CONTENTS Introduction 9 Factors which Influenced the Traditional Architectural Style ofKerala Basic Philosophy of Vastusastra 13 Geographical Factors 13 Geological Factors 13 Climate 14 Social Aspect 14 Religion 14 Historical Factors 16 Availability of Timber 17 History of Thiruvananthapuram The Core of the City of Thiruvananthapuram 19 Development of the Core to the Capital City 21 The Traditional Architecture of Thiruvananthapuram Ancient Style 25 Colonial Style 39 Documentation Section I : Residential buildings 43 Section II : Public Buildings 111 Section III : Religious buildings 143 Section IV : Institutional buildings 183 Section V : Other Structures 201 Appendix I References 211 Appendix II Principles of Traditional Architecture 213