TRIVANDRUM

city, capital of Kerala state, southwestern India. The community became prominent under Raja Martanda Varma, who made it the capital of his kingdom of Travancore in 1745. The city's present name is a contraction of Tiruvanantapuram, its ancient name. It is the site of the University of Kerala (1937) and its affiliated colleges and technical schools. It also has a museum, zoological gardens, an observatory, and an art gallery. A large fort contains several palaces and a Vaisnava (Vishnuite) temple, which is a noted pilgrimage centre. Trivandrum's industries include mineral processing, sugar milling, textiles, and handicrafts. It is a rail terminus and road hub and has an airport and a harbour. Trivandrum is situated on a coastal plain with isolated hills. Rice and coconut cultivation and coastal fishing are economically important. Pop. (1991 prelim.) city, 523,733; metropolitan area, 825,682.