History of Grama Panchayat
History of Grama Panchayat
The name “Mookkannoor” refers to a region known since ancient times. There are many place names in Kerala ending with the Tamil word “oor,” meaning village or settlement. It is believed that this area was densely populated in ancient times, but later became deserted due to wars, epidemics, or natural calamities. The region is then thought to have remained forest land for a long period before human habitation resumed.
Stone steps and stone structures discovered at Cheenamchira in 1930, ancient burial chambers and large earthen jars found in different parts of the region, the centuries-old Koottala Devi Temple, the banyan tree in front of it, and the Aarattupuzha associated with the ritual bath ceremony of the Thevar Temple all support these historical beliefs.
Most of the agricultural lands were once owned by Namboothiri illams, temples, and a few large landlords. After the land reform laws were introduced, these lands became the property of tenants and settlers. The majority of the people were middle-class farmers. Apart from paddy cultivation, early crops included ginger grass (used for oil extraction), tapioca, rubber, pepper, and arecanut. The Chalakudy Left Bank Canal greatly influenced the progress of the agricultural sector in the region.
The history of education in this Panchayat is also very old. Traditional village schools (Kudipallikkoodams) were the earliest educational institutions. Vettiyka Ouseph Ashan (Vallyashan) and Kuttan Ashan of Azhakam are remembered for their contributions in this field. The first educational institution in the area was a Lower Primary School started in 1883 under the leadership of Mookkannoor St. Mary’s Church through the efforts of the parish community. Later, it was handed over to the government and has now been upgraded into a Higher Secondary School.
The first bus service in Mookkannoor started in 1953. During the early days of the library movement in Kerala, a Rural Central Library was established in the Panchayat. Today, there are several well-functioning reading rooms and libraries in different parts of the Panchayat, including the Panchayat Library.
The feast of St. Kochu Thresia at the Sacred Heart Orphanage Church, the Mudiyettu festival at Koottala Temple, the festival at the Sree Subrahmanya Temple, and the long celebrations at Kokkunnu Sehion Church have all contributed greatly to the cultural growth of the region.
Mookkannoor has made notable contributions in the field of arts and culture. Film producer and actor Mookkannoor Sebastian, artist Devassy, playback singer Minmini, poet K. V. Baby, drama artists Mookkannoor Elsie and Paul Puthussery, theatre and television artist N. O. Thomas, and radio artist P. D. Antony are among the pride of Mookkannoor.
When discussing the history and cultural background of Mookkannoor, one of the foremost personalities remembered is Fr. Baseliousachan. Fr. Thomas Panattachan also made invaluable contributions to the growth of the region. The Sacred Heart Orphanage and Cherupushpa Monastery have also played a major role in the development of the area.
Religious practices, festivals, and feasts have strongly influenced the cultural life of Mookkannoor. Major celebrations include the feast of St. Kochu Thresia at Cherupushpa Ashram, the festival of Sree Subrahmanya Temple, the Mudiyettu festival at Koottala Temple, and the feasts and festivals held at places of worship such as Azhakam Hermon Church, Mookkannoor Sehion Church, Puthamkutty St. Mary’s Church, Mookkannoor St. Mary’s Church, Kokkunnu St. Joseph’s Church, and Tabor Holy Family Church. These celebrations have greatly contributed to the cultural development of the local people.
The activities, competitions, and celebrations conducted by libraries and clubs have also played an important role. The library movement began here in 1940. Traditional art forms and physical performances such as Onakkali, Thiruvathirakali during Onam, and Parichamuttukali and Kolkkali during Christian weddings were once common cultural practices.
Even before the Temple Entry Proclamation, the people of this region practiced communal dining and social interaction with marginalized communities, reflecting a progressive social outlook.