Kottakkal
Encyclopedia
Kottakkal is a town and a municipality
in Malappuram District in Kerala
, south India
. It has 32 Wards. The National Highway 17 separates the municipality from Edarikkode Panchayath on some part in the west. It is an Eranadan town located 12 km south-west of Malappuram
, the district headquarters, and 12 km from Tirur
. The fast developing Kottakkal urban area is now spread upto different parts of neighboring panchayaths like Edarikkode.
Kottakkal was one of the oldest Panchayath in Kerala
, and is known for its ayurvedic
institute, Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal, as well as its temple festival, Kottakkal pooram
, celebrated over seven days during March–April.
, Venkalikotta and Venkitta Kotta in Malayalam, was a small military base
of the Kingdom of Valluvanad until the first half of 15th century. Karuvayoor Moosad
, the chief marshal and preacher
of Moopil Nairs, lived here, and it may be the forts and castles constructed by him that were the origin of the name Kottakkal. The suburbs of Kottakkal were known as Changuvettykkadu and Eyyakkadu (Now Changuvetty is developing as a twin town to Kottakkal).
Karuvayoor Moosad
assassinated Thinayancherry Elayath
, one of the ministers of the Zamorin of Kozhikode
(Calicut). Then Moonnarpadu Thampuran, the cousin of the Zamorin killed Karuvayoor Moosad
in combat and restored control of the fort. The descendants of thampuran dwelt in Kottakkal thereafter.
The invasion of the de facto ruler of the kingdom of Mysore, Tippu Sultan, altered the course of Kottakkal's history. A kinsman of the Zamorin of Kozhikode who had been sheltered in Travancore
, fearing the Mysore invasion, later settled in Kottakkal after the death of Tippu in 1799. Among them was Manorama Thampuratty, a female scholar, from whom the Kottakkal branch of the Zamorin dynasty grew.
Kottakkal challenged the British occupation
by cultural confrontation. Probably this started with Kunhikuttan Thampuran
, who translated the epic Mahabharata, inspired by the socio-religious reformation movement of the 19th century.
After this expression of the elegance of language, P. S. Varier carried on the tradition. His attempts were closely related to the cultural resurrection of Kerala during the colonial period. He gave the local practice of medicine a new shape and dimension. He established a school of medicine in 1917 at Calicut with the idea of education and practice to the Arya Vaidya doctors, and later transferred this institution to Kottakkal. Many cultural, intellectual and other activities were centered in this institution, including Kavana Kaumudi edited by Kavikula Guru P. V. Krishna Varier, Parama Valsam Theatre, Dhanwanthary Magazine, and a Kathakali
troupe. Even though the perception of "Kerala unity" was visible in the works of Kunhikuttan Thampuran
, the conception of a united Kerala materialized mostly through the Arya Vaidya Samajam founded by P. S. Varier in 1902. The Samajam was organized and operated on the political fields of Travancore
, Cochin and Malabar
.
All Indian villages were the focus of sudden agricultural developments in the beginning of the 20th century. However, such events did not affect Kottakkal due to the compassionate attitude of the landowners of Kizhake kovilakam. They were strict in matters of lease and they never tortured farmers. The general state of Hindu
–Muslim
landowner–tenant setup common to the Malabar area was prevalent in Kottakkal also. Kottakkal has had a history of profound religious harmony for centuries. The Moplah Rebellion of 1921, despite widespread riots, did not disturb the peace of this small village. The intervention of P. S. Varier and the forbearance of the kovilakam helped the situation not getting violent. Muslims under the leadership of Odayappurath Chekkutty from the nearby village Kalpakancheri
guarded Kizhake kovilakam and Arya Vaidya Sala.
