History of Grama Panchayat
History of the Grama Panchayat
The place name Chittaripparamba is believed to have originated from Chittalari, a small variety of rice that was once cultivated in the area. Chittaripparamba became a Panchayat with clearly defined boundaries in 1961. During the 15th century, the entire region was under the control of the Pazhassi royal dynasty. By the late 18th century, the area had become a center of wars and military campaigns. The invasion of Tipu Sultan brought major changes to the religious, social, and cultural life of the region.
It was only after the British began interfering in Pazhassi's authority that Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja's spirit of resistance and love for self-rule awakened. Subsequently, several battles took place between Pazhassi and the British. Many guerrilla warfare operations that weakened British forces were carried out in different parts of this Panchayat. Historical records state that Pazhassi Raja inflicted heavy losses on British forces during battles fought at Kannavam, Anantheswaram, and Manantheri. After Pazhassi's death, the area came under direct British control and later became part of the Madras Presidency. During the early period of British rule, Kannavam Bridge was constructed in 1825.
Kannavam is one of the most historically significant regions of this Panchayat. The Panchayat also contains a large forest area. Nearly eighteen hills within its boundaries are collectively known as the Kannavam Hills. The indigenous Kurichya tribal community living in these regions is also known as the Kannavam Kurichyar. Kannavam served as one of Pazhassi Raja’s main bases, and it has been mentioned frequently in books and writings about him.
According to local belief, Kannavam got its name from a hanging tree (Kanava Maram) that once existed there. This tree remained in Kannavam until the later decades of the previous century. The inclusion of Kannavam on Kerala's map reflects the importance and strategic significance it once held. The Kurichyar, who lived in forests preserving their distinct culture away from mainstream society, earned a place in history as courageous warriors of Pazhassi Raja.
Several visible and hidden historical remains reveal Chittaripparamba's rich past. One of the most important among them is the old rest house (Sathram) at Manantheri, built in Kollam Era 1112. During a time without vehicular transport, it was built to serve travelers who journeyed on foot and by horse cart. Nearby structures such as a well, resting platform, and cargo stand were also constructed. Similar historical structures have been found in places including Kannavam, Vattoli, Irattakulangara, Poovathinkeezhil, 14th Mile, Mannanthara, and the Post Office area.
Street lamps installed at important junctions and individuals assigned to maintain them are also notable parts of local history. The present-day Kannavam Village Office once functioned as a temporary prison during British rule. The Thodeekkalam Shiva Temple, known for its wall paintings, also served as a site of conflict between the British and Pazhassi Raja.
Many place names in the Panchayat are linked to historical events and local features. Areas such as Anantheswaram, Irattakulangara, Mudappathur, Kuyyalad, Uzhinjattumoola, and Kavinmoola reflect stories and characteristics rooted in local history.
At one time, the entire region belonged to the Pazhassi royal family. Later, land ownership shifted to dependents, landlords, and Devaswoms. The Manantheri Devaswom controlled a vast area. Under the feudal system, poor laborers worked on landlords' agricultural lands under difficult social conditions filled with superstitions and outdated customs.
The anti-imperialist struggles led by Pazhassi Raja marked the first organized movement in this Panchayat. Pazhassi successfully united people from all sections of society, including tribal communities, against British rule. There were also movements against caste discrimination and social injustices. One notable effort was the movement against the social evil known as Vannathimattu at Vannathimoola.
The first organized agricultural movement in the region involved submitting petitions during British rule seeking rent reductions. People from this area also participated in anti-landlord struggles against landlord Ayithara Kunjikrishnan Thangal.
The early political activities of N.E. Balaram, who later became a national leader, began in this Panchayat. He was also the first Congress President of Kannavam. The present Kannavam Government LP School was the first educational institution in the Panchayat. The Jnana Prakashini Higher Elementary School, founded by Puthussery Venadan Achuthan Master, became the Panchayat's first UP school and was later upgraded into Chittaripparamba Government High School, which made notable contributions in the field of sports.