History of Grama Panchayat
History of the Grama Panchayat
Chirakkadavu Grama Panchayat is a region with a rich historical heritage. The place name Chirakkadavu is likely derived from the meaning "the ghat/landing place of a pond" (chirayude kadavu). It might also have originated from pilgrims referring to it as Cherukadavu on their way to Sabarimala. The Chirakkadavu Temple might have served as the famous Aruvippara Valiyakadavu along the ancient Sabarimala trekking route to Erumely via Mannamplavu. In old land deeds and documents, the name Koovathazhe is often seen. Elders believe this name refers to Sage Koopa (Koopa Maharshi), the legendary founder of the temple, or points to the Koovatharra where he performed his penance.
The region consists of the Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages. The recorded history of Chirakkadavu begins around the human settlements centered around the Chirakkadavu Mahadeva Temple and the Cheruvalli Bhagavathy Temple. Paddy fields previously surrounded both temples. Until 1940, water transport through the Manimalayar River was the primary means of contact with external regions. The southern parts of the panchayat were the earliest human habitats.
In the old deeds of Cheruvalli Village, terms like Chempakassery-vaka (belonging to Chempakassery) and Chempakassery-thottam Maniyaru-vaka are found. However, there is no other historical evidence to support the legend that this region was under the control of the Chempakassery Royal Dynasty. Following the fall of the Later Chera Empire in the 11th century AD, several chieftains and local feudal lords declared autonomy and established their own principalities. In the old Kottayam division, six such kingdoms emerged: Vadakkumkoor, Thekkumkoor, Poonjar, Edavally, Paravur, and Alangad. Around 1100 AD, Venpolinad (Sanskrit: Bimbiladesam) split into two kingdoms—Thekkumkoor and Vadakkumkoor. Thekkumkoor encompassed present-day Changanassery, Kottayam, Kanjirappally, and Thiruvalla taluks, along with a portion of Meenachil taluk. Although its initial capital was Vennimala, it was later shifted to Manikandapuram and Nattassery, eventually settling in Changanassery.
In 1749, Marthanda Varma conquered Thekkumkoor and annexed it into Travancore. Subsequently, comprehensive land survey operations (Kandezhuthu) were conducted in 1751–52 and 1773, creating detailed records of land layout and ownership. Protection and encouragement were extended to pepper plantations, marking the beginning of modern agriculture in the area.
The feudal Brahmin family known as Vanjipuzha Madham Uzhattiraru (Uzhattiraru being a title), referred to as the Vanjipuzha Chief, received the lands and temples of Chirakkadavu, Cheruvalli, and Peruvanthanam as tax-free freehold property (Edavaka). This right existed even before Marthanda Varma's invasion of Thekkumkoor. Between 1100 AD and 1500 AD, the rights over land, elephants, and wild animals in various places belonged to the Vanjipuzha lords. With the onset of modern agricultural methods, the lord collected the surplus yield (Michavaram) through officials like the Vicharippukaran and Millakkaran, covered the temple expenses, and retained the rest. The headquarters of Vanjipuzha was Chengannur.
Between 1936 and 1940, a settlement survey was conducted in Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages, tax was fixed, and title deeds (Pattayam) were issued. The Vanjipuzha Chief was obligated to pay the Travancore Government for the survey expenses. Unable to afford this, the Chief agreed to yield the land rights to the government in exchange for compensation.
Under the Edavaka Acquisition Act (Act 27 of January 1, 1955), the Edavaka administration officially came to an end on January 1, 1956.
Thekkumkoor played a crucial role in supplying spices and forest resources, given its proximity to the Cochin port. The long struggle between the Dutch and the English for control over pepper trade came to an end in 1795 when Travancore submitted to the East India Company. Until migrant farmers arrived in the 19th century, pepper was the main crop preserved and cultivated in these forest lands.
History of the Grama Panchayat
Chirakkadavu Grama Panchayat is a region with a rich historical heritage. The place name Chirakkadavu is likely derived from the meaning "the ghat/landing place of a pond" (chirayude kadavu). It might also have originated from pilgrims referring to it as Cherukadavu on their way to Sabarimala. The Chirakkadavu Temple might have served as the famous Aruvippara Valiyakadavu along the ancient Sabarimala trekking route to Erumely via Mannamplavu. In old land deeds and documents, the name Koovathazhe is often seen. Elders believe this name refers to Sage Koopa (Koopa Maharshi), the legendary founder of the temple, or points to the Koovatharra where he performed his penance.
