During the freedom struggle movement there were no enough colleges in Thrissur for student to pursue higher studies. When subjects approached His Highness Kerala Varma in request for a new college for higher studies, Maharaja liked the idea very much. Merry Lodge Palace was the summer resort of his uncle Rajarshi Ramavarma, former Kochi Maharaja then. Kerala Varma gave that summer palace and its premises to start a new college in the heart of Thrissur town. He also gave a grand of 1 lakh rupees for this purpose, which was a huge amount in those days. He also sanctioned 4 lakh loan and candies of timbers for this purpose. Thus Kerala Varma College was opened to students, three days before Indian independence. i.e. on August 11, 1947. The college was inaugurated by Maharaja himself.

Rajarshi Ramavarma’s Samadhi mandap stays inside the college premises. So during annual functions of the college, all programs start after ‘Pushparchana’ at Rajarshi’s memorial. The words quoted in the palace - ‘Ashtu Vritham Shubham Sada’ is familiar among all its students and teachers. Many great persoanlities, politicians and celebrities have studied in this college. Now too, many prominent social figures work as professors in the college. Now including students from Lakshadweep, 2200 students study in this college. In 16 categories, 17 degree and 7 post-graduation courses are available in the college. The college also gives facility to do research works in Malayalam, English and Political science. Over 100 teachers serve as faculty here.

When it was the summer resort of Cochin Maharaja, he gave importance to plant trees belonging to different parts of India. Plants are planted in the 22 acres of the resort, which was then known by the name – Ootty. Now also the practice of planting new trees and plants continues. No constructions have been made within this plantation. The government authorities have faced huge protests from nature lovers and school students whenever they made attempt to cut trees. Paddy fields, a temple and two big ponds are also present within the college premises. Now the place is abundant with 350 species of plants and many rare varieties of birds also.

Article Posted By : Sandhya Rani  On September 19, 2014lView All Articles

I want to visit this college

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http://www.veethi.com/articles/kerala-varma-college-was-started-by-rama-varma-xv-4-days-before-indian-independence-article-3260.htm

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Shree Kerala Varma College , Thrissur