtue" in the Thirukkural. The statue standing on the rock represents "wealth" and "pleasures", signifying that wealth and love be earned and enjoyed on the foundation of solid virtue. The combined height of the statue and pedestal is 133 ft (40.5 m), denoting the 133 chapters in the Thirukkural. It has a total weight of 7000 tons.

The Gandhi Memorial Mandapam has been built on the spot where the urn containing the Mahatma's ashes was kept for public viewing before immersion. Resembling central Indian Hindu temples in form, the memorial was designed in a way that on Gandhi's birthday, 2 October, the first rays of the sun fall on the exact place where his ashes were kept.

Near Kanyakumari's southern shore stands a monument to the memory of those who died in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, an underwater megathrust earthquake that claimed around 280,000 lives in many countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Thailand, Maldives, and Indonesia.

(Video Release Date: November 26,2017)

Exploring Kuzhithurai Historical Locations | English Documentary

Kuzhithurai (also known as Kuzhithura) is a town and a municipality in Kanyakumari District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the administrative headquarters of the Vilavancode Taluk. It is located 26 km (16 mi) north of the Nagercoil city and 42 km (26 mi) south of Kerala's capital city Trivandrum along NH66. It has a historical seaport (thura or thurai) where ancient merchants came from across the Arabian sea in ancient times. 

This Documentary covers Kuzhithurai Palace, British Bridge, Kazhukanthitta Stonecut pillared Mandapam, Historic Court complex, Schools and other locations.

(Video released on 10 March 2018)

Devasahayam Pillai Historical Exploration | English Documentary

Devasahayam Pillai (Neelakanta Pillai; 23 April 1712 – 14 January 1752) was born into an affluent Hindu Nair family in Nattalam in the present-day Kanyakumari District on 23 April 1712. His father, Vasudevan Namboodiri, who was a Namboodiri Brahmin from Kayamkulam in present-day Kerala state, was a priest at the Adikesava Perumal Temple in Thiruvattar, in present-day Kanyakumari district of neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Neelakandan's mother, Devaki Amma, hailed from Thiruvattar in Kanyakumari District.

In accordance with the Nair matrilineal traditions of the day, Neelakandan was raised by his mother and father in the household of his maternal uncle, and was inculcated with Hindu beliefs and traditions early on. Neelakandan's family had much influence in the royal palace of Maharaja Marthanda Varma, king of Travancore and went into the service of the royal palace as a young man. His capabilities and enthusiasm did not go unnoticed in the palace, as he was soon put in charge of state affairs as an official under Ramayyan Dalawa, the Dewan of Travancore.

In 1741, Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, a Dutch naval commander, was sent on command of a naval expedition by the Dutch East India Company with the objective of capturing and establishing a trading port at Colachel, a port under the control of Travancore. In the ensuing Battle of Colachel, fought between the Travancore forces and the Dutch, the Dutch were defeated. De Lannoy's men were either killed or captured. Eustachius De Lannoy and his assistant Donadi surrendered and were imprisoned. De Lannoy and the Dutchmen were later pardoned by the king, on condition that they serve in the Travancore army. In the course of time, De Lannoy earned the trust of the king and went on to become the commander of the Travancore army, the very forces that had earlier defeated him. He trained the Travancore forces on European lines and introduced new weaponry and gunpowder. As military commander, he won many battles for Travancore, resulting in the annexation of various neighbouring territories to Travancore. It was during their influential roles under the King of Travancore that Devasahayam Pillai and De Lannoy became well acquainted. De Lannoy's Christian faith interested Devasahayam ; thus, De Lannoy enlightened him on the faith, leading to Devasahayam Pillai's conversion in 1745. At this point, he took the name "Devasahayam" ("help of God"), which is the translation into Malayalam of the name 'Lazarus.'

It is widely believed that Devasahayam Pillai was executed by the then Travancore Kingdom for upholding his Christian faith. In contrast, there are few others who believe that Devasahayam Pillai was accused of treason for divulging some of the state secrets to enemies and rivals.

