History of Grama Panchayat

Elikkulam Grama Panchayat – History, Geography, and Cultural Heritage

Elikkulam Grama Panchayat is located in the Pampady Block of Kanjirappally Taluk in Kottayam District, Kerala, and comprises the villages of Elikkulam and Elangulam. The Panchayat covers an area of 40.14 square kilometres.

Boundaries

  • North: Meenachil Panchayat
  • East: Thidanad Panchayat and Kanjirappally Panchayat
  • West: Akalakunnam Panchayat and Pallikkathode Panchayat
  • South: Chirakkadavu Panchayat, Vazhoor Panchayat, and Kanjirappally Panchayat

The Panchayat was officially formed on 15 August 1953.

Geography and Economy

The landscape is characterized by hills, paddy fields, streams, slopes, and plains situated along both sides of the Ponnozhukum Thodu stream. Other important streams include:

  • Madukkakkunnu Thodu
  • Karadi Thodu
  • Thokkanadu Thodu

Together, these waterways extend for approximately 28 kilometres through the Panchayat.

Elikkulam is part of Kerala's semi-high-range region. Around 80% of the population depends on rubber cultivation, making rubber the principal source of income. Agriculture has significantly influenced local place names and cultural identity.

For example:

  • Elikkulam and Elangulam are associated with ponds ("kulam").
  • Mattam means field or agricultural land.
  • Panamattam derives its name from agricultural activities.

Religious and Cultural Heritage

The Panchayat reflects a rich tradition of religious harmony and cultural diversity.

Hindu Temples

Important temples are located in:

  • Elangulam
  • Elikkulam
  • Panamattam

Christian Churches

Notable churches are found in:

  • Elangulam
  • Karakkulam
  • Vanchimala

Mosques

Mosques are located at:

  • Panamattam
  • Vanchimala

These institutions have all contributed significantly to the Panchayat's social and cultural development.

Literary and Artistic Traditions

Most of the Panchayat's libraries were established during the 1950s, playing a major role in promoting education and literacy.

Traditionally:

  • Children from many middle-class families were trained in music and dance.
  • Elderly women taught young girls the traditional dance form Thiruvathira.
  • Public performances were held in temple courtyards during Thiruvathira celebrations.

Performing Arts

The Panchayat has a long history of artistic expression:

  • A Kathakali troupe was active in Panamattam several decades ago.
  • Many residents excelled in painting and visual arts.
  • The Mutharamman Temple festival at Second Mile features traditional Villu Pattu (bow-song performance) and Agni Karakam, a ritual involving carrying fire.
  • The Panamattam Devi Temple hosts the traditional Kumbhakuda Dance during its annual Pooram festival.
  • Elangulam was once home to a renowned Christian Margam Kali troupe.

Notable Literary Personalities

Several prominent literary figures have roots in Elikkulam:

  • R. Vasudevan Kartha – a respected scholar and poet.
  • Prof. V. P. Harinathan – author of a novel and two critical studies.
  • Zacharia – one of Kerala's distinguished contemporary writers.

Historical Background

According to local tradition, the rulers of the former Chembakassery Kingdom maintained a palace in Elikkulam for use during their visits. The building, known today as Moorippara Madam, still survives and is often referred to as "the palace."

Near Karakkulam Church, there once existed a Brahmin household known as Kallampally Mana, which owned a sacred grove and a pond called Thalikkottu Kulam. Ancestor worship rituals (annual bali offerings) were performed there.

Local belief holds that the area was originally known as Balikkulam because of these rituals, and over time the name evolved linguistically into Elikkulam.

Political and Religious History

Until around 1750 CE, Elangulam and Elikkulam formed part of the eastern frontier of the former Thekkumkoor Kingdom, which was ruled from Kottayam and functioned under the influence of the Kingdom of Cochin.

Many of the area's major temples were established between 1735 and 1745.

Important Temples

  • Elangulam Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
  • Panamattam Bhagavathi Temple
  • Elangulam Sree Mutharamman Temple

The Mutharamman Temple is believed to have been established by traders who migrated from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu via Muhamma in Alappuzha and brought their family deity with them.

Growth of Christianity

Local tradition states that the earliest Christian families were brought to the area by the Edappally royal family. Over time, as the Christian population increased, several churches were established, including:

  • St. Mary's Church Elangulam
  • St. George Church Urulikunnam
  • Cherupushpa Church Elikkulam

Freedom Movement and Social Struggles

Two notable participants in India's freedom movement from the Panchayat were:

  • P. Kesava Pillai
  • Joseph Peruvelil

Another significant event in the Panchayat's history was the Manjappallil Workers' Agitation, which began in 1969. The movement demanded higher wages and residential rights for workers and remains an important chapter in the area's social history.

Conclusion

Elikkulam Grama Panchayat is a region with a rich blend of agricultural heritage, religious harmony, cultural traditions, literary achievements, and social movements. From its rubber-based economy and scenic semi-high-range landscape to its temples, churches, libraries, and artistic traditions, Elikkulam represents a vibrant example of Kerala's rural cultural and historical legacy.