Kuttanad - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

Kuttanadu is a region in the district of Alappuzha

Alappuzha district

Alappuzha is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala in India. It was formed as Alleppey District on August 17, 1957. The name of the district was officially changed to Alappuzha in 1990. The district is a widely known tourist destination, and is well known for its coir factories. Most of...

, in the state of 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....

, 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...

, well known for its picturesque vast paddy fields and its geographical peculiarities. It's the region with the lowest altitude in India, and one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea level. It’s also one of the historically important places in the ancient history of South India.

History

There is no recorded history on the origin of this land. But the oral history among local people, transferred from generation to generation is a blend of myths and legends. There is reference to Kuttanad in the epic Mahabharata of ancient India. During their exile, the five Pandava

Pandava

In the Hindu epic Mahābhārata, the Pandava are the five acknowledged sons of Pandu , by his two wives Kunti and Madri. Their names are Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. Although, Karna is told by Lord Krishna that according to the laws and ethics he is the first son of Kunti making...

princes are said to have traveled through this land. In those days, Kuttanad was part of a dense forest, later destroyed by a forest fire which is also mentioned in the epic. Thus came the place name Chuttanad or the burnt place. In course of time Chuttanad became Kuttanad. One can still see kari or coal if we dig deep into the soil of Kuttanad, pointing to the fact that the place was once a forest, destroyed by wild fire. In Kuttanad most of the place names end in kari. Some familiar place names are Ramankary, Puthukkary, Oorukkary, Mitrakkary, Mampuzhakkary

Mampuzhakkary

Mampazhakkary is a village in the Kuttanad region of Alappuzha District in South India. It is located near the Pampa River. This village is about 7 km from Changanacherry and 15 km from Alappuzha connected by AC road....

, Kainakari, Chathurthiakary and Chennamkari.. It is also said that kuttanad was once under the sea.the proof is the land is flourished with seashells.

During the reign of Chera dynasty

Chera dynasty

Chera Dynasty in South India is one of the most ancient ruling dynasties in India. Together with the Cholas and the Pandyas, they formed the three principle warring Iron Age Tamil kingdoms in southern India...

that ruled over ancient Kerala, Kuttanad attained an important place in history. One of the powerful kings in the dynasty: Cheran Chenguttavan is said to have ruled his vast kingdom from Kuttanad, when it was also a famous centre of Buddhism

Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...

. There is another version for its place name. The Buddhist centre Buddhanad later became Kuttanad.

Divisions

The Kuttanad region is broadly classified into three divisions:

Lower Kuttanad
Lower Kuttanad
Lower Kuttanad comprises taluks of Ambalapuzha, Kuttanad and northern half of Karthikapally taluk in Alappuzha district, Kerala, India....
Upper Kuttanad
Upper Kuttanad
Upper Kuttanad is a part of India's Kuttanad region. It consists of parts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Alapuzha districts.Kuttanad is broadly divided into Lower Kuttanad , Upper Kuttanad , and...
North Kuttanad
North Kuttanad
North Kuttanad, in Kerala, India, comprises Vaikom taluk, western parts of Kottayam taluk, and western parts of Changanacherry taluk in Kottayam district....

Lower Kuttanad comprises taluks of Ambalapuzha taluk, Kuttanad (excluding Edathua

Edathua

Edathua is a place in Kuttanad, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India.Situated 12 km from Thiruvalla Town, Edathua is famous for the St. George Catholic Church known as 'Edathua Palli' situated here.The church was built by Fr. Thomas Olakkapadil. The Church celebrates its major feast during the...

, Thalavady

Thalavady

Thalavady is an Upper Kuttanadu village and Panchayat located in Kuttanadu Taluk, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India. The geography of Thalavady is dominated by the vast lush green paddy field,unique to Kuttanad villages bordered by a network of canals that runs between the fields and the Pampa...

and Muttar

Muttar

Muttar is located in the beautiful scenic environment of upper Kuttanad, Alapuzha District in Kerala, 10 km west of Changanacherry, on the Kidangara Chakulathukavu road, surrounded by Thalavady, Neerettupuram, Kunnamkary, Chathamkary& Mithrakary...