Places visited : Aralvaimozhi Prison, Kattadimalai, place where Devasahayam Pillai was killed, Peruvilai, Nattalam, Kottar and Puliyoorkurichi.

Also, covered an Interview with the descendents of Devasahayam Pillai.

(Video Release Date: March 13,2016)

Nattalam Historical Locations/Village life, Marthandam | English Documentary Series

The first part of the documentary is about an 85 year old Kalaripayyattu Assan (Master) from Thalakkanvilai, Kanyakumari District. Kalaripayyatu is a traditional martial art originated from Kerala.

A journey to Keezhakamblar (where it is believed that the Gadha (hand weapon) of Bhima still remains) is also covered. My journey with Mr. Yesudhasan and his friends through the lush green fields in this village was indeed a memorable one. Despite their age, they seem to be very healthy and enthusiastic. They bubble forth with joy and radiance to narrate the things that they know and have experienced in their lives.

(Video Release Date: June 12,2016)

A British Constructed Tunnel to extract Diamonds at Nattalam

Kanyakumari District is a heart of many historic hidden treasures. Through this video, I would like to reveal to you one of my latest discoveries. This is about a British Constructed Tunnel to extract Diamonds at Ezhavathuvilai, near Thalakkanvilai, Nattalam, Kanyakumari District.

As we keep on digging, our thirst for hidden treasures keeps on increasing. Though the matter narrated here by Mr. Ambrose is based on mere hear say and lacks authenticity, one thing is sure. The tunnel situated here in Kanyakumari district will remain an open book for the students of history.

With a joyful heart, we now move on to our next destination.

Japankettu, a British constructed watchtower at Ezhavathuvilai, Nattalam

On our way to Japankettu, we passed by a rock quarry where an artificial pond has been formed by the accumulation of rain water. It was interesting to see some children playing and catching fishes there. As we proceeded further, we witnesses some people enjoying the scenic beauty and taking photography. Our exploration to Japankettu was an exciting and thrilling one. This time, we had to face a lot of challenges as we proceeded towards the destination. We had to cover some forest area, there were thorns and thickets all over, the rain had made the ground slippery. We also had rocks and boulders to climb. 

You all might be remembering a rhyme we learned as a child 'Jack and Jill went up the hill'. Some thing similar happened. I had a fall and experienced a mud bath on my way back making this journey a memorable one in the pages of my exploration.

Thirparappu Waterfalls | English Documentary

Thirparappu, famous for its waterfall is located on the banks of Kothayar river at a distance of 42 Km from Nagercoil and 55 Km from Trivandrum. The Thirparappu scheme was inaugurated by the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Travancore, Sree Chithra Thirunal Balarama Varma on the 11th of February, 1948. This scheme has been instrumental in the development of tourism at Thirparappu.

The reduced amount of water due to the scorching heat of the sun has not altered the scenic beauty of this place. The Temple, situated at the banks of the river is believed to have been built by king Raja Raja Chola of Chola dynasty during the ninth century. The stone cut pillared pavilion situated just opposite the Temple reminds us of the architectural expertise of the Travancore Kingdom.

Its quite notable to see a second pillared pavilion right in front of the Waterfall. This beautiful pavilion is often flooded by the waters of the river during the monsoons. The experience of pedestal boating is a memorable one to the tourists. This short documentary would not doubt have wet your appetite. It would be worthwhile to make Thirparappu your next Holiday spot.

