HISTORY
HISTORY OF PANCHAYAT
Origin and Early History
The chieftains of the thirteen Namboodiri families who governed Karassery used to discuss administrative matters in this region. One assumption is that "Karassery" originated from Karya-Kachery (the place where matters were discussed). Another assumption is that the name Kari-chery came from the weapon Kari (sword/club) of Balarama, the main deity of the Adhithrakovil Temple (Adhitharakkal), one of the prominent temples in the area.
At the beginning of the 19th century, laborers were imported from neighboring districts for plantation work, increasing the population density of the village. Although the chieftains of Karassery did not have direct ties to the national movement, figures like Congress members K. Unneppan, Palakkadavath Govindan, and Paliyil Appu were actively involved in freedom struggle propaganda in the 1930s.
Economy and Migration
With land ownership falling into the hands of feudal lords, timber logging became the primary occupation of the people. Vast, endless forests and two rivers used for floating logs made this occupation profitable. Creating pitfall traps and capturing and taming wild elephants were common practices back then.
At a time when other parts of the district lacked adequate vehicular traffic, this village had numerous lorries and workshops to repair them. During this period, migrants from southern Kerala also arrived in the village. Low land prices and fertile soil satisfied the migrants. It was these agrarian migrants who introduced a variety of cultivation practices on the fertile soil and demonstrated the profitable potential of farming to the locals. Today, various types of farming are carried out systematically and attractively in the village.
Social Struggles and Movements
Trade unions established their roots in the Grama Panchayat during the 1950s. Progressive youth in the area organized against the untouchability faced by lower-caste Hindus at the Aayanth Sri Krishna Temple, defying the ban by entering the temple. The temple entry movement was led by figures like P.N. Unneeri and K. Unneppan.
Plays and folk art forms staged during this period served as challenges against social evils and superstitions. Notable struggles and victories include the Paikkadanmala surplus land pointing-out agitation, and the 1962 agitation spearheaded by the Joint Farmers' Committee to protect the lands of tribals and farmers against lease renewals (melcharthu).
In the field of Ayurveda, Korukkutti Vaidyar gained fame and recognition far beyond the village. Other notable contributors included Nottan Vaidyar (pediatric care), Parangodan Asari (master of temple architecture/traditional woodwork), the Illam families of Thiruvaloor (Sanskrit education), and the Kunnassery family (public service).
Educational History
Karassery Panchayat is a hilly region located in the eastern part of Kozhikode district. Although geographical challenges hindered educational progress, this bank of the Iruvazhinjippuzha River began imparting the first letters of knowledge even before the 1920s.
Korukkutti Vaidyar introduced children to the alphabet on Vijayadashami day at Arayankunnu, the heart of Karassery Grama Panchayat. The first educational center in Arayankunnu was started in 1924 through the efforts of Vayali Moji Haji, leading to the establishment of a Government L.P. School. In 1928, another Government L.P. School was started in a house belonging to Varyath in Kumaranallur through the efforts of Palakkadavath Achuthan.
A U.P. school was started in Karassery in 1946. Janab C.P. Kunjali Haji established the Azad Memorial U.P. School in Karamula in memory of freedom fighter, patriot, and India's first Education Minister, Abul Kalam Azad. Established in Arayankunnu in 1982, the Vayali Moji Haji Memorial High School is the Panchayat's first high school. Today, there are 9 schools in this Panchayat, all falling under the Kunnamangalam sub-district of the Kozhikode educational district.
Cultural History
Embraced by the blessed Iruvazhinjippuzha and Cherupuzha rivers, Karassery Grama Panchayat lies at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Kozhikode district, bordering Malappuram district. With its picturesque landscape of hills and mountains, this Panchayat has served as a location for numerous films.
An indigenous tribal community known as Malamuthanmar lives in the eastern hilly regions. Early art forms included the feudal Panakkali, along with tribal art forms like Vattakkali, Kolkkali, Palishamuttakkali, Theyyamthira, Gulikan Kettu, Kadavathvarikkali, Prethavarikkali, Pulluvan Pattu, Theyyattu, and Penathara. A grim truth is that the Allilidam Nadu, cemented in the blood of a sacrificed foreign Brahmin in the present Allikkode area, still stands firm today.
In 1950, inspired by Tamil dramas, a play titled Alli Arjun gave birth to the village's own playwright, K. Unneppan, who remains active in Karassery's cultural sphere. The Kumaranallur Udaya Arts Club, formed with K.T.G. Warrier as President and K. Sreedharan as Secretary, was the village's first arts club. Many in the younger generation may not know that they staged sixteen amateur plays.
