During the regime of His Highness Maharaja Balaramavarma, from 1798 to 1810, handloom weaving was first introduced at Balaramapuram. The Delava of Maharaja brought seven weaver families (Shaliars) from Tamil Nadu to produce fabrics for the members of the royal family and made them settle at Balaramapuram in a separate location now called "Shaliar Street". Market places were opened at convenient locations to make the marketing of products easier. The present residents of the street are the descendents of these seven families. Among the prominent weaving masters, Mr. Ponnan alias Appu panicker from Thannivila is an acclaimed weaver who taught the business to others of this region. The place Balaramapuram itself was named after the King who started industries in this region.