(Video Release Date: October 15,2016)

Colachel Natural Harbour and the Victory Pillar | English Documentary

The AVM canal was formed in July 1860 during the reign of Marthanda Varma Maharaja of Travancore state. It was a scheme for connecting Thiruvananthapuram with Kanyakumari and thus extending the water communications to the extreme south of the country. All the coastal villages numbering more than 20, including, Pozhiyoor, Marthandamthurai, Thengapagttinam, Colachel, and Mondaicadu, all depended upon this resource for most of their needs, including navigation. But today the purpose is no longer served. Colachel is an ancient port town, Vasco da Gama called it ‘Colachi’. Before the State re-organization in 1956, it was part of the Travancore State. After the defeat of the Dutch by King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma in 1741, a victory pillar had been erected near the beach in commemoration of the victory. The town is bounded on the south by Arabian Sea.

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Colachel was the location of the battle between the Travancore (Anglicised form of Thiruvithaamkoor) forces led by King Marthanda Varma (1729–1758) and the Dutch East India Company forces led by Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy on August 10, 1741. It was the first time in Indian history that a small kingdom defeated a European naval force.The Dutch marines landed in Colachel with artillery and captured the land up to Padmanabhapuram, the then capital of Travancore. The arrival of Marthanda Varma's army from the north forced the Dutch to take up defensive positions in Colachel, where they were attacked and defeated by the Travancore forces. Twenty-eight high level Dutch officers, including Admiral D'lennoy, were captured. The defeat of the Dutch in Colachael was the turning point of the Travancore-Dutch War. D'lennoy went on to serve Marthanda Varma for the next two decades and was promoted to the post of the Valiya kappithan (Senior Admiral) of the Travancore Kingdom.

Near the coast of Colachel stand the Pillar of victory which gives details about the war. This Pillar is made of Granite and is 15 feet in height. On the top of the pillar, the Kingdom of Travancore symbol of Valampuri Shank is engraved. Also the following inscription is found: “In remembrance of all the brave men of Travancore Army who laid down their lives in defeating the superior Dutch forces during the Battle of Colachel in July 1741”.

Playing Cricket with Colachel boys

(Video Release Date: July 30,2016)

Kadukkarai - Aralvaimozhy - Kanyakumari Fort | English Documentary

Aralvaimozhi pass was a strategically important gap or mountain pass in the southernmost end of Western Ghats. It connected erstwhile Travancore with Madras Presidency. Many of the invasions faced by the Chera and the successor kingdoms came via this ghat.

The name "Aral" was derived from the fort built and maintained by the rulers of Venad and later by the kingdom of Travancore to defend the kingdom from invasions from the east regions. It is also said that Aralvaimozhi means whispering wind. The whistling sound of wind in the region might have led to such a name.

Aralvaimozhi Fort was one of the most important forts of Travancore. It was constructed around 1740 by Eustachius De Lannoy along with Udayagiri Fort, Vattakottai Fort and Travancore lines. The fort was captured by the English East India Company in 1809 from the soldiers loyal to Velu Thampi Dalawa. The remains of the fort can be seen near railway station, but neglected by both railway and archeology departments.

Places Visited: Aramboly Fort (Kadukkarai - Kanyakumari), Aralvaimozhy, Muppandal, Murugan Kuntram, Manaltheri, Travancore Forts

(Video Release Date: July 27,2017)

Pechiparai Dam, Chittar 1,2 Dams and Thirunanthikara Jain temple | English Documentary

Pechiparai Reservoir is the largest dam in Kanyakumari district. It is located in the foothills of the Western Ghats in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu at Pachiparai. It is located 43 kilometers (27 mi) from the district capital Nagercoil . This dam is built across the Kotai river. This dam was built during the period 1897-1906 by the European engineer Mr. Minchin by the then Maharaja of Travancore during the Thirunal period. 

Places covered in this video are Pechiparai Dam, Chittar 1,2 Dams and Thirunanthikarai Jain temple in Kanyakumari District (India).

