History

Socio-cultural History

It is believed that this area, which was known as Sreevallabhapuram in ancient times, later became “Thiruvallabhapuram” and gradually evolved into “Thiruvalla.” Thiruvalla was part of the Kollam Division under the rule of the Kingdom of Travancore. The ancient Paliyakkara Palace located here had connections with the Travancore royal family. Until the 1960s, the landlord-tenant system prevailed in this region.

During the Indian freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi was accorded a public reception at Muthoor Althara in Thiruvalla. Vinoba Bhave, the leader of the Bhoodan Movement, was also welcomed in Thiruvalla. K.M. Mathew, who served as a people's representative from the time of the Praja Sabha and received a Tamrapatra award, P. Chacko, who was elected to the Thiru-Kochi Legislative Assembly from the oppressed sections, K.E. Mammen, and V.P.P. Namboothiri were among the prominent freedom fighters of this region.

The activities of European missionaries, the movements led by Sree Narayana Guru and Ayyankali, and the social reform initiatives of organizations such as Yogakshema Sabha and Nair Service Society paved the way for the social and cultural development of this area. English education was first introduced in Travancore at the Thiruvalla CMS School. Agricultural products produced in this region were transported by waterway from Chandakkadavu to the trade centers of Alappuzha and Kochi in boats.

Sreevallabha Temple, Paliyekkara Church, and Thiruvalla St. John’s Cathedral are the major places of worship here. Thiruvalla is the headquarters of the Mar Thoma Church. The M.C. Road, one of the state's major transportation routes, and the Thiruvananthapuram–Ernakulam railway line pass through this municipality. Thiruvalla is home to the only railway station in Pathanamthitta district.