History of Grama Panchayat
History of the Grama Panchayat
Socio-Cultural History
The roots of Atholi's history are embedded in rich ancient historical events and mythological tales. Atholi is referenced somewhere in the Vadakan Pattukal (Northern Ballads) as one of the hiding places of the legendary hero, Thacholi Othenan. It is also believed that one of the one hundred and eight temples associated with the myth of Parasurama is located in Atholi.
The presence of Kodakkallukal (capstones) and rock chambers, which are part of the Megalithic period dating back nearly 2000 years, sheds light on the region's ancient cultural history.
Historical evidence suggests that Tipu Sultan's military campaign also reached this area.
The system of Savarna-Jenmi (upper-caste landlord) feudalism became strong with the arrival of the Europeans.
The Keyis, who migrated from Thalassery for trade, acquired land from the old landowners and became prominent among the landlords.
The undercurrents of the Dravidian-Tribal culture are evident in the rituals and customs of the lower-caste groups here.
Traditional and ancient art forms such as Kolkkali, Theyyam, Thira, Thottam Pattu, Dafmuttu, and Poothappattu were popular, but some have either drifted away from the main cultural stream or become extinct.
The first schools, reading rooms, and libraries paved the way for all the cultural advancements and social reform movements seen in the village today.
The Muhammad Abdurahiman Memorial Library and Reading Room, established in Kongannoor in 1945, was the first of its kind in the Panchayat.
This Panchayat, which played a significant role in the National Freedom Struggle, was previously known as Modakkalloor, Kolakkad, and Velloor. It was an active participant in the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement. Several prominent locals participated in struggles and campaigns such as:
The incident of setting fire to the Amshakacheri (village administrative office).
Toddy shop picketing.
The foreign cloth boycott movement.
Khadi promotion.
Prominent figures in the freedom struggle included V. Damodaran Nair, A.P. Appunni, M.K. Damodaran Nair, C. Appu Nair, and M.K. Achukutty Nair. V. Damodaran Nair suffered severe brutality from the British police for single-handedly campaigning with a placard as part of the Quit India movement.
C.H. Muhammed Koya, who worked among the common people and rose to the position of Chief Minister of Kerala, was born in Atholi village.
The Farmers' Movement in Atholi began with the struggle against eviction, feudalism, and landlordism. Social struggles against untouchability and other harmful practices were also part of the National Freedom Movement. Following the path of the Vaikom Satyagraha, many people, including those from the Savarna (upper-caste) community in Atholi, participated in the struggle to gain entry for Harijans into the Pisharikavu Temple.
The Land Reforms initiated massive social changes in this Panchayat, just as in other places.
In the place of the present-day Atholi Panchayat, the Modakkalloor Panchayat existed under the old Malabar District Board. Elections at the time were conducted by literate people assembling and voting by raising their hands. Vattakkandi Kunhiraman Nair was the first President.
The current Atholi Panchayat was formed by merging parts like Kolakkad and Velloor with the old Modakkalloor. The Atholi Panchayat was officially formed on December 13, 1963, and N.K. Narayanan Nair was its first President.
Educational History
Educational activities were carried out through Ezhuthupallikal (traditional village schools) led by Nattezhuthachanmaar (village teachers). Cheruvalath Kandi Kunhiraman Vaidyar and Koroth Raman Nair were famous Nattezhuthachanmaar.
The L.P. School started in Modakkalloor in 1914 was the first school in the Panchayat.
The Velloor Mappila School was started later in 1918.
Another early institution was the Elementary School started in 1924, which was later handed over to the Malabar District Board.
In 1928, the Malabar District Board upgraded it to an institution offering up to the 8th standard under the name Malabar District Board Higher Elementary School.
The District Board Elementary School was upgraded to a High School in June 1958, when Joseph Mundassery was the Education Minister.
Today, residents primarily depend on the educational institutions in the nearby Kozhikode city and Koyilandi.
The oldest school in the Panchayat is the Modakkalloor L.P. School, which began in 1914. The Muhammad Abdurahiman Memorial Library in Kongannoor is the first library in the Panchayat.
History of Basic Infrastructure Development
In the early days of Atholi Panchayat, water transport was the only mode of conveyance. The boat journey from Theruvath Kadavu to Elathur was a source of great pleasure and novelty. Those in the Kovilakams (royal houses) used Manjalukal (palanquins), and their remnants can still be found in some houses.
The road built in the first decades of the 20th century has gradually developed and is now the State Highway.
Bus service began in the Panchayat in 1972.
Public unity has always prevailed in Atholi for voluntary work in development. Roads like Atholi-Nanmanda Road, the Panchayat section of Puthiyangadi-Ulliyeri Road, Velloor West Road, Kuniyil Kadavu Road, Kongannoor Road, and Atholi-Moorkkanad Road were all formed through popular voluntary efforts.
Telephone facilities became available in the late 1970s.
Electricity reached the village in 1974.
Atholi held a prominent position in the field of traditional medicine. Nalupurakkal Choyi Vaidyar, Kuniyiledathil Choyi Vaidyar, and Aduvattu Warrier were renowned practitioners. The service of the late Dr. Sankaran in the field of allopathy is notable. The services provided by Kuttil Moosa for smallpox treatment will always be remembered.
In the past, farmers cultivated intercrops like Chembu (Taro), Chena (Elephant Foot Yam), Tapioca, Cherukizhangu (Chinese Potato), Kachil (Greater Yam), Beans, Finger Millet, Banana, Cucumber, and Pumpkin. Farmers relied on local seeds and traditional farming methods. Farmers who understood the nature and quality of the soil used suitable seeds and appropriate fertilisation to achieve maximum yield. They mainly used organic fertilisers like cow dung, ash, and green manure. Ettam (lever mechanism), Mukkal (scoop), and Chavittu Chakrangal (foot wheels) were used for irrigation.
Kunnathara Textiles and coir industry units in the traditional sector are the industrial establishments in the Panchayat.History of Grama Panchayat