The Mappila Outrageous Act, passed as a result of the 1921 revolt, slowed down the political activities of Malabar generally. Kottakkal however, was little affected, and during this period the political activities were led by students of the Ayurveda College. Their attempt to celebrate National Day
in 1937 was a declaration of solidarity with the Youth Leadership of Congress. Greater awareness of social justice and equality led to the establishment of the Navajeevan Yuva Jana Samajam, under the leadership of P. V. Krishna Varier, P. Sankara Varier, Pulickal Sooppi Kuttykakka and C. R. Varier. The principal aim of this organization was the eradication of untouchability
and awareness against malign influences. This was the indication that the political activities of Kottakkal had transcended from intellectual exercises to new horizons of creativity. The political support of P. M. Krishna Menon from Ramanattukara
and K. C. K. Raja expedited it. Kottakkal was brought to national attention when it staged the 1939 Parappur
Kerala State Congress
meeting. The slogan "Enemy of Unity, Enemy of Strike" was approved at this meeting. Farmers began to work as a part of National movement after this meeting, and many agricultural movements began in Kottakkal, Amariyil Kunhikomu being a leader. Many other societies were also formed in Mannazhi, Chengottur and Kottakkal-Kuttippuram and they struggled against agricultural debts.
In 1943, during attempts to eradicate cholera
, a relief committee and an orphanage were set up in Kottakkal with the help of the Servants of India Society
, to help the orphans left by cholera. This was achieved even while the country was suffering from the effects of World War II
and famine. A Co-operative society was also established under the Presidency of P. K. Varier.
The development activities of women included modern publications such as Amritha Bhashini and Bala Chandrika, published by Kovilakam. Independence and socialism were discussed in these publications. The earlier women's movement was started by Vallikad Kamalakshi, Kunhanujathi Thampuratti, Madhavikutty Varier, V. P. Kalyani, and others.
kottakkal chanda (local fair/ local market)
Kottakkal chanda also known as Puthur Chanda has a colorful position in kottakkal's history.During first half of 20th century kottakkal chanda was one of the most dependable cattle fair in kerala.In that time economical stability of kottakkal is fully depended upon kottakkal chanda.Kizhakke kovilakam gave some place to muslims or mappilas of Parappanangadi and Tirurangadi for trade and commerce.Firstly it was situated in Kottakkal Bus stand.Later it changed to present place.During the 1921, traders from Tirurangadi were the first informats of mappila rebellion to Kottakkal area.Then mappilas were marched to Tirurangadi from kottakkal and gave some their own contribution to rebellion
In that time Betal leaf and vegitabiles was most important commodity in market.Local peoples were sold their vegitabiles in market.
Gulabi (its a type of tea) was the most dependable water for drink.Traders and buyers from different parts of malappuram were gathering in every Saturday in week even today.So as far as kottakkal concerned saturday is market day. Kottakkal Chanda played a great role in the development of history
Kottakkal Bus stnd
Kottakkal bus stand has its own history .Initially buses were parked in Kottappadi near Arya vaidya sala.later it changed to 'Thaazhe stand' {now it is taxi (Jeep)stand} opposite side of police station of Kottakkal.after the displacement of kottkkal chanda buses were parked in same place.
wonBushara Shabeer and Paroli Moosakutty Haji of the IUML were elected as the first chairperson and vice-chairman respectively of Kottakkal municipality.
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
in Malappuram District in Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
, south India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. It has 32 Wards. The National Highway 17 separates the municipality from Edarikkode Panchayath on some part in the west. It is an Eranadan town located 12 km south-west of Malappuram
Malappuram
Malappuram is a municipality in the South Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 33.61 km2. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Malappuram district. As per the 2011 census Malappuram urban agglomeration is the fourth largest UA in kerala with a total population of...
, the district headquarters, and 12 km from Tirur
Tirur
Tirur is a town and a municipality in Malappuram district in the Indian state of Kerala spread over an area of 16.55 km2 . It is birth place of Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam literature. Thunchan Parambu is highly venerated and its sand is believed to be sacred. The...
. The fast developing Kottakkal urban area is now spread upto different parts of neighboring panchayaths like Edarikkode.
