Evolution Of Settlement in

Alappuzha

Prepared by Nipun Patel

Master in urban & regional planning,

Department of Architecture, M.S. University, Vadodara

LOCATION

• Alappuzha is a landmark between

the broad Arabian sea and a web

of rivers flowing into it.

• Situated from 58 km away from

Cochin(Ernakulam) and 230 km

away from Calicut in south

direction

HISTORY

• Since landing in Calicut in 1498,

the Portuguese started playing an

influential role in this area

(Alappuzha). They began by

spreading Catholicism and

converting already existing Syrian

Christians into Catholics.

• In the 17th century, as the

Portuguese power declined, the

Dutch gained a predominant

position in the principalities of this

district. They built many factories

and warehouses for storing pepper

and ginger, relying on several

treaties signed between the Dutch

and the Rajas of Purakkad,

Kayamkulam and Karappuram.

EVOLUTION OF ALAPPUZHA

TOWN• As the prominence of this place

increased day by day, in 1762, theDewan of Travancore, RajaKesavadas established a towncalled Alappuzha to encouragetrading and commercial activities.There were two canals throughthe strip of sand between theArabian Sea and Vembanad Lake.

• Both banks of the canals weredotted with several commercialestablishments, shops andfactories. This attracted merchantsfrom other parts of India to theregion.

Settlement Morphology of Alappuzha TownPORT AREA

GUJRATI CLUSTERAGRAHARAM CLUSTER

INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERGODOWN CLUSTER

DESIGN OF CANAL

• The width of main canalsis 30-35m while thewidth of sub canals is 8-10m

• While the depth of maincanal is about 10m andsub canal is 3m

Leiden – a paradise of interwoven canals and built

fabric

Schematic section through Alappuzha canal stretch

MAIN CANAL SUB CANAL

• Also the alternativechannels wereconstructed for theriver water to reach thesea, the original downriver (stream) watersection served as anouter harbor and theup-river section actedas an inner harbor(Amsterdam).

Damming at Alleppey

ALAPPUZHA –

ESSENTIALLY A

DUTCH TOWN

•DIKE TOWN - Rivers / backwaters

were diked

•Canals provides a valuable central

space and a setting for public

buildings across on both sides.

Alappuzha canal stretch

Leiden canal stretch

Alappuzha Leiden

DUTCH TOWN PLANNING

PRINCIPLES OF ALAPPUZHA

Larger buildings at prominent places is the

symbol of secular authority

Landmarks – Church Towers

Leiden

• Alignment of building blocks parallel to the canal and placement of a landmark to terminate the vista.

• Important crossings are accentuated by citing a religious building along the canal front.

• Limiting the width of water way by techniques in stone and timber construction

Higher degree of homogeneity in building style and street architecture

Alappuzha Leiden

Streetscape - Leiden

Streetscape - Alappuzha

PRIMARY STREET

SECONDARY STREET

TERTIARY STREET

CONNECTORS

Streetscape - Leiden

• Back in 1859 a 302 meter long

sea bridge and light house which

can spread its light up to 20 Km

was commissioned . canals and

roads are created to facilitate

inland transportation and to bring

goods from the shipyard to the

industrial areas.

• Thus the town became one of the

busiest trade centres, which had a

port along the Malabar Coast.

Traders travelling to the

destination from across the world

came in search for souvenirs and

black gold.

• In the early first decade of the 20th Century the Viceroy of the Indian

Empire, Lord Curzon made a visit in the State to Alleppey, now Alappuzha.

• Fascinated by the Scenic beauty of the place, in joy and amazement, he

exclaimed, “Alappuzha, the Venice of the East”. Thus the sobriquet found

its place in the world Tourism Map.

• The development of Cochin as a natural harbor in 1928 diminished

the importance of Alleppey town as a business hub. After the formation of

Kerala state after independence of India increased the popularity of Cochin

town as a harbor. Because the industries in Alleppy are centered around

Allppey port, it was diminished as the Cochin port became a popular

destination for ships.

FORMATION OF ALAPPUZHA

DISTRICT• On 17th of August 1957, the Alappuzha district was formed by carving out

some regions of Kottayam and Kollam district.

• It is assumed that the name of Alappuzha was derived by the geographical

position and physical features of the place which means ”the land between

the sea and the network of rivers flowing into it”.

• As the time passes, commercial activities decreases in Alappuzha and

slowly this place is transferred the to tourist place.

• Alappuzha is famous for house boats and back waters.

• Current population of Alappuzha is 174,164 which is sixth largest district in

Kerala.

SOURCES

• http://www.alappuzha.com/kuttanad.htm

• http://alappuzhatown.com/history/

• http://www.indianetzone.com/8/history_alappu

zha-district.htm

• http://www.ayurvedapackages.org/?destination

s=alappuzha

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alappuzha