A retrospection to Aranattukara

History of a nation is the history of its people. Each country has its own history.

Numerous scientific researches are on to give us knowledge about how each of these nations evolved. These researchers are throwing light to different civilization, culture, lifestlye which extended hundreds of years in different parts of the world.

In school days children learn history of different nations, states, their origin and so on. But not much effort is made to know about the smaller sections that is how a small community evolved,


how a village was formed or even how a single family was formed or how is grow up to form large communities and so on.
People nowadays don't know anything about their family prior to one generation. They don't know where their roots are. Not much studies are done in this area. Also nobody has quality time to spend for such a research.

Aranattukara is an area situated in the northwest of Thrissur District.

Majority of the population are in to business and government jobs. It is a strong hold of
Christian community.

The contribution made by the popular Tharakan family to the development and well being of Aranattukara as a major port of Cochin is immense.
They have left their mark in every walks of life.

The city of Aranattukara has a full fledged history. The major lake route which connects the entire Cochin State passes through Aranattukara. History depicts it as a major port for national and international trading boats. Often the trading vessels carrying spices, silk, precious goods anchored in Aranattukara before leaving to its major destination.

In making Thrissur as present trading hub the role played by Aranattukara is not so small. Its worth to be noticed.

Description of Aranattukara can be seen in the Travalogue of B C Wards. He says, "On A D 1819 Nov 8th morning 8 am, I started from Aranattukara and the reached Kodungalur from there we moved to Cochin and reached around 11 am.

Even Royal yachts, housing boats halt before going to destination in Aranattukara.


It is the last major water route for travel in Kerala. From Aranattukara people need to take a bullock cart or should walk to reach the place they wanted to go.

There is also a mention of Aranattukara in Shaktan Thampuran's letter to Captain Rebisson. A major genera of Cochin state was situated in Aranattukara. At that time, barter system was rampant. Duty was leived in the form of food grains. These grains were weighed, measured and stored in these granaries.

It is believed that Shaktan Thampuran was in favour of consolidation of states. When Shaktan yea Rama Varma Thampuran came to power the condition of Cochin state was pathetic. Foreigners had taken all the profit and ruined the economy.
He decided to bring the entire trade under the control of Government. Thanks to him, salt, pepper and tobacco trade was solely done under Govt leadership.

Realising the importance of Aranattukara, Raja built a Godown and Market there. This increased the importance of Aranattukara.

The Tharakan family modified this market so it is now called as Tharakan market. It is also called as Arugam or Gateway to Godown as there are numerous godowns in Aranattukara.

Contibutions of Tharakan family for the development of Aranattukara is worthy of mention specially in the field of Ayurvedic Medicine. They even won the
appreciation of Cochin Raja. When Kozhikode Raja Zamoodiri attacked Cochin in A D 932 it was the Tharakan Family who saved the Cochin Raja. They helped him to reach Thripunitura safely in disguise.

It is due to the arrival of Railway system and motor vehicles Aranattukara lost its prominence. From a major trading hub it slowly got converted to a full residential area.

Comparing it to the present prevailing confusion, it is a wonder how people and things were so well planned way back in Aranattukara.