The Kerala Legislative Assembly, also known as the Niyamasabha is the law making body of Kerala. The Assembly has 140 elected representatives and one nominated member from the Anglo-Indian community.

The history of the Kerala Legislature dates back to 1888, when the Maharaja of Travancore, established a Council for the purpose of making laws and regulations. The inaugural meeting of the Council was held on 23'd August, 1888.

The Kerala Legislature had three parallel courses of development in the three regions of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar until they were merged together on 1st November, 1956 to form the State of Kerala. The first Legislative Assembly of Kerala with a strength of 127 including 10 nominated members was constituted in 1957.

The evolutionary process of the legislature in Kerala over a period of more than 100 years reflects the different phases of development of th state in consonance with the social, political and economic changes over the years. Even before the State of Kerala came into existence, many progressive laws for social welfare covering diverse subject such as tenant­ landlord relations, abolition of child marriage and  polygamy,  decentralization  of  power  to local bodies, labour welfare, forest protection, abolition of child labour, etc were enacted in Travancore, Cochin and Malabar. After independence also, several important and progressive laws have been enacted.

Shri  K.R.  Narayanan,  the  then  President  of India,  inaugurated  the   new  assembly   building called  the  Niyamasabha   Mandiram,  located  in Thiruvananthapuram   on  22nd  May,  1998.  Built primarily  in  the   classical   style  with   a  strong influence   of   many   contemporary   styles,   the building   has  a   large   Central  Assembly   Hall, gardens  and  water   bodies.  The  complex  also accommodates  the  residence  of  the  Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Secretary of the Niyamasabha. The  Niyamasabha maintains two museums for promoting   legislative  awareness among  public.  The  design  of  the  stamp,  First Day  Cover and Information Brochure  of  the - Kerala Legislative Assembly depict various facets of this marvelous building.

This year Kerala Legislature is celebrating its 1251 anniversary. Department of Posts is happy to commemorate this occasion with the release of a postage stamp.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India