History of Grama Panchayat

Socio-Cultural History of Kulukkallur


 

Socio-Cultural & Religious Heritage
Mulayankavu Bhagavathy Temple, Perumthrikkovil, and the Subramanyan Kovil are the major Hindu places of worship. A rare highlight of Kulukkallur is the worship of the Sun and Moon deities. Serpent worship (Nagaradhana) and Sarpam Thullal remain active traditions, with V.T. Kesavan being renowned for Sarpam Thullal and Kalamezhuthu. Major Muslim places of worship include Vandunthara Mosque, Mappattukara Mosque, and Natyamangalam Mosque, along with several other prayer halls (niskarappallikals).


 

The Thuthapuzha (Kuntipuzha) River is deeply intertwined with local culture. Devotees consider performing ancestral rites (Pithru karmas) here holy, and elders believe floating unhusked coconuts down the river brings prosperity and higher yield from coconut palms. Historically, the river served as a vital trade route connecting to Ponnani. Today, its waters reach most parts of the panchayat, and Mappattukara Mosque stands on its banks.


 

Traditional art forms remain well-preserved, including Panan Pattu, Thekkanum Thekkathiyum, Nayadi Kali, Thira, and Poothan. Temples regularly conduct Kalam Pattu, Kalam Varackal, and Pana Pattu. The region is also home to skilled stone and wood artisans, alongside a vibrant network of youth-led clubs and arts committees.


 

Land Reform, Economics, and Social Progress
Post-independence developments and financial remittances from the Gulf region transformed the panchayat's economy. Historically, land ownership was concentrated within ten elite Manas (feudal estates). Land reforms dismantled the feudal system and tenant-farming (Pattavaram), empowering ordinary citizens through active peasant and progressive movements.


 

Key historical milestones include:


 

  • Tenant Movement: Khilafat movement activities spread locally, and petitions to reduce land rent under the Malabar Tenancy Act were led by K.G. Master.


     

  • Surplus Land Struggles: Around 500 volunteers led by K.K. Ramachandran organized at Purayannur Mana to claim surplus land.


     

  • First Land Redistribution: P.M.C. Divakaran Namboodiripad conducted Palakkad district's first surplus land distribution here.


     

Educational Evolution
Education initially followed the Gurukulam system within Brahmin households and temples, later expanding to prominent ancestral homes (Tharavads) like Anappaya and Achipra, which served as local centers of learning.


 

  • Harijan Education: T. Raman Ezhuthassan initiated Dalit education by teaching eight Harijan students at his home in Chundambatta.


     

  • Historical School Opening: Freedom fighter E.P. Gopalan purchased 50 cents of land to establish a primary school for Harijan children, which was inaugurated in 1935 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad (then Congress President).


     

  • Current Infrastructure: From an early primary school founded by Achipra Kunjanezhuthachan, the system grew into 12 operating schools today: 1 High School, 4 Upper Primary (UP) Schools, and 7 Primary Schools (including 1 High School, 1 UP, and 2 Primary Schools under direct government ownership).


     

Traditional Agriculture & Irrigation
Rice is the primary crop, traditionally cultivated across three seasons: Virippu, Mundakan, and Puncha in fields, and Modan (dryland rice) in uplands.


 

  • Virippu Varieties: Kazhama, Chengazhama, Vellarikkazhama, Kasthurikkazhama, Aryan, Cheruvelutharyan, Swarnaryan, Thavalakkannan, Veluthavattan, and Navara.


     

  • Modan Varieties: Kattamodan, Karuthamodan, and Chuvannamodan (harvested in the Malayalam month of Chingam).


     

  • Mundakan Varieties: Chitteni, Vellakkoli, Kavungin Poothada, Chuvanna Vempala, and Kampani Vellari (transplanted from dedicated seedbeds called Njattukandams and harvested in Makaram).


     

  • Irrigation Tools: Farmers relied on rain, wells, ponds, streams, and the Thuthapuzha River, utilizing traditional water-lifting mechanisms like Thekkukotta, Kalathekku, and Etham.


     

  • Other Crops: Coconut, areca nut, banana, pepper, ginger, cassava, sweet potato, pulse crops, sesame, horse gram, and vegetables.


     

Prominent Figures & Landmarks


 

  • Mulayankavu Bhagavathy Temple: Famous for the Kala Vela festival featuring lifelike single and paired bull effigies (Kalakkoppu) crafted by master sculptors. Distinctively, elephants are not paraded here, and the temple structure features two Mukhamandapams (front pavilions).


     

  • Arts & Literature: C.O. Sankaranarayanan was a master sculptor who carved a flute out of granite, Othikkunnathu Krishnan Kutty Nair was a renowned Kurumkuzhal artist, and Mulayankavu Aravindakshan authored an authoritative book on Chenda percussion.


     

  • Healthcare & Transit: Historically dependent on traditional Vaidyans (Ayurvedic practitioners), the area is now connected via the Shornur–Nilambur railway line running through the panchayat.