Vazhikkadavu
Grama panchayat

Social History

Originally, this area was entirely a forest region inhabited solely by indigenous people whose livelihoods depended entirely on the forest. Their only link to the outside world was the Nilambur Kovilakam (royal estate), and the vast majority of them were dependents of the estate. After 1930, people arrived to cut bamboo and fell trees for charcoal production; they began cultivating paddy in the fertile tracts and established temporary settlements. These individuals paved the way for further migration to the area. Subsequently, people from regions such as Vandoor, Vaniyambalam, Manjeri, and Melattur arrived to settle permanently. Transport infrastructure, specifically the Nilambur railway line and the Kozhikode-Nilambur-Ooty road, accelerated this migration. Although migration had begun prior to independence, there are no records of any events related to the freedom struggle occurring in this area. A severe drought struck the region in 1950, destroying the entire paddy crop and causing mass livestock deaths. A farmers' association (*Karshaka Sangham*) was formed under the leadership of Chathunni, A.P. Varghese, and Kalathinkal Hamsa to spearhead relief efforts. The 'Tharishu Prakshobham' (agitation against fallow land policies) held at Vellakkatta in 1952 remains an unforgettable chapter in the history of Vazhikkadavu. A.K.G. led this agitation. A.K. Keralaian, Kunjunni, and Dr. Usman also played leadership roles in the struggle. Perhaps because it was conducted with the support of the Communist Party, this agitation is known as the "Communist Vettu" (Communist Land Seizure). The Party distributed the 16 acres of land acquired through this struggle. It was this agitation that inspired the people of the area to seize land. The history of Vazhikkadavu cannot be told without acknowledging Kunjali, who provided leadership for the land seizure struggles in these parts. During the 1950s, many people migrated to this region from the Travancore area. Migration to Vazhikkadavu and its surrounding areas accelerated as a result of calls made during the Maramon Convention, which attracted more people from places like Kozhenchery, Thiruvalla, and Pathanamthitta to the Nilambur region. Permission from the Nilambur Kovilakam was required to begin cultivation in this area, which was under its control. Permission was granted under a lease system, the terms of which were quite stringent. Migration paved the way for development across all sectors of the region. With the implementation of land reforms, the feudal system in the area came to an end, and the cultivators became the owners of the agricultural land. The Nilambur-Ooty road existed even before this period of migration. Even back then, the road known as the CNG Road (Kozhikode-Nilambur-Gudalur Road) was tarred. The buses operating at the time were charcoal-powered vehicles, popularly known as *Karivandi* (charcoal carts). It is understood that Vazhikkadavu was originally known as Maruthunkal. People used to travel in groups due to the fear of attacks by wild animals; migrants arriving from various regions would gather here before setting out on journeys to distant places. Elders say that the name 'Vazhikkadavu'—meaning a 'way-station' or 'transit point'—originated because it served as a stopover for travelers heading to other locations. 'Vellakkatta' was an area characterized by deep, stagnant pools of water; this feature gave the place its name. Similarly, 'Aanamarinju' (meaning 'where the elephant fell/toppled') was named for an incident involving an elephant; 'Poovathipoyil' was named for the abundance of *Poovathi* trees; and 'Palad' derived its name from its association with the history of Palatt Koman. There are differing opinions among the elderly regarding the origin of the name 'Manimooli': some believe it came from the word *Manimulam*, while others attribute it to *Mulamooli*. The Vazhikkadavu region, which was initially part of the Edakkara Panchayat, was constituted as a separate Panchayat on October 9, 1969.

History of Migration

Vazhikkadavu Panchayat is a region shaped by migration. Migrant villagers turned the land into a source of prosperity through their struggle against the soil, wild animals, and infectious diseases. These villagers, who relied on agriculture for their livelihood, lacked basic amenities such as transport and educational facilities. Timber merchants and associated workers were the first to arrive in this area—which was predominantly forest land between 1930 and 1935—to harvest timber and charcoal. These forest tracts were owned by the Nilambur Kovilakam. Initially, the practice involved workers arriving to fell trees and cultivate crops on the flatlands, only to return home after the harvest. However, during that same period, people from areas like Mannarkkad, Melattur, and Manjeri migrated here, took up farming, and settled down. This marked the beginning of successful paddy cultivation in isolated pockets of the panchayat. In the 1950s, in the Travancore region...