CHERTHALA MUNICIPALITY History
Introduction
Cherthala is a prominent urban centre located at the northern end of Alappuzha District in Kerala. It is the headquarters of Cherthala Taluk and is situated along National Highway 66, between Alappuzha and Kochi. Cherthala is approximately 22 kilometres from Alappuzha and 36 kilometres from Kochi. With well-developed road and railway connectivity, Cherthala has emerged as one of the major commercial, administrative, and educational centres of Alappuzha District. History The region, situated between the sea and the backwaters and extending approximately 12 to 15 kilometres in width, was known in ancient times as Karappuram. According to historical records, the Karappuram region was associated with two traditional ruling territories known as Moothedathu and Elayedathu Swaroopams. Historical records of the Alappuzha District administration indicate that, by the sixteenth century, Karappuram had developed into an important local administrative centre.
The region was later part of the Kingdom of Cochin and, through various political and administrative changes, eventually became part of the Kingdom of Travancore. According to the official historical records of Cherthala, Karappuram was part of the Kingdom of Cochin before the invasion of Tipu Sultan and was later incorporated into Travancore based on a protection agreement. One historical explanation suggests that the name “Cherthala” originated from the term “Chertha Thalam,” meaning a region that was added or joined. Origin of the Name Cherthala Various local legends and traditions are associated with the origin of the place name Cherthala. One of the most prominent is the legend associated with Karthyayani Devi, according to which the head (Thala) of the Goddess was found in the mud (Cheru). At the same time, official historical accounts also associate the name with the interpretation that Karappuram was a region that was “added to” or “joined with” Travancore. Thus, the origin of the name Cherthala can be viewed as part of the region's rich cultural heritage, where historical accounts and local traditions exist side by side
