History of Grama Panchayat

History of the Grama Panchayat

 

The local history of Peringammala (also known as Perumthenmala) provides an account of the historical development of the region. The major aspects covered are as follows:

  • Early inhabitants — The Kanikkar, a tribal community, are considered to be the earliest inhabitants of this region. The word “Kani” was traditionally associated with a unit of measurement of land.
  • Traditional way of life — It is said that the Kanikkar collected forest resources and offered them as tribute to the Kings of Travancore. They did not have permanent settlements and moved through the forest areas depending on climatic conditions.
  • New settlements — More than a century ago, people belonging to Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities from areas such as Kilimanoor, Attingal and Chirayinkeezhu migrated to this region for agricultural and commercial purposes.
  • Land utilisation — In 1948, the Government declared the area as a “Food Production Zone” and permitted land to be used for cultivation on a limited basis.
  • Formation of estates — The British established plantations of tea, pepper, cardamom and rubber in the hilly areas of Braemore, Ponmudi, Merchiston, Invercarrd and Cheenikkala. Poor labourers from Tamil Nadu were brought to these estates and employed under difficult working conditions.

Major Historical Events

  • In 1886, the Merchiston Estate was established by Marsila Madam.
  • In the same year, the Ponmudi Tea and Rubber Company Limited was formed.
  • During the 1950s, malaria spread in the region, resulting in the deaths of many people.
  • In 1992, an aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed at Maruthwamala.
  • During the 1940s, estate workers went on strike demanding increased wages, and a police firing incident occurred during the workers’ strike in 1954.

Political Background

In 1945, S. J. Nair was elected as a representative to the Sreemoolam Praja Sabha from the areas comprising Aanad Muri and half of Palode.