History of Grama Panchayat
Socio-Cultural History
The Kallada River originates from the Kulathupuzha hills, flows through Punalur, Pathanapuram, and Kunnathur, touches Kallada, and eventually empties into Ashtamudi Lake. The river spans a length of 120 km.
This area is surrounded by rocky hills. It is said that the region received the name Kallida (meaning "a space between stones") because it was situated among rocky places such as Koduvila, Kaithakkotu, Pavitreswaram, Uparikunnu, Kottamukal, and Kanatharkunnam. Over time, Kallida transformed into Kallada.
It is believed that this river, initially known as the Kulathupuzha River, used to overflow its banks extensively, connecting with the Sasthamcotta Lake. In those times, a ferry service operated all the way from Perumon to Kanatharkunnam. Kadakkappalkuzhi (Kadappakuzhi) was the spot where merchants anchored their sailing ships. The region also housed Kodumthuruthu, a dense island in the middle of the water body. This area likely emerged over time as land silted up due to the widespread flooding of the Kulathupuzha River. Back then, it was a sanctuary for crocodiles, with Sasthamcotta Lake and Cheenkannikuzhi serving as key crocodile habitats.
It was the Kallada River that split Kallada into two, leading to the formation of East Kallada (Kizhakke Kallada) and West Kallada (Padinjare Kallada). Prior to the division, Kallada comprised 16 regions (Karas). Elders recall that these 16 regions, their local chieftains, and subjects lived under the local ruler known as Koyithampuran, and two queens from his lineage ruled the east and west. The ruler of the east was Mathilakathu Rani, while the ruler of the west was Sravani Thampuratti. Present-day Avanipuram was back then known as Sravanipuram. Kottakuzhi in the west and Kottavathil in the east were two forts established during the local ruler's reign for the protection of the land and its people.
Chittumala Devi Temple served as the place of worship for all 16 regions. Together, the 16 Karas constructed 16 decorative festival horses (Eduppukuthira) to celebrate the temple festival. Another major place of worship reflecting religious harmony is the Kadapuzha Valiyapally, which is around 800 years old.
During that era, administrative duties were carried out according to the local ruler's vision by an officer designated as Adhikari. Paddy was collected as tax from tenant farmers cultivating the land. West Kallada was a region rich in agricultural yield.
Munroe Island was created in the southwestern part of Kallada—a land given tax-free by the government to Colonel John Munro. While residing on the islet, Colonel Munro built bunds on both sides of the river and diverted floodwaters to the island, turning it into fertile land.
In 1950–51, during the tenure of Agriculture Minister Ikkanda Warrier, a plan called the "West Kallada Scheme" was drafted to channel floodwaters from the Kallada River through West Kallada to benefit all agricultural fields. Kumbalathu Sanku Pillai was among the most prominent political leaders in Travancore-Cochin and later Kerala.
The first elected Panchayat committee was formed in 1953. At that time, the village consisted of six Karas: Kothapuram (named Kotheya), Kanatharkunnam (named Kandathar, signifying structured village administration), Valiyapadam (expansive with large fields), Koikkal region, Naduvilakkara (the central region), and Ayithottuva (named after the mouths of five streams that drained into the river). During the first Panchayat elections, Valiyapadam Kara was split—half was merged with Kanatharkunnam ward in the west, while the eastern part and the northern area of Koikkal were combined to form the Valiyapadam ward. The single Ayithottuva Kara was divided into Ayithottuva North and Ayithottuva South wards.
The Kollam–Ernakulam railway line passes through this Panchayat.
Notable figures from this Panchayat include: Alappurathu Pappu Pillai: A renowned comedic artist from Travancore who acted with drama troupes like those of Kunjukunju Bhagavathar, Augustine Joseph, and Vaikom Vasudevan Nair. Velu Bhagavathar (from Ayithottuva Vijaya Bhavanam): A maestro in music. Nanukkuttan Ashan (from Kochukunnimpuram): A master artist in Mridangam performance.
