Pulpatta
Grama Panchayat

Many parts of what is now known as Pulpatta Panchayat were once regions where upper-caste dominance prevailed strongly. During that period, most of the population consisted of communities such as the Shaliyans, Chettiyars, and others who depended on hereditary occupations for their livelihood. Significant changes in the social structure began with the arrival of Tipu Sultan.

An examination of the agricultural history of the region shows that large-scale paddy cultivation was practiced in many parts of the panchayat. Tenants cultivated “one-crop,” “two-crop,” and “three-crop” paddy fields under the lease system.

In the early days, Sanskrit education was active mainly among upper-caste families. Later, village schools emerged and Malayalam education began to spread. In earlier times, only narrow footpaths and village routes existed for transportation.

From around 1963 onwards, libraries were established in various parts of the panchayat. The libraries at Pulpatta, Thrippanachi, and Palakkad were particularly notable. Among literary figures, Thelappurath Narayanan Nambisan deserves special remembrance. Although the region was advanced in intellectual pursuits and physical infrastructure, it preserved a rich cultural heritage in which people of different castes and religions lived together harmoniously with a strong rural character.

People from all religious communities participated in each other’s celebrations. Hindu temple-centered festivals such as Shivaratri Mahotsavam, Guruvayur Ekadashi, and various Thalappoli festivals were celebrated widely. Among Muslims, major organizations included the Sunni and Mujahid groups, along with smaller Jamaat, Thareeqath, and Tabligh movements. Among Hindus, communities such as Namboothiri, Variyar, Embrandiri, Nambisan, Panicker, Nair, Vilkurup, Thiyya, Kumbharan, Perumannan, Kollan, Ashari, Thattan, Velan, Kanakkan, Kalladi, Cheruman, and Parayan were present. Among Christians, Roman Catholics and Jacobite Christians formed the major groups.

The Phoenix Club of Pookolathur received the National Award for the Best Club in 1994 from the Prime Minister, as well as the State Award for the Best Club from the Chief Minister.

Traditional art forms were given special importance during madrasa annual gatherings, Nabi Day celebrations, and temple festivals. Important folk arts included Duffmuttu, Kolkali, Thiruvathirakali, Chavittukali, Pooramkali, Cherumakkali, and Padakali. Bull-racing competitions were a popular local entertainment in the panchayat.

Handicrafts made from coconut shells were produced in certain areas. A branch of science integrating coconut-shell crafts with electronics and modern applications was also developed in the panchayat. S. Suprasad Chandrapilla was the pioneer behind this initiative.

Sports were actively promoted in the region. Every ward had teams for football, volleyball, badminton, and cricket.

Writers such as Thelappurath Narayanan Nambisan, who regularly wrote in Mathrubhumi under the pen name “Grameenan,” and C. Abdul Jabbar, who contributed to periodicals, were notable literary contributions from this panchayat.

Prominent personalities associated with social reform and renaissance movements included K. K. Govindan Master, Thazhe Paramban Muhammad Musliyar, V. Unni Muhammad, and C. P. Kunji Moytheen Moulavi, all of whom are remembered with respect.