Velur
Grama Panchayat

Socio-Cultural History

This region was once under the administrative boundary of the Thalappilly Raja, a feudal ruler of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam. Chengazhi Nambiar was the local chieftain of the area. Following the attacks of the Zamorin, the Perumpadappu region came under foreign control, after which the headquarters of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam was shifted to Kochi, and Thalappilly became part of the Kingdom of Kochi.

The administrative authority over eighteen local regions was vested in the Nambiar. For administrative convenience, local military leaders called “Sthaninayars” were appointed in each area. Economic responsibilities were entrusted to the Jenmis (landlords), who were mostly Brahmins. Spiritual authority was also given to Brahmins (Namboothiris). The Manimalarkavu temple in this Panchayat was considered the family deity temple of the Nambiar, and the eighteen regions together came to be known as the “Thattakam” of Manimalarkavu. Once every year, on the Kumbha Bharani day, all residents of the Thattakam were required to assemble at this temple, which was regarded as both the spiritual and physical center of the region.

Military leadership and training were under the authority of the Panikkars. Though sacred groves (Kavus) existed in the region, temples were given greater importance. Most of the land belonged to Devaswoms (temple estates), which were controlled by Namboothiri trustees. Farmers cultivated the land under harsh conditions and paid fixed rent to the landlords. Society was strongly divided by caste hierarchy, with occupations classified according to social status.

Farmers had no ownership rights over the land they cultivated. Most of their produce had to be given to the landlords as rent. Tenants who failed to pay rent could be evicted without legal protection. Wages were extremely low, and working hours depended entirely on the landlords’ wishes. Due to limited employment opportunities, the lower classes lived in poverty and hunger while working for the luxury of the upper classes.

The feudal system deprived most people of basic human rights. Women, especially from lower castes, faced severe oppression. They were not allowed to cover their upper body or wear clothes below the knees. Even until the 1950s, women participating in temple rituals were forced to stand semi-nude during ceremonies. Through organized social movements and public resistance, these cruel customs were eventually abolished. A major transformation occurred with the Temple Entry Proclamation issued on November 13, 1936.

Today, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims in this Panchayat live together in harmony like members of one family. Numerous temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, and Sastha are found here. Except for family deity temples, most rituals were performed by Embrandiri Brahmins who migrated from Karnataka. The Sastha temples show links with Buddhism, while Kali temples reflect influences from the Tamil epic Silappathikaram. There is also a shrine dedicated to Mariamman, worshipped by the potter community.

The “Vavu” ritual during the Malayalam month of Thulam and the shrine at Kodassery Mala are famous. Annual festivals and celebrations are conducted with great enthusiasm. Two ancient and renowned Shiva temples in the Panchayat are the Keraloor Shiva Temple, believed to be around 2000 years old, and the Cheranthal Temple at Vengilassery.

In the field of education, the traditional Gurukula system once prevailed, and learning opportunities were limited to upper communities. Later, under Macaulay’s educational reforms and missionary activities, public schools were established, making education accessible to all irrespective of caste or religion. Modern scientific subjects gained importance, and this educational system received widespread acceptance, especially because it opened opportunities for government employment.

The first modern school established in this Panchayat was St. Xavier’s School. Arnos Pathiri, a missionary from Germany who came to Kerala for missionary work, developed an interest in learning Malayalam and Sanskrit. Following the guidance of the Azhvanchery Thamprakkal, he became a disciple of Machattu Ilayathu and stayed in Velur to study these languages. He attained deep scholarship in both Malayalam and Sanskrit and authored several important literary works, including the Malayalam dictionary Nighandu Parvam and the famous poem Puthenpana.

The contributions of Christian missionaries to the field of education are unforgettable. The first educational institution in this Panchayat, Velur St. Xavier’s School, was established at the place where the respected Arnos Pathiri served.