Kottarakkara

Kottarakkara was the capital of Ilayidathu Swarupam, a small principality of southern Kerala ruled by a branch of the Venad royal family. Its name recalls the palaces of its rulers. The town also holds a place in the history of Kerala’s performing arts: a ruler of Kottarakkara is credited with creating Ramanattam, a dramatic presentation of the Ramayana that contributed to the development of Kathakali.

In the eighteenth century the principality was drawn into the expansion of Travancore under Marthanda Varma. Its queen sought Dutch support against him, but the resistance failed and by 1742 Kottarakkara had been absorbed into Travancore. The memory of its former court endured in the artistic tradition associated with its rulers, even as its political independence disappeared.