Institutional History
History and Cultural Heritage of Anikkad
Anikkad is a land blessed with an ancient history and rich cultural heritage. Today, there are no reliable documentary records available that can provide a clear and comprehensive account of the history of this region. Moreover, only a few people remain who can contribute to historical research based entirely on oral traditions. Nevertheless, an attempt is made here to trace and reconstruct the history of the past through the memories and recollections of those few people.
The origin of the place name itself is believed by local elders to be associated with ancient sages. According to one tradition, the name Anikkad evolved from Ayanikkad, which is believed to have originated from a sage named Ayanimuni who is said to have meditated in the Kathirampuzha area, east of Pallikkathode Junction. Another view is that the name Ayanikkad refers to the abundance of the Ayanji (wild jackfruit) trees that once grew in the region, and that the name gradually evolved into Anikkad.
It is believed that migration and settlement into this region, which was once covered extensively by forests, began approximately seven centuries ago. The earliest settlers are said to have arrived with the permission of the King of Thekkumkoor. Among them, the Thekketh, Vaduthala, and Pittinal families are considered to be some of the oldest families in the region. Historical accounts indicate that around 1600, several Christian families also migrated to and settled in this area. These included the Kunnel, Murattupoovathinkal, Moolayil, and Alunkal (Kanjiramattam) families.
In ancient times, the region suffered from the activities of groups known as Kodiyans. At the invitation of the King of Chempakassery, two Karthas from the Kadathanad region came here to provide martial arts and weapons training. They established Kalaris and trained people in the use of weapons, eventually suppressing the Kodiyans. As a reward for their services, they were granted land under the names Ampazhathungal Thanathu and Ampazhathungal Pandaravaka. The families established by them were Ampazhathungal and Ampiyil. It is believed that they did not have cordial relations with the Nair families who had already settled in the area.
The Pandarapatt Vilambaram of 1865 and the Janmi-Kudiyan Vilambaram of 1887 led to large-scale migration and settlement in this region. The abolition of the pepper monopoly in 1872 also contributed to the migration and development of the area.
Throughout history, the name Anikkad continued to be associated with this region. It was only for administrative reasons that the name of the Panchayat was changed to Pallikkathode in 1964. It is believed that the place name Pallikkathode originated from the stream (thode) that begins near Anikkad Church, which was established in 1860.
The Central Library, which functioned adjacent to Anikkad Government L.P. School, was the first library in the Panchayat.
Health and Traditional Medicine
In the field of healthcare, traditional physicians known as Ganakas were among the earliest practitioners who provided medical treatment to the people. During that period, smallpox was widespread and caused the deaths of many people. It was traditionally believed that the disease was caused by the anger of Bhadrakali. The practice of inoculation was followed in schools.
Several physicians who rendered valuable services in the field of healthcare lived and practised in this region. Among the prominent practitioners were Pulikamangalam Narayanan Nair, Madhavan (Pallikkal Vaidyan), Ambatt Padmanabhan Nair, Kattarath Joseph (Kattarath Ashan), Nandikkad Narayana Kaimal, V. Ramapanicker, and Chakkampuzha Mani Vaidyar.
The Government Hospital established at Pampady was of great assistance to the people of this region. Dr. Abraham Pittathankal was the first allopathic doctor to practise in the area. The Tiruvva Medical Mission Hospital, which began functioning at Kodungoor, also provided valuable medical services to the local population.
The Kalladampoyka Health Centre, established within the Panchayat, is one of the important healthcare institutions in the region. It began functioning temporarily in 1971 at Parvathi Mandiram, 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.
Anikkad Nirmala Hospital has also rendered significant services in the field of allopathic medicine. The Elambally Ayurveda Hospital and the Myladikkara Government Homoeopathic Hospital are two other important healthcare institutions serving the region.
The contributions of several renowned practitioners of traditional poison treatment also deserve special mention. They included Kozhivettakkal Damodaran Kartha (Unnikartha), Kalarikkal Narayanan Nair, Kizhakkayil Sekharan Nair, Manappattu Narayanan Nair, and former Panchayat member Thazhakkal Kuriakose. Their services are remembered with gratitude.
Religious and Cultural Heritage
The region is home to several ancient places of worship. 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; Nedumavu St. Paul's Church, established in Malayalam Era 1100; and the temples at Nellikassery, Vattakakkavu, Elambally, and Manappattukunnu.
Anikkad has always been renowned for its artistic and cultural activities. Traditional ritual arts such as Garudan, Kumbhakudam, Villupattu, Kaala, and Aivar Kali, as well as performing arts such as Kathakali, Ottan Thullal, and Thiruvathira, were widely practised. Several amateur drama groups were also active in the region.
In the field of literature, P. N. S. Anikkad and O. S. G. Nair made notable contributions through their literary works.
Agriculture and Traditional Livelihoods
Agriculture was the principal occupation of the people of this region. Paddy cultivation was traditionally carried out using methods such as ploughing and controlled burning. Coconut and arecanut were the major crops grown in homesteads. Coffee was cultivated in many household plots, while tapioca was also widely cultivated and served as a staple food.
Traditional varieties such as Ayiroor Vella, Kariilavan, Rotti, and Chulli were cultivated. Tea was also grown in homesteads. Even during the 1960s, fresh tea leaves were brought to the Puthenchantha market at Pallikkathode on market days.
Rubber cultivation began in the region in 1938. Ginger, turmeric, kacholam (lesser galangal), and pepper were also cultivated extensively. Homestead lands were deeply ploughed and cultivated. Cattle rearing was also common.
Paddy cultivation was carried out in the low-lying kandams at Thekkekara near Pallikkathode, Ayikkandam to the east, near Anikkad Church, Kurungkudi, Kattachira, and Kayyoori.
In ancient times, a market functioned with Kayyoori as its centre. On land donated by the Ampiyil Karthas, there were a market, a wayside shelter (Vazhiambalam), and a pond.
Traditional Industries and Trade
Modern industries did not develop significantly in the region. However, traditional industries such as handloom weaving and Khadi production were once carried out here. There were also mills for grinding grains, facilities for processing lime, and traditional oil-pressing units.
Jaggery was produced and sold from the sugarcane that was widely cultivated in the area.
A market functioned at Pallikkathode until the early 1970s. The market was held on Tuesdays and Fridays, attracting people from neighbouring areas who came to sell agricultural products and purchase daily necessities.
Local Governance and Development
The Akalakunnam–Anikkad Panchayat was formed in 1953. Sri Pittinal Ayyappan Pillai served as its first President.
The establishment of the Pampady N.E.S. Block Office at Pallikkathode in 1956 was a significant historical event for the region. The institution made a major contribution to the development and progress of the area.
The 308th Anikkad N.S.S. Karayogam, Nandikkad Bhavanikunjamma, A. R. Kunjaniyan Kartha, A. R. Kochukunju Kartha, and Poovathani Saraswathiamma donated land for the establishment of the Block Office.
Looking Towards the Future
We are beginning the process of development from the grassroots level. To make this endeavour successful, a broad and informed sense of political and social awareness is essential. We have a rich historical background that provides a strong foundation for such an approach.
Let our steps towards a new future be guided by an awareness and understanding of this history.