The region consists of the Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages. The recorded history of Chirakkadavu begins around the human settlements centered around the Chirakkadavu Mahadeva Temple and the Cheruvalli Bhagavathy Temple. Paddy fields previously surrounded both temples. Until 1940, water transport through the Manimalayar River was the primary means of contact with external regions. The southern parts of the panchayat were the earliest human habitats.
In the old deeds of Cheruvalli Village, terms like Chempakassery-vaka (belonging to Chempakassery) and Chempakassery-thottam Maniyaru-vaka are found. However, there is no other historical evidence to support the legend that this region was under the control of the Chempakassery Royal Dynasty. Following the fall of the Later Chera Empire in the 11th century AD, several chieftains and local feudal lords declared autonomy and established their own principalities. In the old Kottayam division, six such kingdoms emerged: Vadakkumkoor, Thekkumkoor, Poonjar, Edavally, Paravur, and Alangad. Around 1100 AD, Venpolinad (Sanskrit: Bimbiladesam) split into two kingdoms—Thekkumkoor and Vadakkumkoor. Thekkumkoor encompassed present-day Changanassery, Kottayam, Kanjirappally, and Thiruvalla taluks, along with a portion of Meenachil taluk. Although its initial capital was Vennimala, it was later shifted to Manikandapuram and Nattassery, eventually settling in Changanassery.
In 1749, Marthanda Varma conquered Thekkumkoor and annexed it into Travancore. Subsequently, comprehensive land survey operations (Kandezhuthu) were conducted in 1751–52 and 1773, creating detailed records of land layout and ownership. Protection and encouragement were extended to pepper plantations, marking the beginning of modern agriculture in the area.
The feudal Brahmin family known as Vanjipuzha Madham Uzhattiraru (Uzhattiraru being a title), referred to as the Vanjipuzha Chief, received the lands and temples of Chirakkadavu, Cheruvalli, and Peruvanthanam as tax-free freehold property (Edavaka). This right existed even before Marthanda Varma's invasion of Thekkumkoor. Between 1100 AD and 1500 AD, the rights over land, elephants, and wild animals in various places belonged to the Vanjipuzha lords. With the onset of modern agricultural methods, the lord collected the surplus yield (Michavaram) through officials like the Vicharippukaran and Millakkaran, covered the temple expenses, and retained the rest. The headquarters of Vanjipuzha was Chengannur.
Between 1936 and 1940, a settlement survey was conducted in Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages, tax was fixed, and title deeds (Pattayam) were issued. The Vanjipuzha Chief was obligated to pay the Travancore Government for the survey expenses. Unable to afford this, the Chief agreed to yield the land rights to the government in exchange for compensation.
Under the Edavaka Acquisition Act (Act 27 of January 1, 1955), the Edavaka administration officially came to an end on January 1, 1956.
Thekkumkoor played a crucial role in supplying spices and forest resources, given its proximity to the Cochin port. The long struggle between the Dutch and the English for control over pepper trade came to an end in 1795 when Travancore submitted to the East India Company. Until migrant farmers arrived in the 19th century, pepper was the main crop preserved and cultivated in these forest lands.
History of the Grama Panchayat
Chirakkadavu Grama Panchayat is a region with a rich historical heritage. The place name Chirakkadavu is likely derived from the meaning "the ghat/landing place of a pond" (chirayude kadavu). It might also have originated from pilgrims referring to it as Cherukadavu on their way to Sabarimala. The Chirakkadavu Temple might have served as the famous Aruvippara Valiyakadavu along the ancient Sabarimala trekking route to Erumely via Mannamplavu. In old land deeds and documents, the name Koovathazhe is often seen. Elders believe this name refers to Sage Koopa (Koopa Maharshi), the legendary founder of the temple, or points to the Koovatharra where he performed his penance.
The region consists of the Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages. The recorded history of Chirakkadavu begins around the human settlements centered around the Chirakkadavu Mahadeva Temple and the Cheruvalli Bhagavathy Temple. Paddy fields previously surrounded both temples. Until 1940, water transport through the Manimalayar River was the primary means of contact with external regions. The southern parts of the panchayat were the earliest human habitats.
