CONTENTS: Introduction 1 Kerala and its History Influences in the field of construction Relevant research and theory Aims and objectives Relevance of the study Method of analysis Selection criteria for the case study Chapterization Scope and limitations of research 1: Travancore and Trivandrum 15 1.1 Introduction 12 1.1.1 Geographical features of the district 1.1.2 Climatic conditions 1.2 Factors influencing the built form 19 1.2.1 Maps of Kerala, Travancore, Trivandrum city, Fort area precincts 1.2.2 Availability of construction materials 1.2.3 Geographical features 1.2.4 Climatic factors 1.3 Brief description on the nature of existing settlements in Kerala 21 1.3.1 Determinants of the vernacular built forms 1.3.2 Existing settlement typology of Kerala 1.4 Identity of the Kerala style of Temples 29 2: The Temple and the Settlement 41 2.1 Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the Fort precincts 38 2.1.1 Historical background 2.1.2 The Temple 2.1.3 The Settlement 3:The Brahminical Influence 61 3.1 Defining the Influence 62 3.2 Primary influence 66 3.2.1 Proportioning systems 3.2.2 Proportioning systems in Plan organisation 3.2.3 Vertical proportioning 3.2.4 Systems of measurements and dimensionings 3.3 Extent of influence 76 3.4 Secondary or other influencing factors 87 3.5 Growth of settlement 91 4: Conclusion 101 Glossary 107 Bibliography 109 Illustration credits 111 Acknowledgement 112