Kottakkal was one of the oldest Panchayath in Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
, and is known for its ayurvedic
Ayurveda
Ayurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, words , meaning "longevity", and , meaning "knowledge" or "science". The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India,...
institute, Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal, as well as its temple festival, Kottakkal pooram
Kottakkal pooram
Kottakkal pooram is a temple festival in Sree Viswambhara Temple, Kottakkal, Malappuram District in Kerala, India. It is celebrated to honour Dhanvantari, the patron god of medicine and health. The grand celebrations in connection with the festival also includes cultural programmes by famous artists...
, celebrated over seven days during March–April.
History
Kottakkal, formerly known as "Sweta Durgam" (White Fort) in SanskritSanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
, Venkalikotta and Venkitta Kotta in Malayalam, was a small military base
Military base
A military base is a facility directly owned and operated by or for the military or one of its branches that shelters military equipment and personnel, and facilitates training and operations. In general, a military base provides accommodations for one or more units, but it may also be used as a...
of the Kingdom of Valluvanad until the first half of 15th century. Karuvayoor Moosad
Karuvayoor Moosad
He was the Brahmin Chief Minister of Moopil Nair under Valluvakkonathiri, king of Valluvanad.He looked after Kottakkal and Pantallur...
, the chief marshal and preacher
Preacher
Preacher is a term for someone who preaches sermons or gives homilies. A preacher is distinct from a theologian by focusing on the communication rather than the development of doctrine. Others see preaching and theology as being intertwined...
of Moopil Nairs, lived here, and it may be the forts and castles constructed by him that were the origin of the name Kottakkal. The suburbs of Kottakkal were known as Changuvettykkadu and Eyyakkadu (Now Changuvetty is developing as a twin town to Kottakkal).
Karuvayoor Moosad
Karuvayoor Moosad
He was the Brahmin Chief Minister of Moopil Nair under Valluvakkonathiri, king of Valluvanad.He looked after Kottakkal and Pantallur...
assassinated Thinayancherry Elayath
Thinayancherry Elayath
Thinayancherry Elayath was one of the ministers of Zamorins of Calicut, India....
, one of the ministers of the Zamorin of Kozhikode
Kozhikode
Kozhikode During Classical antiquity and the Middle Ages, Kozhikkode was dubbed the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. Kozhikode was once the capital of an independent kingdom of the same name and later of the erstwhile Malabar District...
(Calicut). Then Moonnarpadu Thampuran, the cousin of the Zamorin killed Karuvayoor Moosad
Karuvayoor Moosad
He was the Brahmin Chief Minister of Moopil Nair under Valluvakkonathiri, king of Valluvanad.He looked after Kottakkal and Pantallur...
in combat and restored control of the fort. The descendants of thampuran dwelt in Kottakkal thereafter.
The invasion of the de facto ruler of the kingdom of Mysore, Tippu Sultan, altered the course of Kottakkal's history. A kinsman of the Zamorin of Kozhikode who had been sheltered in Travancore
Travancore
Kingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of...
, fearing the Mysore invasion, later settled in Kottakkal after the death of Tippu in 1799. Among them was Manorama Thampuratty, a female scholar, from whom the Kottakkal branch of the Zamorin dynasty grew.
Kottakkal challenged the British occupation
British Raj
British Raj was the British rule in the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947; The term can also refer to the period of dominion...
by cultural confrontation. Probably this started with Kunhikuttan Thampuran
Kunhikuttan Thampuran
Kunhikuttan Thampuran was an Indian poet from Kodungallur, Kerala. He was a member of the royal family.He was the son of Venmani Achan Nampoothiripad and Kunchipilla Thampurati and was born on Malayalam era 1040 Kanni 4...
, who translated the epic Mahabharata, inspired by the socio-religious reformation movement of the 19th century.
