Mankada
Grama Panchayat

Social History

Mankada is a region where centuries of history lie embedded. Historical remains such as the ancient burial sites (Airumadakal) in Mankada and Koottil, the brick quarries of Iringattparamba, the “Eduthukuthi Kal” at Panikkarukunnu, the Maniyottuparambu Temple at Cheriyam Desam believed to have been established in the 12th century, the Koottil Shiva Temple once under the authority of the Kodakkattu Nayanmars, the ancient Kadannamanna Juma Masjid, and Chandakkulam all shed light on the rich historical legacy of Mankada. Tracing back through legends, one eventually reaches the historical backdrop of the wars fought centuries ago between the Zamorin and the Valluvakonathiri rulers. Although the Zamorin possessed strong military preparations, he suffered defeats in the continuous wars of the 13th and 14th centuries. According to legend, following the advice of his guru Vilwamangalam, the Zamorin installed the deity Bhagavathi of Thirumandhamkunnu, the family deity of the Valluvanad king, at Kozhikode. It was after this that the Zamorin began achieving victories over Valluvanad. The later history narrates the defeat of the Valluvanad rulers. The displaced Valluvanad king and his family later settled in this hilly region. The prominent Thavazhi lineage settled in Mankada, while the remaining branches settled in Ayiranazhi, Kadannamanna, and Aripra. From that period onwards, the history of this village truly began.

Like elsewhere, land ownership here too remained in the hands of upper-caste landlords. However, unlike many other regions, the relationship between landlords and tenants here is said to have been relatively cordial. Agriculture and allied occupations formed the primary livelihood of the majority of the people. The area now forming Mankada Panchayat once served as the headquarters of the old Valluvanad royal family. One remarkable feature of this region was that educational opportunities were provided to all without discrimination based on caste, religion, or economic inequality, even during the early stages of establishing educational institutions. Considering the rigid social customs and superstitions prevailing at that time, this was truly extraordinary. The Panchayat region remained largely unaffected by the Malabar Rebellion of 1921. The role played by the Muslim community in protecting their Hindu brethren during that period is still remembered with respect. Leaders such as Koya Adhikari, the noble-minded P. Unneen Moulavi, and Nellengara Unneenkutty played key roles in maintaining harmony. As a mark of appreciation, the Mankada Kovilakam assisted in constructing the Mankada Valiya Juma Masjid. Even today, the enduring communal harmony between different castes and religions remains one of Mankada’s greatest strengths.

Educational History

By the closing decades of the 19th century, traditional village schools known as Kudippallikkoodams were functioning in Mankada. Among the teachers who imparted knowledge through these schools, Velu Ezhuthachan remains a name remembered with reverence. By the end of the 18th century itself, modern educational institutions had begun to emerge in the area. One among them was the Tottenhham Elementary School, which later became the first primary school in the Panchayat in 1906. During the same period, Arabic-Malayalam language studies were conducted in Othupallikkoodams, while religious education was imparted in Dars classes held in mosques. By the 1940s, madrassas had become widespread. It is noteworthy that even at a time when learning Malayalam was discouraged in certain circles, some members of the Muslim community actively came forward to establish educational institutions.

The descendants of the Kovilakams of Mankada, Kadannamanna, and Ayiranazhi enjoyed special educational facilities. Scholarly training was provided through Shastrimadams established near the Kovilakams. Separate educational spaces were reportedly arranged for Kovilakam children, upper-caste children, and lower-caste children. It was during this phase that the first primary school, which became the foundation for the social and cultural upliftment of the region, was established in Mankada in 1906. In 1908, it was upgraded into a UP School. Later, about twelve more schools were established in different parts of Valluvanad under the name “Mankada Education League.” Eventually, these institutions were handed over to the Taluk Board.

Cultural History

Mankada was one of the major cultural centres of old Valluvanad. Classical art forms such as Kathakali and Kaliyogam had gained popularity here centuries ago. Basic education and fine arts like music were taught under local teachers and also through special classes conducted in homes. With the support of the Punnappuzha and Moothedath Illams, many people achieved educational success and social advancement. In the courtyard of the Kadannamanna Kovilakam, educational opportunities were reportedly provided separately to upper-caste and lower-caste children.

A major institution that continues to shape the educational, social, and cultural life of Mankada is the Public Library. Established in the late 1940s through the efforts of a handful of people, it has today grown into one of the largest cultural institutions in the district. The region also excelled in theatre and performing arts. V.M. Kochunni, who received recognition at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi District Drama Festival in 1982, emerged from this cultural tradition. M.C. Krishnavarma Raja of Mankada Kovilakam was a noted tennis player of Madras University. K. Ahammed Ali, a native of this place, became a distinguished leader of the library movement. The Vellimala Library, established during the early years, also played a major role in nurturing the cultural life of the region. The playwright and poet Vellila Vasu was a product of this institution.

Religious institutions such as the Koottil Shiva Temple, temples belonging to the Mankada, Kadannamanna, and Ayiranazhi Kovilakams, the Moothedathu Temple at Karkkidam, places of worship of various communities, the centuries-old Kadannamanna Juma Masjid, Mankada Juma Masjid, Koottil Mosque, Vellila Mosque, and the Christian Church at Karimala have all contributed significantly to the cultural development of the region through different periods. Mankada Ravi Varma, who won the President’s Gold Medal multiple times for cinematography in Indian cinema, remains a matter of pride for the region. Traditional folk arts connected with agrarian culture such as Kalapoottu, Nayattu, Pakidakkali, Kolkkali, and Cherumakkali, as well as ritual art forms like Kalampattu, Poothamkali, Nayadipootham, Chaliyakkuthira, Kalakettu, and Parappootham, were once widely celebrated in this land.