The town of Kottayam is the main administration centre of the district. The district of Kottayam derives its name from two words: Kotta + Ayam meaning the interiors of a fort. The district played its own important characters during the political agitations against the British rule. This was the district in which the main foundation for the movement in favour to eradicate the system of Untouchables was initiated. The district was previously a part of Travancore, the princely state of the Kerala. The district has an extreme tropical climate that favours the growth of crops; the population that lives in the district is approximately equal to 19.7 lacs individuals. The district is famous for producing different kinds of crops as well as the industries that it has. Some huge credits that speak tons in favour of the people of the region are: The district was the first to eradicate Tobacco and to achieve 100% literacy.