Vellamunda
Grama panchayat

This region, situated in the valley of the western mountain ranges and linked to the legend of the mythical figure Banasura, boasts an ancient heritage. Lord Shiva, who was entrusted with guarding Bana's palace, ascended the mountain—becoming the deity *Malakkari*—and stood guard in the guise of a hunter (*Kirata*); he clashed with Sri Krishna but was eventually defeated and forced to retreat. The place known as *Karabanachedi* (or *Karuvanasseri*), located near Pulinjal, is said to be the very spot where Bana's arms were severed during that battle. It is believed that the name 'Pulinjal' originated from 'Puliyan Chal,' a territory once controlled by the successors of the Puliya dynasty. The Pulinjal Fort and the *Kotta Maithanam* (fort grounds) here are well-known, and ancient temple ruins can still be found in the area. When the Puliya dynasty's misrule and oppression of the people became unbearable, the *Vellayma* (or *Porunannur*) *Swaroopam*—a confederation of Nair chieftains from regions like Mangalasseri, Vattathoda, Cherukara, Karingari, and Tharuvana—appealed to the Kottayam *Swaroopam* (Pazhassi) for help; consequently, Pazhassi Raja defeated the Puliya dynasty. The *Vellayma* (or *Porunannur*) *Swaroopam* subsequently accepted the suzerainty of the Pazhassi (Kottayam) Raja. The area known historically as the *Vellayma Swaroopam* or *Porunannur Swaroopam* corresponds to the present-day Vellamunda Panchayat. This area comprised the territories of five *Desapathis* (local chieftains)—Mangalassery, Vattathod, Karingari, Changadam, and Cherukara—who belonged to the ‘Vellayma’ *Swaroopam* (chieftaincy). A representative of Pazhassi Raja would visit the ‘Anchillam’ *Tharavadu* (ancestral home) once a year, at which time members of each *Tharavadu* were required to perform specific duties. It is said that the *Vellamunda* (Vattathod) Nambiar was responsible for preparing the ‘Onappudava’ (ceremonial Onam garment known as ‘Vellamunda’), while the *Changadath Manchan* Nambiar was tasked with ferrying the representative across the Mananthavady River on a raft and transporting him in a palanquin. Decisions regarding rituals, festivals, celebrations, judicial punishments, and other significant matters in the region were made through consultations among the members of the ‘Anchillam’ *Swaroopam*. Notable temples in the area include the Kurikkalal Bhagavathi Temple, ‘Thonnampatta’ *Paradevatha* Temple, Mangalassery Shiva Temple, Vettaykkoru Makan Temple, the Sree Porkali Temple at Mangalassery Mana (associated with Pazhassi Raja), the Sree Porkari Temple at Peechankot Puramangalam, the Karat Muthirakkal Kovilakam Temple (associated with Veera Kerala Varma), the Karimbili Bhagavathi Temple of the Cheruvalath Kuruchya *Tharavadu*, and the Mechilatt Sree Krishna Temple. It is believed that one of Pazhassi’s guerrilla warfare hideouts was located on Mangalassery Hill and that the Sree Porkali Temple was established there during that period. Traces of the routes taken by Pazhassi Raja during his military campaigns—while resisting the British forces that had arrived in the region via the Kuttiyadi Ghat—can still be found here. It was through these regions that the *Anchillam* and *Swaroopam* families—who had accepted the suzerainty of Pazhassi Raja—brought in artisans and professionals from various parts of Kerala to perform essential ritualistic and ceremonial duties. Specialists such as *Empranthiris* (Brahmins) for conducting rituals; *Theyyampadi Kurups* for *Kalam-ezhuthu* (ritual floor art) and singing; *Anjoottans* and *Munnoottans* for performing *Thira* and *Theyyam*; *Nambeesans* and *Moossas* for making temple garlands; *Malayas* (drummers); *Vannans* and *Marans* for conducting *Pulaya* rituals; as well as barbers, washermen, blacksmiths, carpenters, and goldsmiths, have been present in areas like Cherukara, Karingari, and Vellamunda for many years. The *Vattathodu Tharavad* (ancestral home) was located at *Vellamunda Idam*, a name from which the locality "Vellamunda" derived its own. The members of this *Tharavad* were the landlords (*Janmis*) of these regions and were responsible for collecting rent (*pattam*) from the tenant farmers (*kudiyans*). The Muslim community in this panchayat—which has a larger population of followers of Islam compared to other parts of Wayanad—also possesses a historical legacy spanning nearly four centuries. It was the Raja of Kottayam who brought them from the *Nadapuram* region and settled them here to facilitate trade; the *Vaishyan* family of Tharuvana is said to have been the first group of traders to arrive, and the Raja of Kottayam reportedly built a mosque for them in Tharuvana. Mosques were also constructed at Korom and Vellamunda (Pazhayangadi). Having arrived in Wayanad for trade, they settled permanently in areas such as Kunjom, Korom, Kandathuvayal, Pulinjal, Varambatta, Pazhanjana, Tharuvana, Aaruval, and Kellur. The ancient mosques and traditional Muslim ancestral homes in these localities stand as excellent examples of this heritage. Maintaining cordial relations with the 'Anchillam' ancestral families, they purchased land and established their own settlements. Elders still recount stories of the unity and harmony that existed between the Hindu and Muslim communities. The region was home to many prominent figures within the Muslim community who were known for their philanthropy and contributions to public affairs and education; notable among them were Manimma Ahmed Haji, Palliyil Sooppikutty, Kooningarathu Mammu, and Koran Moithu Haji.

History of Migration

The history of migration to the Vellamunda area dates back over half a century, linked to the broader history of Christian migration in Malabar. It is said that the first migrant families arrived in this region in 1948.