, and the northern half of Karthikapally taluk in Alappuzha district

Alappuzha district

).

Upper Kuttanad comprises Veeyapuram

Veeyapuram

Veeyapuram is a village in the district of Alappuzha, Kerala, India. It is located about 10 kilometers east of Harippad town.-Demographics: India census, Veeyapuram had a population of 12003 with 5669 males and 6334 females....

village in Karthikapally taluk, Edathua

Edathua

, Thalavady

Thalavady

, Kidangara and Muttar

Muttar

in Kuttanad taluk; Chennithala

Chennithala

Chennithala is a village in Mavelikkara taluk of Alleppey district, Kerala, South India. It belongs to old Onattukara. This village consists mainly of paddy fields and coconut groves. The late kathakali dancer Chennithala Chellappan Pillai and KPCC President Sri...

village in Mavelikkara Taluk, Mannar

Mannar, Sri Lanka

Mannar , formerly spelled Manar, is the capital of Mannar District, Sri Lanka. It is located on Mannar Island.Mannar is known for its baobab trees and for its fort, built by the Portuguese in 1560 and taken by the Dutch in 1658 and rebuilt; its ramparts and bastions are intact, though the interior...

, Kuruttissery, Budhanur, Ennakkad

Ennakkad

Ennakkad is a village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala.Ennakkadu is surrounded by Chennithala, Puliyoor, Mavelikkara, Budhanur and mannar. Very beautiful village.-Demographics:...

villages in Chengannur taluk of Alappuzha district

Alappuzha district

; and Parumala

Parumala

Parumala is a small village and island on the Pampa River in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, India.Parumala is renowned for the presence of the Tomb of St. Gregorios , the Greatest Saint of India belonging to the Indian Orthodox Church and Syriac Orthodox Church, so it is a pilgrimage site...

, Kadapra

Kadapra

Kadapra is a village in Pathanamthitta district in the state of Kerala, India.-Demographics: India census, Kadapra had a population of 25101 with 11922 males and 13179 females....

, Niranam

Niranam

Niranam is a village in central Travancore region in Kerala, India. It was a port in ancient Kerala, on the confluence of the Manimala and Achankovil River. It is almost from Tiruvalla in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala...

, Pulikeezhu, Peringara

Peringara

Peringara is a village in Pathanamthitta district in the state of Kerala, India.-Demographics: India census, Peringara had a population of 15089 with 7165 males and 7924 females....

, Chathenkeri, Nedumpuram

Nedumpuram

Nedumpuram is a village in Pathanamthitta district in the state of Kerala, India.-Demographics: India census, Nedumpuram had a population of 12960 with 6202 males and 6758 females....

, villages of Tiruvalla taluk in Pathanamthitta district

Pathanamthitta district

Pathanamthitta district is the youngest district located in the southern part of the state of Kerala, India. The district headquarters is in Pathanamthitta town. The district is surrounded by Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha and Kollam districts. It has a border with the state of Tamil Nadu in the east...

.

North Kuttanad comprises Vaikom taluk, western parts of Kottayam taluk, and western parts of Changanacherry taluk in Kottayam district

Kottayam district

Kottayam is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala, India. The district has its headquarters at Kottayam town, located at 9.36° N and 76.17° E. According to the 1991 census, it is the first district to achieve highest literacy rate in the whole of India...

Villages

A few of the major villages which form Kuttanad are:Kainakary

Kainakary

Kainakary is a village in Kuttanad Taluk in Allappuzha District of Kerala state, was part of the erstwhile Chembakassery dynasty. It is famous for its unspoiled scenic beauty. Five rivers originating from the Western Ghats, including the sacred River Pamba drain into the Vembanad lake in the tip of...

