Ancient History of Kanyakumari

In ancient times, Kanyakumari was a great centre for art and religion. It was major area for trade and commerce.Kanyakumari was governed by several rulers they are the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks.The architectural beauty of the temples was contributed by these great rulers.

Then Kanyakumari became a part of the Venad kingdom. The capital of Venad kingdom was at Padmanabhapuram.The Venad king, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma during his time in power 1729 to 1758, established Travancore by extending his province further north up to Aluva. At that time , the Kanyakumari District was popularly known as Southern Travancore.

King Marthanda Varma conquered the Dutch East India Company at the famous Battle of Colachel in 1741. British control was completely established over Venad and continued their rule till 1947, so kanyakumari was also under the control of the British till 1947.

Travancore joined the independent Indian Union in 1947.
The British rule ended. In 1949, Kanyakumari was a part of the Travancore-Cochin State.
By this time, the popular campaigning for the merger of Kanyakumari District with Tamil Nadu was raised by the predominantly tamil speaking people of the southern division of the former Trivandrum district. The campaign was under the leadership of Thiru M.A. Nesamani .In November 1^st 1956, Kanyakumari was joined with Tamil Nadu (which was known as Madras State at that time) with the four Taluks i.e., Agasteeswarem, Thovalai, Kalkulam and Vilavancode. Now, Noverber 1^st is a local holiday in Kanyakumari district.