(Video Release Date: November 29,2016)

Thiruvattar Amma Veedu in Kanyakumari District | English Documentary

Thiruvattar Amma Veedu is located in Kanyakumari district at a place called Thiruvattar. In 1829, at the age of sixteen, Maharajah Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma (16 April 1813 – 27 December 1846) married Thiruvattar Ammachi Panapillai Amma Srimathi Ayikutty Narayani Pillai Thankachi, a famed beauty of the Thiruvattar Ammaveedu family, was an expert Carnatic singer and Veena player.They had three children but in 1839 Narayani Pillai Ammachi died, leaving behind a son, Thiruvattar Chithira Nal Ananthapadmanabhan Chempakaraman Thampi.

Once there was a minor lover's quarrel between Narayani Pillai Ammachi and her husband, the King. The quarrel continued for some days; the Ammachi approached Irayimman Thampi (Carnatic musician as well as a music composer from Travancore) for a solution. According to researchers he then created the famous Malayalam song Prananaathan Enikku Nalkiya and told the Ammachi to sing it loudly in the King's presence; after hearing it the King was pleased and they reconciled immediately.

(Video Release Date: April 17,2016)

Munchirai Historical Exploration | English Documentary

This is a short documentary on the various historic locations at Munchirai, Kanyakumari district. The places covered in this video are Parthivapuram Parthasarathy Temple, Thirumalai Mahadevar Temple, Muriyedathu Para, Seetha Kannuneer, Ullirippu Veedu and other places.

(Video Release Date: January 08,2017)

Arumana Amma Veedu in Kanyakumari District | English Documentary

The Arumana Amma Veedu in Kanyakumari district plays an important role in the History of the former Travancore state. The female members of this family were the consort of many kings, starting from Dharmaraja, Balarama Varma and Visakam Thirunal Rama Varma.
Velu Thampi Dalawa was provided protection in this house during his revolt with the British rule. A noble woman named Panapilla Lakshmi Pilla Kochamma of Arumana Amma Veedu was the first lady to start English education in the royal house. She later became the wife of Visakam Thirunal.
Near by the present Amma Veedu are the remains of a very old Naalukettu. This old house was a madhom used by the potty's (priests) of the family. The Arumana Amma Veedu is now owned by the distant relatives of the former owners. The old house, probabily built during the reign of Visakam Thirunal has large rooms, with high ceiling, a court yard and seperate kitchen connected to the house by a corridor.

(Video Release Date: May 29,2016)

Thengapattanam Historical Exploration | English Documentary

Thengapattanam is said to be one of the ancient commercial towns in Kanyakumari District. Surrounded with dense coconut groves, this beautiful place lies on the shores of the Arabian sea. Our exploration started with a search for the foot prints of the Dutch on the Indian soil. Attingal Queen got the right to rule this area in 1700 AD. During the middle of the 17th century, the naval forces headed by Nicolwar besieged the town and gained control of it. In 1694, the forces of the Attingal Queen fought the Dutch, chased them out and regained its control.

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The Dutch again attacked Thengapattanam during the time of the famous battle of Colachel where it is believed that some 80 Muslims in the teritory lost their lives. The 'Kuntadipattan Paarai' which came under the attack of Dutch Cannons stand out to be a 'living memorial' today. Next, we visited the Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque. It is believed that Cheraman Perumal, one of the rulers of the Chera Dynasty got influenced by the teachings of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and went to meet him. On his return, he died at a place called Salala, in Oman. Prior to his death, he wrote letters to his Kingdom to accept Islam and follow the teachings of Malik Ibn Dinar, one of the first known Muslims to have come to India to propagate Islam. He constructed several Mosques in the Kingdom and this is one among them.

Catching Fish with Thengapattanam Boys

Thengapattanam 'Pozhi' is a place where the Thamiraparani river merges with the Arabian sea. The beach at Thengapattanam is a star attraction to the tourists. The breath taking sunset and the cool refreshing wind from the Arabian sea gives a soothing experience.

