Velom
Grama panchayat

Here is the English translation of the history of Velom Grama Panchayat:

History of the Panchayat Formation

In the former Madras State, Malabar district comprised ten taluks, including Valluvanad, Eranad, and Kurumbranad. Kurumbranad Taluk consisted of 104 amshams (administrative sub-divisions). Kurumbranad Taluk was later bifurcated into Koyilandy and Vadakara taluks. Among the 104 amshams were Cherapuram and Velom.

During that era, all amshams were further sub-divided into deshams (villages/hamlets):

• Velom Amsham comprised three deshams: Velom, Kurichakam, and Cherukunnu.
• Cherapuram Amsham consisted of a single desham: Cherapuram.

Boundaries of amshams and deshams were demarcated using carved granite stones buried upright in the ground or by engraving 'X' marks on large rocks.

In 1960, the present Velom Grama Panchayat was formed by merging Cherapuram and Velom amshams along with all their constituent deshams. The first elected Panchayat governing body came into existence in December 1963.

Administrative Changes

From its formation until 1984, Velom Panchayat was situated within Koyilandy Taluk. Its Revenue Firka, Legislative Constituency, and Development Block were centered in Perambra. The Munsiff Court was located in Payyoli, while the Magistrate Court was in Vadakara (with Velom Amsham falling under the Koyilandy Magistrate Court).

Owing to persistent public demands, the Grama Panchayat was later reallocated under the Kunnummal Development Block and Vadakara Taluk. However, the Sub-Court (Assistant Sessions) jurisdiction was retained in Koyilandy instead of being transferred to Vadakara.

Social History

There are no definitive historical records or legends explaining how the village acquired the name "Velom". There are speculations that Cherapuram belonged to Cheraman Perumal or the Chirakkal Kings. Whether the Zamorin (Samuthiri) dynasty held administrative control here remains uncertain, though the presence of the Thali and the Thali Shiva Temple hints at Zamorin influence. Similarly, the Chirakkal Temple suggests a connection with the Chirakkal rulers.

Local lore mentions a community known as the Puliyars inhabiting the region, as evidenced by the place name Puliyarkandi. It is said that when Tipu Sultan reached Wayanad, local chieftains mobilized a Puliyar militia to resist the Sultan's forces.

The prevalence of wetland-related place names such as Idakkulamvayal, Varaprathvayal, Peruvayal, Adivayal, and Oloorvayal indicates that the area was predominantly composed of paddy fields (vayal). It is conjectured that the name "Velom" might have derived from the word Vilayalangal (cultivable lands).

Most of the land in the region was registered under the ownership of the Valiya Raja of Kadathanad, the Ambilad (Kuttiyadi Kovilakam) Chieftains, and the local chieftain Murchilot Moopasthani. The Velom Amsham specifically belonged to the Kuttiyadi Kovilakam.

Social headmen existed among various communities:

• For the Thiyya community, the Thandan and Tharakkan served as headmen (prominent families in Cherapuram included Thayyil Chandanappurath, Nidoolli, and Pazhayaveettil).
• For the Pulaya community, the headmen were the Marathan and Chindari.

Geography and Connectivity

Geographically, the Gulikapuzha (Kuttiyadi River) isolates Velom Panchayat from surrounding areas. Being water-bound, residents historically relied on water transportation using traditional rowboats and later motorboats for commuting and freight transport. Doolies (manchals) were the sole means to transport patients to hospitals.

Initially limited to footpaths and narrow tracks, proper roads were gradually carved out by the local population itself. The most prominent motorable road to emerge was the Aroor–Gulikapuzha Road.

Social Movements and History

• 1948: Following the persecution of Communists, the peasant movement expanded into the village under the leadership of M. K. Kelu, M. Kumaran Master, U. Kunjiraman, and P. R. Nambiar.
• Rubber Estate Establishment: A prominent Christian landowner named Mathachan from Changanassery purchased vast tracts of forest land from Puthiyottil Amanath Haji in Velom Manimala, cleared the forest, and planted nearly 200 acres of rubber, which later grew to be known as the Changanassery Ruby Rubber Estate, Manimala.
• 1969: Trade union activities officially began in the area. Velom witnessed numerous historic struggles for basic human rights—including the right to carry palm-leaf umbrellas (sheelakkuda), wear footwear, resist caste-based exclusions, dismantle sacrificial grounds (balikkalam mudakkal), and secure the right of women to cover their upper bodies.
• 1971: The Agricultural Workers Movement emerged under the leadership of A. Kanaran.
• 1985: Registration of Small Scale Industry (SSI) units commenced within the Panchayat.