, Ramankary,Puthukkary, Chennamkary, Nedumudi

Nedumudi

Nedumudi is a village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the birth place of malayalam actor Nedumudi Venu.Nedumudi sits in the banks of river Pampa...

, Niramom, Kaipuzha

Kaipuzha

Kaipuzha is a village in Kottayam District, Kerala, South India. The name Kaipuzha is derived from the two words Kai and Puzha . This is a testament to the many small canal-like rivers found in the vicinity. It is bounded by Ettumanoor to the east and Mannanam by the south...

, Kumarakom

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam , in Kerala, India, famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake which is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Kerala.-Environment:...

, Edathua

Edathua

, Mampuzhakkary

Mampuzhakkary

, Neelamperoor

Neelamperoor

Neelamperoor is a village in the Alappuzha district, Kerala. It famous for its backwaters, lakes and paddy fields. People compromises from both Hindu and Christian denominations....

, Kainady

Kainady

Kainady village is located in Neelamperoor grama panchayat. It is a small island and consists of picturesque paddy fields and small canals. Population consists of Hindu and Christian denominations...

, Kavalam

Kavalam

Kavalam is a village in Kuttanad. This backwater village in Kerala state, India, is situated on the borders of Alapuzha and Kottayam Districts, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The Pampa river flows through the village to merge into the famed Vembanad Lake. Its natural scenic beauty is legendary and...

, Pulincunnoo, Kannady, Veliyanadu, Veeyapuram, Vezhapra, Kunnamkary, Kumaramkary, Valady, Kidangara, Mithrakary

Mithrakary

Mithrakary is a small village in Kuttanadu Taluk. It is located in Muttar Panchayat.It is presumed that this region was a very big forest in ancient years, but later destroyed by a forest fire. It is still possible to see "kari" if we dig deep into the soil. So this place name end-up with Kari...

, Muttar

Muttar

, Neerattupuram

Neerattupuram

Neerattupuram is a place in Kuttanad, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India.Situated 9 km from Thiruvalla town, the place is home to the Chakkulathukavu Temple. The temple is well known for the Ponkala, a typical Hindu festival, which takes place every year during the month of November...

, Thalavadi, Changankary, Champakulam

Champakulam

Champakulam is a village in Kerala, India. It is in Alappuzha district. Champakulam is part of Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, and is resplendent in green paddy fields, coconut groves and water fowl. Champakulam is an important tourist spot and is famous for the Moolam boat race. The river...

, Nedumudi

Nedumudi

Nedumudi is a village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the birth place of malayalam actor Nedumudi Venu.Nedumudi sits in the banks of river Pampa...

, Moonnatummukham, Melpadom, Payippad

Payippad

Payippad is a village in Alappuzha district in the state of Kerala, India. The village is situated about 10km east of Harippad on the Harippad, Veeyapuram road. Payippad is better known for the Payippad boat race....

, Karichal, Ayaparambu, Anary, Vellamkulangara, Pilappuzha, Pandi

Pandi

Pandi may refer to:* Pandi, Bulacan in the Philippines* Pandi, Cundinamarca in Colombia* Pandi , Tamil film starring Lawrence Raghavendra* Pandi, a creature of medieval bestiary....

, Pacha

Pacha

Pacha is a nightclub franchise with headquarters in Ibiza, Spain. The first Pacha club was opened in Sitges outside Barcelona in 1967. The Ibiza club, located in Ibiza Town, is the best known venue today. During 2009 Pacha acquired El Divino, near the marina of Ibiza la Nueva, which will be...

, Cheruthana

Cheruthana

Cheruthana is a village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala.-Demographics: India census, Cheruthana had a population of 12944 with 6162 males and 6782 females....