A Tamil Interview with Thengapattanam boys

(Video Release Date: March 12,2017)

Thiruvattar Historical Exploration | English Documentary

Thiruvattar, a place surrounded by Kothai, Parali and Thamirabarani rivers, is one of the ancient heritage towns in India. The town is located 6 km north east of Marthandam and 30 km north west of Nagercoil. Sree Adi Kesava Perumal temple is one of the most ancient vaishnava temple of south India. The temple is situated at a height of 55 Feet from the ground level. The temple consists of a Garbha Griha, having three doorways and an ottakal mandapam in the front. The great antiquity of this place has been described by the Tamil Poet Malkudi Kilar in a verse of Purananuru. The Alwar saint Namalvar has sung few poems in praise of Adi kesava perumal temple. The temple consists of 224 granite pillars, each of them bearing marvelous sculptural images of Deepa Lakshmi, the traditional lamp bearer images vary from pillar to pillar in dressing and style. Some excellent examples of Dravidian sculptures and stone work can be seen inside the temple.

The wood carvings inside the temple is regarded as a remarkable example of Kerala art and architecture. The history of this temple is connected to the famous battle of colachel where Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore had defeated the dutch. Some inscriptions belongs to the period of Rajendra Chozhan I who ruled between 1013 and 1045 AD. Another episode associated with the temple is the attack made by the Nawab of Arcot, Desth-Ali Khan. The Muslim army plundered the temple in 1740 AD and carried away the Golden Idol. After facing some bitter experiences, the Nawab ordered to return the Idol to the temple. As repentance, the Nawab donated a gold cap and a plate of weighting 388 Tholas of pure Gold to the temple.

In the later half of the 17th century, the temple had faced a threat from a petty sardar of the Mughal emperor named Mughil Khan. Umayamma Rani, the queen of Venad sought the assistance of a relative king Raja Kerala Varma who is also known as Kottayam Thamburan. The sardar was pursued by the forces of Kerala Varma. While retreating , the sardar camped on the hill side near Thiruvattar who was later killed by large number of wasps. The buried place / graveyard of Mughil Khan can still be seen at a place called Khan Kara, near Thiruvattar. The Thiruvattar palace, a left over of the Travancore Kingdom is located near to the Thiruvattar Adi Kesava perumal Temple. The palace consist of large ceilings with several rooms and a Nallu kettu. Also, a sense of chillness is felt inside the palace.The historic Narasimha madom was founded by Pushpanjali Swamiyar now owned by Thrisur Naduvil Madom. The madom is considered as old as the Adi Kesava perumal temple. Thiruvattar also has stories connected to Ettuveettil Pillamars and Marthanda Varma.

Thiruvattar Historical Locations - English Documentary (Video Release Date: April 03,2017)

Thiruvattar Palace - Malayalam Documentary 

Diwan Raja Kesavadas Ancestral house, Kunnathur | English Documentary/ Malayalam Interview

Raja Kesavadas was born at a small hamlet called Kunnathur on March 17, 1745 in the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore. He was the Dewan of Travancore during the reign of Dharma Raja Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma. The houses which he had constructed for his mother and sister still exists at Kunnathur, a place which is located some 5 Kilometres from Marthandam.

Though many of the historical places in Kanyakumari still undergoes devastation, it is a great relief for us to see the ancestral house of Raja Kesavadas still stands high. The historic abode at Kunnathur is no doubt a reminiscence of the glorious past of Travancore dynasty. A book written by Advocate Late Radha Nair sheds more light on the life story of Raja Kesavadas. Mr. Narayanan Nair is ever ready to help students of history to learn more about one of the greatest Dewan's of Travancore, Raja Kesavadas.

(Video Release Date: December 22,2015)

Full Malayalam Interview with Late Mr.Narayanan Nair

Vattakottai Fort Historic Destinations | English Documentary

Vattakottai Fort (or 'Circular Fort') is a seaside fort near Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu the southern tip of India. It was built in the 18th century as a coastal defence-fortification and barracks in the erstwhile Travancore kingdom. It was constructed in the 18th century by the Venad kings of Travancore, Later it was modified under the supervision of Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, an ex-Dutch naval officer of the Dutch East India Company, who became commander of the Travancore Army (the very army that defeated him in the Battle of Colachel) in the 18th century, after he earned the trust of the Travancore King Marthanda Varma. De Lannoy reconstructed Vattakottai, as part of the defence-fortifications he undertook throughout Travancore.

