Thrissur, meaning ‘town with the name of Lord Siva’, is regarded as the cultural capital of Kerala. An important religious and cultural centre for centuries, Thrissur was occupied by the kingdoms of Kochi (Cochin) from 16th to 18th century. It features one of the largest temple in Kerala, the Vadakkumnatha Kshethram and is the site for renowned Pooram Festival. Trichur or Thrissur district is in the central region of Kerala and is rich in history, culture, and archaeological remains.
From ancient times, this district was the capital of Cochin state and was captured by the Zamorin and later by Tippu Sultan in the second half of the 18th century. In the subsequent centuries the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English dominated the scene. In 1790 Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran, ascended the throne of Cochin and was the architect of present Thrissur town..
