Erumapetty
Grama Panchayat

History of Erumapetty Panchayat

Social History

Erumapetty Panchayat began its operations in the Malayalam year 1094, under the Karriyanur group panchayat. The first president was Neelakandan Namboothiri from Mundanattu. This area was originally known as Karriyanur Panchayat during the time of the old Kochi kingdom. Later, it was renamed Erumapetty Panchayat. It is believed that the name Erumapetty originated from the fact that this village was once known for raising a large number of elephants. During that time, livestock was the primary wealth of the people, more so than agriculture. The term "patti" in Tamil means village. The village, initially known as Erumappatti, may have gradually evolved into Erumapetty.

In the early days, the Erumapetty Panchayat operated from a rented building. Later, the office was moved to Mangatt. Most of the land belonged to the upper-caste families. The properties of the Devaswom were also in the hands of the middlemen. The lives of the majority of the population, consisting of laborers and lower-caste families, were filled with hardship. Most houses were thatched, and some were mud huts. During that period, many people, both educated and uneducated, migrated to cities like Bombay, Madras, and Delhi in search of better livelihoods. Several families from villages like Nelluvai, Muringatheri, and Kootancheri settled permanently in Bombay and elsewhere. Additionally, many individuals moved to countries like Malaya and Singapore. After 1975, hundreds of people from the panchayat migrated to Gulf countries, significantly improving the economic conditions of many families. The migration of individuals abroad paved the way for the economic stability and cultural growth of families in this panchayat. In the past, Colombo in Ceylon (now the capital of Sri Lanka) was a prominent employment hub, similar to the Gulf today. People from this area looked upon those working in Colombo with admiration.

In 1959, the Agricultural Relations Bill passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly marked a new chapter in Kerala society. From January 1, 1970, the system of land tenancy ended. Farmers who had suffered from famine were able to own land. Until the late 1940s, water tanks were established in some parts of the panchayat to provide drinking water to travelers during the scorching summer months. These were made using clay and wooden planks. In some places, water was provided through wells. Prominent landlords of that time established these facilities. In the early days of Erumapetty School (1909), due to the absence of a well, teachers and students relied on a water tank located to the west of the school for drinking water, as recorded in the school's history. During the months of Midhunam and Karkadakam, some landlords distributed rice porridge (kanji) to the needy. The coconut leaves were used for drinking water and porridge distribution. To prevent rainwater from entering, people used thatched roofs and wooden planks during that time. The festival of St. Anthony, celebrated at the Erumapetty temple, was referred to as Vanyapperunnal. It is noteworthy that in the past, the panchayat appointed someone to clean the Erumapetty market and fair. Even after many years of independence, superstitions, and practices like untouchability persisted in the villages of the panchayat. Upper-caste dominance was evident in all spheres. Only upper-caste individuals were allowed entry into temples. It was only recently that lower-caste individuals were permitted entry into temples like Chittanda Karthyayani and Shankaran Kavu. Art forms such as Koothu, Koodiyattam, Kathakali, and Ottanthullal were commonly performed during festivals. Porattu dramas were also staged in village venues. The Chakiyar Bhavan in Kootancheri is famous for Koothu. The right to perform Koothu at the Guruvayur temple still belongs to these families. The Kavingal family residing in Muringatheri is renowned in folklore. The Puluvan community from Muringatheri is also famous for their songs and snake worship.

Agricultural History

This panchayat is a picturesque area filled with hills, valleys, and rice fields. The North Kancheri River flows through this panchayat. Ninety percent of the population here are traditional farmers. In the past, most of the land belonged to upper-caste families. The properties of the Devaswom were also in the hands of middlemen. The lives of the majority of the population, consisting of laborers and lower-caste families, were filled with hardship. Farmers claim that crops like sesame, green gram, urad, cowpea, ragi, and vegetables were widely cultivated during that time. Since farmers primarily relied on rice cultivation, this area fell behind economically. Most crops were dependent on the weather. Water was used for irrigation from sources like bullocks, kayirithulans, and wells. Decades ago, the main agricultural market in this panchayat was the Erumapetty Thiruhrudaya Palli market, which started in 1932. Before that, a private market existed near the current police station, which was later moved to the church site. All essential commodities, including agricultural products, were sold in the market during those days. The Onam and Vishu markets were grand events. The best Nendran bananas arriving at the Onam market were awarded gold medals. The market was famous for the Mahavarnyam held on the first Saturday of the month of Thulam every year. Items like iron plows, tambi (made from bamboo), cow dung cakes, and agricultural tools were bought and sold on that day.

Infrastructure History

The establishment of a primary school in 1909 marked the beginning of education in the area. In 1945, high school classes were approved. At that time, a night class was conducted as part of adult education. In 1947, the tenth grade of the high school was inaugurated. Thousands of children from the vast area between Kundannur and Pannithadam received their high school education at this institution. In 1938, a village library operated at Erumapetty High School, which later became the Erumapetty Rural Reading Room. After independence, reading rooms were established in all parts of the panchayat. On the 20th of Kumbham in the year 1084 (February 1909), the then Kochi government established the Provisional English Primary School in Erumapetty, which is recorded as the beginning of formal education in this panchayat. Half a century ago, people in the villages primarily relied on traditional healing methods for ailments. Many were familiar with valuable herbal treatments. Local midwives provided care for pregnant women. Due to the lack of knowledge transfer to the next generation, valuable herbal treatments and local healing practices have become unfamiliar to today's generation. Decades ago, a skin disease examination center was established near the current school grounds, marking the beginning of allopathic treatment in this panchayat. The two oldest government offices in Erumapetty Panchayat are the veterinary hospital and the sub-registrar office. The first banking establishment in the area was the South Indian Bank, which started in 1971.

Law and Order History

Decades ago, a panchayat court operated in Erumapetty. The judge was selected from among the panchayat members. The lawyers were local dignitaries with knowledge and competence. This court was under the jurisdiction of the panchayat director. Later, it came under the control of the High Court. It was known as the Karriyanur Village Court. The judges were local residents nominated by the High Court registrar, who were knowledgeable and had public consent. Although there were a total of five judges, only three would adjudicate cases. Only civil cases worth up to fifty rupees were handled by this court. Lawyers were selected through a test, and a law degree was not required. Such courts, which existed only in Kochi, were abolished by the Kerala government in 1970. At the beginning of the last century, a police station (outpost) was established in Erumapetty.