History of Grama Panchayat
History, Culture and Social Development of Edavanna Grama Panchayat
When tracing the journey from the Malamuthans, who once lived in the hills guarding the north-western boundaries of the Panchayat, to the culturally enlightened and socially vibrant community spread across the Panchayat today, several significant aspects become evident.
It is believed that Edamannu, situated between the Nilambur forests and the Kozhikode coast, gradually came to be known as Edavanna.
It is often said that a society moves forward into the future with strength, drawing energy from the inspiring memories and sacrifices of its past. In the case of Edavanna, several factors contributed to its growth and development:
- Migration towards the fertile banks of the Chaliyar: People from outside the region began migrating to the area, attracted by the rich and fertile banks of the Chaliyar River.
- Forest resources and biodiversity: The abundant forest resources and rich biodiversity attracted people from different communities and regions.
- River transportation: Passenger boats used to reach Edavanna from the Kozhikode region through the Chaliyar River. Since travelling further upstream from Edavanna by river was difficult, people travelled by land as far as Gudallur.
The establishment of permanent settlements at important stopping points also contributed to the growth of the population. As people belonging to different communities settled in the region, the social and cultural diversity that can be seen in Edavanna today gradually developed.
Edavanna's prominence in the timber trade also attracted large numbers of people from different regions. This movement of people contributed significantly to cultural interaction and social development.
The majority of the population is Muslim. It is believed that the Puthan Veettukar and Valiya Peedikkakkar, who came from the Thalassery, Vadakara and Kozhikode regions, were among the early Muslim families to settle here.
Edavanna also became a significant centre for the national movement, the Khilafat movement, and various social and renaissance initiatives.
People belonging to different religious communities observed their respective religious and tribal customs, festivals and nerchas (religious offerings and observances). The Perakamanna Nercha, Pero Pooram, Kolappad Temple Festival, Pathappiriyam Pooram, and Chathalloor Pooram are among the well-known traditional celebrations of the region.
Among the indigenous Muthuvan communities living in places such as Chekkunnu, Alangadi, Kolappad and the hill regions, many traditional customs and practices continue to survive.
Othayi also witnessed significant social renaissance activities, including efforts that enabled Muslim women to begin entering mosques.
Traditional cultural forms such as folk songs, agricultural songs (njattu paattu), and Muslim wedding songs are gradually disappearing. Among the Scheduled Caste community, traditional art forms such as Poothamkali, Chavittukali and Aivar Kali of the Kalladi community survive today only in a limited form.
Edavanna also had a tradition of indigenous medicine. Muhammad Vaidyar of Chathalloor, who was once renowned for traditional treatment, and the traditional eye-treatment practices of Pathappiriyam, have now largely become memories of the past.
When Malappuram district was formed, a grand feast organized at Pathappiriyam under the leadership of Perur Ahmed Sahib, Kesavan Nair, Madhavan Nair, Kannan Nair and Gopalan Nair became a celebrated community event. People traditionally celebrated poorams, festivals and nerchas together without religious divisions, reflecting the region's strong tradition of communal harmony.
Apart from P. Seethihaji, who fought vigorously for social and cultural renaissance, several other prominent personalities are remembered for their contributions. They include Alpatta Alavi Maulavi, P.T. Veerankutty Maulavi, who was known as an instant poet, Musliyarakath Ali Hassan Maulavi, P.K. Alavi Master, P.V. Alavikutty Sahib, T.C. Mohammed, P.V. Ummerkutty Haji, and P.V. Shoukathali. More recently, the name of K.M. Musthafa, who was an active presence throughout the Panchayat, also deserves special mention.
The library movement took deep roots in the Panchayat during the 1950s, contributing to the spread of education, reading and social awareness.
Timber and Other Traditional Industries
Edavanna's reputation for its traditional timber industry extends well beyond the region. The furniture industry is one of the major occupational sectors relied upon by the people of Edavanna. More than 1,000 people earn their livelihoods through this sector.
Similarly, sand mining from the Chaliyar River once provided employment to hundreds of people. The suspension of sand mining due to environmental concerns left many people without employment.
Edavanna also has around six major granite crushers, which provide employment to many people in various capacities. Laterite quarries and brick kilns also contribute to the local economy and provide employment opportunities.
General Information
Edavanna Grama Panchayat came into existence on 1 January 1962. The Panchayat covers an area of 51.2 square kilometres and consists of 24 wards, two District Panchayat divisions, and four Block Panchayat divisions.
The Edavanna Grama Panchayat is situated within the jurisdiction of the Edavanna and Perakamanna Villages.
