History of Grama Panchayat

Panachikkad Grama Panchayat: An Overview

Panachikkad Grama Panchayat is a village panchayat located in Pallam Block, Kottayam Taluk of Kottayam District, encompassing the Panachikkad village. Spanning an area of 22.74 square kilometers, the panchayat is bordered by Kottayam Municipality and Puthuppally Panchayat to the north; Kurichi and Vakathanam Panchayats to the south; Vakathanam and Puthuppally Panchayats to the east; and Nattakom Panchayat to the west.

History and Administration

The Panachikkad Village Union came into existence on July 3, 1949, under an eight-member governing body led by K.V. Abraham Kottukulam as President and K.N. Sreedharan Pillai as Vice President. Based on the Travancore-Cochin Panchayat Act, which came into effect on August 15, 1951, the Panachikkad Panchayat continued its operations under the existing governing body from November 6, 1951. In the local body elections held in July 1953, an eight-member committee consisting of 7 elected members and one nominated member took charge. K.V. Abraham Kottukulam and K.N. Sreedharan Pillai were again elected as President and Vice President, respectively.

Regarding its etymology, it is believed that this region, which was once under the reign of the King of Chempakassery, came to be known as 'Panachikkad' because it was a dense forest filled with Panichi trees (Indian Persimmon).

Geography and Local Movements

The Kodoor River, flowing through the northeastern part, separates Panachikkad Panchayat from Kottayam Municipality. As the primary water source in the panchayat, this river not only blesses the agricultural lands but also significantly benefits water transport and fishing.

The region has a history of strong labor movements:

  • The 'Katta' Strike (1956–1957): Held in the Kollad region, demanding an increase in Patham (share of harvest) and wages.

  • Agricultural Laborers' Strike (1972): Took place in Kuzhimattam.

  • Quarry Strike (1976): Brought a new wave of awakening and enthusiasm among laborers.

Furthermore, the Eviction Prohibition Act implemented in 1957 and the Land Reforms Act of 1968 provided a renewed momentum to farmers and the agricultural sector.

Infrastructure and Transport

The panchayat houses one healthcare institution each under the Allopathy, Homeopathy, and Ayurveda streams. Since the Medical College Hospital and District Hospital operate in the nearby town, along with several private hospitals, healthcare needs are well-addressed.

Like other villages, the people of this region initially relied entirely on water transport. The first major road in this panchayat was constructed for the Travancore kings to visit the Dakshina Mookambika Temple. It ran from Lakshmi Puram Kadavu (now known as Chingavanam Chanthakkadavu) to the Panachikkad Mookambika Temple. Later, the Pallam-Kollad Pallikunnel Road was formed through the efforts of Anglican missionaries. Subsequently, under the Travancore royal rule, the Pallam-Thottakkad (via Velluthuruthi Temple), Pallam-Puthuppally, and Pallam-Moolavattom roads became available for transport. In 1961, when the Kottayam-Ernakulam railway line was extended to Kollam and later to Thiruvananthapuram, the track passed through the western part of the panchayat.

Cultural and Religious Heritage

The panchayat is a land of ancient places of worship and is a shining example of unity and communal harmony. Today, it proudly features 10 Hindu temples, over 21 churches of various Christian denominations, and one mosque.

Ancient Hindu Temples:

  • Panachikkad Saraswathi Temple (Dakshina Mookambika): Approximately 750 years old, famous for its Navaratri festival and the Vidyarambham ritual on Vijayadashami day, where children are initiated into the world of letters. This festival sees a grand gathering of literary artists and musicians.

  • Panachikkad Sri Vishnu Temple: Established in the 17th century under the administration of the Namboothiri Manas of Kizhippuram, Karunatta, and Kaimukku, it holds the first place in terms of antiquity.

  • Other Temples: Uma Maheswari Temple, the 700-year-old Velluthuruthi Bhagavathi Temple, Chozhiyakkad Sree Krishna Swami Temple, the 500-year-old Melamelkavu Bhagavathi Temple, and the 400-year-old Kollad Thrikkayil Mahadeva Temple. The Kumbhakuda Mahotsavam celebrated in the months of Kumbham and Meenam at the Velluthuruthi and Melamelkavu temples attracts massive crowds.

Ancient Christian Churches:

  • Velluthuruthi St. Stephen's C.S.I. Church: Established in 1835 by Christian missionary Henry Baker, it was initially the sole place of worship for the Cheramar and Sambavar Christian communities of this panchayat and nearby areas.

  • Kollad Pallikunnel St. Michael's C.S.I. Church: Originally a Jacobite church established by Kaithayil Geevarghese Malpan, it was handed over to CMS missionaries on August 11, 1841. Notably, on September 1, 1836, this church created history by celebrating the Holy Qurbana in the Malayalam language for the first time in Kerala.

  • Other Churches: Kollad St. Paul's Orthodox Church (established in the late 19th century), Kollad Emmanuel Bethlehem Marthoma Church, Mooledam St. Paul's C.S.I. Church, Pathamuttam Koombady St. Paul's C.S.I. Church, Pachira St. Mary's Catholic Church, and Channanikkadu Church.

Muslim Place of Worship:

  • Noorul Huda Madrassa Muhayuddin Juma Masjid: Built in 1988 at Kaduwakulam, this is the only Muslim place of worship in the panchayat.

In addition to these, various Sree Narayana Guru Mandirams, branches of SNDP and NSS organizations, Vishwakarma halls, worship centers of the Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha (PRDS), and various Pentecostal churches operate here, contributing to social service and community progress.

Social Life and Literacy

The people of this village transcend religious boundaries to celebrate local festivals together, viewing them as collective village festivals. These include the Navaratri festival and Vidyarambham at the Panachikkad Saraswathi Temple, the Kumbhakuda processions of the Velluthuruthi and Melamelkavu temples, and the parish feasts (Perunnal) at the century-old Kollad St. Paul's Orthodox Church, Kuzhimattam St. George Church, and Pachira St. Mary's Church.

The panchayat’s terrain is primarily agricultural, characterized by over 17 small and large hills, their slopes, and paddy fields intersected by small streams running between the hills. Reflecting the community's early dedication to education and literature, there are currently 8 libraries operating in the panchayat, all of which were built between the years 1947 and 1970.