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DEO KOTHAMANGALAM

The town serves as the headquarters of a taluk and a municipality of the same name. Kothamangalam is known as a trading center for spices and forest products. It is also famous for its ancient Christian churches. Educational institutions played a prominent role in the development of Kothamangalam. Educational institutions played a prominent role in the development of Kothamangalam.According to the available historical evidence, Kothamangalam was a place of prominence during the rule of the First Chera Dynasty, the dynasty that ruled Kerala from around 300 BC to the first millennium. Cheras were also known as Kothai. The capital of Chera Kingdom was Karur. This has led some historians like Professor Joseph Mundasseri, Kanakasabha etc. to claim that Thrikkariyoor, a village 3 km north of Kothamangalam could have been the ancient Karur, the capital of Cheras. This claim has not found wide support. Several historians believe Karur (or 'Vanchi' or 'Muziris') was near the present day Kodungalloor

However, it is evident from the Sangam literature of the period and the archeological finds from the area prove that the place had, indeed, been an important town during the rule of Chera kingdom. The description of some places mentioned in Silappatikaram fits the description of places adjoining Kothamangalam. The Siva temple at Thrikkariyoor dates back to the early centuries of first millennium. Thrikkariyoor also has one of the earliest Brahmin settlements in Kerala. Chelamalai, near Bhoothathankettu in Kothamangalam is regarded by some as the Summer Palace of Cheras. Stone ruins are found there and Nanangadis (Burial urns) have been excavated from the place. Egyptian coins of 7th and 8th century were recovered from places near Kothamangalam in 1962. The ancient trade route to Madhurai was also through Kothamangalam. The popularity of Kothamangalam during the past is evident from the old Malayalam saying, 'Ethappaa Kothamangalam?' which means 'Where is Kothamangalam?' used in dialogues to indicate that the person to whom this is said is so ignorant that he do not know where Kothamangalam is.

Kothamangalam is located 45 km north east of Kochi City in eastern part of Ernakulum district in the Indian state of Kerala. The town is situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats mountain ranges. The place is spiritually glorified by the ancient Thrikariyoor Temple, mosques, St. George Cathedral, Marthamariyam Valiyapally and Mar Thoma Cheria Pally. The city is also known as The Gateway to the High Ranges.

Kothamangalam has great historical importance in Kerala. According to the available evidences, Kothamangalam was a place of importance during the rule of the First Chera Dynasty, the dynasty that ruled Kothamangalam from around 300 BC. Cheras were also known as Kothai and the capital of Chera Kingdom was Karur and historians claim that Thrikkariyoor, a village 3 km north of Kothamangalam could have been the ancient Karur, the capital of Cheras. Thrikkariyoor also has one of the earliest Brahmin settlements in Kerala and the Siva temple at Thrikkariyoor dates back to the early centuries of first millennium. Egyptian coins of 7th and 8th century were recovered from places near Kothamangalam in 1962. The ancient trade route to Madhurai was also through Kothamangalam. The Kothamangalam is very famous for spices and forest products.