The first library, named the Yuvajana Vayanasala (Youth Library), was formed in Kumaranallur in 1957 and lasted for five years. In 1961, centered around Arayankunnu, the National Library was established with V.N. Kunjali as President and M.K. Chathukutty as Secretary. The National Library workers unified isolated arts and sports events, and the public stage built by the National Library in 1964 still stands today. Tribal dance forms like Theryattam and Mudiyattam remain a nostalgic part of Karassery's heart.
Sports were also vibrant here in the 1950s. The Thadaparambu football stadium witnessed fierce clashes between British soldiers and prominent football teams of the district. Salaam Karassery, a filmmaker, producer, playwright, and author who brought Karassery to the global cinematic stage, remains a matter of pride for the Panchayat. Young writer and researcher Dr. M.N. Karassery is another gift of this village. Named after the blessed writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Karassery boasts nine cultural centers, making it the Panchayat with the highest number of cultural hubs in Kerala.
Origin and Early History
The chieftains of the thirteen Namboodiri families who governed Karassery used to discuss administrative matters in this region. One assumption is that "Karassery" originated from Karya-Kachery (the place where matters were discussed). Another assumption is that the name Kari-chery came from the weapon Kari (sword/club) of Balarama, the main deity of the Adhithrakovil Temple (Adhitharakkal), one of the prominent temples in the area.
At the beginning of the 19th century, laborers were imported from neighboring districts for plantation work, increasing the population density of the village. Although the chieftains of Karassery did not have direct ties to the national movement, figures like Congress members K. Unneppan, Palakkadavath Govindan, and Paliyil Appu were actively involved in freedom struggle propaganda in the 1930s.
Economy and Migration
With land ownership falling into the hands of feudal lords, timber logging became the primary occupation of the people. Vast, endless forests and two rivers used for floating logs made this occupation profitable. Creating pitfall traps and capturing and taming wild elephants were common practices back then.
At a time when other parts of the district lacked adequate vehicular traffic, this village had numerous lorries and workshops to repair them. During this period, migrants from southern Kerala also arrived in the village. Low land prices and fertile soil satisfied the migrants. It was these agrarian migrants who introduced a variety of cultivation practices on the fertile soil and demonstrated the profitable potential of farming to the locals. Today, various types of farming are carried out systematically and attractively in the village.
Social Struggles and Movements
Trade unions established their roots in the Grama Panchayat during the 1950s. Progressive youth in the area organized against the untouchability faced by lower-caste Hindus at the Aayanth Sri Krishna Temple, defying the ban by entering the temple. The temple entry movement was led by figures like P.N. Unneeri and K. Unneppan.
Plays and folk art forms staged during this period served as challenges against social evils and superstitions. Notable struggles and victories include the Paikkadanmala surplus land pointing-out agitation, and the 1962 agitation spearheaded by the Joint Farmers' Committee to protect the lands of tribals and farmers against lease renewals (melcharthu).
In the field of Ayurveda, Korukkutti Vaidyar gained fame and recognition far beyond the village. Other notable contributors included Nottan Vaidyar (pediatric care), Parangodan Asari (master of temple architecture/traditional woodwork), the Illam families of Thiruvaloor (Sanskrit education), and the Kunnassery family (public service).
Educational History
Karassery Panchayat is a hilly region located in the eastern part of Kozhikode district. Although geographical challenges hindered educational progress, this bank of the Iruvazhinjippuzha River began imparting the first letters of knowledge even before the 1920s.
Korukkutti Vaidyar introduced children to the alphabet on Vijayadashami day at Arayankunnu, the heart of Karassery Grama Panchayat. The first educational center in Arayankunnu was started in 1924 through the efforts of Vayali Moji Haji, leading to the establishment of a Government L.P. School. In 1928, another Government L.P. School was started in a house belonging to Varyath in Kumaranallur through the efforts of Palakkadavath Achuthan.
A U.P. school was started in Karassery in 1946. Janab C.P. Kunjali Haji established the Azad Memorial U.P. School in Karamula in memory of freedom fighter, patriot, and India's first Education Minister, Abul Kalam Azad. Established in Arayankunnu in 1982, the Vayali Moji Haji Memorial High School is the Panchayat's first high school. Today, there are 9 schools in this Panchayat, all falling under the Kunnamangalam sub-district of the Kozhikode educational district.
