Atholi
Grama Panchayat

The roots of Atholi’s history are embedded in rich ancient historical events and mythological tales. Atholi is mentioned in the Northern Ballads (Vadakkan Pattu) as one of the hideouts of Thacholi Othenan. It is said that one of the 108 temples associated with the legend of Parasurama is located in Atholi. Kodakkallu (umbrella stones) and burial chambers dating back approximately 2,000 years to the Megalithic period shed light on the ancient cultural history of this region. Historical indications suggest that Tipu Sultan's military campaigns also reached this area.

The upper-caste landlord-feudal system became strong in this region with the arrival of the British. The Keyis, who migrated here from Thalassery for trade purposes, were prominent among those who became landlords by acquiring land from the former landowners. The undercurrents of Dravidian-tribal culture are clearly visible in the rituals and customs of the lower classes here. Although ancient or traditional art forms like Kolkali, Theyyam, Thira, Thottam Pattu, Duff Mutt, and Puthappattu had widespread popularity here, some of them have today drifted away from the mainstream of cultural tradition or become extinct.

All the cultural progress and social renaissance seen in this village today were paved the way for by the early schools, reading rooms, and libraries here. Established in 1945 at Kongannur, the Mohammed Abdur Rahiman Memorial Reading Room and Library is the first of its kind in this panchayat.

This panchayat, which has played a notable role in the Indian freedom struggle, was previously known by various names such as Modakkallur, Kolakkad, and Velur. This area actively participated in both the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement. Many prominent figures from this region participated in struggles and campaigns such as the burning of the amshakacheri (revenue office), toddy shop picketing, the foreign clothes boycott movement, and Khadi promotion. V. Damodaran Nair, A. P. Appunni, M. K. Damodaran Nair, C. Appu Nair, and M. K. Achukkutty Nair were among those at the forefront of the freedom struggle. As part of the Quit India Movement, V. Damodaran Nair, who carried out protest propaganda single-handedly with a placard, had to endure brutal torture by the British police.

C. H. Mohammed Koya, who worked among the common people and rose to the position of Chief Minister of Kerala, was a person born in Atholi village. The farmers' movement in Atholi originated through struggles against eviction, feudalism, and landlordism. Struggles in the social sphere against untouchability and social evils were also part of the freedom struggle. Following the footsteps of the Vaikom Satyagraha, numerous people, including upper-caste members of Atholi, participated in the agitation to secure temple entry for Harijans at Pisharikavu.

Like everywhere else, land reforms initiated massive changes in the social sector of this panchayat. In place of today's Atholi panchayat, the old Modakkallur panchayat under the Malabar District Board existed previously. The elections at that time were conducted by literate people gathering and voting by raising their hands. Vattakandy Kunhiraman Nair was the first president. Today's Atholi panchayat was formed by combining the old Modakkallur along with regions like Kolakkad and Velur. The Atholi panchayat came into existence on December 13, 1963, with N. K. Narayanan Nair as its first president.