Thrissur Pincodes

Thrissur, formerly known as Trichur, is steeped in history as the cultural nucleus of Kerala. This vibrant city, nestled around the 65-acre Thekkinkaadu Maidaanam hillock with its iconic Hindu Shiva Temple, thrives in its spiritual essence. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin, Thrissur’s legacy spans Assyrians, Greeks, Arabs, and more. Renowned as the Cultural Capital, it houses Kerala’s artistic institutions like Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, Lalithakala Akademi, and Sahitya Academy. The city comes alive during the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival, a dazzling spectacle held at Thekkinkadu Maidan every April or May. Thrissur stands central in Kerala, a vibrant tapestry of heritage and celebration.

History

Thrissur’s history, marked by prehistoric megaliths hinting at occupation from 1000 BCE to 500 CE, transitions to pivotal moments in the 16th and 17th centuries. Portuguese naval dominance yielded to Dutch influence, aiding Cochin’s royal family in reclaiming Thrissur from the Zamorin of Calicut by 1710. However, it was Maharaja Sakthan Thampuran’s reign (1769–1805) that elevated Thrissur’s stature. Transforming it into the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin, he fostered financial prosperity by inviting Syrian Christian families and Brahmins. This strategic move propelled Thrissur into a vibrant commercial center, solidifying its significance in South India’s economic landscape.

Demography

As per the 2011 India census, Thrissur city housed 315,957 people, with males at 48.2% and females at 51.8%. The population density stood at 3,130/km², reflecting a sex ratio of 1,092 females per 1,000 males. The city accommodated 66,827 households, averaging 4.27 members each. Slum inhabitants accounted for 0.30% of the city’s population and 0.37% of Kerala’s slum populace. Literacy soared at 95.96%, with male literacy at 97.37% and female at 94.72%. Religious demographics revealed Hindus at 54.20%, Christians at 40.04%, and Muslims at 5.50% in Thrissur city. In the district, Hindus comprised 58.42%, Muslims 17.07%, and Christians 24.27%.

Geography

Thrissur, the hub of Thrissur district in Kerala, sits 75 km northeast of Kochi. Positioned amid natural splendor, it stands 2.83 meters above sea level on Thekkinkadu Maidan, the city’s second highest point. The landscape gradually slopes into Thrissur-Ponnani Kole Wetlands, a vital natural drainage system protecting the city from widespread flooding. Nestled in Kerala’s midland region, Thrissur shares the Palakkad plains, dominated by ancient Archaean gneisses and crystalline schists. Geologically stable due to its location on the Indian Plate, the city experiences minimal seismic or volcanic activity, offering a secure and serene urban setting.

Administration

Since 1921, Thrissur operated as a municipality under Cochin Municipal Regulations. It gained corporation status in 2000, expanding to include Ayyanthole, Koorkkenchery, Nadathara, Vilvattom (part), Ollur, and Ollukkara. The Thrissur Municipal Corporation, helmed by a mayor, oversees three assemblies and 52 wards, electing council members every five years. As Kerala’s second-largest city corporation, it centrally manages essential services like power, water supply, and waste management. Based in Thrissur, the corporation wields direct control over these vital aspects. Development plans for the city are curated by the Thrissur Urban Development Authority and the Town and Country Planning Department (TCPD).