Cultural History
Embraced by the blessed Iruvazhinjippuzha and Cherupuzha rivers, Karassery Grama Panchayat lies at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Kozhikode district, bordering Malappuram district. With its picturesque landscape of hills and mountains, this Panchayat has served as a location for numerous films.
An indigenous tribal community known as Malamuthanmar lives in the eastern hilly regions. Early art forms included the feudal Panakkali, along with tribal art forms like Vattakkali, Kolkkali, Palishamuttakkali, Theyyamthira, Gulikan Kettu, Kadavathvarikkali, Prethavarikkali, Pulluvan Pattu, Theyyattu, and Penathara. A grim truth is that the Allilidam Nadu, cemented in the blood of a sacrificed foreign Brahmin in the present Allikkode area, still stands firm today.
In 1950, inspired by Tamil dramas, a play titled Alli Arjun gave birth to the village's own playwright, K. Unneppan, who remains active in Karassery's cultural sphere. The Kumaranallur Udaya Arts Club, formed with K.T.G. Warrier as President and K. Sreedharan as Secretary, was the village's first arts club. Many in the younger generation may not know that they staged sixteen amateur plays.
The first library, named the Yuvajana Vayanasala (Youth Library), was formed in Kumaranallur in 1957 and lasted for five years. In 1961, centered around Arayankunnu, the National Library was established with V.N. Kunjali as President and M.K. Chathukutty as Secretary. The National Library workers unified isolated arts and sports events, and the public stage built by the National Library in 1964 still stands today. Tribal dance forms like Theryattam and Mudiyattam remain a nostalgic part of Karassery's heart.
Sports were also vibrant here in the 1950s. The Thadaparambu football stadium witnessed fierce clashes between British soldiers and prominent football teams of the district. Salaam Karassery, a filmmaker, producer, playwright, and author who brought Karassery to the global cinematic stage, remains a matter of pride for the Panchayat. Young writer and researcher Dr. M.N. Karassery is another gift of this village. Named after the blessed writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Karassery boasts nine cultural centers, making it the Panchayat with the highest number of cultural hubs in Kerala.
Would you like to explore any specific section of this history in greater detail?
Origin and Early History
The chieftains of the thirteen Namboodiri families who governed Karassery used to discuss administrative matters in this region. One assumption is that "Karassery" originated from Karya-Kachery (the place where matters were discussed). Another assumption is that the name Kari-chery came from the weapon Kari (sword/club) of Balarama, the main deity of the Adhithrakovil Temple (Adhitharakkal), one of the prominent temples in the area.
At the beginning of the 19th century, laborers were imported from neighboring districts for plantation work, increasing the population density of the village. Although the chieftains of Karassery did not have direct ties to the national movement, figures like Congress members K. Unneppan, Palakkadavath Govindan, and Paliyil Appu were actively involved in freedom struggle propaganda in the 1930s.
Economy and Migration
With land ownership falling into the hands of feudal lords, timber logging became the primary occupation of the people. Vast, endless forests and two rivers used for floating logs made this occupation profitable. Creating pitfall traps and capturing and taming wild elephants were common practices back then.
At a time when other parts of the district lacked adequate vehicular traffic, this village had numerous lorries and workshops to repair them. During this period, migrants from southern Kerala also arrived in the village. Low land prices and fertile soil satisfied the migrants. It was these agrarian migrants who introduced a variety of cultivation practices on the fertile soil and demonstrated the profitable potential of farming to the locals. Today, various types of farming are carried out systematically and attractively in the village.
Social Struggles and Movements
Trade unions established their roots in the Grama Panchayat during the 1950s. Progressive youth in the area organized against the untouchability faced by lower-caste Hindus at the Aayanth Sri Krishna Temple, defying the ban by entering the temple. The temple entry movement was led by figures like P.N. Unneeri and K. Unneppan.
Plays and folk art forms staged during this period served as challenges against social evils and superstitions. Notable struggles and victories include the Paikkadanmala surplus land pointing-out agitation, and the 1962 agitation spearheaded by the Joint Farmers' Committee to protect the lands of tribals and farmers against lease renewals (melcharthu).
In the field of Ayurveda, Korukkutti Vaidyar gained fame and recognition far beyond the village. Other notable contributors included Nottan Vaidyar (pediatric care), Parangodan Asari (master of temple architecture/traditional woodwork), the Illam families of Thiruvaloor (Sanskrit education), and the Kunnassery family (public service).
