Palakkad

Short History

          The ancient history of Palakkad is shrouded. According to William Logan, the author of “Malabar Manual”, the Pallava Dynasty of Kanchi might have invaded Malabar in the second or third century. One of their headquarters was Palakkad, which could be the present Palakkad. For many centuries the Malabar Region ruled by Perumals. Malabar had been invaded by many of the ancient South Indian Rulers. After this the Malabar was divided among their Utayavars. The famous among them were the “Valluvakonathiri” (Ruler of Valluvanad) Kollengode Raja (Ruler of Venguvanad) and Sekharivarma (Raja of Palakkad) of Palakkattussery. The Palakkad Region was came under the control of Kollengode Raja and Sekharivarma Raja of Palakkad.

          When the Kozhikode Sammoothiri invaded Palakkad in 1757, the Palakkad Raja sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore. His help forced the Sammoothiri for retreat. Later Hyder Ali subjugated all territories in Palakkad, which were under the possession of Kozhikkode Sammoothiri. Thus whole dominion of Palakkad passed into the control of Mysore Sulthan Hyder Ali Khan and his son Tippu Sulthan. The war between East India Company and Tippu Sulthan ended with the treaty of 1792 and all the possessions of Tippu in Malabar area ceded to the East India Company and it formed the Malabar District of the Madras Presidency.

LOCATION
           Palakkad district is situated in the South West Coast of India. The district is bounded on the North by Malappuram District, in the East by Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu, in the south by Trichur district and in the west by Trichur and Malappuram districts. The district is between 10’ 21 and 11’ 14 North latitude and 76’ 02 and 76’ 54 East longitude. The total Geographical Area of Palakkad district is 4480 sq.k.ms. Representing 11.53% of the State’s Geographical area. The Forest land of the district covers an area of 136257 hectares.

TOPOGRAPHY
          Topographically the district can be divided into two regions, the low land comprising the midland and the high land formed by the hilly portion. The soil is laterite in the hill and mid regions. Midland is thick with Coconut, Arecanut, Cashew, Pepper, Rubber and Paddy cultivation.

DEMOGRAPHY
          The district has a population of 2382235 persons according to the 1991 census. The density of the population is 532 per sq.k.m. Decadal growth rate for the period 1981 – 1991 is 16.25% in comparison with the state figures of 13.98% . The sex ratio of the district is 1065 females for 1000 males. This is in consonance with the unique pattern of the state, which is contrary to the All India figure of 929 females per 1000 males. The district has achieved 100 % literacy in 1991. Calculated on the basis of population above the age of 6 years.

RIVERS
          The most important river in the district is the Bharathapuzha. The tributaries of Bharathapuzha are Malampuzha, Walayar, Mangalam, Meenkara, Ayalure, Pothundy and Kanjirapuzha. There are also two tributaries of the Cauvery in Attappady hill range.viz. Bhavani and Siruvani. The other important river flows through the district is Korapuzha,. Kunthipuzha and Nellipuzha are two tributaries from Attappady and join the Bharathapuzha at Kuttippuram.

CLIMATE
          The district has a humid climate with a very hot season extending from March to June. In the Western Part of the district whereas it is less humid in the Eastern sector. The most important rainy season is during South West Monsoon, which sets the 2nd week of June and extends upto September. About 75% of the annual rain is received during the south west monsoon period. During the period December to May, practically no rain is received. The temperature of the district ranges from 20’ C to 45’ C . The maximum temperature recorded at Palakkad was 43’C.

ADMINISTRATION
          The District Headquarters located at Palakkad is about 160 k.ms. away from Kochi and 370 k.ms. from Thiruvananthapuram the State Capital. For the purpose of administration the district is divided into two Revenue Divisions – Ottappalam and Palakkad and 5 Taluks viz. Alathur, Chittur, Palakkad, Ottappalam and Mannarkkard. There are 163 villages in the district. Palakkad Municipality is one among the oldest municipalities of the state have completed 130 years. Other Municipal towns are Ottappalam, Shornur and Chittur Tathamangalam. The district has 90 Panchayaths. The district is divided into 13 Community Development Blocks for the effective implementation of various developmental activities

RESOURCES
          The Potential of a district depends primarily on the availability of resources, which can be utilized to forward integration as raw material for industry. The availability of all types of transport facilities viz. Road, Rail, and Water are the factors favorable to the district. Palakkad district is blessed with many resources like agricultural produces, minerals, horticultural produces, Cattle & Livestock, forest produce etc. The major agricultural products include rice, coconut, Banana, Groundnut, Cotton etc. and they offer maximum employment potential to the society. There are opportunities for the development of tourism with tourist spots like Malampuzha, Nelliampathy, Silent Valley National Park and Attappady.

