Puthenchira

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Puthenchira had a population of 20964 with 9789 males and 11175 females.

History

Puthenchira and the surrounding areas were earlier known as Mahadevan Pattanam. In the second or the third century the Perumakkans created a ‘Chira’ (causeway/bund) for the purpose of agriculture. The Cheran Perumal designated the place for building the ‘Chira’ by throwing Puthen( the coin prevailing then). Since then it is believed that this place is called Puthenchira.

Puthenchira was ruled by the king of Kodungallur after the Chera dynasty fell in the 9th Century. Later when Samudiri extended his territory, both Puthenchira and Kodungallur became the part of his empire. In the 18th Centaury when the Cochin king annexed the southern parts of the Samudiri Empire, this region became a part of the Cochin Empire. Later in 1761 when Samudiri attacked, the Cochin king sought help from Travancore.Travancore obliged and defeated Samudiri in the battle, delighted by this, the Cochin king gave Puthenchira to Divan Ayyappan Marthandapilla who was the commander of the Travancore army. The Divan dedicated Puthenchira to the Travancore king. So until the Travancore Cochin merger in 1949 Puthenchira was a Travancore village in the Cochin kingdom.

Puthenchira is the birthplace of Blessed Mariam Thresea and Blessed Fr.Vidhayathil,who is the Founder of ST. Mary's GHSSK school. Neighboring places are Kuthirathadam, Mala, Kuzhikattusery,and Konathukunnu.