Pulikkal
Grama Panchayat

Social History

Pulikkal Grama Panchayat is characterized by a landscape comprising hills, mountains and valleys. The underground chambers still visible at Kompramala, associated with iron ore mining at Olavattur, the historical remains at Poovathikkotta and Pokothikkunnu, and the caves found in various parts of the region provide clear indications that some indigenous tribal communities may have inhabited this area in ancient times. The surroundings of the turbulent water pit at Valiyaparamba are believed to have been one of their major settlements.

Pulikkal Panchayat has a history spanning centuries in terms of its cultural heritage. It was also associated with the ancient Kadungapuram Nadu and was traversed by historically significant military expeditions. From ancient times, the region was known for its coconut groves and paddy fields. The place name “Pulikkal” is believed to have originated from the presence of abundant tamarind trees along the ancient Kozhikode–Palakkad royal road. The history of the construction of this road is closely associated with the military expedition of Tipu Sultan.

During the period when the Jenmi–Kudiyan system prevailed, the entire landed property of the region was under the hereditary ownership of the Nilambur, Thalayur and Samoothiri Kovilakams. Gradually, farmers acquired land through Kanam and lease arrangements, and with the implementation of land reforms, ownership rights over agricultural land were granted to the majority of the farmers.

All the social evils associated with the Jenmi–Kudiyan system were prevalent in the social life of the region. Under a system known as “Vechu Kaanal”, tenants were required to present agricultural produce as offerings to the landlords on special occasions.

Food crops such as paddy, ginger, banana and tapioca, and cash crops such as coconut, pepper and arecanut were traditionally cultivated here. Sesame, chama and cholandi were also cultivated extensively. Farmers transported cash crops and other agricultural produce to Kozhikode through Pulikkal using bullock carts and waterways along the Chaliyar River. Food grains and money were used as payment for transportation, and the barter system also existed.

Various social evils and superstitious practices such as Odiyan, Pulappedi, Mannappedi and black magic prevailed in society. During the period when upper-caste dominance existed, Harijans were not permitted to enter temples. A compulsory practice was imposed on women from oppressed communities requiring them to wear stone necklaces. They were also not permitted by caste authorities to cover their upper bodies.

Social movements and library organizations came forward with reformist and renaissance activities such as the abandonment of the stone necklace and the promotion of clothing among women. Awareness programmes were conducted at various stages to promote education among Harijans. Occupational hierarchies and inequalities also existed in accordance with social inequalities.

In the olden days, when hospitals and other medical facilities were unavailable, the services of traditional physicians were the only source of medical care. Mannarakkal Chathunni Vaidyar, Velan Vaidyar, Ramankutty Vaidyar and Peedikakkandi Muhammed Musliyar were among the prominent and renowned traditional practitioners of that period.

Before the establishment of Panchayat administrative bodies, tax collection, administration, judicial functions and other powers were vested in local authorities. The administrative responsibilities of the regions of Olavattur and Anthiyurkunnu were divided between two such authorities.

The northern and north-western parts of the Panchayat were once densely forested areas. These regions were also known for extensive hunting. Most of the cultivable areas are plains. Paddy, coconut, arecanut, cashew, banana, vegetables, pepper, betel leaves and various plantation crops are cultivated here. The region receives the highest rainfall during the southwest monsoon.

Pulikkal village has traditionally been an agriculturally important village. Coconut is the principal crop of the Panchayat. Situated west of Eranad in old Malabar, the village was once under the direct rule of the Samoothiri. The village also actively participated in movements against the princely rule and the subsequent British rule.

During the period of the national movement, one of the protest meetings jointly organized under the leadership of the Congress–Khilafat Committee was held at Pulikkal Angadi. A large gathering, including farmers, assembled there.

Among the prominent patriots who raised their voice against princely rule and British rule was K.C. Komukkutti Moulavi, a nationalist, historian and author. He held a prominent position alongside leaders such as Moidu Moulavi and A.V. Kuttimalu Amma.

During the early decades of the 20th century, Pulikkal and Olavattur were important centres of activity for freedom fighters and various social, cultural, community and educational renaissance movements that contributed significantly to the national movement. Pulikkal was an important centre of activity for several leaders of the national renaissance movements, including Muhammad Abdur Rahiman Sahib, K. Madhavan, Kattilassery Muhammad Musliyar, E. Moidu Moulavi, Olavattur K.C. Komukkutti Moulavi and K.M. Moulavi.

