History of Local Self-Government Institutions
History of Chembilod Grama Panchayat
Among the 12 Muslim religious preachers who came to Kerala from Arabia, the scholarly figure Qazi Hussain arrived in Iriveri. It is said that the rulers of that time helped him by providing land and wealth. The oldest mosque, religious study center, and cemetery in the panchayat are located in Iriveri. The successors of this noble figure's early followers were later appointed as the Qazis of Dharmadom. They continue to be recognized as Qazis by the Arakkal Swaroopam as well.
According to legend, Cheraman Perumal departed for Mecca from a place called Ranthara (Randuthara) or Poyanad. In the past, Edakkad, Chembilod, Iriveri, Makreri, Anjarakandy, Mavilayi, and Muzhappilangad—which were amshams (administrative divisions) lying within it—were part of the Chirakkal taluk. The Malabar Manual notes that Randuthara was renowned for its wealth derived from pepper cultivation.
Velloor Illam—housing the Sri Krishna idol believed to have been consecrated by Vilwamangala Swamiyar—and Kunnithala Illam—the birthplace of Chaturvedi Subramanian Namboodiri, who was a master of toxicology—are said to have a history spanning millennia. Shankara Variar, a member of the Thalavil Variyam family who was a contemporary of Poonam Namboodiri (a member of the royal assembly of Kolathunad ruler Kerala Varma between 1423 and 1445, and the author of Ramayanam Champu), was proficient in verse composition and authored Sreekrishna Vijayam. In his research thesis, Chirakkal T. Balakrishnan Nair recorded that when the Chirakkal Kadalayi Temple was newly constructed in 1828 by the first Chirakkal Thampuran, Ravi Varma Thampuran, the original idol (moola bimbam) of Kadalayi Krishna—which had previously been submerged in water—was brought from Thalavil Variyam and consecrated there.
The history of the Chala Christian Church stands as a shining example of religious harmony. The expansive church grounds were donated on July 19, 1872, by Eerathareth Koran Nambiar to the Bishop of Mangalore, Right Rev. Mary Ephrem O.C.D., for the R.C. Mission. The Shaheed (martyr) resting in the tomb at the Mambasiyharathunkara Mosque—a pilgrimage center famed for religious harmony—was a member of the Kanayannoor Madathummal Tharavad who was killed in a clash with the Portuguese.
Chembilod was a hub of highly acclaimed physicians who carved a niche for themselves in the field of Ayurvedic treatment. Chembilod also holds a prominent place in agriculture; Kanayannoor coconuts and Chembilod areca nuts are well-known. There are families in the panchayat whose livelihood is performing the ritual art form of Theyyam.
The panchayat is home to very ancient temples, mosques, and serpent groves (sarpakkavus). Sacred groves such as the Kadavankot Makkom Bhagavathy Kavu in Chala, Iriverikavu, and Kakkothu Bhagavathy Kavu are very famous. The oldest places of worship include the Sree Thalavil Mahavishnu Temple, Thanneda Mayilapuram Veerabhadra Swami Temple, Kunnithala Mahavishnu Temple, and the Iriveri Mosque. It is said that the Iriveri Mosque was established by one of the 12 men who came from Mecca. The Immaculate Church in Chala is the sole place of worship for Christians.
Having a history of centuries, Chembilod Grama Panchayat is the confluence of the Chembilod and Iriveri villages. Ancient temples, sacred groves, and mosques resonating with the sounds of chilambu, chenda, conch blasts, and the azan (call to prayer) embody the message of human harmony that forms part of Chembilod's culture.
Centered around the Paneerichal Yuvaka Vyanasala, V.K. Bappu Master led a inter-dining event (mishrabhojanam) involving Dalits as part of the anti-untouchability movement. K.C. Govindan also started Hindi study classes for the promotion of the national language. To provide leadership encouragement to inter-dining, the agricultural laborers' movement, and nationalist activities, the Agricultural Labourer's Library was established near Maniyalamchira in Koyyode. Alongside Sardar Chandroth, figures like E. Gopalan Nambiar and A.K. Kunjikrishnan Nambiar participated in the famous hunger march led here by A.K. Gopalan.
The two-day agricultural conference organized under the auspices of the library was a historical event of that era, enlivened by the leadership of P. Krishna Pillai and the presence of Moyarath Sankaran, A.V. Kunjampu, and K.A. Keraleeyan. The building inauguration of the Chala Deshodharana Vyanasala and Library was performed by V.T. Bhattathiripad, one of the foremost social reformers seen in Kerala. In the 1942 era, a community feast where the untouchables were seated alongside others created quite a stir. This was spearheaded by R. Kunjampu under the auspices of the Sree Narayana Seva Sangham formed in Koyyode. The fact that A.K. Ahmed Kutty was chosen as its treasurer itself exemplifies the religious harmony of this place.
Moyarath Sankaran—a litterateur, writer, and freedom fighter—had this village as one of his spheres of activity. The History of the Indian National Congress and Oru Penkkudavinte Thantedam are among his major works. Well-known artists who have passed away include Valliyil Shankaran Keralavarmanachari (an expert in temple architecture and a musician), theater director Kaliath Padmanabhan Nambiar, and film actor K.N.P. Nambiar.
Examining the caste and religious demographics of Chembilod Grama Panchayat, the majority are Hindu and Muslim populations, with a nominal Christian population. Although inhabited by various caste and religious communities, religious harmony and amity prevail, with members of each religion participating in the celebrations and festivals of others.
