History
History and Heritage of Thazhekkode Grama Panchayat
Thazhekkode is believed to have derived its name from the saying “Thazhekado” or “Thazhekkoda,” referring to the forest-covered region lying at the foothills of the Amminikkadan mountain ranges. The historically significant regions of Bheemanad, Aliparamba, Perinthalmanna, Vettathoor, and Thachanattukara are situated in the vicinity of the Panchayat.
Amminikkad was known in ancient times as “Ayminukkad.” It is traditionally believed that the name Amminikkad originated from the legend that five sages performed penance on the mountain. Kodikuthimala, which has found a place on the tourism map of Kerala, is a scenic and picturesque destination. It is believed that the name “Kodikuthimala” originated from the practice of planting flags on the hill during surveys conducted by the British.
Arakkaparamba is a sacred region associated with several legends and historical traditions. According to local belief, the Pandavas stayed here during their exile. The river where Kunti Devi, the mother of the Pandavas, is believed to have performed her ritual bath is known as the Kuntippuzha. It is also believed that the Kauravas constructed a house made of lac for the Pandavas to stay in this region, and the place later came to be known as Arakkaparamba. The Chhethalloor region, which is closely associated with the memories and legends of the famous Naranathu Bhranthan, is situated only a short distance from the Panchayat.
The people of this region are the true inheritors of the Valluvanad culture, while maintaining considerable diversity in their faiths, customs and traditions. The Achar community, traditionally regarded as a tribal community, is considered among the earliest inhabitants of the region. Historically, many people belonging to the oppressed sections of society were identified through the names and households of their landlords. The Cherumars, who worked for and supported the feudal landlords, are believed to have initially arrived in the region as dependants of the Arakkal Nairs.
Although these communities were sometimes described through flattering terms referring to their traditional skills and occupations—such as the Panan, who awakened the land through songs; the Parayan, known for skilled manual work; and the Karuvan, associated with the craft of ironworking—they were, in reality, largely treated as instruments for fulfilling the needs of the landlords. A significant section of the historically disadvantaged communities living here were tenant cultivators.
The centuries-old Calicut–Madras Trunk Road, which corresponds to the present-day Palakkad–Kozhikode National Highway 213, was an important milestone in the development of Thazhekkode Panchayat. The Thazhekkode–Koorikkundu–Manikyaparamba–Nattukal road, constructed in connection with the military movements of Tipu Sultan, is also of considerable historical importance.
Thazhekkode takes pride in having participated in the historic anti-British struggle known as the Malabar Rebellion of 1921. Chelaparambil Kunjikamma, a courageous freedom fighter from the Karinkallathani area, sacrificed his life for the nation by standing fearlessly before the guns of the British. His memory continues to live in the hearts of the people of Thazhekkode.
It is understood that Poothamkottan Veerankutty of Amminikkad, who lived to the age of 103, was one of the oldest surviving elders of the Panchayat.
The progressive-minded people of Arakkaparamba played a notable role in the temple-entry movements that challenged the caste-based practice of untouchability and sought to open temples to people belonging to the lower castes. Their leadership in such social reform movements remains particularly significant.
During the 1930s, the establishment of the Ayirayi Estate marked the beginning of migration and settlement in the Panchayat by Christian families from Travancore. As the commercial skills of the Muslim community and the agricultural practices of the Christian settlers came together, the village gradually began to climb the ladder of development.
The iron slag heaps found in various parts of Thazhekkode Grama Panchayat are believed to be remnants of iron mining and iron-working activities carried out centuries ago. The weekly market held on Mondays at Poovathani was once famous in the region.
The place name Karinkallathani itself indicates its historical significance. It is believed to have been a place where a stone resting platform or “athani” made of black stone was installed in earlier times. On Makaram 22 of the Malayalam calendar year 1055, a person named Parangodan Nair of Panayanna Kayaratta Kizhakkethil is said to have constructed it.
The Thazhekkode G.M.L.P. School building was once situated at the location where the Thazhekkode Village Office now stands. In earlier times, the steam-powered railway engine, popularly known as the “Karivandi,” which operated along the Kozhikode–Palakkad road, was a source of great curiosity to the people of the region.
In 1982, electricity was introduced to Thazhekkode Grama Panchayat through the collective efforts of the people. An amount of one lakh and twenty-five thousand rupees was raised and deposited under the debenture scheme, paving the way for the first supply of electricity to the Panchayat.
The first post office in the Panchayat was established at Karinkallathani.
When the Panchayat came into existence in 1962, it was classified as a Third Grade Panchayat. During 1980–81 and 1981–82, it received the trophy for the best Panchayat in the district. In 1983–84, it was selected as a Grama Utsava Panchayat. Subsequently, during the periods 1995–2000, 2000–2005 and 2005–2010, the Panchayat continued to be recognised among the Grade-A Panchayats of the district and received recognition as one of the best-performing Panchayats.
Thazhekkode is a region where Hindus, Muslims and Christians live together in harmony and friendship. The Panchayat presents an atmosphere enriched by the sound of the call to prayer from mosques, the chanting of “Om Shanti” from temples and the ringing of church bells. The people live together with mutual respect and cooperation, presenting an example of communal harmony.
Vattaparamba Mahallu Juma Masjid is regarded as the first Muslim mosque in this region. Copper plates dating back approximately 950 years have reportedly been discovered in the area. The Sree Thirunarayanapuram Shiva Temple at Arakkaparamba is considered one of the oldest Hindu places of worship in the region. These historical remains and traditions indicate that human settlement in the area of Thazhekkode Panchayat may date back many centuries.
Nerchas, Thalappolis, church feasts, Onam celebrations and annual celebrations of libraries are conducted throughout the Panchayat with great enthusiasm. The annual Nercha at Kammusufi Jaram is one of the major events that attracts large crowds. The Thalappoli festival at Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple at Mattarakkal and the feast at St. Sebastian's Church at Vellappara are also well-known celebrations in the region.
Traditional art forms such as Pootham Thira, Mudiyattam, Kolkali, Chavittukali, Ayyappan Vilakku and Kakkassery dramas continue to be preserved and practised without becoming extinct.
Until the middle of the 1970s, a large section of the population depended primarily on agriculture for their livelihood. Today, however, a significant proportion of the people work in the Gulf countries. The influence of Gulf remittances has brought about remarkable changes in the fields of education and healthcare and has contributed substantially to the economic development of the region.
Income from the Gulf countries is one of the major sources of economic activity in the Panchayat. Farmers earn income mainly from rubber, arecanut, coconut and other agricultural products. At the same time, there has been a gradual decline in dependence on agriculture, with fewer people continuing in farming.
Many young people are now employed in the construction sector. There are considerable employment opportunities within the Panchayat for those willing to work, and people from other states also come to the Panchayat in search of employment.
As a result of people travelling to other states and countries for employment, many residents are familiar with languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Arabic and English. Employment abroad has also brought the influence of diverse cultures into the Panchayat.
As the dependence on agriculture has declined, the influence of the Gulf region has encouraged more people to enter trade and commerce. This transition has contributed to the economic growth and development of the region.
Today, Thazhekkode Grama Panchayat stands as a region where history, tradition, cultural diversity, communal harmony and economic transformation coexist. Its rich historical heritage, traditional art forms, agricultural roots, migration history and social development together form an important part of the identity of Thazhekkode.