Educational History

Traditional learning centers like Othupallis (Quranic schools) and Ezhuthupallis (primary literacy schools) prevailed in earlier times.

During the freedom struggle, social reformer and patriot Manikotharamal Gopala Kurup escorted a Harijan boy over a long distance to enroll him at the Government School in South Cherapuram. However, conservative upper-caste school authorities denied admission to the child, and together with local orthodox upper-caste elites, physically assaulted Gopala Kurup and threw him into the Gulikapuzha river.

Educational institutions existed in Velom even prior to Indian independence and the unification of Kerala (Aikya Keralam), though private schools were largely controlled by the upper strata of society. Prior to independence, upper primary education was available almost exclusively at Cherapuram U.P. School.

Notable Educational & Cultural Figures

• O. M. Nambiar: The world-renowned athletics coach (coach of P. T. Usha) hails from Velom.
• P. K. Nambiar: A prominent state-level teacher union leader who received his primary education here.
• Manikoth Moytheen Master: A social reformer who championed educational reform, particularly advocating for formal/secular education within the Muslim community.
• 1975: The first high school offering formal secondary education in Velom was established.

Cultural History

The population of Velom consists predominantly of Hindus and Muslims. Historically, the majority of Muslims engaged in trade, recorded in old documents as Mappila-Kachavadam (Mappila trade). Numerous mosques are situated throughout the Panchayat.

Velom Grama Panchayat has the largest Scheduled Caste (SC) population within the Kunnummal Development Block. Traditionally, their livelihoods depended on agriculture, traditional mat weaving, and local inland fishing.

Unique Local Communities and Customs

• Anthiyur Nayars: A distinct community residing in a hilly area called Kotta. Some suggest they originated as a tribal group from Andhra Pradesh. Pottery is their primary occupation, and they maintain an archaic language dialect among themselves.

Historical Dispute Resolution & Marriage Customs

In earlier days, local chieftains resolved rural disputes. Local village officers (Adhikaris) handled minor criminal cases and civil disputes involving claims up to ₹50.

Customs regarding marriage and divorce varied across communities:

• Nayar Customs: Marriages (Pudamuri) involved presenting cloth to the bride and were typically conducted at night. Divorce among Nayars was extremely rare.
• Muslim Customs: Marriage (Nikah) was also referred to as Kanoth. The groom's headman (Thandan) would pronounce: "According to our community customs, let the Kanom and Puda be presented," to which the gathering responded: "Nalla kaaryam, nalla kaaryam, nalla kaaryam" ("A good deed, a good deed, a good deed"). The groom paid a bride-price (Kanappanam) of 21¼ panam. To effect a divorce, a thread was pulled from the garments of both spouses and blown away into the air.

Historically, Velom was burdened by complex social evils, including untouchability, unapproachability, caste taboos, and the denial of temple entry to lower castes. The Muslim community was also educationally and culturally backward, adhering strictly to religious education necessary for ritualistic practices.

Temples, Mosques, and Festivals

• Festivals: Temple festivals (Utsavam) begin in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October–November). In the Kadathanad region, the festival season traditionally opens at the Umayankunnummal Temple. Major ritual performances across temples include Thira, Theyyam, and Vellattu. Chenda percussion is performed by the Malaya community, while ritual attire and roles are assumed by members of the Munnoottan, Vannan, and Malaya communities.
• Cherapuram Juma Masjid: Located west of Poolakkool in Cherapuram, this ancient mosque stands on approximately 8 acres of land donated free of cost by the local ruler Murchilot Moopasthani. Vows (Nercha) at this mosque are offered by both Muslims and Hindus.
• Other major mosques include Palliyath, Valakettu, Kakkooni, Arimbol, Choyimadam, Chambott, and Puthalath.

Cultural Personalities

Velom has produced several prominent cultural figures who have enriched the region:

• Vellur P. Raghavan (Film Actor)
• Abdul Majeed Velom (Renowned light-music lyricist famous through All India Radio)
• Pavithran Theekkooni (Notable contemporary poet)
• O. M. Nambiar (Legendary Athletics Coach)