Pallikkathode
Grama Panchayat

The origin of the place name itself is believed by the elders to be associated with ancient sages and ascetics. One tradition holds that the name Ayannikkad originated from a sage named Ayani Muni, who is believed to have meditated in the Kathirampuzha area, east of Pallikkathode Junction, and that the name gradually evolved into Anikkad. Another view is that the name Ayannikkad refers to the abundance of Ayani (Anjili) trees that once grew in the region.

It can be said that migration to this area, which was once covered extensively by forests, began about seven centuries ago. The first settlements are believed to have taken place with the permission of the King of Thekkumkoor. Among the earliest families to settle here are believed to have been the Thekketh, Vaduthala and Pittinal families. Historical accounts suggest that around 1600, a few Christian families migrated to and settled in this region. They included the Kunnel, Murattupoovathinkal, Moolayil and Alunkal (Kanjiramattam) families.

In ancient times, the region suffered from the activities of the Kodayanmar. Unable to bear their harassment, the King of Chempakassery invited two Karthas from the Kadathanad region to come here and provide training in martial arts. They established kalaris and trained people in the use of weapons, eventually suppressing the Kodayanmar. As a reward, they were granted land under the names Ampazhathungal Thanathu and Ampazhathungal Pandaravaka. The families they established were Ampazhathungal and Ampiyil. It is believed that they did not maintain cordial relations with the Nair families who had already settled in the area.

The Pandarappatta Proclamation of 1865 and the Jenmi-Kudiyan Proclamation of 1887 led to large-scale migration into this region. The abolition of the pepper monopoly in 1872 also contributed to the migration and settlement of people in the area.

Throughout history, the name Anikkad continued to be used for this land. It was only for certain administrative reasons that the name of the Panchayat was changed to Pallikkathode in 1964. It is believed that the stream (thodu) beginning near the Anikkad Church, which was established in 1860, later came to be known as Pallikkathode, and this eventually became the place name.

The Central Library, which functioned adjacent to the Anikkad Government L.P. School, was the first library in this Panchayat.

Healthcare

In the early days, traditional physicians known as Ganakas were among those who provided medical treatment. At that time, smallpox was widespread in the region, and many people lost their lives to the disease. It was believed that the disease was caused by the anger of Bhadrakali. The practice of vaccination by inoculation was followed in schools.

Several physicians who rendered valuable service in the field of healthcare lived and worked in this area. Among the prominent ones were Pulikkamangalathu Narayanan Nair, Madhavan (Pallikkal Vaidyan), Ambattu Padmanabhan Nair, Kattaarath Joseph (Kattaarath Ashan), Nandikad Narayana Kaimal, V. Ramapanicker and Chakkampuzha Mani Vaidyar.

The Government Hospital at Pampady was of great assistance to the people of this region. Dr. Abraham Pittathankal was the first person to introduce allopathic medicine to the area. The Tiruvva Medical Mission Hospital, which began functioning at Kodungoor, also provided valuable medical services to the local people.

The Kalladampoika Health Centre, established within this Panchayat, is one of the important healthcare institutions in the region. It began functioning temporarily in 1971 at Parvathimandiram, in a building belonging to V. G. Narayanan Nair. It is now functioning on one acre of land donated by Kallal K. Kesavan Nair and K. Sivan Nair.

The Anikkad Nirmala Hospital has also rendered significant service in the field of allopathic treatment. The Elampally Ayurveda Hospital and the Myladikkara Government Homoeopathic Hospital are two other institutions serving the people in the healthcare sector.

The names of several renowned traditional practitioners of poison treatment also deserve special mention. They include Kozhivettakkal Damodaran Kartha (Unnikartha), Kalarikkal Narayanan Nair, Kizhakkayil Sekharan Nair, Manappattu Narayanan Nair, and Thazhaykkal Kuriakose, who had also served as a Panchayat member. Their services deserve to be remembered with gratitude.

Places of Worship

There are many ancient places of worship in this region. Among the oldest are the Anikkad Bhagavathy Temple, believed to have been established around 1700; Anikkad St. Mary's Church, established in 1860; Nedumavu C.M.S. Church, established in 1900; and Nedumavu St. Paul's Church, established in Malayalam Era 1100. The temples at Nellikassery, Vattakakkavu, Elampally and Manappattukunnu are also among the old places of worship established in this region.

Art and Culture

Anikkad has always been known for its artistic and cultural activities. Traditional ritual arts such as Garudan, Kumbhakudam, Villpattu, Kaala and Aivar Kali, as well as performing arts such as Kathakali, Ottanthullal and Thiruvathira, were popular in the region. Several amateur theatre groups also functioned here.

In the field of literature, P. N. S. Anikkad and O. S. G. Nair made notable contributions through their literary works.

Agriculture

Agriculture was the main occupation of the people in this region. Paddy cultivation was carried out using traditional methods such as ploughing and slash-and-burn practices. Coconut and arecanut were the major crops grown in homesteads. Coffee was cultivated in most homesteads, while tapioca was also widely cultivated and formed a major part of the staple diet.

Traditional varieties such as Ayiroor Vella, Kari Ilavan, Rotti and Chulli were cultivated. Tea was also grown in homesteads. Even during the 1960s, tea leaves were brought to the Puthenchantha market at Pallikkathode on market days.

Rubber cultivation began in 1938. Ginger, turmeric, arrowroot and pepper were also cultivated extensively. Homesteads were deeply dug and turned over for cultivation. Cattle were reared in large numbers.

Paddy cultivation was carried out in the kandams at Thekkekara near Pallikkathode, Ayikkandam to the east, Anikkad Palli, Kurungkudi, Kattachira and Kayyoori. In ancient times, a market functioned at Kayyoori as an important local centre. On land donated by the Ampiyil Karthas, there were a market, a wayside shelter and a pond.

Traditional Industries and Trade

Modern industries did not reach this region. Nevertheless, handloom and khadi products were produced here in earlier times. There were mills for grinding grains, facilities for processing lime, and oil-pressing units.

Jaggery was produced and sold from the extensive sugarcane cultivation that once existed in the area. The Pallikkathode market continued to function until the early years of the 1970s. The market was held on Tuesdays and Fridays, attracting people from neighbouring areas who came to sell agricultural produce and purchase daily necessities.

Formation of the Panchayat

The Akalakunnam–Anikkad Panchayat was formed in 1953. Sri. Pittinal Ayyappan Pillai was its first President.

The establishment of the Pampady N.E.S. Block Office at Pallikkathode in 1956 was a significant historical event for this region. The institution made a major contribution to the development of the area.

The Anikkad No. 308 N.S.S. Karayogam, Nandikad Bhavani Kunjamma, A. R. Kunjaniyan Kartha, A. R. Kochukunju Kartha, and Poovathanil Saraswathiyamma donated land for the establishment of the Block Office.

A Step Towards the Future

We are beginning the process of development from the grassroots level. To make this effort successful, there must be a broad and comprehensive political awareness among the people. We have a strong historical background that can support such an endeavour.