At a glance
Vellamunda Grama Panchayat is a prominent hillside village panchayat located in the Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad district. Below are the key details about this beautiful village, which is rich in agricultural culture and a diverse historical background.
Basic Information
- District: Wayanad
- Taluk: Mananthavady
- Area: 64.54 square kilometers
- Number of Wards: 24
- Panchayat Office Location: Vellamunda Ettenal (8/4) — This name originated because it is located 8 miles and 4 furlongs away from Mananthavady.
Boundaries
- West: Banasura Mountain
- East: Karakkamala
- North: Edavaka Panchayat
- South: Kaiputhussery River
History and Etymology
- Origin of the Name: It is believed that the name 'Vellamunda' evolved from 'Vellamunda Idam', the ancestral home of the Vattathode family, who were prominent landlords in this region during the feudal era.
- History: Before the era of Pazhassi Raja, this region was under the rule of the Puliya dynasty. Later, at the request of the local chieftains, Pazhassi Raja defeated the Puliya dynasty and made this region a part of the Kottayam dynasty. Historical records indicate that Pazhassi Raja used the Mangalassery hills here for guerrilla warfare against the British.
- Panchayat Formation: Vellamunda Panchayat was initially formed in 1950 by merging Chondarnad (now Thondernad) and Vellamunda. Later in 1961, Thondernad was separated, and the panchayat was reorganized by including Porunnanore village.