Udayagiri
Grama Panchayat

Here is the English translation of the quoted passage:

Udayagiri Panchayat is a region historically inhabited by people whose primary livelihood was agriculture. The areas comprising the present-day panchayat were once under the control of two major landlords and three large landowners under them. Vengayil Nayanar family and King P.R. Ramavarma Raja were the main landlords. Palakkodan Abdulla Haji, Malikkanthakath Assainar Haji, and Dr. P.J. Thomas were the prominent tenant landowners (kudiyans). In 1937, King P.R. Ramavarma Raja purchased land from Meppalli Illam and Eettisseri Edath. The Kuzhikanam (usufructuary lease) rights obtained from Rangachari, a native of Madras, eventually reached Assainar Haji after several transfers. It is believed that the name "Madampadi" for the present Udayagiri Town area originated because Rangachari resided there.

Until 1952, the entire area of the panchayat was a dense forest region. Indigenous communities such as the Karimpalar, Mavilar, and Vettuvar lived here, practicing punam (shifting) cultivation and gathering forest produce. Farmers from regions like Thimiri and Chapparapadavu began clearing the forest to practice farming on a small scale. Since there were no roads, produce was transported as headloads or via bamboo rafts (mulampandi) along the river. Between 1951 and 1952, a timber (koop) road was constructed from Nadukani to Manakkadavu.

The arrival of migrants from Travancore in 1952 marked the beginning of socio-economic transformations. The initial migration took place in the areas extending from Karthikapuram to present-day Parothumala Road. In 1956, migration began in Pattappara, which was later named "Udayagiri" by Joseph Pedikattukunnel. Until November 1, 1956, this region was part of the Madras Presidency. Large-scale migration occurred during 1955–60, transforming Pattappara into "Udayagiri" and Kakkatholi into "Karthikapuram". On December 3, 1959, a post office was established at Karthikapuram.

With the implementation of the Land Reforms Act, landlords sold their land, leading to an increase in migration. During the monsoon, people crossed the river using bamboo rafts; later, bamboo bridges and wooden bridges were constructed. Prior to migration, Kozhithavalam Devasthanam was the major center in the area. After 1956, migration spread to the Mukkada and Manakkadavu regions. In 1962, Government L.P. Schools were established in Karthikapuram and Manakkadavu. Prior to that, single-teacher schools functioned under the leadership of local residents.

The first panchayat elections took place in 1953. Formed in 1978, the Udayagiri Development Committee played a decisive role in the progress of the panchayat. Roads such as Karthikapuram–Udayagiri, Udayagiri–Arivilanjapoyil, and Udayagiri–Thalippara were built through voluntary labor (shramadaan) by the local populace. The Karthikapuram concrete crossway, Udayagiri town bridge, and Pullari culvert were also notable achievements of the committee. In 1978, bus services were introduced to the Thalippara and Arivilanjapoyil regions. It was also the Development Committee that proposed carving out Udayagiri Panchayat from Alakode Panchayat. In September 1980, the first elections for Udayagiri Panchayat were held. The establishment of a telephone exchange at Manakkadavu in 1984 brought significant changes to the field of telecommunications. In 1989, Karikkayam RPS Rubber Producers Co-operative Society began operations. The region's first concrete bridge was constructed at Manakkadavu in 1964.

Cultural History

Udayagiri is a scenic hilly region situated adjacent to the Coorg mountain ranges. Indigenous tribes lived here long before migration occurred from South Kerala, Taliparamba, and Ancharakandi. Sri Paayam Karinchamundi Moolasthanam is one of the primary worship centers in the region. People travel here during festival seasons not only from Kannur, but even from Coorg. Theyyaras and Vanchu Poojas are actively conducted in Poovanchal, Muthussery, and Thuvarakkad. The indigenous communities possessed their own unique language, attire, rituals, and way of life. Caste discrimination, untouchability, and specific forms of worship were part of their social framework.

Muslim communities reside in areas like Kuttaparamba, Ladakh, and Kodivalappu, and the panchayat houses several Islamic places of worship. The Uroos at Mulavallikattu Valiyuppa's Makham in Pattappara is a major celebration. Christian communities have also resided for a long time in regions such as Poovanchal, Karthikapuram, Manakkadavu, Mampoyil, Thalippara, and Muthussery. While Christians became the majority in the panchayat, the Hindu community forms the second largest, predominantly comprising indigenous and backward classes. Art forms such as Duffmuttu, Kolkali, and Theyyam are widespread here. Through the harmonious blending of diverse religions and communities, a composite culture has taken shape today. Established in 1962, the Karthikapuram Public Library is known as the first reading room in the panchayat, founded jointly by school teachers and local residents.