, Karuvatta

Karuvatta

Karuvatta is a village in the Karthikapally taluk of Alappuzha district of the South Indian state of Kerala. Karuvatta lies on the borders of Kuttanad, one of Kerala's primary rice producing regions....

, Chennithala

Chennithala

, Narakathara

Narakathara

Narakathara is a village in Kuttanad on the boat route between Changanacherry and Alappuzha.Earlier accessible only via the water, there is now significant road penetration in this area. Valady Devi Kshetram is in Narakathara....

, Venattukad, Kayalppuram, Mankompu, Chathurthiakary, Manalady, Koduppunna, Thayankarry and Pullangadi among others.

Paddy Cultivation

The major occupation in Kuttanad is farming. Rice is the important agricultural product, giving Kuttanad the moniker of "The Rice Bowl of Kerala". Three crops are grown every year now instead of the traditional two per year. Large farming areas near vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India, and the largest lake in the state of Kerala. It is also one of the largest lakes, in India. A lake spanning several districts in the state of Kerala, it is known by different names in different localities viz. Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad, Kochi Lake in...

were actually reclaimed from the lake. The history of the paddy cultivation in Kuttanad can be traced back to centuries. The evolution of paddy cultivation in Kuttanad was correlated to the technological advancement and changes in the regulatory frame work existed during the 19th and 20th centuries. In the earlier times, the reclamation was done mainly from the shallow part of the Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake

or from the periphery of river Pamba. These reclamations constituted small areas of paddy fields called “Padsekharams”.The bailing out of water from those fields were done manually using water wheels named “Chakram”. Gradually the manual method used for bailing out of water gave way to steam engines.

The ‘Pattom Proclamation’ made by the Travencore Kingdom in the year 1865, gave a great fillip to the reclamation activities during 1865 to1890. Venad kayal that was reclaimed during this period is considered as the first ‘Kayal Nilam’ which was reclaimed from the Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake

. This pioneering reclamation activity for kayal cultivation was made by two brothers (Mathai Luka Pallithanam and Ouseph Luka Pallithanam) belonging to Kainady village in Kuttanadu. The period between 1865 and 1890 is usually considered as the first phase of kayal cultivation.

The introduction of kerosene engines for dewatering, resulted in the reclamation of wider areas of the lake for cultivation.It made the farmers to think of venturing into the deeper parts of the lake. During the period between 1900 to 1903, reclamation activity was led by Pallithanam Luka Mathai (alias Pallithanathu Mathaichen) who reclaimed the Cherukara Kayal, Pallithanam Moovayiram Kayal, and Madathil Kayal. But second phase (1890 to 1903) of reclamation activities came to a halt because of the ban on kayal reclamation imposed by the Travencore Raja in 1903.

After the removal of the ban in 1912, Pallithanam Luca Matthai

Pallithanam Luca Matthai

Pallithanam Luca Matthai was born in the year 1882 in Kainady village of Kuttanad.His father and uncle were the pioneers of kayal cultivation in Kuttandu.Since he lost both his father and uncle when he was only eighteen years, being the eldest son in the family he took over the family estate.The...

along with some other prominent families in Kuttanadu, reclaimed E-Block Kayal measuring a total area 2,400 acres. This is the biggest kayal nilam in Kuttanadu. C.J. Kurian, Ex MLC and Mr.John Illikalam were his main partners in this venture.The period between 1914 to 1925 is considered as the third phase of kayal reclamation. C Block, D Block and E Block and F Block are the major Kayal nilams reclaimed during this period.During the period 1925 to 1933 reclamation activity faced a lull due to the drop in the price of rice.It regained its momentum starting from 1935.

In the latter half of the Thirties he led the reclamation of H Block Kayal and R Block Kayal.

Pallithanam Luca Matthai

Pallithanam Luca Matthai

who had served as member of Moolam Thirunal of Travancore

Moolam Thirunal of Travancore

Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma was the ruling Maharajah of the Indian state of Travancore between 1885 and 1924, succeeding his uncle Maharajah Visakham Thirunal .-Early life and education:...

