Chirakkadavu
Grama Panchayat

Historical Background

Chirakkadava Grama Panchayat is an area with a rich historical heritage. The place name "Chirakkadava" is likely derived from the words Chira (pond/bund) and Kadavu (wharf/landing place). It may also have originated from Sabarimala pilgrims calling it Cherukadavu. Chirakkadava Temple might have been the prominent Aruvippara Valiya Kadavu along the famous old Sabarimala trekking path leading to Erumely via Mannamplavu. Old deeds and documents refer to this area as Koovathazhe. Legend attributes this name to Sage Koopa (Koopa Maharshi), the founder of the temple, with elders believing it refers to Koovatharra, the elevated platform where he performed penance.

The present region was formed by joining Chirakkadava and Cheruvalli villages. The recorded history of Chirakkadava begins around the human settlements established surrounding the Chirakkadava Mahadeva Temple and the Cheruvalli Bhagavathy Temple. Paddy fields originally surrounded both temples. Until 1940, water transport via the Manimala River served as the primary mode of contact with external regions. The southern parts of the Panchayat formed the earliest human settlements.

Old deeds in Cheruvalli village mention properties under names like Chemjakasseryvaka, Chembakasserythottam, and Maniyaruvaka. However, there is no historical evidence beyond folklore to prove that this region was directly under the control of the Chembakassery Royal Dynasty. Following the fall of the Later Chera Empire in the 11th century AD, various chieftains and local lords declared autonomy and established independent kingdoms. The region under the old Kottayam Division was divided into six kingdoms: Vadakkumkoor, Thekkumkoor, Poonjar, Edavally, Paravur, and Alangad. Around 1100 AD, Venpolinad (Bimbiladesam in Sanskrit) split into two kingdoms—Thekkumkoor and Vadakkumkoor. Thekkumkoor encompassed present-day Changanassery, Kottayam, Kanjirappally, Thiruvally taluks, and parts of Meenachil taluk. Its initial capital was Vennimala, which later shifted to Manikandapuram, then Nattassery, and finally Changanassery.

In 1749, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma annexed Thekkumkoor into Travancore. Subsequently, comprehensive land surveys (Kandezhuthu) were conducted in 1751–52 and 1773 to document land ownership and details fully. The state offered protection and encouragement for pepper plantations, marking the beginning of modern agricultural practices in the region.

The lands and temples of Chirakkadava, Cheruvalli, and Peruvanthanam were granted as tax-free freehold estates (Edavaka) to the Vanjipuzha Madom Uzhuthiraru (a noble Brahmin title, known as the Vanjipuzha Chief). Historical records show this right existed even prior to Marthanda Varma’s invasion of Thekkumkoor. Between 1100 AD and 1500 AD, the Vanjipuzha rulers held rights over various lands, elephants, and wild animals in the region. With the onset of modern agriculture, officers like Vicharippukaran and Millakkaran were employed to collect grain levies (Michavaram); after temple expenses were met, the remainder went to the chieftain. The headquarters of Vanjipuzha was Chengannur.

Between 1936 and 1940, settlement surveys were conducted in Chirakkadava and Cheruvalli villages, and land tax was fixed to issue ownership deeds (Pattayam). The Vanjipuzha Chief was obligated to pay the Travancore government for the survey costs. Unable to meet these expenses, the Chief surrendered the land rights to the government in return for compensation.

As a region connected to the Cochin port, Thekkumkoor played a major role in the trade of spices and forest resources. The long rivalry between the Dutch and the British over pepper ended in 1795 when Travancore came under the influence of the East India Company. Until settler farmers arrived in the 19th century, pepper remained the primary crop cultivated and protected within the forest lands.

Chirakkadava Grama Panchayat was officially established in 1953. Initially, the Panchayat focused on developing basic infrastructure and the agricultural sector. Over time, by improving drinking water schemes, road transport, and educational facilities, Chirakkadava grew into one of the model Panchayats in Central Travancore. Today, featuring major commercial and cultural hubs like Ponkunnam town, Chirakkadava stands as a prominent Grama Panchayat, serving as the gateway to the High Ranges.