The fort is made of granite blocks and, today, a part of the fort extends into the sea. It is a protected site under the Indian archaeological department. A major renovation of the fort was undertaken recently by the department, and the site is now a popular tourist spot. Vattakottai Fort commands a picturesque view of both the sea on the one side, and the hills (Western Ghats) on the other. Another interesting feature near the site is a beach of black sands. It is about 7 km (4.3 mi) from Kanyakumari town.

(Video Release Date: October 08,2017)

Mathur Aqueduct | English Documentary

The Mathur aqueduct which is at a distance of 3 kilometres from Thiruvattar and about 60 kilometres from Kanyakumari and Trivandrum. It is one of the tallest and longest aqueducts in South Asia. Mathur Aqueduct was constructed in 1966 by the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, K. Kamaraj, as a drought relief measure across the river Pahrali.
Its purpose is to carry water for irrigation from an elevated level of one hill to another. The irrigation water feeds the taluks of Vilavancode and Kalkulam. From the centre of the Aqueduct, one can see a vast expanse of greenery, with rolling hills of the Western Ghats in the background, and the meandering Pahrali river flowing below.
Sree Sapthamathrikkal Temple is located near to Mathur duct at a place called Aruvikarai. The waterfalls, streams and the scenic beauty of this place is refreshing to our eyes.

(Video Release Date: November 08,2015)

Diwan Nanoo Pillai's house at West Neyyoor | English Documentary

Neyyoor Nanoo Pillai (1827–1886) was an Indian civil servant and administrator who served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1877 to 1880. Nanoo Pillai was born in a Nair family of Neyyoor village of Travancore in 1827. He had his schooling at the London Missionary Society seminary in Nagercoil. While young, he caught the attention of General Cullen, the English Resident who first, employed him as a volunteer and then as a clerk in the Resident's office. After serving for 14 years in the Resident's office, Pillai joined the Travancore service as Assistant Police Sheristadar. With a strong recommendation from the then Diwan, Sir T. Madhava Rao, Pillai was promoted to be Diwan Peishkar of the Southern Division. Pillai was soon transferred to the Travancore division and acted as the Diwan in Madhava Rao's absence on six occasions. Pillai was eventually appointed as the Diwan on the retirement of Seshayya Sastri in August 1877.
As Diwan of Travancore, Nanoo Pillai brought reforms in the Revenue Settlement introducing the transfer of registries. He also brought measures for irrigating the Southern Division and formulated the Kothayar Project before retiring in 1880 on pension.

(Video Release Date: January 17, 2016)

Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thuckalay | English Documentary

Padmanabhapuram Palace is a Travancore era palace located in Padmanabhapuram, Kalkulam taluk of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Kalkulam Palace. Padmanabhapuram is the former capital city of the erstwhile Hindu Kingdom of Travancore. It is around 20km from Nagercoil, and 60km from Thiruvananthapuram city. The palace is complex inside with an old granite fortress around four kilometers long. The palace is located at the foot of the Veli Hills, which forms a part of the Western Ghats. The river Valli flows nearby. Another palace known as Kuttalam Palace is situated in Kuttalam in Tenkasi, Thirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu which is also under the ownership of Kerala government. It is situated in the Tenkasi, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu (before state reorganisation, Kanyakumari District, Chenkottah Taluk, Tenkasi Taluk including the areas of Kuttalam are in the control of Travancore Kingdom in Kerala).