LAND AND SOIL
          The total geographical area of Palakkad district is 4480 sq.k.ms. Out of this the area under forest is 1363 sq.k.ms. Palakkad, Chittur and Alathur taluks are more or less plain except for Nelliampathy Area of Chittur Taluk. But Ottappalam and Mannarkkad taluks are undulating. The district falls in the midland region except Attappady block which is an Integrated Tribal Development Block and lies in the high land region.
There are three types of soil (1) laterite soil seen in Ottappalam, Alathur, Chittur and Palakkad taluks (2) Virgin forest soil of Mannarkkad Taluk and (3) Black soil in Chittur and Attappady Valley which is used for the cultivation of Cotton.

LANGUAGE
          The language spoken by the people of the district is Malayalam, Tamil which is next in importance here. Those who have languages other than Malayalam as their mother tongue can generally understand and speak Malayalam. Tamil is common in Chittur Taluk and ‘Palakkad Taluk. Nearly 25 percent of the people are speaking Tamil as their mother tongue. Konkani,Tulu and Kannada speaking families are also seen here and there in the district.

RELIGION AND CASTE
          Hinduism is the pre-dominant religion of the district. Nearly 71 percent of the people belong to the Hindu community. All the sub castes of Hindus are well represented in the district. The Vellodys, Nedungadies Moothans, Gupthas, Mannadiars, Tharakars and Ezhuthachans are the peculiar sections of the Hindu Community of this district. The second largest community of the district is Muslims forming 25 percent of the total population. The strength of Christian Community is nearly 4 percent. Almost all the sections of the Christian Community are represented in the district. A large number of Christian families from Travancore areas have moved to the hilly tracts of the north and south valleys of the district, in thirst of land and living.

AREA UNDER CROPS
          Palakkad district is called the “Granary of Kerala” The net cultivated area of the district is 218000 hectares i.e. 49 percent of the total geographical area. Major portion of the cultivable area is used for raising food crops. About 80 percent of the rural population of this district are Agriculturists or Agricultural Labourers. The total paddy cropped area comes to 120809 hectares (totals of three seasons) Palakkad is the only district in the state where Cotton and Groundnut are cultivated. Area under Fibre Cotton cultivation is 14551 hect. and Groundnut is 10031 hectares.

          Coconut and other oil seeds occupy a prominent position among the crops covering 56356 hectares and it is one of the major source of income to the cultivators. Paddy, Cereals and Millets are cultivated in 141630 hectares and it is the major agricultural activity of the district. The area under Rive cultivation in the district is 28 percent of the total area in the state. Fibre, drugs etc. are cultivated in vast areas of the district covering 11744 hect. which is about 65 percent of the corresponding area of the state. The climate in the district is suitable for the cultivation of horticultural crops such as Mango. Jack fruit, Pappaya etc. and the area under cultivation of fresh fruits is 23908 hectares. Plantation crops such as Rubber, Tea, Coffee etc. are planted in a big way in midland and highland regions. The area under plantation crops is 29181 hectares in which rubber occupies more than 70 percent . More and more area are brought under plantation crops. Major cultivation of Cotton in the state is concentrated in Palakkad district which occupies an area of 11693 hectares.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

