Puthen Theruvu Agraharam | Trivandrum Heritage Walk

Summary

The video explores the historic Agraharam settlement, located in the fort area of Thiruvananthapuram, known for its 18th-century Tamil Brahmin community. It highlights the unique architectural features, such as alternating white and red facades, and the close-knit living conditions of the community. The settlement, built around a temple dedicated to the village god, showcases a rich cultural history. The Brahmin families, originally from Tamil Eelam, lived in dense clusters, with shared walls and communal spaces. Over time, some alterations were made for comfort, but the strong cultural ties to the temple and its traditions remain central to their lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Putkin Agraharam is a historic settlement in the fort area dating back to the 18th century.
• 😀 Agraharam houses are characterized by early body columns and alternate red and white paint on their facades.
• 😀 The term 'Agraharam' literally means a 'garland of houses,' referring to the layout of houses around a central temple.
• 😀 The history of Agraharam is deeply connected to the socio-cultural role of the Tamil Brahmin community in the region.
• 😀 The settlement's establishment is attributed to the efforts of the Travancore kingdom's founder and his minister, Rama Varma.
• 😀 The Travancore rulers' charitable institutions and the fame of Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple attracted Brahmins from Tamil Eelam.
• 😀 Old-timers claim the houses in the settlement were initially built for the Paradiso Brahmins, often immigrants from nearby areas.
• 😀 These houses were built using locally available materials like 'okata' and timber, with some houses sharing common walls.
• 😀 The culture of communal living in the Agraharam had a profound impact on the lifestyle and values of the Brahmin community.
• 😀 Over time, alterations were made to the buildings, such as adding iron bars to verandas and leveling courtyards for extra space.
• 😀 Despite these changes, the younger generation continues to live in the same spaces, reflecting the lasting impact of the Agraharam lifestyle.

Q & A

What is the significance of the agraharam houses in the historical context of the settlement?

The agraharam houses are significant because they reflect the dominant role played by the Tamil Brahmin community in the socio-cultural development of the area. These houses, characterized by early body columns and alternate white and red paint, showcase the community's influence in the region.

What does the term 'agraharam' mean, and how is it connected to the settlement?

The term 'agraharam' literally means 'a garland of houses.' It refers to the arrangement of houses on either side of the road, with a temple dedicated to the village God at the center, resembling a garland around the temple.

How does the history of the agraharam settlement tie into the broader history of Thiruvananthapuram?

The history of the agraharam settlement is intertwined with the history of Thiruvananthapuram, particularly in the 18th century, when King Marthanda Varma of Travancore played a key role in revamping and reconstructing the area, including the Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple.

What role did the Tamil Brahmin community play in the development of the settlement?

The Tamil Brahmin community played a central role in the development of the settlement, particularly after King Marthanda Varma encouraged the migration of Brahmins from Tamil Eelam to live in the area, which was influenced by the fame of the Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple and charitable institutions in Travancore.

What type of building materials were used in the construction of the agraharam houses?

The agraharam houses were primarily built using cheap okata, a locally available strong building material, along with timber. The roofs were initially thatched but later replaced with tiles when they became available in Travancore.

How were the houses in the agraharam settlement typically arranged?

The houses in the agraharam were arranged in dense clusters along either side of a street, with shared walls between them. This close-knit structure fostered a strong sense of community.

How did the culture of living in closely-knit groups influence the lifestyle of the Brahmin community?

Living in closely-knit groups meant that privacy was not a major concern. Families lived together in large, joined households, with daily life revolving around the temple and its functions. This communal lifestyle shaped the Brahmin community's social structure.

What alterations were made to the old agraharam houses to make life more comfortable?

To make life more comfortable, some alterations were made, such as enclosing outdoor verandas with iron bars for added security and leveling courtyards inside the houses to create extra space for activities like studying or relaxing.

What role did the temple play in the life of the people living in the agraharam?

The temple played a central role in the life of the residents, as their daily routines and cultural activities revolved around it. The temple was not just a place of worship, but also a key aspect of the social and cultural fabric of the settlement.

How did the introduction of tiles impact the architecture of the agraharam houses?

The introduction of tiles replaced the previous thatched roofs, marking a significant change in the architecture of the houses. Tiles provided better durability and protection against weather conditions, reflecting the changing infrastructure of the settlement.