In the old deeds of Cheruvalli Village, terms like Chempakassery-vaka (belonging to Chempakassery) and Chempakassery-thottam Maniyaru-vaka are found. However, there is no other historical evidence to support the legend that this region was under the control of the Chempakassery Royal Dynasty. Following the fall of the Later Chera Empire in the 11th century AD, several chieftains and local feudal lords declared autonomy and established their own principalities. In the old Kottayam division, six such kingdoms emerged: Vadakkumkoor, Thekkumkoor, Poonjar, Edavally, Paravur, and Alangad. Around 1100 AD, Venpolinad (Sanskrit: Bimbiladesam) split into two kingdoms—Thekkumkoor and Vadakkumkoor. Thekkumkoor encompassed present-day Changanassery, Kottayam, Kanjirappally, and Thiruvalla taluks, along with a portion of Meenachil taluk. Although its initial capital was Vennimala, it was later shifted to Manikandapuram and Nattassery, eventually settling in Changanassery.
In 1749, Marthanda Varma conquered Thekkumkoor and annexed it into Travancore. Subsequently, comprehensive land survey operations (Kandezhuthu) were conducted in 1751–52 and 1773, creating detailed records of land layout and ownership. Protection and encouragement were extended to pepper plantations, marking the beginning of modern agriculture in the area.
The feudal Brahmin family known as Vanjipuzha Madham Uzhattiraru (Uzhattiraru being a title), referred to as the Vanjipuzha Chief, received the lands and temples of Chirakkadavu, Cheruvalli, and Peruvanthanam as tax-free freehold property (Edavaka). This right existed even before Marthanda Varma's invasion of Thekkumkoor. Between 1100 AD and 1500 AD, the rights over land, elephants, and wild animals in various places belonged to the Vanjipuzha lords. With the onset of modern agricultural methods, the lord collected the surplus yield (Michavaram) through officials like the Vicharippukaran and Millakkaran, covered the temple expenses, and retained the rest. The headquarters of Vanjipuzha was Chengannur.
Between 1936 and 1940, a settlement survey was conducted in Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages, tax was fixed, and title deeds (Pattayam) were issued. The Vanjipuzha Chief was obligated to pay the Travancore Government for the survey expenses. Unable to afford this, the Chief agreed to yield the land rights to the government in exchange for compensation.
Under the Edavaka Acquisition Act (Act 27 of January 1, 1955), the Edavaka administration officially came to an end on January 1, 1956.
Thekkumkoor played a crucial role in supplying spices and forest resources, given its proximity to the Cochin port. The long struggle between the Dutch and the English for control over pepper trade came to an end in 1795 when Travancore submitted to the East India Company. Until migrant farmers arrived in the 19th century, pepper was the main crop preserved and cultivated in these forest lands.
History of the Grama Panchayat
Chirakkadavu Grama Panchayat is a region with a rich historical heritage. The place name Chirakkadavu is likely derived from the meaning "the ghat/landing place of a pond" (chirayude kadavu). It might also have originated from pilgrims referring to it as Cherukadavu on their way to Sabarimala. The Chirakkadavu Temple might have served as the famous Aruvippara Valiyakadavu along the ancient Sabarimala trekking route to Erumely via Mannamplavu. In old land deeds and documents, the name Koovathazhe is often seen. Elders believe this name refers to Sage Koopa (Koopa Maharshi), the legendary founder of the temple, or points to the Koovatharra where he performed his penance.
The region consists of the Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages. The recorded history of Chirakkadavu begins around the human settlements centered around the Chirakkadavu Mahadeva Temple and the Cheruvalli Bhagavathy Temple. Paddy fields previously surrounded both temples. Until 1940, water transport through the Manimalayar River was the primary means of contact with external regions. The southern parts of the panchayat were the earliest human habitats.
In the old deeds of Cheruvalli Village, terms like Chempakassery-vaka (belonging to Chempakassery) and Chempakassery-thottam Maniyaru-vaka are found. However, there is no other historical evidence to support the legend that this region was under the control of the Chempakassery Royal Dynasty. Following the fall of the Later Chera Empire in the 11th century AD, several chieftains and local feudal lords declared autonomy and established their own principalities. In the old Kottayam division, six such kingdoms emerged: Vadakkumkoor, Thekkumkoor, Poonjar, Edavally, Paravur, and Alangad. Around 1100 AD, Venpolinad (Sanskrit: Bimbiladesam) split into two kingdoms—Thekkumkoor and Vadakkumkoor. Thekkumkoor encompassed present-day Changanassery, Kottayam, Kanjirappally, and Thiruvalla taluks, along with a portion of Meenachil taluk. Although its initial capital was Vennimala, it was later shifted to Manikandapuram and Nattassery, eventually settling in Changanassery.
