History of Udumbannoor
Udumbannoor is a region with a rich social, cultural and historical background. The Keezhamalai king ruled this region for more than seven and a half centuries. Later, the Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur kings ruled this region in turn. Parts of the 'fort' (Kitang) that marked the border between the Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur kingdoms can still be seen. The 'state highway' built near the fort and passing through the Kodikulam, Karimannur and Udumbannur panchayats was named Kotta Road because of this.
It is not possible to say exactly when the Udumbannur area was inhabited. Only by subjecting the mud rocks found in the Peringassery area and the parts of the muniyaras found in the Manjappilly hill area to scientific study will we have a clear idea. The area is inhabited by a group of people who were the original inhabitants of the area and those who migrated from Meenachil, Purappuzha, Tuttanad and Koothattukulam for farming centuries ago.
Migration to this area began on the basis of the discovery that the soil here was suitable for farming. In addition to those who migrated for subsistence, the area was also acquired by big businessmen. The Palambadam party of Kottayam bought two thousand acres of land by paying the price of wood and land to Sree Moolam Thirunal Maharaja, and during the reign of Sir C.V. Manjappilly Ramakrishna Pillai bought 95 acres of land. The Sree Krishna Vilasam Estate was established. A man named Vadakkayil Pareeth, who lived in the Karikode area, had more than five hundred acres of land. The Kudalmanikyam Devaswom had about two hundred acres of land. As part of the Land Reforms Act and the agricultural land struggles that took place after the formation of the Kerala state, hundreds of farmers were allotted land.
Areas like Vellore, Pattakkal, Thekkumkara, Kaithappa, Manayathadam, Kuzhiyamattam, and Mannukkadu were once dense forests. Later, many places in these areas were converted into teak plantations.
This land, which is of agricultural importance, has witnessed several natural disasters. In Kollavarsham 1099 (98 years ago), there was a major flood. In Kollavarsham 1125 (72 years ago), there was a massive landslide in Vellanthanam and Marakombu Mala, killing 11 people. In 2001, a landslide in Velliyani killed four people. There was extensive damage. The landslide in the Chelakad and Malayinchi areas caused extensive crop damage and one person died. The landslide and flood following the 2018 flood caused extensive crop damage and damage to houses. Following this, 71 families were included in the state government's rehabilitation package and were given Rs. 10 lakh each and were relocated.
The current situation is that people from the higher areas of Udumbannur panchayat are shifting to various areas of Thodupuzha taluk due to fear of adverse weather conditions and natural disasters.