History of Grama Panchayat
ERUVESHI GRAMA PANCHAYAT
Social History and Cultural Development History
The social and cultural development of Eruveshi is the result of centuries-old historical traditions, community life and various social movements. The administrative history, migration, agricultural struggles, education, temples, places of worship and library movement form important parts of this history.
Social History
Historical and administrative background of Eruveshi
In earlier times, Irikkur Farka had an area of approximately 45 square miles. The headquarters of the Farka was Ellarinji. Karikkattidam Nayanar was the ruler. Later, Eruveshi and Payyavoor together formed Eruveshi Amsam and Panchayat.
Administration of the Amsam
The Adhikari of Eruveshi Amsam belonged to the Edaklavan landlord family. A traditional administrative system existed through officials such as Adhikari, Menons and Kolakkars.
Responsibilities of the Adhikari
The Adhikari was responsible for important functions such as land tax collection, administration of justice, and registration of births and deaths.
Official Titles of the Adhikari
Village Munsif Village Magistrate Birth and Death Registrar Pound Keeper
Social Life in Earlier Times
The population was very limited during that period. Settlements were mainly organized around different communities. Muchilottu Bhagavathi Temple and Ganapathi Temple were important places of worship in the region.
Tribal communities such as Karimpalars and Mavilars also lived in the region. The Karimpalars were permanent residents, while the Mavilars moved from place to place periodically. The Muslim community was also present in small numbers.
Land Ownership and Social Structure
During that period, upper-caste groups had considerable influence in society and land ownership. Karakkattidam Nayanar, the Edaklavans and the Chirakkal Raja were among the important centres of authority. The Payyavoor Devaswom also owned a considerable extent of land.
Land from Chirakkal Kovilakam later came into the possession of Mandanar. Mandanar was a member of the Chirakkal Kovilakam family who was later expelled from there. Royal status and authority were subsequently vested in Mandanar.
Historic Palaces
The remains of Moothedath Aramana near Poopparamba can still be seen. Ilayidath Aramana, Mundaya Aramana, Koorari Aramana and Idayillam Aramana are also important places associated with the history of the region.
Moothedath Aramana Ilayidath Aramana Mundaya Aramana Koorari Aramana Idayillam Aramana
History Behind the Name Kudiyanmala
Historical traditions and legends associated with a group known as Kudiyattikal are connected with the origin of the place name Kudiyanmala. This forms a notable part of the old social history of the region.
Cultural Development History
Cultural heritage and development of Eruveshi
The cultural history of Eruveshi has been greatly shaped by temples, Theyyam, places of worship, the migration movement, agricultural struggles, education and the library movement.
Ancient Cultural Centres
Kanjirangad Siva Temple (Muyipra), Chengoth Chuzhali Bhagavathi Temple, Eruveshi Theruvu Ganapathi Temple, Muchilottu Bhagavathi Temple, Puthiyabhagavathikavu, Poopparamba Vairan Kottam, Puliyanarkavu, Kiliyankal Vayanattu Kulavan Temple, Nelliyottuparamba Temple, Karivellery and several Theyyam centres form part of the cultural heritage of the region.
Migration Movement
1943
The migration movement began in 1943. Pulpel Joseph of Kanjirappally was one of the prominent pioneers of this movement.
Up to 1950
The migration movement continued until 1950. Farmers migrated to areas such as Areekkamala, Kudiyanmala, Nellikurtty, Ratnagiri, Chundapparamba, Cheriya Areekkamala, Kottakunnu, Vanchiyam, Pottanplavu and Chundakkunnu.
Agricultural Struggles
Various agricultural struggles associated with the lives of migrant farmers occupy an important place in the social history of the region. The Kavumbayi Struggle held on 30 December 1946 was a notable event. M.C. Rayarappan Master (M.C.R.) was one of the prominent leaders of the struggle.
Development of Education
Literacy activities in the region began through Eruveshi A.U.P. School. The school was established in the second decade of the twentieth century by Edaklavan Koroth Ramarkutty Nambiar.
Chemperi Nirmala L.P.S. was started in 1950. With the formation of Kerala State, the school was upgraded to a high school.
Heritage Associated with Sree Muthappan
Eruveshi is traditionally described as the birthplace of Sree Muthappan of Kunnathoorpadi. Ayyankara Illam and Thiruvanchira are said to be located in Eruveshi. The area where the present Padikkutti Devi Temple is situated is also associated with this tradition.
The annual festival is held during Meenam Pooram. Thirunritham performed with the Thidambu carried on the head is the main ritual.
Historic Places of Worship
Muyipra Muchilottu Bhagavathi Temple Eruveshi Puthiyabhagavathi Temple Eruveshi Ganapathi Temple Chuzhali Bhagavathi Temple Moothedath Aramana Temple Kanjirangad Ambalam
Mandanar Kotta
Mandanar Kotta was situated near the Eruveshi River in the Aramana area. The stone remains found here are believed to be the remains of historical structures dating back centuries.
Tradition of Religious Harmony
Lourde Matha Church was established at Chemperi in 1946. People belonging to different communities have traditionally participated in the church feast. Issathul Islam Juma Masjid is also an important place of worship in the region.
Library Movement
The library movement played a significant role in the social and cultural development of Eruveshi. The first reading room was started at Poopparamba in 1950 under the leadership of the Farmers’ Association. The National Library was established at Chemperi in 1956.
1950
First Reading Room
1956
National Library
10
Libraries in the Panchayat
1
Panchayat Cultural Centre
History and Heritage
The social and cultural history of Eruveshi represents a rich historical record reflecting the heritage, community life and social development of the region.
