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24th December 2024 (14 Topics)

C.S.I. Church and Eleanor’s Tomb in Munnar

Context

The C.S.I. Church and Eleanor Isabel May’s tomb, located in Old Munnar, Idukki, Kerala, hold both historical and cultural significance, representing a key aspect of the colonial-era tea plantation industry and the enduring legacy of British influence in the region.

About

  • The British began establishing tea plantations in Munnar over 125 years ago, which contributed to the development of the region as a key economic hub.
  • Henry Mansfield Knight, the General Manager of the British Tea Planting Company, was one of the key figures in Munnar’s early tea industry.
  • Death and Burial of Eleanor Isabel May:
    • Eleanor Isabel May, wife of Henry Mansfield Knight, tragically died in 1894 at the age of 24 from cholera.
    • In accordance with her last wish, Henry Knight buried her on a hilltop in Old Munnar. The tomb, built to honor her, remains an iconic historical site in the region.
    • In memory of Eleanor, Henry Knight and his friends built the C.S.I. Church in Old Munnar, which was completed in 1911.
  • Architectural style: The church was constructed in a Scottish Gothic architectural style using materials imported from England, including rough-hewn granite and the church bell.
    • The church’s architecture reflects British influence, particularly in its use of rough-hewn granite and Scottish-style Gothic design.
  • The church’s location offers a scenic view of the surrounding hills, making it not only a religious site but also a significant tourist attraction in Munnar.
  • Initially, services were held in English and Tamil, but today, Malayalam services are also conducted, reflecting the integration of the local culture into the church’s practice.

About Munnar

  • Munnar is a town in Kerala, India, in the Western Ghats.
  • Situated at 1,500 and 2,695 meters above sea level, the British formerly used this region as their summer capital in South India.
  • It is located at the confluence of three rivers (the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala Rivers).
  • The Munnar area is most famous for its proximity to several tea plantations.
  • The Neelakurinji flower that blooms once every twelve years, plays a significant role in attracting visitors to this remarkable area.
    • Another endemic plant species is the Strobilanthes kunthianus, a shrub that blooms once in 18 years. 
  • Forest: Munnar’s forests are categorised into three types – tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and shola forests.
  • National Park: The Eravikulam National Park in Munnar is a protected area home to several endemic species. 
  • Wildlife Sanctuary: Munnar has several wildlife sanctuaries – the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Related PYQ

Q. Consider the following States: (UPSC 2022)

  1. Andhra Pradesh
  2. Kerala
  3. Himachal Pradesh
  4. Tripura

How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?

  1. Only one State
  2. Only two States
  3. Only three States
  4. All four States

Solution: (c)

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