Kanakkary
Grama Panchayat

History of Kanakkary

During the Kulasekhara reign (A.D.), the country was divided into 18 regions (Nadus), one of which was Vembalanad. Kanakkary was part of this Vembalanad region. When the Chera Kingdom split in the 11th century, Kanakkary became part of Vadakkumkoor. According to local lore, the name "Kanakkary" originated either from the prevalence of valuable assets (Kanam) in the region or from a woman appointed to collect land taxes (Kanam), who was referred to as "Kanakkari."

Several places within the Kanakkary Panchayat hold immense historical significance:

• Kurumulloor: Situated as a continuation of Vedagiri Hill, Kurumulloor was once a battleground for the conflict between the kings of Vadakkumkoor and Thekkumkoor. To the north of Vedagiri lies Kuthirakattu Kunnu. Historical records mention large granite foundations buried in the soil between the eastern and western fields at its base. Ruins of a palace, a temple, and a bathing pond (Neeralikkettu) belonging to the Vadakkumkoor kings can still be seen today. Nearby Muthirakkadu served as a military center, and remnants of an old mud fort (Kottamuri) belonging to the Edathil Kovilakam can still be spotted near the Athirampuzha Panchayat border.

• Vempally: Location of the current Grama Panchayat, Vempally houses an ancient Devi Temple. The region was once one of the 365 territorial domains (Deshavazhis) belonging to the Karinganappally Illam of Mukundapuram Taluk. The name Vempally is believed to have derived from Venpatta Pradesham (fair/white land). Vempally is also referenced in Lakshmidasa's classical Sanskrit message poem, Shuka Sandesha.

• Kadappoor: Formerly known as Samudrapuram, the name evolved over time from Kadalpooram into Kadappoor, as it was believed to be an area connected to or close to the sea. Its local Devi Temple is considered to be one of the Durga temples consecrated by Sage Parashurama during the Treta Yuga.

• Kalathoor: This region hosted a martial arts training arena (Kalathara) during the Vadakkumkoor reign, which later evolved into the name Kalathoor. Another perspective suggests the name stems from the area being a land of paddy-threshing floors (Nelkalangal).

• Pattithanam: While traveling through this scenic terrain filled with hills, streams, and thickets, a Christian missionary found the location ideal for building a church. He remarked to his companions that it was a "Pattiya Sthanam" (suitable place). The local mispronunciation of his foreign accent eventually led to the name Pattithanam. A unique geographic trait of this spot is the occurrence of fog even during peak summer periods.

Social and Educational Development

Since the beginning of the last century, basic educational facilities became accessible to all sections of society, replacing traditional Kudippallikoodams (village schools). Around 1910, four primary schools were established across government and private sectors.

Local community assemblies (Nattukoottangal) settled disputes and actively managed community affairs; the Vempally school was originally built and maintained by one such assembly before being taken over by the government.

Social reforms played a key role in overcoming caste discrimination and untouchability. Many locals joined the anti-untouchability rallies organized by CSI missionaries in Ettumanoor. A school established by the CSI mission in Kanakkary provided education to underprivileged communities. Later, the Temple Entry Proclamation permitted worship access for all castes, and the Land Reforms Act ended the feudal system, shaping the modern history of the Panchayat.

History of Kanakkary

During the Kulasekhara reign (A.D.), the country was divided into 18 regions (Nadus), one of which was Vembalanad. Kanakkary was part of this Vembalanad region. When the Chera Kingdom split in the 11th century, Kanakkary became part of Vadakkumkoor. According to local lore, the name "Kanakkary" originated either from the prevalence of valuable assets (Kanam) in the region or from a woman appointed to collect land taxes (Kanam), who was referred to as "Kanakkari."

Several places within the Kanakkary Panchayat hold immense historical significance:

• Kurumulloor: Situated as a continuation of Vedagiri Hill, Kurumulloor was once a battleground for the conflict between the kings of Vadakkumkoor and Thekkumkoor. To the north of Vedagiri lies Kuthirakattu Kunnu. Historical records mention large granite foundations buried in the soil between the eastern and western fields at its base. Ruins of a palace, a temple, and a bathing pond (Neeralikkettu) belonging to the Vadakkumkoor kings can still be seen today. Nearby Muthirakkadu served as a military center, and remnants of an old mud fort (Kottamuri) belonging to the Edathil Kovilakam can still be spotted near the Athirampuzha Panchayat border.

• Vempally: Location of the current Grama Panchayat, Vempally houses an ancient Devi Temple. The region was once one of the 365 territorial domains (Deshavazhis) belonging to the Karinganappally Illam of Mukundapuram Taluk. The name Vempally is believed to have derived from Venpatta Pradesham (fair/white land). Vempally is also referenced in Lakshmidasa's classical Sanskrit message poem, Shuka Sandesha.

• Kadappoor: Formerly known as Samudrapuram, the name evolved over time from Kadalpooram into Kadappoor, as it was believed to be an area connected to or close to the sea. Its local Devi Temple is considered to be one of the Durga temples consecrated by Sage Parashurama during the Treta Yuga.

• Kalathoor: This region hosted a martial arts training arena (Kalathara) during the Vadakkumkoor reign, which later evolved into the name Kalathoor. Another perspective suggests the name stems from the area being a land of paddy-threshing floors (Nelkalangal).

• Pattithanam: While traveling through this scenic terrain filled with hills, streams, and thickets, a Christian missionary found the location ideal for building a church. He remarked to his companions that it was a "Pattiya Sthanam" (suitable place). The local mispronunciation of his foreign accent eventually led to the name Pattithanam. A unique geographic trait of this spot is the occurrence of fog even during peak summer periods.

Social and Educational Development

Since the beginning of the last century, basic educational facilities became accessible to all sections of society, replacing traditional Kudippallikoodams (village schools). Around 1910, four primary schools were established across government and private sectors.

Local community assemblies (Nattukoottangal) settled disputes and actively managed community affairs; the Vempally school was originally built and maintained by one such assembly before being taken over by the government.

Social reforms played a key role in overcoming caste discrimination and untouchability. Many locals joined the anti-untouchability rallies organized by CSI missionaries in Ettumanoor. A school established by the CSI mission in Kanakkary provided education to underprivileged communities. Later, the Temple Entry Proclamation permitted worship access for all castes, and the Land Reforms Act ended the feudal system, shaping the modern history of the Panchayat.