History of Grama Panchayat

Kavalangad: History and Culture

Kavalangad Grama Panchayat holds a rich historical background, carved out of dense forests by ancestors who battled wild animals like elephants, tigers, bears, and gaurs to cultivate the land. The discovery of ancient idols, stone sculptures, ruins of massive walls, and old houses during this clearing process points to a bygone era and civilization.

Furthermore, the Muni Arakal (hermitages/rock-cut caves) and cave remnants found in areas like Nagaramudi in Oonnukallu are believed to be places where ancient sages meditated. The ruins of a granite fort found in the Allunkal, Pachotti, and Valachira areas, along with the Varikkattumukku Devi Temple located deep inside the Neryamangalam forest, serve as evidence that the local chieftains (Karthakkal) once ruled and resided in this region.

Migration, Agriculture, and Rubber Plantations

The ancestors initially migrated to this region specifically for agriculture.

  • Crop Evolution: In the early days, paddy (rice) cultivation was predominant. Over time, farmers shifted to cash crops such as lemongrass, coconut, areca nut, mango, jackfruit, cashew, and rubber.

  • The Rubber Pioneer: It is said that Kavalangad was the very first place in India to start rubber cultivation.

  • Key Estates: The prominent rubber estates of Pareekanni, Opra, and Neryamangalam were planted by a European firm called Cumber Watch & Company and an Anglo-Indian named Paul Lewis (locally known as Paranki Saippu).

  • Early Infrastructure: The first rural roads in the panchayat, namely the Nellimattom-Pareekanni Road and the Opra Road, were constructed specifically to connect to these estates.

Labor & The Kangkani System: The laborers who worked in the Pareekanni rubber estate were known as Depot Coolies. They were subjected to slave-like working conditions under a system euphemistically termed the Kangkani System.

Evolution of Housing and Education

During the early migration era, the majority of the population lived in houses thatched with palm leaves, grass, and straw. Today, about half of the population lives in tiled or concrete houses.

The Educational Awakening:

  • Prior to formal schooling, children relied on the traditional Asan Kalari (Kudipallikkoodam/village schools), where they learned basic reading, writing, and elementary arithmetic. Ceremonies like initiating children into writing (Ezhuthinniruthu) were celebrated festively by families, and teachers were revered with deep respect and fear.

  • 1928: Formal public education began with the establishment of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Malayalam Primary School (OLMC LPS) in the private sector at Kavalangad. It was founded under the vision of Archbishop Angel Mary of the Verapoly Latin Catholic Archdiocese, with Fr. Eusebius (OCD), the vicar of Muvattupuzha church, serving as its manager.

  • 1937: English education became accessible to local children when St. John’s U.P. School was started under the management of Kavalangad St. John’s Church. For high school education, students relied on Mar Basil High School in Kothamangalam.

Cultural Landmark: The Pareekanni Victory Library, established during this period, was the first rural public library in the Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha regions.

Communal Harmony and Local Art Forms

Kavalangad is home to a diverse population of various religious backgrounds and cultures living in close harmony. Rapid progress in literacy has been a cornerstone of this elevated social harmony. When the forests were first cleared, settlers established places of worship according to their beliefs to pray for protection against wild animals and the safety of their crops.

  • Prominent Early Places of Worship: Neryamangalam Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Kavalangad Sinai Kunnu Church, and Neryamangalam Munayujeen Juma Masjid.

  • Traditional Art Forms: The region boasted a vibrant cultural scene with local art forms, including dramas, Kathaprasangam (storytelling performance), Chendakottu (traditional drumming), band music, flute recitals, Kolkali, Parichamuttukali, Garudan Thookam, and Kalakali (bull dance).