's Praja Sabha (Popular Assembly) was considered as the pioneer of cooperative agricultural movement in Kuttanadu. His life marked the beginning of the epoch of first generation Kayal Rajas of Kuttanad.(Kayal Raja is the term generally used to refer to the prominent kayal cultivators in the Kuttanadu region).In 1931, in order to strengthen the farming community in Kuttanadu he founded Kuttandu Karshaka Sangham(Kuttanadu Agricultural Association). From the beginning of his farming career in his teens (he was only eighteen years when he reclaimed the cherukara kayal), he brought together like minded people and successfully led the reclamation activity from 1900 to 1940.

Due to the steep decline in the price of rice during 1925 to 1932 the reclamation activities become lethargic. But it gained its momnetum again and during the final stage of reclamation between 1935 and 1945, H-Block, KL Block, MN Block, R Block and QST Block were reclaimed. In the first half of 1940's in order to increase the agricultural output, Government initiated Grow More Food campaiagn.The last tract of the reclamations were made during this period.The advent of electric motors made the reclamations relatively easy and cheaper compared to the earlier periods.Thomman Joseph Murickummoottil (Muricken Outhachan) was the main cultivator during this period. He did cultivation in a very large extent of reclaimed area and achieved such a success that he was crowned as "Krishi Rajan" (farmer king) by the then prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru , often referred to with the epithet of Panditji, was an Indian statesman who became the first Prime Minister of independent India and became noted for his “neutralist” policies in foreign affairs. He was also one of the principal leaders of India’s independence movement in the...

.

The prominent families in kuttanadu who were involved in the backwater paddy cultivation are Pallithanam, Vallickadu, Vachaparampil, Punnadamvakkal, Chalayil, Kandakudy, Illikalam, Akkara, Ettuparayil, Mangalapallil, Paruthickal, Meledom, Murukkummootil, Puthenpurayil, Pattasseril etc.

As the farming in the area increased farmers felt themselves constrained by the two cycles a year for rice cultivation. The reason for which is the limited availability of potable water in Kuttanadu. During the monsoon seasons, the water from the mountains flow through the rivers to the sea, bringing potable water to Kuttanadu. But during summer, due to the low level of the region, seawater enters Kuttanadu and makes the salt content of the water high making it unpotable.

Thanneermukkom Bund

During 1968, government of India proposed a project, in which a bund (Dam

Dam

A dam is a barrier that impounds water or underground streams. Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions. Hydropower and pumped-storage hydroelectricity are...

) will be made across the river so that seawater will not be allowed to come inside Kuttanad during summer, allowing farmers to cultivate an extra cycle per year. The project was planned in three phases, the south side, the north side and another phase to join the two sections. The project was delayed and by the time the first two phases were complete the entire money allotted for the project ran out and left the final phase in limbo. The farmers who were expecting lots of financial benefits after the completion of the project decided to take matters into their own hands and one night in 1972, a large group of farmers filled the gap between the north and the south side with earth. To this day, the earth embankment between the two sections of the bundh remains.

Even though the bund has improved the quality of life of the farmers, the bund is alleged to have caused severe environmental problems. The backwaters which were abundant with fish and part of the staple food of the people of the region require a small amount of salt water for its breeding. The bund has caused deterioration of fish varieties in the region and the fishermen opposed to the bund as of 2005. The bund has also disrupted the harmony of the sea with the backwaters and has caused problems not foreseen before the bundh like the omniprescence of the water weeds. Earlier the salt water tends to cleanse the backwaters but this does not happen any more leading to the pollution of the backwaters and the entire land near by.

Notable Natives and Residents

Dr. M. S. Swaminathan
M. S. Swaminathan
Maankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan is an Indian agriculture scientist in Kuttanad, kerala. He was the second of four sons of a doctor.He is known as the "Father of the Green Revolution in India", for his leadership and success in introducing and further developing high-yielding varieties of wheat in...