In 1749, Marthanda Varma conquered Thekkumkoor and annexed it into Travancore. Subsequently, comprehensive land survey operations (Kandezhuthu) were conducted in 1751–52 and 1773, creating detailed records of land layout and ownership. Protection and encouragement were extended to pepper plantations, marking the beginning of modern agriculture in the area.
The feudal Brahmin family known as Vanjipuzha Madham Uzhattiraru (Uzhattiraru being a title), referred to as the Vanjipuzha Chief, received the lands and temples of Chirakkadavu, Cheruvalli, and Peruvanthanam as tax-free freehold property (Edavaka). This right existed even before Marthanda Varma's invasion of Thekkumkoor. Between 1100 AD and 1500 AD, the rights over land, elephants, and wild animals in various places belonged to the Vanjipuzha lords. With the onset of modern agricultural methods, the lord collected the surplus yield (Michavaram) through officials like the Vicharippukaran and Millakkaran, covered the temple expenses, and retained the rest. The headquarters of Vanjipuzha was Chengannur.
Between 1936 and 1940, a settlement survey was conducted in Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages, tax was fixed, and title deeds (Pattayam) were issued. The Vanjipuzha Chief was obligated to pay the Travancore Government for the survey expenses. Unable to afford this, the Chief agreed to yield the land rights to the government in exchange for compensation.
Under the Edavaka Acquisition Act (Act 27 of January 1, 1955), the Edavaka administration officially came to an end on January 1, 1956.
Thekkumkoor played a crucial role in supplying spices and forest resources, given its proximity to the Cochin port. The long struggle between the Dutch and the English for control over pepper trade came to an end in 1795 when Travancore submitted to the East India Company. Until migrant farmers arrived in the 19th century, pepper was the main crop preserved and cultivated in these forest lands.
History of the Grama Panchayat
Chirakkadavu Grama Panchayat is a region with a rich historical heritage. The place name Chirakkadavu is likely derived from the meaning "the ghat/landing place of a pond" (chirayude kadavu). It might also have originated from pilgrims referring to it as Cherukadavu on their way to Sabarimala. The Chirakkadavu Temple might have served as the famous Aruvippara Valiyakadavu along the ancient Sabarimala trekking route to Erumely via Mannamplavu. In old land deeds and documents, the name Koovathazhe is often seen. Elders believe this name refers to Sage Koopa (Koopa Maharshi), the legendary founder of the temple, or points to the Koovatharra where he performed his penance.
The region consists of the Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages. The recorded history of Chirakkadavu begins around the human settlements centered around the Chirakkadavu Mahadeva Temple and the Cheruvalli Bhagavathy Temple. Paddy fields previously surrounded both temples. Until 1940, water transport through the Manimalayar River was the primary means of contact with external regions. The southern parts of the panchayat were the earliest human habitats.
In the old deeds of Cheruvalli Village, terms like Chempakassery-vaka (belonging to Chempakassery) and Chempakassery-thottam Maniyaru-vaka are found. However, there is no other historical evidence to support the legend that this region was under the control of the Chempakassery Royal Dynasty. Following the fall of the Later Chera Empire in the 11th century AD, several chieftains and local feudal lords declared autonomy and established their own principalities. In the old Kottayam division, six such kingdoms emerged: Vadakkumkoor, Thekkumkoor, Poonjar, Edavally, Paravur, and Alangad. Around 1100 AD, Venpolinad (Sanskrit: Bimbiladesam) split into two kingdoms—Thekkumkoor and Vadakkumkoor. Thekkumkoor encompassed present-day Changanassery, Kottayam, Kanjirappally, and Thiruvalla taluks, along with a portion of Meenachil taluk. Although its initial capital was Vennimala, it was later shifted to Manikandapuram and Nattassery, eventually settling in Changanassery.
In 1749, Marthanda Varma conquered Thekkumkoor and annexed it into Travancore. Subsequently, comprehensive land survey operations (Kandezhuthu) were conducted in 1751–52 and 1773, creating detailed records of land layout and ownership. Protection and encouragement were extended to pepper plantations, marking the beginning of modern agriculture in the area.
