Kadanad
Grama Panchayat

Historical Background

Kadanad Grama Panchayat is a picturesque and verdant region situated approximately 7 kilometres north of Pala, the headquarters of Meenachil Taluk in Kottayam District, Kerala. The Panchayat covers an area of 40.19 square kilometres. Since the earliest period of human settlement, agriculture has remained the primary occupation of the people of this region.

Geographically, the western part of the Panchayat is predominantly level terrain, while the remaining areas consist of gentle hills and valleys. Kadanad is bordered by the neighbouring Panchayats of Bharananganam, Melukavu, Karoor, Ramapuram, Karinkunnam, and Muttom. The Panchayat falls within the Pala Assembly Constituency. Its administrative area mainly comprises Kadanad Village, Ainkombu Kara of Vellilappally Village, and Pizhak Kara of Ramapuram Village.

History

Historical accounts suggest that around A.D. 1000, the area around Edathumkunnu, located southeast of Kodumpidi, was inhabited and governed by the Perumakkans, who exercised local administrative authority. During the same period, a few Nair families, other Hindu communities, and several Christian families who had migrated from Nilackal and North Paravur are believed to have settled in the region.

During the reign of the Vadakkumkoor Kingdom, merchants of the Pandya Kingdom frequently visited different parts of Travancore for trade. According to local tradition, Kadanad was one of their important trading halts. As the Pandyas conducted extensive commercial activities from Kadanad, the region gradually gained recognition as an important trading centre beyond its neighbouring areas.

Origin of the Name "Kadanad"

Several explanations have been handed down through local tradition regarding the origin of the name "Kadanad." One popular belief is that the region, which was once covered by forests (kadu), later developed into an important trading centre of the Pandya merchants, and thus came to be known as "Kadanad"—the land of markets (kada). Another view is that the area gradually transformed from a forest into a settled land (nad), giving rise to the name Kadanad. Some also believe that the name originated from the word "kada", meaning beginning, threshold, or entrance, while others suggest that it evolved in harmony with the names of neighbouring regions such as Anthinad, Ullanad, and Alanad. These explanations are based on local oral traditions and folklore.

The Royal Family and Their Rule

For centuries, different parts of India were ruled by numerous local kingdoms, and this region was no exception. The kingdoms of Cochin, Travancore, Kozhikode (Calicut), Vadakkumkoor, Thekkumkoor, and Chembakassery were among the prominent native states that exercised authority over various parts of Kerala. The capital of the Vadakkumkoor Kingdom was Kaduthuruthy, formerly known as Kadathery.

During the reign of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma of Travancore, campaigns were undertaken to annex neighbouring principalities and expand the kingdom. In 1750, the Kingdom of Vadakkumkoor was brought under the rule of Travancore. Historical records indicate that while one branch of the Vadakkumkoor royal family sought refuge with the Zamorin of Kozhikode, another settled at Kannettil, near Karikkode in Thodupuzha. It is also recorded that the magnanimous Marthanda Varma later restored protection, privileges, and honours to the Vadakkumkoor royal family.

As early as the 16th century, a branch of the Vadakkumkoor royal family, known as the Vadakke Koyikkal family, settled in Kadanad. The Travancore King constructed a palace for their residence and granted them more than 2,000 acres of land spread across Ramapuram, Kadanad, and Melukavu, along with several administrative privileges.

With the conferment of land ownership and feudal rights on the Vadakke Koyikkal royal family, the majority of the local inhabitants became tenant cultivators. It is also believed that the Perumakkans, who had earlier exercised certain local rights at Kodumpidi, gradually left the region during this period.

According to royal custom, whenever a royal family shifted its capital or established a new branch, members of different communities, skilled workers, and trusted retainers accompanied them. Following this tradition, several families migrated to Kadanad along with the royal household. Among them were the Ambattu Panikkar family, who led the military forces, the Kumbukkal Menon family, who served in the royal administration, and the Chilappattu family, who held ministerial positions. Descendants of the Koyikkal Royal Family are said to continue receiving certain traditional honours even today.