, Botanist, known as the father of the Green Revolution in India
Green Revolution in India
The introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds and the increased use of fertilizers and irrigation are known collectively as the Green Revolution, which provided the increase in production needed to make India self-sufficient in food grains, thus improving agriculture in India...

.
Dr. I C Chacko
I. C. Chacko, Illiparambil
Illiparambil Corah Chacko was an eminent geologist, philologist, writer and grammarian of Kerala, India.He was born in Pulinkunnoo in Kuttanad, Kerala. After graduation from Maharajas College in Trivandrum, he went to London, and during 1901-06 he studied Physics in the Imperial College of Science...

, Physicist
Physicist
A physicist is a scientist who studies or practices physics. Physicists study a wide range of physical phenomena in many branches of physics spanning all length scales: from sub-atomic particles of which all ordinary matter is made to the behavior of the material Universe as a whole...

and Geologist
Geologist
A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth as well as the processes and history that has shaped it. Geologists usually engage in studying geology. Geologists, studying more of an applied science than a theoretical one, must approach Geology using...

, State Geologist of Travancore State from 1906–1921
Dr. Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai was a novelist and short story writer of Malayalam language, spoken in Kerala state, South India. He is popularly known as Thakazhi, after his place of birth. He focused on the oppressed classes as the subject of his works, which are known for their attention to...

, Novelist, Jnanpith Scholar.
Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara
Kuriakose Elias Chavara
Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara was the co-founder and first prior-general of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate and of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Mother of Carmel....

,
Dr. K. Ayyappa Panikkar
Mr. Maliampurackal Chacko Punnoose Navodaya Appachen
Appachan
Maliampurackal Chacko Punnoose, known as Navodaya Appachan is an Indian film producer, director, and entrepreneur. He is mainly involved in Malayalam cinema....

-Indian film producer, director, and entrepreneur.
Mr. Kunchako Boban Maliampurackal - Famous film Actor and director.
Late Mr.Kunchacko
Kunchacko
Kunchacko was a Malayali Indian film producer and director who heavily influenced the Malayalam film industry by redefining the commercial film scenario. His venture Udaya Studios influenced the gradual shift of Malayalam film industry from its original base of Madras, Tamil Nadu to Kerala...

Maliampurackal - Udaya Studio -Indian film producer and director.
Prof. Kavalam Narayana Panikkar
John Abraham, Film Director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
Vinayan
Vinayan
Vinayan is an Indian film director, mainly of Malayalam movies. He started his career with the film Super Star, in which he used a Mohanlal look-alike in the lead role....

, Film Director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
Nedumudi Venu
Nedumudi Venu
Nedumudi Venu is a popular Malayalam film actor from Kerala, India. He has also written screenplays and has directed one film.- Early life :...

, Film actor
Dr.K C Joseph Ex.MLA, Architect of Modern Kuttanadu
Ramesh Chennithala
Ramesh Chennithala
Ramesh Chennithala is an Indian politician. He is the son of late Ramakrishnan Nair. He was elected a Member of Parliament thrice and was also a Kerala State Cabinet Minister at the age of 27 under mentor ship of late K. Karunakaran...

, Politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
Eyo Cherian kanicheril Freedom fighter
Venu Nagavally
Venu Nagavally
Venu Nagavally was an Indian actor, screenwriter and director who was active in Malayalam cinema. Son of late writer, commentator, and broadcaster Nagavally R. S...

Film Actor and film director.
Nagavally R.S. Kurup
Thomas Pallithanam, Social activist
Joseph Pallithanam
Joseph Pallithanam
Joseph Pallithanam was an Indian botanist. He was born to Mathachan and Mariamma in Kainady.After his education, he became a priest in the Society of Jesus. He then completing a doctorate in botany, and became an instructor at St. Xaviers College, Tirunelveli Tamil Nadu, and then at St...