The feudal Brahmin family known as Vanjipuzha Madham Uzhattiraru (Uzhattiraru being a title), referred to as the Vanjipuzha Chief, received the lands and temples of Chirakkadavu, Cheruvalli, and Peruvanthanam as tax-free freehold property (Edavaka). This right existed even before Marthanda Varma's invasion of Thekkumkoor. Between 1100 AD and 1500 AD, the rights over land, elephants, and wild animals in various places belonged to the Vanjipuzha lords. With the onset of modern agricultural methods, the lord collected the surplus yield (Michavaram) through officials like the Vicharippukaran and Millakkaran, covered the temple expenses, and retained the rest. The headquarters of Vanjipuzha was Chengannur.
Between 1936 and 1940, a settlement survey was conducted in Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages, tax was fixed, and title deeds (Pattayam) were issued. The Vanjipuzha Chief was obligated to pay the Travancore Government for the survey expenses. Unable to afford this, the Chief agreed to yield the land rights to the government in exchange for compensation.
Under the Edavaka Acquisition Act (Act 27 of January 1, 1955), the Edavaka administration officially came to an end on January 1, 1956.
Thekkumkoor played a crucial role in supplying spices and forest resources, given its proximity to the Cochin port. The long struggle between the Dutch and the English for control over pepper trade came to an end in 1795 when Travancore submitted to the East India Company. Until migrant farmers arrived in the 19th century, pepper was the main crop preserved and cultivated in these forest lands.
Here is the English translation of the history of Chirakkadavu Grama Panchayat based on the text provided:
History of the Grama Panchayat
Chirakkadavu Grama Panchayat is a region with a rich historical heritage. The place name Chirakkadavu is likely derived from the meaning "the ghat/landing place of a pond" (chirayude kadavu). It might also have originated from pilgrims referring to it as Cherukadavu on their way to Sabarimala. The Chirakkadavu Temple might have served as the famous Aruvippara Valiyakadavu along the ancient Sabarimala trekking route to Erumely via Mannamplavu. In old land deeds and documents, the name Koovathazhe is often seen. Elders believe this name refers to Sage Koopa (Koopa Maharshi), the legendary founder of the temple, or points to the Koovatharra where he performed his penance.
The region consists of the Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages. The recorded history of Chirakkadavu begins around the human settlements centered around the Chirakkadavu Mahadeva Temple and the Cheruvalli Bhagavathy Temple. Paddy fields previously surrounded both temples. Until 1940, water transport through the Manimalayar River was the primary means of contact with external regions. The southern parts of the panchayat were the earliest human habitats.
In the old deeds of Cheruvalli Village, terms like Chempakassery-vaka (belonging to Chempakassery) and Chempakassery-thottam Maniyaru-vaka are found. However, there is no other historical evidence to support the legend that this region was under the control of the Chempakassery Royal Dynasty. Following the fall of the Later Chera Empire in the 11th century AD, several chieftains and local feudal lords declared autonomy and established their own principalities. In the old Kottayam division, six such kingdoms emerged: Vadakkumkoor, Thekkumkoor, Poonjar, Edavally, Paravur, and Alangad. Around 1100 AD, Venpolinad (Sanskrit: Bimbiladesam) split into two kingdoms—Thekkumkoor and Vadakkumkoor. Thekkumkoor encompassed present-day Changanassery, Kottayam, Kanjirappally, and Thiruvalla taluks, along with a portion of Meenachil taluk. Although its initial capital was Vennimala, it was later shifted to Manikandapuram and Nattassery, eventually settling in Changanassery.
In 1749, Marthanda Varma conquered Thekkumkoor and annexed it into Travancore. Subsequently, comprehensive land survey operations (Kandezhuthu) were conducted in 1751–52 and 1773, creating detailed records of land layout and ownership. Protection and encouragement were extended to pepper plantations, marking the beginning of modern agriculture in the area.
The feudal Brahmin family known as Vanjipuzha Madham Uzhattiraru (Uzhattiraru being a title), referred to as the Vanjipuzha Chief, received the lands and temples of Chirakkadavu, Cheruvalli, and Peruvanthanam as tax-free freehold property (Edavaka). This right existed even before Marthanda Varma's invasion of Thekkumkoor. Between 1100 AD and 1500 AD, the rights over land, elephants, and wild animals in various places belonged to the Vanjipuzha lords. With the onset of modern agricultural methods, the lord collected the surplus yield (Michavaram) through officials like the Vicharippukaran and Millakkaran, covered the temple expenses, and retained the rest. The headquarters of Vanjipuzha was Chengannur.
Between 1936 and 1940, a settlement survey was conducted in Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages, tax was fixed, and title deeds (Pattayam) were issued. The Vanjipuzha Chief was obligated to pay the Travancore Government for the survey expenses. Unable to afford this, the Chief agreed to yield the land rights to the government in exchange for compensation.
