Tuneri
Grama panchayat

History of the Grama Panchayat

History

In the 1951 period, not even 10% of the people owned agricultural land. A significant portion of land in these areas was the property of various Devaswoms (temple trusts) and Nair landlords. Land was leased 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 (Kudikidappukukar) obtained ownership of land. Being an agricultural region, farming had already spread across almost all areas of this panchayat by the beginning of the last century. In the early days, paddy was cultivated on the entire wetland area. With the enactment of the Tenancy Act in the late 1950s—which provided protection to tenant farmers—people began planting coconut trees in the fields. As an agricultural village, cattle rearing was an integral part of farming in Thuneri Panchayat. Besides tilling the land, pulling carts, and producing milk, cattle were the main source of organic manure. At one time, after the harvest, the paddy fields served as grazing grounds for cattle. Taking on cattle to rear (pashuvine valarthan ettedukkunna pathivu) was also a customary practice. Financially and educationally, this is a backward Grama Panchayat.

Educational History

The oldest educational institution in Thuneri Grama Panchayat is the Chalapram Chaliya U.P. School. This institution was established in 1912 at Apolath. In its early days, it was known as Nellooli Elementary School. The school was established as a result of the efforts of local social workers and prominent citizens. The oldest school in this Grama Panchayat is the Kodancheri L.P. School. Established in 1881 near a pond in a land named Ayadathpeedikayil belonging to Komappa Kurup in Kodancheri, this school was known as Ayath Kulangara School. Students came from far away to study in this school and pass the fifth standard.

Industrial History

A network of numerous traditional cottage industries existed here in the past. Diversity in cottage industries at the time—including metal products manufacturing, oil extraction (oil pressing), flattened rice (avil) production, papad making, crafting household items like ladles (thavi), pot-hangers (uri), and earthenware pots, as well as textile weaving—helped make the panchayat self-sufficient. A community traditionally rooted in the handloom industry lived in certain parts of this Grama Panchayat. At one time, all the pottery needed locally was produced right here. Pottery was the traditional occupation of 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 Velloor and Thuneri after 1955. Libraries were established in Velloor in 1957 and in Thuneri in 1959. Kathakali, Koothu, Thullal, Pathakam, Kolkali, Arabanamuttu, Oppana, and Mappilappattu were integral to this cultural tradition. Kolkali is a folk art form in which people participate regardless of caste or religion. At one time, temples were restricted to a specific community. The ancient places of worship for Muslims include Therni Mosque, Elavallur Mosque, Thattarath Mosque, and Kaliyath Thaza Mosque. In many of these places of worship, Hindus offer vows (neercha), which stands as proof of religious harmony. Duffmuttu, Kolkali, and Mappilappattu are art forms specific to these communities. Iringannur Shiva Temple, Cheruvattai Vishnu Temple, Kulasheri Shiva Temple, and Thuneri Paradevatha Temple are ancient Hindu temples here. The main festival celebration at the Thuneri Paradevatha Temple is the Theyyam performance (Theyyam Aattam). A section of the Hindu community in various parts of the panchayat worships Parassini Muthappan. Continuing a longstanding tradition for the Kottiyoor Vaisakha Festival, members of the Nair community take vows and carry Neyyamruthu (sacred ghee) from temples across the panchayat, while members of the Thiyya community take vows and carry tender coconuts from Kanjipuras (soup houses) to the Kottiyoor Temple. To appease the souls of the deceased, Hindus observe Karkidaka Vavu Orikkal, Thulam Pathu, and Dhanu Pathu.