Cherthala

According to local legend, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, the Kerala Hindu saint, while travelling through Cherthala, found an idol of the Devi with its head immersed in a muddy pond. The Swami understood the divinity of the idol, took it out of the mud, cleaned it and consecrated it in a temple near the pond. Thus the place is believed to have gotten its name as cher meaning "mud" and thala meaning "head" in Malayalam. The deity of the temple has the name Cherthala Karthiyayani.^[2]

During the medieval period Cherthala was an important hub for the spice trade, with merchants from across India and abroad trading spices, textiles, and other commodities. Its proximity to the backwaters and Arabian Sea made it ideal for such activities.^[3]

In the 18th century, following the 1762 treaty between Travancore and Cochin, Cherthala came under the Kingdom of Travancore and remained a vital trade center. The economy and culture flourished, with various institutions established.^[4] It served as a strategic center during conflicts such as the Travancore-Dutch War (1757–1758), when Dutch outposts in Alleppey were key targets.^[5] The region experienced political instability in the early 20th century, culminating in the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising of 1946, a communist-led revolt against Travancore rule that spread from Cherthala to Ambalapuzha.^[6]

After the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, Cherthala became part of Kerala.^[7] Today, it is a thriving municipality with a diverse economy and rich cultural heritage.^[8]

According to 2011 census report, Cherthala Municipality had population of 45,827 of which 22,192 are males while 23,635 are females.

The population of children aged 0–6 is 3988 which is 8.70% of total population of Cherthala (M). In Cherthala Municipality, the female sex ratio is 1065 against state average of 1084. Moreover, the child sex ratio in Cherthala is around 911 compared to Kerala state average of 964. The literacy rate of Cherthala city is 97.02% which is higher than the state average of 96.2%.^[10] In Cherthala, male literacy is around 98.58% while the female literacy rate is 95.59%.^[11]

Cherthala Town Municipality has 35 wards.^[12] The town is the site of the Karthyayani Devi temple, located in the center of the town.

• Places of worship in Cherthala
• Alappuzha district