Under the Edavaka Acquisition Act (Act 27 of January 1, 1955), the Edavaka administration officially came to an end on January 1, 1956.
Thekkumkoor played a crucial role in supplying spices and forest resources, given its proximity to the Cochin port. The long struggle between the Dutch and the English for control over pepper trade came to an end in 1795 when Travancore submitted to the East India Company. Until migrant farmers arrived in the 19th century, pepper was the main crop preserved and cultivated in these forest lands.
Here is the English translation of the history of Chirakkadavu Grama Panchayat based on the text provided:
History of the Grama Panchayat
Chirakkadavu Grama Panchayat is a region with a rich historical heritage. The place name Chirakkadavu is likely derived from the meaning "the ghat/landing place of a pond" (chirayude kadavu). It might also have originated from pilgrims referring to it as Cherukadavu on their way to Sabarimala. The Chirakkadavu Temple might have served as the famous Aruvippara Valiyakadavu along the ancient Sabarimala trekking route to Erumely via Mannamplavu. In old land deeds and documents, the name Koovathazhe is often seen. Elders believe this name refers to Sage Koopa (Koopa Maharshi), the legendary founder of the temple, or points to the Koovatharra where he performed his penance.
The region consists of the Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages. The recorded history of Chirakkadavu begins around the human settlements centered around the Chirakkadavu Mahadeva Temple and the Cheruvalli Bhagavathy Temple. Paddy fields previously surrounded both temples. Until 1940, water transport through the Manimalayar River was the primary means of contact with external regions. The southern parts of the panchayat were the earliest human habitats.
In the old deeds of Cheruvalli Village, terms like Chempakassery-vaka (belonging to Chempakassery) and Chempakassery-thottam Maniyaru-vaka are found. However, there is no other historical evidence to support the legend that this region was under the control of the Chempakassery Royal Dynasty. Following the fall of the Later Chera Empire in the 11th century AD, several chieftains and local feudal lords declared autonomy and established their own principalities. In the old Kottayam division, six such kingdoms emerged: Vadakkumkoor, Thekkumkoor, Poonjar, Edavally, Paravur, and Alangad. Around 1100 AD, Venpolinad (Sanskrit: Bimbiladesam) split into two kingdoms—Thekkumkoor and Vadakkumkoor. Thekkumkoor encompassed present-day Changanassery, Kottayam, Kanjirappally, and Thiruvalla taluks, along with a portion of Meenachil taluk. Although its initial capital was Vennimala, it was later shifted to Manikandapuram and Nattassery, eventually settling in Changanassery.
In 1749, Marthanda Varma conquered Thekkumkoor and annexed it into Travancore. Subsequently, comprehensive land survey operations (Kandezhuthu) were conducted in 1751–52 and 1773, creating detailed records of land layout and ownership. Protection and encouragement were extended to pepper plantations, marking the beginning of modern agriculture in the area.
The feudal Brahmin family known as Vanjipuzha Madham Uzhattiraru (Uzhattiraru being a title), referred to as the Vanjipuzha Chief, received the lands and temples of Chirakkadavu, Cheruvalli, and Peruvanthanam as tax-free freehold property (Edavaka). This right existed even before Marthanda Varma's invasion of Thekkumkoor. Between 1100 AD and 1500 AD, the rights over land, elephants, and wild animals in various places belonged to the Vanjipuzha lords. With the onset of modern agricultural methods, the lord collected the surplus yield (Michavaram) through officials like the Vicharippukaran and Millakkaran, covered the temple expenses, and retained the rest. The headquarters of Vanjipuzha was Chengannur.
Between 1936 and 1940, a settlement survey was conducted in Chirakkadavu and Cheruvalli villages, tax was fixed, and title deeds (Pattayam) were issued. The Vanjipuzha Chief was obligated to pay the Travancore Government for the survey expenses. Unable to afford this, the Chief agreed to yield the land rights to the government in exchange for compensation.
Under the Edavaka Acquisition Act (Act 27 of January 1, 1955), the Edavaka administration officially came to an end on January 1, 1956.
Thekkumkoor played a crucial role in supplying spices and forest resources, given its proximity to the Cochin port. The long struggle between the Dutch and the English for control over pepper trade came to an end in 1795 when Travancore submitted to the East India Company. Until migrant farmers arrived in the 19th century, pepper was the main crop preserved and cultivated in these forest lands.