University College Thiruvananthapuram: Heritage building being destroyed?

By Rosamma Thomas*

When Swathi Thirnal Rama Varma, ruler of the state of Travancore and a patron of the arts visited Nagercoil, he saw the school run by the London Missionary Society there; he was impressed by the quality of the education offered and invited the principal of that school to help him set up an institution on similar lines in his state – that was the beginning of the Rajah’s Free School in 1834 – the government contributed the fees for the education of 80 pupils, and no fees were charged from students or their parents, although the institution itself remained private; in less than a year, the government took over the school and its management, making it one of the first government schools in India.

(Neet or official proclamation of the school issued by the ruler; courtesy: website of the college)

During the reign of Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma, it was decided that higher education too should be provided to students, and by 1866 it became a college affiliated to the University of Madras, which itself was established only a few years earlier, in 1857. The school remained attached to the college. In 1919, the school was moved to premises in Vanchiyoor, and the old building was given completely to the college.

For some years, the arts and science courses were bifurcated, but by 1942 it became evident that the “university” must comprise diversity, and the two were amalgamated again. In 1969, as the college celebrated its centenary, then President of India Dr S Radhakrishnan inaugurated the celebrations.

In any other country, a building of such historical importance would be carefully conserved, and the building itself would be used as an object of study for generations of students – not so in Kerala, where the building is currently undergoing repairs that are bound to leave it greatly altered – the terracotta tile roof is being dismantled, the wooden slats that held up the tiles are being removed, and a coarse tin roof is being installed, that is likely to make the students swelter in the heat.

Funds could have been drawn from the department of education and culture to conserve this important building (Kerala Budget 2024 provided Rs170 crore for the promotion of art and culture; and over Rs1000 crore for public education).

Tourism too would benefit from the conservation of such structures – even as the buildings are being used by students, curious tourists could be accommodated for tours of the campus, interacting with students and also allowing students to learn about the countries from which they visit. (Rs385 crore was allocated to tourism in the 2025 state budget).

Across the state, old buildings with terracotta tile roof are being pulled down – it is a wonder that beauty, proportion and modesty that once were the norm have now disappeared in Kerala’s built environment.

---

*Freelance journalist

Comments

The soundtrack of resistance: How 'Sada Sada Ya Nabi' is fueling the Iran war

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* The Persian track “ Sada Sada Ya Nabi ye ” by Hossein Sotoodeh has taken the world by storm. This viral media has cut across linguistic barriers to achieve cult status, reaching over 10 million views. The electrifying music and passionate rendition by the Iranian singer have resonated across the globe, particularly as the high-intensity military conflict involving Iran entered its second month in March 2026.

Kolkata dialogue flags policy and finance deficit in wetland sustainability

By A Representative Wetlands were the focus of India–Germany climate talks in Kolkata, where experts from government, business, and civil society stressed both their ecological importance and the urgent need for stronger conservation frameworks.

'Fraudulent': Ex-civil servants urge President to halt Odisha tribal land dispossession

By A Representative A collective of 81 retired civil servants from the Constitutional Conduct Group has written to the President of India expressing alarm over what they describe as the wrongful dispossession of tribal lands in Odisha’s Rayagada district. The letter, dated April 19, 2026, highlights violent clashes in Kantamal village where police personnel reportedly injured over 70 tribal residents attempting to protect their community rights.

Dhandhuka violence: Gujarat minority group seeks judicial action, cites targeted arson

By A Representative The Minority Coordination Committee (MCC) Gujarat has written to the Director General of Police seeking judicial action in connection with recent violence in Dhandhuka town of Ahmedabad district, alleging targeted attacks on properties belonging to members of the Muslim community following a fatal altercation between two bike riders on April 18.

Maoist activity in India: Weakening structures, 'shifts' in leadership, strategy and ideology

By Harsh Thakor* Recent statements by government representatives have suggested that Maoism in India has been effectively eliminated, citing the weakening of central leadership and intensified security operations. These claims follow sustained counterinsurgency efforts across key regions, including central and eastern India. However, available information from security agencies and independent observers indicates that while the organizational structure of the CPI (Maoist) has been significantly disrupted, elements of the movement remain active. Reports acknowledge the continued presence of cadres in certain forested regions such as Bastar and parts of Dandakaranya, alongside smaller, decentralized units adapting their operational strategies.

Why link women’s reservation to delimitation? The unspoken political calculus

By Vikas Meshram* April 16, 2026, is likely to be recorded as a special day in the history of Indian democracy. In a three-day special session of Parliament, the central government is set to introduce a comprehensive package of three historic bills: the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026; the Delimitation Bill, 2026; and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The stated purpose of all three is the same: to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (106th Constitutional Amendment) passed in 2023. However, the political intent concealed behind these measures — and their impact on the federal balance — is far more profound. It is absolutely essential to understand this.

From Manesar to Noida: Workers take to streets for bread, media looks away

By Sunil Kumar* Across several states in India, a workers’ movement is gathering momentum. This is not a movement born of luxury or ambition, nor a demand for power-sharing within the state. At its core lies a stark and basic plea: the right to survive with dignity—adequate food, and wages sufficient to afford it.

Catholic union opposes FCRA amendments, warns of threat to Church institutions

By A Representative The All India Catholic Union (AICU) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as growing threats to religious freedom, minority rights, and constitutional safeguards in India, warning that recent policy and legislative trends could undermine the country’s secular and federal framework.

Cracks in Gujarat model? Surat’s exodus reveals precarity behind prosperity claims

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* The return of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, particularly from Gujarat, was inevitable. Gujarat has long been showcased as the epitome of “infrastructure” and the business-friendly Modi model. Yet, when governments become business-friendly, they require the poor to serve them—while keeping them precarious, unable to stabilize, demand fair wages, or assert their rights. The agenda is clear: workers must remain grateful for whatever crumbs the Seth ji offers.

Counterview

Search This Blog