After this expression of the elegance of language, P. S. Varier carried on the tradition. His attempts were closely related to the cultural resurrection of Kerala during the colonial period. He gave the local practice of medicine a new shape and dimension. He established a school of medicine in 1917 at Calicut with the idea of education and practice to the Arya Vaidya doctors, and later transferred this institution to Kottakkal. Many cultural, intellectual and other activities were centered in this institution, including Kavana Kaumudi edited by Kavikula Guru P. V. Krishna Varier, Parama Valsam Theatre, Dhanwanthary Magazine, and a Kathakali
Kathakali
Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion...
troupe. Even though the perception of "Kerala unity" was visible in the works of Kunhikuttan Thampuran
Kunhikuttan Thampuran
Kunhikuttan Thampuran was an Indian poet from Kodungallur, Kerala. He was a member of the royal family.He was the son of Venmani Achan Nampoothiripad and Kunchipilla Thampurati and was born on Malayalam era 1040 Kanni 4...
, the conception of a united Kerala materialized mostly through the Arya Vaidya Samajam founded by P. S. Varier in 1902. The Samajam was organized and operated on the political fields of Travancore
Travancore
Kingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of...
, Cochin and Malabar
Malabar District
Malabar District was an administrative district of Madras Presidency in British India and independent India's Madras State. The British district included the present-day districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad , and Chavakad Taluk of Thrissur District in the northern part of...
.
All Indian villages were the focus of sudden agricultural developments in the beginning of the 20th century. However, such events did not affect Kottakkal due to the compassionate attitude of the landowners of Kizhake kovilakam. They were strict in matters of lease and they never tortured farmers. The general state of Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
–Muslim
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
landowner–tenant setup common to the Malabar area was prevalent in Kottakkal also. Kottakkal has had a history of profound religious harmony for centuries. The Moplah Rebellion of 1921, despite widespread riots, did not disturb the peace of this small village. The intervention of P. S. Varier and the forbearance of the kovilakam helped the situation not getting violent. Muslims under the leadership of Odayappurath Chekkutty from the nearby village Kalpakancheri
Kalpakancheri
Kalpakancheri is a Gram panchayat and tiny village in Malappuram district in the state of Kerala, South India. The name was chosen as it was the land of coconut trees.The Panchayath has many schools and had a weekly market on Wednesday...
guarded Kizhake kovilakam and Arya Vaidya Sala.
The Mappila Outrageous Act, passed as a result of the 1921 revolt, slowed down the political activities of Malabar generally. Kottakkal however, was little affected, and during this period the political activities were led by students of the Ayurveda College. Their attempt to celebrate National Day
National Day
The National Day is a designated date on which celebrations mark the nationhood of a nation or non-sovereign country. This nationhood can be symbolized by the date of independence, of becoming republic or a significant date for a patron saint or a ruler . Often the day is not called "National Day"...
in 1937 was a declaration of solidarity with the Youth Leadership of Congress. Greater awareness of social justice and equality led to the establishment of the Navajeevan Yuva Jana Samajam, under the leadership of P. V. Krishna Varier, P. Sankara Varier, Pulickal Sooppi Kuttykakka and C. R. Varier. The principal aim of this organization was the eradication of untouchability
Untouchability
Untouchability is the social practice of ostracizing a minority group by segregating them from the mainstream by social custom or legal mandate. The excluded group could be one that did not accept the norms of the excluding group and historically included foreigners, nomadic tribes, law-breakers...
and awareness against malign influences. This was the indication that the political activities of Kottakkal had transcended from intellectual exercises to new horizons of creativity. The political support of P. M. Krishna Menon from Ramanattukara
Ramanattukara
Ramanattukara is a census town in Kozhikode district in the Indian state of Kerala.-Demographics: India census, Ramanattukara had a population of 30,436. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Ramanattukara has an average literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average of...
and K. C. K. Raja expedited it. Kottakkal was brought to national attention when it staged the 1939 Parappur
Parappur
Parappur is a village in Malappuram district in the state of Kerala, India.It is situated near to Kottakkal. The village has an area of 15.11 km2 and is bordered by Vengara, Ooragam and Othukkungal villages to the north and Othukkungal village to the east, Edarikkod and Kottakkal villages to the...