1. Kalpathy Car Festival. It is celebrated at Kalpathy Viswanatha Swami Temple, which is the oldest Temple in Malabar. It was built in A.D.1425 by H.H.Kombi Achan, the then Raja of Palakkad. The Retholsavam was celebrated during the last three days of Alpasi (Thulam) There are four chariots in this Grammoms. The centre of attraction of the festival is Kalpathy, Tamil Brahmin’s Village. (see the chapter Kalpathy Car Festival)
2. Chittur Konganpada. Konganpada is a grand festival of historical importance, celebrated in the Bhagavathy temple at Chittur, ten kilometers from Palakkad Town. It is held every year on the first Monday after the new moon night in Kumbhom (February-March), to commemorate the victory of Nairs of Chittur over the military of Konganadu (Coimbatore) led by the Chola King, Rajadhi Raja. The festival starts with “Chilambu” on Sivarathri in Kumbhom which reminds Kongan’s (Chola Kings) declaration of war and the frightened people worshipping Bhagavathy and beseaching her help
3. Jain Festival. There is an ancient Jain temple at Jainmedu, near Palakkad town. According to a legend, one sutar (head of the Jains) built this temple 500 years ago for the Jain sage. Chandranathaswamy. The Jains who came here from Mysore fled from this place during the invasion of Tippu Sulthan.
4. Nemmara Vallenghy Vela. (Nellikulangara Vela) To invoke the blessings of Nellikulangara Bhagavathy, the people of Vallenghy and Nenmara conduct a festival on 20th Meenam (March-April) every year. This is the famous Nemmara Vallanghy Vela. This beautiful temple is in the Vallenghy Village of Chittur Taluk. The flag hoisting ceremony in connection with the vela is held jointly by the residents of Vallanghy and Nemmara on 9th Meenam. On all days following the flag hoisting till the eve of the vela, Kummatti, Karivela,Andivela and similar other folk rituals are performed. These three ceremonies together are known as Kanyar. The pomp and splendor of the festival would put it in second place, perhaps only to the Pooram festival of Thrissur.
5. Ottappalam Nercha Festival. Juma prayers are held in Ottappalam mosque on Fridays. To commemorate the death anniversary of a saintly person by name Uthman Auliya, an annual festival is held in January-February. The special feature of this festival is the grand procession which ceremoniously brings various things such as rice, coconuts etc. to the mosque as offerings. On the next day, a feast is held where the various articles received will be cooked and distributed to the poor.
6. Sivarathri Festival at Kallekulangara. The festival is conducted for nine days and ends with an arat of the deity Hemambika in Kalpathy River. The festival is celebrated in the Kallekulangara Bhagavathy Temple,at Akathethara.
7. Manappulikavu Vela. The important festival of Manappullikavu at Yakkara is the annual Vela.
8. Arat Festival in Kachanamkurichy Temple. Kachanamkurichy temple is an important Vishnu temple. The arat festival here in the month of May attracts many people.
9. Navarathri festival in Pallavur Siva Temple, Amavasi Festival in Trippallur Siva Temple, Pooram festival in Kongad Bhagavathy temple and Retholsavam at Kodumba Subrahmanya Temple are some of the important festivals which attracts a large number of devotees. Mahamakom is also held in the Kodumbu temple once in twelve years.

PLACES OF TOURIST INTERES
          Palakkad, which lies at the foot of the Western Ghats, the dreamy land of misty monuments with its ever green tropical forests, dams, wild life sanctuaries, rivers, rare birds and animals, historical monuments, places of worship and traditional Ayurvedic treatment centres, has tremendous scope and immense potential to become one of the best tourist destinations in the country. The district is gifted with the beauty of virgin and verdant Nelliampathy hills, the precious and unique Silent Valley National Park, the famous Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Attappady hills and more than half a dozen dams like Malampuzha, Mangalam, Pothundi, Kanjirapuzha, Siruvani and Parambikulam
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Nelliampathy
          Nelliampathy Hills are extremely fascinating and offer an easy escape from the sorting summer of Palakkad. About 75 kms from Palakkad is this cool hill resort. The height of the hills ranges from 467 metres to 1572 metres. It has immense trekking potential. Seethargundu, at Nelliampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below, a wide angled panoramic picture of about one third of Palakkad, beautiful and resembling the Green Valley of Kodaikanal. The total area is about 82 sq.kms. The highest peak in the range is Nellikotta, also called Padagiri. It is 1585.08 metres above sea level. The other major peaks are Vellachimudi, Valiyavana, Mayanmudi and Vela Vanchan, each about 1200 metres high. The annual average rainfall in the area is 4.244 mm. The temperature varies between 15’ C in December and 30C in April, the mean temperature being 22’C. The Pothundi reservoir glints in the distance like sapphire in a sea of emerald. The 1000 metre high waterfall is one of the major attractions. Seethargundu got its name from the legend that Sita Devi, during the vanavasa period with Sri Rama, took a bath here. During Deepavali, a large number of devotees gather here.

