Tuneri
Grama panchayat

      In 1951, less than 10% of the population owned agricultural land. A significant portion of the land in these areas belonged to various Devaswoms (temple trusts) and Nair landlords. Land was allocated to tenants under a tenancy system called Vaaram. Under this system, the cultivation of permanent crops like coconut trees was not permitted. Through land reforms, hundreds of hut-dwellers (kudikidappukkar) gained ownership of land. In this agricultural panchayat, farming had spread across most areas as early as the beginning of the last century. Initially, paddy was cultivated across all wetland areas. With the implementation of the Tenancy Act in the late 1950s—which provided legal protection to tenant farmers—people began planting coconut trees in the paddy fields.

Cattle rearing was an integral part of agriculture in Tuneri Panchayat, an agrarian village. Apart from plowing fields, pulling carts, and producing milk, cattle were the primary source of organic manure. After the harvest, paddy fields served as grazing grounds for cattle. Taking in cows to raise on behalf of others was also a common practice. Financially and educationally, this is a backward Grama Panchayat.

Educational History

Chalapram Chaliya U.P. School is the oldest educational institution in Tuneri Grama Panchayat. Located in Apolath, this institution was established in 1912. In the early days, it was known as Nelloli Elementary School. The school was founded through the dedicated efforts of local social activists and prominent citizens.

Kodanchery L.P. School is another ancient school in this panchayat. Established in 1881 near the pond at Aayadaththeedikayil (Komappa Kurup Aayathpeedikayil) in Kodanchery, it was originally known as Aayath Kulangara School. Students traveled from far away to study here and pass the fifth grade.

Industrial History

A network of several traditional cottage industries existed here in the past. Diverse cottage industries—such as metal products manufacturing, oil extraction, flattened rice (avil) production, papad making, household goods manufacturing (ladles, hanging nets/uri, clay pots), and handloom weaving—were robust enough to render the panchayat self-sufficient.

A specific community traditionally settled in parts of this panchayat was engaged in the handloom weaving industry. At one time, all the pottery required locally was produced right here. The community that adopted pottery-making as their traditional occupation was the Anthiyur Nair (Andhra Nair) community. A clay industry cooperative society also functioned here.

Cultural History

Like other regions in Kerala, this panchayat possesses a rich cultural heritage. The library movement began in Vellur and Tuneri after the mid-1950s—libraries were established in Vellur in 1957 and in Tuneri in 1959. Kathakali, Koothu, Thullal, Pathakam, Kolkali, Arabanamuttu, Oppana, and Mappilappattu were integral parts of this cultural tradition. Kolkali is a folk art form in which people participate regardless of caste or religion.

While temples were once exclusive to a certain section of society during a past era, early Islamic places of worship include Therni Mosque, Elavallur Mosque, Thattarath Mosque, and Kaliyath Thaza Mosque. As a symbol of communal harmony, Hindus offer prayers and vows at many of these shrines. Duffmuttu, Kolkali, and Mappilappattu are art forms associated with this community.

Iringannur Siva Temple, Cheruvattayi Vishnu Temple, Kulasheri Siva Temple, and Tuneri Paradevatha Temple are among the ancient Hindu temples here. The main festival celebration at the Tuneri Paradevatha Temple is the Theyyam performance. A section of the Hindu community across various parts of the panchayat worships Parassinikadavu Muthappan.

During the Kottiyoor Vaisakha Festival, members of the Nair community observe vows and carry clarified butter (Neyyamrithu) from local temples, while members of the Thiyya community observe vows and carry tender coconuts from Kanjipuras (community kitchen centers) to the Kottiyoor Temple—a tradition that continues to this day. To appease the souls of ancestors, Hindus observe rituals on Karkidaka Vavu, Thulam 10, and Dhanu 10.