(Video Release Date : May 23,2015)

Velu Thampi Dalawa memorial at Thalakulam | English Documentary

This is a short documentary on the ancestral house of Velu Thampi Dalava situated at Thalakulam valiyaveedu, near Monday Market, Kanyakumari district. The house is in a desperate need for restoration. Velayudhan Chempakaraman Thampi (1765–1809) was the Dalawa or Prime Minister of the Indian kingdom of Travancore between 1802 and 1809 during the reign of His Highness Maharajah Bala Rama Varma Kulasekhara Perumal. He is best known for being one of the earliest individuals to rebel against the British East India Company's supremacy in India. Route: Azhakiya Mandapam, Monday Market, Thalakulam Another destination is Mannadi in Kerala.

DISCLAIMER : Some information in this video is from unauthorised sources and might not be accurate. 

(Video Release Date: July 16,2015)

Chitharal Jain Monuments | English Documentary

The Chitharal Jain Temple is one of the Oldest Historical places in Kanyakumari. There are two monuments. The earlier rock-cut Jain structure of beads with inscriptions and drip-ledges is the earliest Jain monument in the southernmost part of India which was from first century BC to sixth century AD. The temple monuments were likely built by Digambara Jains in the ninth century when the region was under influence of Jainism. Jain influence in this region was due to the King Mahendravarman I (610-640).

(Video Release Date: July 12, 2015)

Historic Eraniel palace is undergoing a Silent death | English Documentary

Eraniel Palace is a small (currently dilapidated) palace located near Eraniel village, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, South India and is considered a treasure-trove of Travancore and Venad history.

(Video Release Date: July 20, 2015)

Udayagiri Fort at Thuckalay | English Documentary

This is a short documentary on Udayagiri Fort and De Lannoy tomb situated at Thuckalay, Kanyakumari, India. Originally built in the 17th century, the fort was rebuilt by Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore in the 18th century.

Enclosing an area of about 90 acres (36 ha), including an isolated 260 feet (79 m), the fort contains an old foundry which was used for casting guns. The fort was rebuilt during the reign of Marthanda Varma, between 1741-44 under the supervision of Eustachius De Lannoy, a Flemish naval commander of the Dutch East India Company, who later served as the Chief of the Travancore Army.

In the early days, the fort was of strategic importance. Prisoners captured in the campaign against Tippu Sultan were confined in the fort for some time. In 1810, the East India Company's Army under Colonel Leger marched into Travancore through the Aramboly Pass (Aralvaimozhi) to quell a rebellion under the leadership of Velu Thambi Dalava.

In later years, English East India Company troops were stationed at the fort until the middle of the 19th century. A foundry for the manufacture of guns, mortars, and cannonballs was established within the fort under the supervision of the resident General.

(Video Release Date: May 09, 2015)

Periyakulam and Muttom Light House | English Documentary

The journey from Thalakulam to Muttom beach refreshes our eyes as the entire place is surrounded with rice and paddy fields full of greenery. The big pond and the temple at Periyakulam portrays the natural beauty of Kanyakumari district. Also, the majestic church at Kadiyapattinam is no exception due to its splendid construction, no doubt, eye catching to tourists and pilgrims.

Muttom is well known for its beautiful beach with rocks and caves. The British Government constructed the famous lighthouse in 1882. The light house guided British Vessels cruising between Colombo and ports on India's west coast. Route for tours : Azhakiya Mandapam,Monday Market,Thalakulam, Manavala Kurichi,Periya Kulam,Muttom

(Video Release Date : July 13, 2015)

Marunthu kottai (Fort of Medicine) at Thuckalay | English Documentary

This is a short English documentary on MarunthuKottai situated at Thuckalay, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India. Travancore Forts.

(Video Release Date: May 31, 2015)

Maiya Kottai ( Fort of the dead) at Thuckalay | English Documentary

This is a short documentary on my visit to MaiyaKottai situated at Thuckalay, Kanyakumari district. Nearest places are Marunthu kottai, Udayagiri fort, Padmanabhapuram palace.

(Video Released Date: May 15, 2015)