Malampuzha
          Malampuzha Garden is the Vrindavan of Kerala. Malampuzha exudes the charm of the harmony of nature a perfect synchronization of the grandeur of the mountains blending with the serenely of rivers. It is 12 kms from Palakkad. There are lush green lawns, Innumerable flower beds glittering pools, fountains and avenues. There is a fresh water aquarium. A snake park and a children’s park with a toy train, which await the pleasure and delight of children. The reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing. The Garden House has a unit of water ports. A small garden in the Japanese style gives a . touch of exotic charm to the landscape. So does the hanging bridge across the river. Another items of interest in the part is the imposing concrete sculpture of YAKSHI, done by the renowned Kanai Kunhiraman. ThePassenger ROPEWAY, the first of its kind in South India, offers adventurous and delightful air journey of 20 minutes across the gardens, giving a soul string view of the gardens, the distant hills that kiss the heavens and the blue strip of the reservoir. There is a ROAD TRAIN for amusement ride on wheels. In the vast expanse of the Malampuzha Garden and its vicinity.. There is a TELESCOPIC TOWER in the garden providing a terrestrial view upto 40 miles. The first ROCKGARDEN emerged from the Master creator Padmashree Nek Chand of Chandigarh, in South India is at Malampuzha. Modeled after Appu Ghar of Delhi and Essel World of Bombay the first Amusement Park of Kerala named FANTASY PARK is at Malampuzha. The Park has modern thrilling Rides over 8 acres plot landscaped beautifully with Garden and Fountains.

Pothundy
          Pothundy is 38 kms south of Palakkad town. An irrigation project was commissioned here in 1968 with an estimated cost of Rs.234.25 lakhs, consisting of an earthen dam with a spillway section across the tributaries of Ayalure River. Its 10 kms right bank canal ad 8 kms left bank canal irrigate an area of 5465 hectares in Chittur and Alathur Taluks. The project also provides water supply to Nemmara and Ayalure Villages.

Ottappalam
          This was the centre of political as well as tenant movements in South Malabar of the erstwhile Malabar province of Madras Presidency. The festival at Chathan Kandar Kavue is very famous one in Ottappalam. The legend goes that the temple was built by the local Kanjoor Namboodiri family at a place where a scheduled caste person called Chathan found a stone bleeding while he was sharpening his knife on it. The deity of this temple is Durga. The annual festival is Talapoli which is celebrated on Avitam day in Meenam. Nercha festival in the Ottappalam mosque attracts the local Muslims in large numbers. It is said that a saintly person by name Uthaman Auliya had lived and dies at this place. An annual festival is held at this mosque on his death anniversary.

Silent Valley
          The Silent Valley National Park, with an area of 90 sq.kms, is situated in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Manarkkad in the south. The river Kundhi descends from the Nilgiri hills above, a altitude of 2000 meters traverses the entire length of the valleys and rushes down to the plains through a deep gorge. River Kunthi never turns brown, it is crystal clear, perennial and wild. The Silent Valley National Park, is probably one of the most magnificent gift of nature to mankind, a unique preserve of tropical rain forests in all its pristine glory with an almost unbroken ecological history. Thanks largely to its difficult terrain and remittances the extent of degradation is minimum comparison with other sanctuaries. There is a huge wild tree of Kattualying variety. It is hollow within and can hide atleast 12 people in it.

Mangalam
          Located 48 kms south of Palakkad town, Mangalam is mainly occupied by settlers from other parts of the State. Mangalam dam is located near the NH 47 about 14 kms. South of Vadakkencherry village. The dam is constructed across Cherukunnapuzha a tributary of Mangalam River. It is located in picturesque surroundings. The reservoir fringes on the forest area where there are deer, wild elephants and a variety of birds. There are beautiful parks and lawns adorned with statues.

Siruvani
          The Siruvani Project is in Sholayur Panchayath. The dam constructed across the River Siruvani, is for supplying drinking water to Coimbatore Corporation of Tamilnadu. The dam is surrounded by reserve forests. The distance from Edakkurissi to Siruvani Dam is 22 kms. The scenic beauty of Siruvani is simply enchanting. Muthikulam hill is situated on the eastern side of the dam. There is a natural water fall in the hill.

Meenkara
          Meenkara is a fascinating spot by virtue of the dam, garden, fishponds and natural beauty. It is 32 kms.south east of Palakkad Town. This Dam is built in the river Gayathri which flows into Bharathapuzha.