National leaders such as Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya and Dr. Saidu Muhammed also visited Pulikkal. Activities associated with the Khadi movement were also actively carried out here.

In the Malabar Rebellion of 1921 against the British, around 60 people from this region alone are said to have lost their lives to British gunfire and bayonets. According to the testimonies of elders who preserved the memories of those times, around 200 soldiers led by Captain McEnroy came from Kozhikode to assist the British authorities in Malappuram. It is said that the military action under the prevailing Martial Law began in this region.

In a military operation carried out on the grounds that the army's movement had been obstructed, 23 people, including women and children, were shot dead from the Kudukkil Chamman Thodi household alone. Among the prominent leaders who led the struggle against the British at that time was Kudukkil Pattarthodu Beeran Haji, a leader of the Malabar Pradesh Congress–Khilafat Committee.

The fact that there were no communal riots in this region even during that period reflects its long tradition of religious harmony.

Educational History

The educational backwardness of Malabar was identified as one of the causes of the 1921 uprising. This realization convinced the authorities of the need to establish educational institutions in the region.

Although a primary school was established at Kottappuram during the last decades of the 19th century, it did not survive. Later, the first elementary school established at Kottappuram in 1900 became what is now known as the LP School.

During the same period, in connection with the Madrasa movement of Maulana Chalilakath Kunhahammad Haji, the Kavakki Bunayyira Sangham was formed at Pulikkal, and Pulikkal Al-Madrasathul Munawwara Elementary School was established.

During the 1920s, basic schools were established at Muttayur and Valiyaparamba. In the 1930s, single-teacher schools were established at Malakkampara in Olavattur and at Aroor.

An institution initially established for the education of the children of the Poolakkal family later developed into Aroor UP School.

Subsequently, high schools were established at Pulikkal, Olavattur, Thadathilparamba and Kottappuram. In the field of religious education, Madeenathul Uloom Arabic College was established at Pulikkal in 1948, followed later by NIA College at Olavattur.

Today, the Panchayat has three high schools, five UP schools, eleven LP schools, two Arabic colleges and one orphanage.

Cultural History

In earlier times, the society in this region was characterized by various undesirable customs and superstitious practices such as Odiyan, Pulappedi, Mannappedi and black magic.

Library movements made a valuable contribution to the overall cultural development of the Panchayat. During the 1950s, the activities of Pulikkal Azad Reading Room, Yuvajana Vayanashala, Kottappuram Abdurahiman Sahib Memorial Reading Room and Olavattur Yuvajana Granthalayam, along with handwritten magazines published in association with these reading rooms, played an important role in enhancing the national consciousness and cultural standards of the people.

During the period of upper-caste dominance, Harijans were not permitted to enter temples. Women from oppressed communities were compelled to wear stone necklaces and were not permitted by caste authorities to cover their upper bodies. Social movements and library organizations came forward with reformist and renaissance activities against such practices, including the abandonment of the stone necklace and the promotion of clothing among women.

Awareness programmes were conducted at various stages to promote education among Harijans. Occupational inequalities also existed in accordance with social inequalities. People were engaged in cottage industries such as mat making, basket making, pottery and the manufacture of traditional hats. There were also skilled carpenters who demonstrated considerable expertise in craftsmanship and wood carving.

The region has a hidden history of indigenous artistic traditions. It was a fertile ground for various folk arts such as folk songs, Theyyam, Chavittukali, Kunjikkuthira, Nattippattu, Kurathippattu, Poothamkali, Poothappattu, Oppana, Kolkali, Duff Muttu, Aravana Muttu and Chendakottu. Agricultural recreational activities such as Kalapoot and hunting were also popular.

There are several areas within the Panchayat where cultural institutions and clubs actively function. Even when contemporary religious and political issues created situations of conflict in neighbouring areas, this region remained committed to the path of peace.

The Panchayat is predominantly inhabited by Muslims and members of various Hindu communities. The region is characterized by its temples, sacred groves and mosques. Festivals and religious customs have traditionally served as outstanding examples of mutual cooperation and brotherhood.

Although Muslims constitute the majority of the population, there is also a significant Hindu population. Each family traditionally has associations with annual festivals connected to temples. People belonging to different religions participate fully in these festivals.

Social reform activities such as the eradication of untouchability, upliftment of Harijans and eradication of illiteracy were also carried out in this region. The adult education programmes that existed in Olavattur and other areas until the arrival of the literacy movement are an example of such efforts.