Local History

Around 750 years ago, this region was part of the territory ruled by the Keezhmalai Raja. Later, it came under the rule of the Thekkumkoor and Vadakkumkoor kings. The Thodupuzha Nainar Mosque was built by the Vadakkumkoor Raja for the Muslim community. Among the ancient temples in this region are the Amayapra Temple, Velur Temple, and Thattakkuzha Temple.

Remains of the fort that once marked the boundary between the Thekkumkoor and Vadakkumkoor kingdoms can still be seen in the form of trenches. It is said that the large canal surrounding the fort once contained crocodiles and alligators, while both banks were covered with thorny bamboo groves. Earthen jars believed to have been buried or abandoned by people who lived here centuries ago can still be found in several parts of the Panchayat. The edges of nearly eight such jars are visible above the ground at the Peringassery Government High School ground. Ancient burial caves known as “Muniyaras” can also be seen on Manjappilly Hill in the Thattakkuzha region.

Centuries ago, people migrated here mainly for agriculture from regions such as Meenachil, Purappuzha, Thodanganad, and Koothattukulam, along with indigenous tribal communities. Areas like Velur, Pattaykkal, Thekkumkara, Kaithappara, Manayathadam, Kuzhimattam, and Mannoorkadu were once dense forests. Today, most of these regions have become teak plantations. Remains of elephant pits once used to trap wild elephants can still be seen.

Cultural History

From ancient times, tribal communities belonging to the Oorali, Arayan, and Mannan groups have lived in the eastern regions of Udumbannoor. Earlier, they lived as separate tribes. The tribal leader, known as the “Kanikkaran,” acted as healer, judge, and protector of agriculture through traditional medicines and rituals against pests. Cultivation was done collectively by the tribes, and they were allowed to grow only short-term crops such as paddy, banana, colocasia, and yam.

A magazine called Vanavarga Chandrika, which addressed the issues of tribal communities, was once circulated in the region. In olden times, human sacrifices were reportedly performed to ensure the strength of structures like bridges and dams. Systems of untouchability and caste discrimination also existed. Some upper-caste landlords used to serve food to laborers in pits dug in the ground.

Freedom fighters such as Chaliplackal Mathachan, K.V. Paulose Konnanal, Moolampuzha Krishnankutty, Manorama Kunjouta (Puthenpurayil Kunjouta), Kuryakose Maramkandathil, Chellappan Achari, and Antony Theruvath were honored with Tamrapathra awards for their contributions to India’s freedom struggle. Many other freedom fighters also hailed from this Panchayat.

Sainaba, the first woman graduate from Udumbannoor Panchayat, Thattakkuzha Ravi and Mundakkayam Sadasivan, who made remarkable contributions in storytelling performances, and P.K. Jaffer, who won world championship titles in arm wrestling, are among the personalities who brought recognition to Udumbannoor in the fields of art, sports, and culture.

Social History

The Palanampadam Party from Kottayam acquired around 2,000 acres of land from Sree Moolam Thirunal Maharaja by paying taxes and offerings such as timber, sugar, and other tributes. An engine was installed on a hilltop to transport timber from the foothills, and the place is still known as “Enginekunnu” (Engine Hill). The rubber plantation in this area is now known as Sreemoolamangalam Estate.

About 100 years ago, rubber was planted on 90 acres of land, and later around 1,500 acres were leased to A.V. Thomas & Company. Since the land was originally acquired for sugarcane cultivation, the company became popularly known as the “Sugar Company.” Graphite mining was once carried out near Enginekunnu.

The first vehicle that came to the Panchayat ran using charcoal fuel. Later, Swaraj Motor Service operated bus services between Udumbannoor and Kottayam. The fare from Udumbannoor to Pala was one rupee at that time, while a laborer’s daily wage was only four annas. Working hours were from 8 AM to 6 PM. Malaria caused many deaths in those days. Tea and a full meal could be purchased for a very small amount.

During the 1930s, one acre of land in the Cheppukulam area cost around 50 rupees, while one sovereign of gold cost 32 rupees. A hundred coconuts cost only 17.5 paise. Labor wages were extremely low, and poverty was widespread. Electricity reached Udumbannoor Panchayat only during 1969–70.

Development History

The first educational institution in the area was established in 1932. Before that, the main center of learning was a traditional village school run by Varkey Ashan at Mankuzhi in Parathippilly. The first formal school was St. Joseph’s L.P. School, popularly known as Parakkavala School, established in the Malayalam Era year 1110.

Until the establishment of the high school at Thattakkuzha in 1964, children from this Panchayat had to travel to St. Joseph’s High School, Karimannoor, for secondary education. Before the establishment of Karimannoor High School in 1949–50, students depended on the Government High School at Thodupuzha.

A health center providing allopathic treatment was established at Thattakkuzha only in 1991. Before that, there were only two family welfare sub-centers at Cheppukulam and Cheenikkuzhi, along with an Ayurveda hospital and a few traditional Ayurvedic practitioners. In the field of poison treatment, the physician Khader Pillai of Aattupurath rendered commendable service to the Panchayat.

The most important road in Udumbannoor Panchayat originates from Thodupuzha. Branching from State Highway No. 8 (Punalur–Muvattupuzha Road) at Karimannoor High School Junction, one route enters Udumbannoor Panchayat through Pannoor and passes through Thattakkuzha to reach Cheppukulam.