History of Grama Panchayat

History of Grama Panchayat

Socio-Cultural History

It is believed that the name “Padiyam” originated from “Paadyam” (place of learning). From ancient times itself, Padiyam was known as a land with educational facilities. The existence of Sanskrit schools and traditional village schools during the 19th century, along with stories handed down by elders, are cited as evidence of this heritage. One of the most remarkable facts is that many of the teachers in these centers of learning belonged to oppressed and lower social communities.

The Muslim mosques at Velumbath, Kariyattupuram, and Nelleyilatt are especially significant. People of other religions, including Hindus, also worship there. Hindus make offerings at these mosques seeking fulfillment of wishes and auspiciousness in ceremonies. Even today, Hindus donate money, coconut oil, and incense sticks to these mosques. Likewise, Muslims also make offerings at Hindu sacred groves (Kaavu). The daily expenses of the Cheeratta Madhappura are still partly met through contributions of oil and donations given by Muslims.

Elamankan Mala, located in Padiyam Panchayat, was once one of the settlements of the Kurichyar community, who terrified the British through their guerrilla resistance. Through land reforms, more than a thousand tenant farmers and landless people in the village received ownership of land. Once farmers gained their own small plots and homes, agriculture experienced a new awakening, and long-term crops increased. Homesteads became rich with multi-layered vegetation. Trees such as mango, jackfruit, coconut, arecanut, irool, and teak were cultivated, along with drumstick trees, gooseberry, papaya, and guava. Intercrops included tapioca, banana, yam, colocasia, turmeric, and okra. Creepers like beans, yam varieties, and other tubers spread across fences and boundaries, creating natural green bio-fences around the farms.

Although not directly active in the Indian National Congress, Padiyam became the stage for clashes during the 1937 period between the disciples of Vagbhatananda and the pro-British People’s Party supporters. Elders still recount many stories of resistance and struggles led by Vagbhatananda’s followers. Many people from Padiyam also participated in the Indian freedom movement and served in Indian National Army led by Subhas Chandra Bose.

In the soil cultivated by Vagbhatananda’s reformist ideas, communist ideologies quickly took root. In 1944, under the leadership of K.M. Raghavan, communist activities began in Kongaratta.

Padiyam was not only a land of Rajasooyam and Thekkan Kolkkali, but also of Mappila Kolkkali. In the early 20th century, many training centers (Kalari) that taught Rajasooyam and Thekkan Koladi existed in the Panchayat. Kolkkali training centers can still be found in many parts of the region today.

The modern cultural heritage of the area began with Vagbhatananda, who was a philosopher, spiritual teacher, and social reformer. A generation once lived here that encouraged modern ideas while preserving tradition and connecting both to create cultural renewal.

According to legend, Punam Namboothiri, the author of Ramayanam Champu, believed to have been written in the late 15th century, was born and raised here.

Many notable personalities in literature and arts also belonged to Padiyam. V.K. Gurukkal, author of several Sanskrit and Malayalam works including Pithruvilapam, Gurudeva Samadhi, and a translation of Shankaracharya’s Atmabodha, left a unique mark in poetry despite his short literary career.

Notable personalities born and raised in Padiyam include:

  • K. P. Prabhakaran — renowned scientist
  • K. P. Vijayan — journalist
  • Valsan Kolleri — sculptor and painter
  • Sreenivasan — actor and screenwriter
  • K. Prabhakaran — contributor to cinema

Hindu, Muslim, and Christian families continue to live together harmoniously in the region. Temple festivals and sacred grove rituals (Theyyam/Thira celebrations) are conducted with participation from all communities. Rituals involving traditional worship, mystical practices, and dance performances form part of these celebrations.

The libraries in the area also continue to function actively and effectively.