Thiruvananthapuram :

The three-day national seminar  on ‘Thiruvananthapuram Charithrathil’  which began at the University College  here on Monday brought to light several unknown aspects of the history of the capital city.

Organized by the department of history, the seminar was inaugurated by Kerala Council for Historical Research chairman Michael Tharakan .

In his inaugural speech, Tharakan spoke about the history of the ancient and probably the very first church in Thiruvananthapuram, St. Anne’s Church of Pettah. “During Karthika Thirunal Maharaja’s regime, his courtiers were appointed based on their potential and not according to their religion.

Traders from far and wide used to come to Travancore for their business. One such trader was Thachchil Matthew Tharakan. He used to accompany the Maharaja in his rounds everywhere except to the temple. It is believed that the king learned about Christianity through Tharakan.

And so, way before the British rule was established here, St Anne’s church was built for the Christians just outside Pettah as people belonging to other religions and lower castes weren’t allowed into Pettah. The exact year of construction is still not known,” said Tharakan.

Around 16 experts will talk about various subjects in the seminar, which will conclude on Wednesday.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Thiruvananthapuram News> Schools & Colleges  / TNN / December 05th, 2017