Educational History
Karassery Panchayat is a hilly region located in the eastern part of Kozhikode district. Although geographical challenges hindered educational progress, this bank of the Iruvazhinjippuzha River began imparting the first letters of knowledge even before the 1920s.
Korukkutti Vaidyar introduced children to the alphabet on Vijayadashami day at Arayankunnu, the heart of Karassery Grama Panchayat. The first educational center in Arayankunnu was started in 1924 through the efforts of Vayali Moji Haji, leading to the establishment of a Government L.P. School. In 1928, another Government L.P. School was started in a house belonging to Varyath in Kumaranallur through the efforts of Palakkadavath Achuthan.
A U.P. school was started in Karassery in 1946. Janab C.P. Kunjali Haji established the Azad Memorial U.P. School in Karamula in memory of freedom fighter, patriot, and India's first Education Minister, Abul Kalam Azad. Established in Arayankunnu in 1982, the Vayali Moji Haji Memorial High School is the Panchayat's first high school. Today, there are 9 schools in this Panchayat, all falling under the Kunnamangalam sub-district of the Kozhikode educational district.
Cultural History
Embraced by the blessed Iruvazhinjippuzha and Cherupuzha rivers, Karassery Grama Panchayat lies at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Kozhikode district, bordering Malappuram district. With its picturesque landscape of hills and mountains, this Panchayat has served as a location for numerous films.
An indigenous tribal community known as Malamuthanmar lives in the eastern hilly regions. Early art forms included the feudal Panakkali, along with tribal art forms like Vattakkali, Kolkkali, Palishamuttakkali, Theyyamthira, Gulikan Kettu, Kadavathvarikkali, Prethavarikkali, Pulluvan Pattu, Theyyattu, and Penathara. A grim truth is that the Allilidam Nadu, cemented in the blood of a sacrificed foreign Brahmin in the present Allikkode area, still stands firm today.
In 1950, inspired by Tamil dramas, a play titled Alli Arjun gave birth to the village's own playwright, K. Unneppan, who remains active in Karassery's cultural sphere. The Kumaranallur Udaya Arts Club, formed with K.T.G. Warrier as President and K. Sreedharan as Secretary, was the village's first arts club. Many in the younger generation may not know that they staged sixteen amateur plays.
The first library, named the Yuvajana Vayanasala (Youth Library), was formed in Kumaranallur in 1957 and lasted for five years. In 1961, centered around Arayankunnu, the National Library was established with V.N. Kunjali as President and M.K. Chathukutty as Secretary. The National Library workers unified isolated arts and sports events, and the public stage built by the National Library in 1964 still stands today. Tribal dance forms like Theryattam and Mudiyattam remain a nostalgic part of Karassery's heart.
Sports were also vibrant here in the 1950s. The Thadaparambu football stadium witnessed fierce clashes between British soldiers and prominent football teams of the district. Salaam Karassery, a filmmaker, producer, playwright, and author who brought Karassery to the global cinematic stage, remains a matter of pride for the Panchayat. Young writer and researcher Dr. M.N. Karassery is another gift of this village. Named after the blessed writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Karassery boasts nine cultural centers, making it the Panchayat with the highest number of cultural hubs in Kerala.
Would you like to explore any specific section of this history in greater detail?
Origin and Early History
The chieftains of the thirteen Namboodiri families who governed Karassery used to discuss administrative matters in this region. One assumption is that "Karassery" originated from Karya-Kachery (the place where matters were discussed). Another assumption is that the name Kari-chery came from the weapon Kari (sword/club) of Balarama, the main deity of the Adhithrakovil Temple (Adhitharakkal), one of the prominent temples in the area.
At the beginning of the 19th century, laborers were imported from neighboring districts for plantation work, increasing the population density of the village. Although the chieftains of Karassery did not have direct ties to the national movement, figures like Congress members K. Unneppan, Palakkadavath Govindan, and Paliyil Appu were actively involved in freedom struggle propaganda in the 1930s.
Economy and Migration
With land ownership falling into the hands of feudal lords, timber logging became the primary occupation of the people. Vast, endless forests and two rivers used for floating logs made this occupation profitable. Creating pitfall traps and capturing and taming wild elephants were common practices back then.
