This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2024) |
Elanthoor is a village in Pathanamthitta district of the southern state of Kerala, India.[1] Situated halfway between Kozhencherry and Pathanamthitta, the area was part of the Kingdom of Travancore presumably since 1820.[citation needed] This peaceful rural belt has a significant place in the history of the freedom movement of the country and has made notable contributions to the film industry. The name for the village has likely originated from the expression "Ellangalude Oor", shortened over time to become "Elanthoor". "Ellangalude Oor" would mean "aggravation of settlements" or a region of concentration of houses.
Elanthoor | |
|---|---|
village | |
 Bhagavathi Hill Festival | |
  Elanthoor Location in Kerala, India | |
| Coordinates: 9°17′0″N 76°43′0″E / 9.28333°N 76.71667°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Pathanamthitta |
| Government | |
| • Type | Block Panchayat |
| Population (2001) | |
• Total | 15,344 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | UTC 5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 689643 |
| Telephone code | 0468 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-03 |
| Vidhan Sabha constituency | Aranmula |
| Climate | moderate (Köppen) |
Demographics
editAs of the 2001 India census, Elanthoor had a population of 15,344 with 7135 males and 8209 females.[1]
Location
editElanthoor is located between Pathanamthitta and Kozhencherry. The T. K. Road (Thiruvalla-Pathanamthitta-Kumbazha Road / SH - 07) connects Elanthoor to major towns. The village is easily accessible from the Main Eastern Highway passing through Pathanamthitta.
Nearest Police Stations: Elavumthitta (6 km), Aranmula (8.6 km), Pathanamthitta (8.6 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (CNGR) at approximately 18 km
Airports: Trivandrum International Airport (approximately 115 km)
Gandhi's Visit
editMahatma Gandhi toured Travancore in 1937 with the culmination of the Temple Entry Movement. During the tour which Gandhi preferred to call a "pilgrimage", he visited Elanthoor as well at the invitation of K. Kumar, known as Kumarji. Kumarji, known also as Travancore Kumar, was considered famous personality of the bygone era.[according to whom?] He was a veteran freedom fighter and was among the closest of Gandhi's disciples and associates in Kerala. In his speech, Gandhi described Elanthoor as a model village. He exemplified the historic work done in the region to admit Dalits into temples even before the Temple Entry Proclamation. Gandhi said in his speech, " I tender you my congratulations for having of your own initiative got rid of untouchability even before the issue of the proclamation. The proclamation now sets the steal of approval upon your work and makes your work acceptable to the whole of Travancore".
After the speech, Kumarji introduced Khadar Das TP Gopala Pillai and Pulinthitta PC George to the Gandhi. Gandhi scribbled a message on a piece of paper for Gopala Pillai which became an inspiration to him to take to Khadi.[citation needed]
Notable personalities
edit- Meera Jasmine, actress
- K. Kumar, Gandhian activist, social reformer and Chief Editor of 'Swadeshabhimani Newspaper previously edited by Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai
- Mohanlal, actor
References
edit
- ^ a b "Census of India : Villages with population 5000 & above". Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 10 December 2008.