It was founded in 1921 by four young graduates and teachers of Madras Christian College - Prof. K. C. Chacko, Prof. C. P. Mathew, Prof. V. M. Ittiyerah and Prof. A. M. Varki.

They increasingly felt the need to establish a college in Travancore on the lines of their alma mater, but with a commitment to ideals of Christian ecumenism and national reconstruction.

It was felt that the college would be able to bring the feuding churches together and enable it to witness the love of Christ in Indian society.

[2] The college began in an old court house situated in the 18 acres of land donated by Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore with the financial support of well wishers.

It began as a residential college with 63 students enrolled in the Junior Intermediate Class in Group III, and was affiliated to the Madras University.

The CMS missionaries who associated with the college as teaching faculty included Canon W. E. S. Holland, L. W. Hooper, B. G. Crowley, Stephen Neill.

The association elects the Board of Directors; the Standing Council runs the administration of the College through its Governing Board/Executive Committee.

ICF ensures the participation of the faculty in the governance of the College and also carry forward the legacy of the founding fathers.

The mango tree situated in front of the administrative block was planted by Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to the college in 1925.

Mahaganitham is a sculpture commemorating the large mahogany tree that stood in front of the Kacheri Malika.