Botanist
Mar Thomas Kurialacherry - Former Archbishop

H.G.Mathews Mar Theodosius, the Metropolitan of Idukki Dist.Malankara Orthodox Church.

Cultural Personalities

Kuttanad is known for its contributions to the field of Malayalam literature and cinema besides the classical dance-drama of 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...

. Jnanpith-winning novelist, Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai

Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai

Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai was a novelist and short story writer of Malayalam language, spoken in Kerala state, South India. He is popularly known as Thakazhi, after his place of birth. He focused on the oppressed classes as the subject of his works, which are known for their attention to...

, hailed from Kuttanad, so is late Malayalam poet Dr K. Ayyappa Panikkar. Scholar-folklorist Kavalam Narayana Panikkar and his musician son Kavalam Sreekumar are natives of this place, so was late filmmaker John Abraham. Renowned film actor Nedumudi Venu

Nedumudi Venu

Nedumudi Venu is a popular Malayalam film actor from Kerala, India. He has also written screenplays and has directed one film.- Early life :...

too hails from this belt. Another famous film personality hailing from Kuttanad is filmmaker Vinayan

Vinayan

Vinayan is an Indian film director, mainly of Malayalam movies. He started his career with the film Super Star, in which he used a Mohanlal look-alike in the lead role....

.Lopa Kottarathil(Malayalam poet)- Ayaparampu.The versatile artist Venu Nagavally

Venu Nagavally

Venu Nagavally was an Indian actor, screenwriter and director who was active in Malayalam cinema. Son of late writer, commentator, and broadcaster Nagavally R. S...

also belongs to Kuttanadu.

Among the leading Kathakali exponents from Kuttanad today are Mankompu Sivasankara Pillai

Mankompu Sivasankara Pillai

Mankompu Sivasankara Pillai, of Kerala in south India, is a reputed Kathakali artiste of the classical dance-drama's southern style. Noted for his consummate depiction of pachcha, kathi and minukku roles, he is a disciple of late maestro Chenganoor Raman Pillai.Born in Mankompu of Kuttanad belt in...

, Mathoor Govindankutty, Thalavadi Aravindan, FACT Padmanabhan and Kalamandalam Shanmughan. Its Kathakali masters of earlier days include Mathoor Kunhukunhu Pillai Panicker, Chennithala Kochu Pillai Panicker, Mankulam Vishnu Nambuthiri, Champakkulam Pachu Pillai, Guru Gopinath

Guru Gopinath

Guru Gopinath was an Indian classical dancer, Kathakali master and mentor of a relatively new creative modern dancing style called Kerala Natanam. - Significance :...

, Pallippuram Gopalan Nair, Harippadu Ramakrishna Pillai, Chennithala Chellappan Pillai, Ambalappuzha Sekharand Kalanilayam Mohanakumar.
Dr.Aju K.Narayanan, Lecturer in Malayalam, U.C.College, Aluva published a research book on the Buddhist Cultural Heritage of Kuttanadu- Alappuzha.

Politics

Kuttanad assembly constituency was part of Alappuzha

Alappuzha (Lok Sabha constituency)

Alappuzha is a Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala. This constituency was earlier known as Alleppey.-Assembly segments:Alappuzha Lok Sabha constituency is composed of the following assembly segments:#Aroor#Cherthala#Alappuzha#Ambalapuzha#Haripad#Kayamkulam...

. After the Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha or House of the People is the lower house of the Parliament of India. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by direct election under universal adult suffrage. As of 2009, there have been fifteen Lok Sabhas elected by the people of India...

delimitation in 2008 it now belongs to the Mavelikkara constituency.

External links

Chengannur Mahadeva/Devi Temple

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History

Divisions

Villages

Paddy Cultivation

Thanneermukkom Bund

Notable Natives and Residents

Cultural Personalities

Politics

Further reading

External links