The place named Changanacherry entered into the history books in A.D. 90. It has been believed by some people that this name is derived from a place named "Changannattusserry".
An
interesting story mentions that during the reign of King Udaya Marthanda
Varma of Travencore, steps were taken to build a Catholic church by giving
out plots for sowing 'Changazhy', 'Nazhy' 'Uri', 'Payattupadu' (various
malayalam terms of measuring grains). All these terms put together apparently
made up the name of the place to Changanachery.
There
is also a school of thought which says that the former name of this place
was "Shamghunadasserry". Still others vouch for the fact that
it was named after "Thenganamsserry" which is an extension of
the word Thengana, one of the suburbs of Changanachery.
It was in 980 AD, that the famed Diwan of Travencore Veluthampy Dalava made a market place at Changanacherry, realizing the possibilities of development of this place. That market has grown to today's "Janapath". Towards the memory of the centennial celebrations of the place in 1905, the people installed the " Anchu Vilakku" (Five Lamps) seen near the Boat Jetty. The lamp signifies the 'unity in diversity' of the local ethnic and religious sects - a truly fitting tribute to the ethos of Changanachery.
It was in 980 AD, that the famed Diwan of Travencore Veluthampy Dalava made a market place at Changanacherry, realizing the possibilities of development of this place. That market has grown to today's "Janapath". Towards the memory of the centennial celebrations of the place in 1905, the people installed the " Anchu Vilakku" (Five Lamps) seen near the Boat Jetty. The lamp signifies the 'unity in diversity' of the local ethnic and religious sects - a truly fitting tribute to the ethos of Changanachery.
ETTUVEETIL
PILLAMAR
In
the history of Changanachery, there is high regard for the local chieftains
called Ettuveetil Pillamar. It is said that the King Marthanda Varma had
put the eight chief tains to death and that the curse of these people
were on the king . Whatever the truth behind this legend, the Kings of
Tranvancore were rather supertitious and are said to have avoided Changanachery.
The tomb of these heroes can be seen here.