History of Grama Panchayat

Vadakkencherry Grama Panchayat: History, Society, and Culture

Vadakkencherry is a Grama Panchayat in the Alathur Block of Alathur Taluk in Palakkad district, comprising the villages of Vadakkencherry-1 and Vadakkencherry-2. In the early days, this region was under the rule of the King of Palakkad (Palakkad Raja). The present-day Vadakkencherry Panchayat was formed in 1960 by merging the then-existing panchayats of Vadakkencherry, Ayakkad, and Mangalam. The various oorus (tribal settlements) and cheris (hamlets) found here developed as a result of people belonging to the same community gathering and settling down in specific localities. Each community has its own places of worship and associated festivals.

Historical Struggles and Agrarian Reforms

Historical records indicate that decades ago, the Alathur region was under the dominion of landlords such as Poomulli Mana, Kavalappara Nair Veedu, and the Kochi Pandaram. The agrarian sector was dominated by the Pattam (tenancy/lease) system. This region witnessed organized agitations against the injustices and exploitation inherent in this system, mirroring similar struggles across other parts of Kerala.

In the 1930s, farmers and agricultural laborers organized protests against the oppressive tenancy conditions. Prominent among those who led these uprisings was Alathur R. Krishnan. Historical documents also record intense agitations against the rigid caste system that prevailed in the region. By the early 1920s, the waves of the Sree Narayana movement and the National Movement, which were spreading across Kerala, left a profound impact on this locality as well.

In the first half of the 20th century, Vadakkencherry, which was then an ordinary agrarian village with no unique claims, was part of the Palakkad Taluk, formed in 1861 under the Malabar District of the old Madras State.

Cultural Heritage and Tamil Influence

Being entirely an agricultural village, Vadakkencherry possesses a rich cultural heritage rooted in folk arts and rituals. Due to its long history as part of the Madras State and its proximity to the Palakkad Gap, its culture is deeply intertwined with Tamil traditions. A hybrid blend of Tamil and Malayalam can be observed in many ritualistic art forms, and there are traditional folk arts that feature songs entirely in Tamil. Various temple arts, harvest festivals, and religious celebrations define the vibrant cultural landscape of Vadakkencherry.

Social Structure and Caste Discrimination

In the past, the social rights of individuals were strictly segregated by various castes and sub-castes. Along with the upper-caste and lower-caste division, rigid codes of conduct governed daily life. This rigid social order dictated practices surrounding marriage and funeral rituals. The customs, attire, and modes of address varied significantly among different groups.

The residential terminology also reflected this social stratification:

  • The households of Namboothiris were called Mana or Illam.

  • The houses in the Agraharams (traditional Brahmin streets) where Tamil Brahmins resided in clusters were known as Madhams.

  • The houses of Ezhava chieftains, Muslims, and Christians were also referred to as Veedu or similar established terms.

  • Conversely, the dwellings of the backward-class tenants were relegated to terms like Kudi or Chaala (huts/shacks).

Inter-caste marriages and inter-dining were strictly non-existent. Even after the enforcement of untouchability abolition laws in the 1930s, Harijans (Dalits) were denied entry into hotels. Even as late as 1952–53, barbershops refused to cut the hair of Harijan communities. Discrimination existed even among the marginalized communities themselves, with upper and lower divisions practicing untouchability against one another. In 1942, under the leadership of the S.N.D.P. Yogam, widespread agitations were organized in various parts of the present-day Alathur Taluk demanding temple entry for all.

Education and Traditional Livelihoods

In older times, primary education in the countryside was centered around single-teacher institutions known as Ezhuthupallikkoodam (traditional village schools).

Possessing all the characteristics of a model agrarian village, the plow (kari) and the yoke (nukam) were the primary agricultural implements used here in earlier days. Palm tapping, toddy vending, and the jaggery (chakkara) manufacturing industry were also widely prevalent livelihoods in this region.