Kerala State Congress
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee is the unit of the Indian National Congress - the world's largest political organization -working in the state of Kerala. Its head office is situated at Trivandrum ....
meeting. The slogan "Enemy of Unity, Enemy of Strike" was approved at this meeting. Farmers began to work as a part of National movement after this meeting, and many agricultural movements began in Kottakkal, Amariyil Kunhikomu being a leader. Many other societies were also formed in Mannazhi, Chengottur and Kottakkal-Kuttippuram and they struggled against agricultural debts.
In 1943, during attempts to eradicate cholera
Cholera
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The main symptoms are profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. Transmission occurs primarily by drinking or eating water or food that has been contaminated by the diarrhea of an infected person or the feces...
, a relief committee and an orphanage were set up in Kottakkal with the help of the Servants of India Society
Servants of India Society
The Servants of India Society was formed in Pune, Maharashtra, on June 12, 1905 by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who left the Deccan Education Society to form this association. Along with him were a small group of educated Indians, as Natesh Appaji Dravid, Gopal Krishna Deodhar and Anant Patwardhan who...
, to help the orphans left by cholera. This was achieved even while the country was suffering from the effects of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and famine. A Co-operative society was also established under the Presidency of P. K. Varier.
The development activities of women included modern publications such as Amritha Bhashini and Bala Chandrika, published by Kovilakam. Independence and socialism were discussed in these publications. The earlier women's movement was started by Vallikad Kamalakshi, Kunhanujathi Thampuratti, Madhavikutty Varier, V. P. Kalyani, and others.
kottakkal chanda (local fair/ local market)
Kottakkal chanda also known as Puthur Chanda has a colorful position in kottakkal's history.During first half of 20th century kottakkal chanda was one of the most dependable cattle fair in kerala.In that time economical stability of kottakkal is fully depended upon kottakkal chanda.Kizhakke kovilakam gave some place to muslims or mappilas of Parappanangadi and Tirurangadi for trade and commerce.Firstly it was situated in Kottakkal Bus stand.Later it changed to present place.During the 1921, traders from Tirurangadi were the first informats of mappila rebellion to Kottakkal area.Then mappilas were marched to Tirurangadi from kottakkal and gave some their own contribution to rebellion
In that time Betal leaf and vegitabiles was most important commodity in market.Local peoples were sold their vegitabiles in market.
Gulabi (its a type of tea) was the most dependable water for drink.Traders and buyers from different parts of malappuram were gathering in every Saturday in week even today.So as far as kottakkal concerned saturday is market day. Kottakkal Chanda played a great role in the development of history
Kottakkal Bus stnd
Kottakkal bus stand has its own history .Initially buses were parked in Kottappadi near Arya vaidya sala.later it changed to 'Thaazhe stand' {now it is taxi (Jeep)stand} opposite side of police station of Kottakkal.after the displacement of kottkkal chanda buses were parked in same place.
Election
In the first election to new Municipality held in October 2010,UDFUDF
- Aviation :* UHF Direction Finder, a kind of radio direction finding * Unducted fan, a type of jet engine* User Development Fee - Airport Tax- Computer Science :* Uniqueness Database Files, a Windows XP Professional configuration text file...
wonBushara Shabeer and Paroli Moosakutty Haji of the IUML were elected as the first chairperson and vice-chairman respectively of Kottakkal municipality.
Famous persons
- M. K. Vellodi
- M. P. Abdussamad SamadaniM. P. Abdussamad SamadaniM. P. Abdussamad Samadani, is an Indian politician, Muslim scholar, orator, and a two-time member of Rajya Sabha, the upper House of Indian Parliament. And Now He is a Member of Legistive Assemly of Kerala...
, (former Member of Parliament&Now MLA) - Appu Varier, the first president of Kottakkal Panchayath.
- U. A. BeeranU. A. BeeranU. A. Beeran was an Indian politician from Kottakkal, Kerala. He was affiliated to the Indian Union Muslim League. Beeran served as Minister in the Government of Kerala.-References:...
,former minister - P.K VARIER ,managing trute of arya vaidya sala kottakkal
- P.Saidalavi , managing Directer of TIP TOP Furniture
External Reference
- http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=10.9995434&lon=76.0019588&z=17&l=0&m=b