Thikkodi
Grama panchayat

History and Heritage of Thikkodi Grama Panchayat Area

Centuries ago, most of the land in this region belonged to the Zamorin royal family and various landlord families. Prominent Ezhava families included Vannan Kandiyil and Manayeduth, while leading Muslim families were Vaidyarakath, Puthiya Velappil, Nalakath, and Karuvantakath. The Vaidyarakath family had ties to the Arakkal royal dynasty.

Education and Notable Personalities

Local traditional teachers (Natteluthachanmaar) imparted knowledge to children in the courtyards and verandas of ancestral homes. Figures like Changadath Cheriyakkan Gurukkal and Pallikkara Chandu Gurukkal were noteworthy in this field.

This area is the birthplace of many celebrated individuals:

• Cheruvalath Chathunair: Author of 'Meenakshi' (one of the earliest Malayalam novels, 1890) and a social reformer.
• T.P.C. Kidavu: Journalist, sub-editor, writer, and author, associated with the early days of Mathrubhumi newspaper.
• B. Poker Sahib: Representative of Malabar in the first Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament).
• Pallikkara V.P. Muhammed: The first President of the Panchayat, a famous orator, writer, and socialist movement leader.
• M.M. Krishnan Nair: Founder of the C.K.G. Memorial High School.
• Karulleri Nanu Nair: Founder of the 'Dinaprabha' newspaper.
• Traditional Healers: Kuttikkayil Perachan Vaidyar, Edoth Kelappan Vaidyar, and Vannan Kandi Ramana Vaidyar.
• Kalari Gurukkals: Mammu Gurukkal and Mammadh Gurukkal.

Cultural Traditions and Art Forms

The region was rich in cultural traditions:

• Ancestral Homes (Tharavadus): Houses like Thondippuram (Pallikkara), which featured Ramayana carvings, Ittippurath Tharavadu, Thattadath Tharavadu, and Arimpoor Tharavadu (known for their festivals and rituals like Thira) were prominent centers of art and culture.
• Ritual Arts (Theyyam/Thira): The Panchayat had skilled artists (Munnuttanmar and Malayanmar) for performing Thira and wearing ritualistic costumes. Asiaad Kunjiraman, who performed Theyyam at the 1982 Delhi Asian Games, is a famous name.
• Music and Performance: Women sang beautiful folksongs (Vadakkan Paattu and Naadan Paattu) while working in the fields.
• Festive Arts: Onappottan (a character who visits homes during Onam), Pulluvan Paattu (songs by the Pulluvar community), and performances like Thiruvathira (by women).
• Muslim Arts: Oppana, Duffmuttu, Kolkkali, and Parichamuttukali flourished here.
• Other Arts: The Ezhava community's famous Poorakkali and Kalari martial arts demonstrations were also part of the past.

Religious Harmony and Places of Worship

Communal harmony has been a hallmark of this region for centuries.

• Hindu Temples: The ancient Perumalpuram Temple (said to have been a center for arts, Sanskrit, and Ayurveda), Nivarani Sreekrishna Temple, Kodanaattumkulam Paradevatha Temple, Thrikkottur Mahaganapathi Temple, and Paloor Vishnu Temple are the main places of worship. The Kongannoor Bhagavathi Temple festival, though located outside, has its main rituals taking place in Purakkad and Thikkodi.
• Muslim Mosques (Pallis): The historic connection between the Thrikkottur Mahaganapathi Temple and the ancient Meethale Palli is still evident in local customs. The Angadi Palli, Thottathil Palli in Purakkad, and Paloor Palli are the oldest mosques.

Trade and Commerce

• Thikkodi Angadi (Market) and Port: Thikkodi market and the port were centers of commerce and served as a naval base for the Zamorin's fleet.
• Maritime Trade: Names like Pandikashala (warehouse) in the Thikkodi market, where prominent Muslim traders lived, recall the trading past. Names like Uruvechaduth and Urookkara suggest that goods were loaded and unloaded via boats (Uru) from ships anchored offshore.