Dhoni
          Dhoni is a reserve forest area , 15 kms from Palakkad town. The forest has among other captivating signs, a small but splendid waterfall. The site can be reached after a fairly long climb of 3 hours from the base of Dhoni Hills.

Parambikulam
          Parambikulam wild life sanctuary extends over an area of 280 sq.kms. It is 110 kms away from Palakkad via. Pollachi. The oldest and highest teak tree “Kannimari Teak” is situated here. Three Dams were constructed on the hill top. They are Paruvarippallom,Thunakadavu, and Parambikulam. for the irrigation of Pollachi Taluk of Tamilnadu and Chittur Taluk of Palakkad District. It is the place which is famous for teak plantations. Boat cruises is provided in the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thunakadavu, Thellikkal and Elanthode and a tree house in Thoonakkadavu offer lodging facilities. The Giant Kannimari Teak and the wild animals in the forest area are a sight to dream of.

Kanjirapuzha
          Kanjirapuzha Dam is situated about 38 kms. from Palakkad. The water spread of the dam lies in a single stretch. An evergreen forest, by name ‘Vettilachola’ is immediately beyond the reservoir which is surrounded by hills and during rainy season, the mountain will be covered with mist. All this makes the area extremely beautiful and picturesque. There are three islands in the reservoir with plenty of fish (including commercial varieties) grown by the Fisheries Department.

J.P.Smrithi Vanam
          Loknayak J.P.Smrithi Vanam and Deer Park is in an extent of 100 acres of reserve forest at Walayar in the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu on the side of N.H.47. Deers and other animals move freely in this park. Facilities for elephant ride is provided. The distance from Palakkad town is 22 kms.

Mayiladumpara
          Peacock Sanctuary. Myladumpara Choolannur Peacock Sanctuary is 30 kms. away from Palakkad. It is well known as a grove abounding in Peacocks.

Palakkad Fort
          Palakkad Fort, situated in the Palakkad Town, is the most beautiful and best preserved forts in Kerala. The sober silence of the granite wall reminds the old tales of valour and courage. It was constructed in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore and his son Tippu Sulthan. In 1790 the fort was taken over and remodified by the British East India Company. The fort is protected by the Archeological Survey of India. Martyr’s Column, Open Air Auditorium called “Rappadi” and Tourism Information Centre of District Tourism Promotion Council are there in the spacious Fort Maidan. The Children’s Park and ‘VATIKA’ are just on the side of the Fort. The fort was situated in the middle of Palakkad Gap with an area of 15 acres.

Kottayi
          It is 15 kms away from Palakkad. Kottayi is the native place of the Late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Karnatic Music.

Mennvallom
          There are 10 steps of Water falls at Meenvallom, the originating point of Thuppanadu River. The height of the falls varies from5 to 45 metres. The distance from Palakkad is 37 kms.

Attappadi
          Attappady is a tribal abode. Irular, Mudugar and Kurumbar are the main tribal groups. They live in forest in closely built huts called ‘Ooru’ (hamlets) Government have constructed some concrete programs to uplift the tribals. The Intensive Tribal Development Project, Attappady implementing the tribal development schemes.

Thunchan Gurumadom
          Across the lush green fields, two kms. From Chittur Town on the banks of river Sokanasini an old building where Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, regarded as the father of Malayalam Language, lived in the 16th Century. People call it Gurumadom and it is here that he transcreated the two great Sanskrit epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, for the common people. At the Gurumadom one Srichakra and a few idols worshipped by him the stylus the wooden slippers (Padukom) and a few old manuscripts are exhibited. It is on Vijayadasami day that the memorial gets the maximum number of visitors with hundreds of children brought here for a ritualistic initiation into learning.

Kunchan Smarakom
          Kalakkathu Kunchan Nambiar represents an age and its culture in the field of Malayalam literature. He was the native of Killikkurissimangalam in Palakkad. Now, the Kunchan Smarakom is a national monument and is being governed by a Committee appointed by the Government. A three year course on Ottan Thullal, Seethankan Thullal and Parayan Thullal was started with the help of artists attached to this monuments. Every year May 5th is celebrated as Thunchan Day. A library and an Auditorium are attached to this monuments.

          There are so many other tourist centres are also here. Important of them are Sree Rama Temple and the Spring at Thenari, the Kattilmadom Temple, Ruins of a mud fort near Chalissery etc..