At a time when other parts of the district lacked adequate vehicular traffic, this village had numerous lorries and workshops to repair them. During this period, migrants from southern Kerala also arrived in the village. Low land prices and fertile soil satisfied the migrants. It was these agrarian migrants who introduced a variety of cultivation practices on the fertile soil and demonstrated the profitable potential of farming to the locals. Today, various types of farming are carried out systematically and attractively in the village.
Social Struggles and Movements
Trade unions established their roots in the Grama Panchayat during the 1950s. Progressive youth in the area organized against the untouchability faced by lower-caste Hindus at the Aayanth Sri Krishna Temple, defying the ban by entering the temple. The temple entry movement was led by figures like P.N. Unneeri and K. Unneppan.
Plays and folk art forms staged during this period served as challenges against social evils and superstitions. Notable struggles and victories include the Paikkadanmala surplus land pointing-out agitation, and the 1962 agitation spearheaded by the Joint Farmers' Committee to protect the lands of tribals and farmers against lease renewals (melcharthu).
In the field of Ayurveda, Korukkutti Vaidyar gained fame and recognition far beyond the village. Other notable contributors included Nottan Vaidyar (pediatric care), Parangodan Asari (master of temple architecture/traditional woodwork), the Illam families of Thiruvaloor (Sanskrit education), and the Kunnassery family (public service).
Educational History
Karassery Panchayat is a hilly region located in the eastern part of Kozhikode district. Although geographical challenges hindered educational progress, this bank of the Iruvazhinjippuzha River began imparting the first letters of knowledge even before the 1920s.
Korukkutti Vaidyar introduced children to the alphabet on Vijayadashami day at Arayankunnu, the heart of Karassery Grama Panchayat. The first educational center in Arayankunnu was started in 1924 through the efforts of Vayali Moji Haji, leading to the establishment of a Government L.P. School. In 1928, another Government L.P. School was started in a house belonging to Varyath in Kumaranallur through the efforts of Palakkadavath Achuthan.
A U.P. school was started in Karassery in 1946. Janab C.P. Kunjali Haji established the Azad Memorial U.P. School in Karamula in memory of freedom fighter, patriot, and India's first Education Minister, Abul Kalam Azad. Established in Arayankunnu in 1982, the Vayali Moji Haji Memorial High School is the Panchayat's first high school. Today, there are 9 schools in this Panchayat, all falling under the Kunnamangalam sub-district of the Kozhikode educational district.
Cultural History
Embraced by the blessed Iruvazhinjippuzha and Cherupuzha rivers, Karassery Grama Panchayat lies at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Kozhikode district, bordering Malappuram district. With its picturesque landscape of hills and mountains, this Panchayat has served as a location for numerous films.
An indigenous tribal community known as Malamuthanmar lives in the eastern hilly regions. Early art forms included the feudal Panakkali, along with tribal art forms like Vattakkali, Kolkkali, Palishamuttakkali, Theyyamthira, Gulikan Kettu, Kadavathvarikkali, Prethavarikkali, Pulluvan Pattu, Theyyattu, and Penathara. A grim truth is that the Allilidam Nadu, cemented in the blood of a sacrificed foreign Brahmin in the present Allikkode area, still stands firm today.
In 1950, inspired by Tamil dramas, a play titled Alli Arjun gave birth to the village's own playwright, K. Unneppan, who remains active in Karassery's cultural sphere. The Kumaranallur Udaya Arts Club, formed with K.T.G. Warrier as President and K. Sreedharan as Secretary, was the village's first arts club. Many in the younger generation may not know that they staged sixteen amateur plays.
The first library, named the Yuvajana Vayanasala (Youth Library), was formed in Kumaranallur in 1957 and lasted for five years. In 1961, centered around Arayankunnu, the National Library was established with V.N. Kunjali as President and M.K. Chathukutty as Secretary. The National Library workers unified isolated arts and sports events, and the public stage built by the National Library in 1964 still stands today. Tribal dance forms like Theryattam and Mudiyattam remain a nostalgic part of Karassery's heart.
Sports were also vibrant here in the 1950s. The Thadaparambu football stadium witnessed fierce clashes between British soldiers and prominent football teams of the district. Salaam Karassery, a filmmaker, producer, playwright, and author who brought Karassery to the global cinematic stage, remains a matter of pride for the Panchayat. Young writer and researcher Dr. M.N. Karassery is another gift of this village. Named after the blessed writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Karassery boasts nine cultural centers, making it the Panchayat with the highest number of cultural hubs in Kerala.
Would you like to explore any specific section of this history in greater detail?