Historical records indicate that the Vadakke Koyikkal Royal Family ruled the region for nearly 150 years. They are remembered for their benevolent administration and for treating people of all communities with fairness and goodwill. In return, the people held their rulers in great respect and affection.

With the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in Kerala in A.D. 52, Christianity became firmly established in the region. The local rulers generally maintained cordial relations with the Christian community. Just as the royal families of Cochin, Travancore, and Chembakassery extended generous support for the establishment of Christian churches, the Vadakke Koyikkal Royal Family also made significant contributions. As early as the 16th century, they donated tax-free land for the establishment of a church in Kadanad and granted several other privileges. These generous acts continue to be remembered with gratitude by the present generation.

Before the introduction of land reform legislation, the local rulers were known for adopting a fair and just approach towards tenant farmers. Their concern for the welfare of their subjects reflected the ideal of righteous kingship. In this context, the description by the classical poet Kalidasa in the Raghuvamsha, portraying an ideal king as a father who both protects and disciplines his people, is often regarded as an apt comparison to the rulers of Kadanad.

Paremmakkal Govarnador (Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar)

Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar, popularly known as Govarnador, is one of the most distinguished personalities associated with Kadanad and a source of pride for Kerala and India. He was born in Kadanad in 1736.

A renowned multilingual scholar, Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar was celebrated for his intellectual brilliance, leadership, and strong sense of national consciousness. He undertook an adventurous journey across several countries and later authored Varthamanappusthakam (The Book of Travels), which is widely recognized as the first travelogue written in an Indian language. This pioneering work earned him a distinguished place in the literary and cultural history of India.

Places of Worship

The Hindu temples and Christian churches situated in different parts of Kadanad Grama Panchayat reflect the deep spiritual and religious heritage of its people. During the reign of the Vadakke Koyikkal Royal Family, several places of worship were established under their patronage. These include the Porimattam Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Punilath Bhagavathy Temple, and Pizhak Sree Krishna Swamy Temple. Other important temples in the Panchayat include the Parekkavu Bhagavathy Temple at Ainkombu under the Manakkad Illam, the Elambrakkode Bhagavathy Temple managed by the Komarappattu family of Kadanad, and the Sree Dharma Sastha Temple belonging to the Arakkal family of Neeloor.

Among the churches in the Panchayat, Kadanad Church is the oldest. Historical records indicate that it was established in 1554. The royal family made generous contributions towards its establishment. The annual feast celebrated on 15th and 16th January is observed as a major festival by people irrespective of caste and religion. The beautifully carved wooden statue of St. Sebastian is an outstanding example of traditional craftsmanship.

In later years, churches were established at Kurumannu, Neeloor, Manathoor, Urumbukavu, Pizhak, Mattathippara, Elivali, Maryland, Kavumkandam, and Ainkombu.

The Don Bosco Old Age Home at Kadanad is another noteworthy institution. It was originally established as an orphanage for children through the efforts of Rev. Pandiyammakkal Kuryachan. Since 1955, it has been functioning as an old age home under the administration of a congregation of Catholic sisters.

Kadanad Grama Panchayat is also home to eleven convents belonging to various religious congregations. The oldest among them is the Kadanad Adoration Convent, established in 1921. Subsequently, convents were established at Kurumannu, Maryland, Neeloor, Mattathippara, Manathoor, Kavumkandam, Ainkombu, Elivali (Tabor), Urumbukavu, and Pizhak.

Educational Institutions

Educational institutions are located in eleven centres across Kadanad Grama Panchayat. Of these, two are Government Lower Primary (L.P.) Schools, while the remaining institutions are managed by private educational managements.

Malayalam and English medium High Schools are functioning at Kadanad, Manathoor, and Kurumannu. Upper Primary (U.P.) Schools are located at Mattathippara and Neeloor, while Lower Primary (L.P.) Schools function at Valiyath, Kadanad, and Ainkombu.

Although the Ainkombu L.P. School was originally established by the local community, it was later taken over by the Government. The Valiyath L.P. School, established in 1910, is the oldest primary school in Kadanad Grama Panchayat.