Padinharathara
Grama Panchayat

Socio-Cultural History

The historical identity of Padinjarathara Grama Panchayat is enriched by diverse spiritual and mythological landmarks:

Thrikkadavu Temple: Preserves the heroic memory of a Veda chieftain who sacrificed his life centuries ago after being betrayed by the Kumbala Raja.

Thangaluppappa Shrine (Maqam): Revered across religious lines as a site offering blessings to devotees of all faiths.

Banasura Fort (Banasura Hill): Looms over the landscape like a watchful elder, silently conveying mythological heritage and an enduring spirit of national integration.

The region's dense forests and grasslands serve as habitats for diverse wildlife and are protected by the government as reserved forests. Situated between steep slopes and valleys, the well-drained, fertile loamy soil makes the area an agricultural storehouse for cash crops—particularly coffee and black pepper. The undulating terrain, interspersed with small and large hills alongside fertile plains, supports the cultivation of paddy, plantain, coffee, black pepper, coconut, and areca nut. Vast, sweeping paddy fields dominate this landscape, serving as the Panchayat's primary rice-producing tracts.

Etymology (History of the Place Name)

Temples surrounding the famed Kurumbalakotta Bhagavati Temple were historically named according to cardinal directions. The term Thara refers to a settlement or village:

Thekkumthara: Located to the south (Thekku).

Kottathara: Located where the Kurumbalakotta hill stands (Kotta).

Padinjarathara: Derived from the western temple—Padinjare Veedu Bhagavati Temple—located to the west (Padinjaru), which traditionally hosted the Thira festival.

On the panchayat's western boundary rises the mythical Banasura Fort. According to legend, Banasura—the mighty king and son of Mahabali—undertook penance to Lord Shiva, gained boons, and launched attacks on the Devas from the cover of these mountains. Remnants attributed to his fortress and bathing pond still exist on the hill. Legend further recounts that during his tyrannical reign over the three worlds, Banasura sought to marry Punyakashi (an incarnation of Devi Kanyakumari). When she refused, a fierce battle ensued, and Banasura was slain by the goddess's divine discus (Chakra). The place where he fell is venerated as the Chakra Theertham in Kanyakumari, directly linking regional folklore to broader Indian mythology.

Educational & Healthcare History

Early Education: The panchayat’s first educational venture was an Ezhuthupallikkoodam (traditional school) founded at the "Njattala" house in the late 18th century.

Social Institutions: The establishment of the Aikya Nanaya Sangham (cooperative credit union), rural reading rooms, and arts societies laid the foundation for civic and cultural life.

Healthcare: Before 1955, Padinjarathara had an established Ayurvedic dispensary and a veterinary clinic. Traditional practitioner Pappachan Vaidyar is widely remembered for his medical services to early residents.

Administrative History

In an extraordinary gazette notification dated December 11, 1958, the Government of Kerala proposed dividing the Vythiri Panchayat into four separate bodies. Padinjarathara initially became part of Thariode Panchayat before gaining independent panchayat status more than a decade later.

Formation: Established in 1971 by merging Kuppathara Village (formerly under Kottathara Panchayat) and Padinjarathara Village (formerly under Thariode Panchayat).

First Governing Body: Led by President Sri J. J. Joseph, who served with council members N. T. Kunhiraman Nair, B. C. Ahammad Kutty, Kavara Kunhiraman Nair, N. T. Raghavan Nair, K. S. Joseph, K. Ahammad Kutty, and M. Gouri. This council remained in office for approximately 16 years.

Subsequent Presidents: Later elections brought Sri K. P. Abu to the presidency, with Sri K. P. Thomas and Sri K. K. Mammutty also serving as presidents during that era.

Agricultural History

Bordered by the Western Ghats to the west and south and the isolated peak of Kurumbalakotta to the east, Padinjarathara receives abundant annual monsoon rainfall. Historically, agriculture and cattle rearing formed the bedrock of the local economy.

Paddy: Traditional single-crop (Oruppoo) farming predominated, sustained by regular monsoons and organic cattle manure. Traditional rice varieties grown include Thondi, Veliyan, Chomala, Chennellu, and aromatic cultivars such as Gandhakasala and Jeerakasala.

Coffee: Encompasses approximately 1,762 hectares, largely consisting of historic plantations.

Black Pepper: Historically cultivated in massive quantities, earning renown as a major source of "black gold."

Coconut & Plantain: Coconut plantations cover around 95 hectares, while banana and plantain farming has increasingly expanded across valley fields.

Tapioca (Cassava): Covers roughly 93 hectares and serves as an essential staple alongside rice. Varieties grown include Ambakkadan, Quinton, H-4, and IR-8.

Demographics & Communities

Padinjarathara has one of the highest Scheduled Caste populations in Wayanad district, with the Pulayan community forming the majority alongside the Cheruman community.

The panchayat is also home to prominent Scheduled Tribe communities:

Paniya: The largest indigenous community by population in Kerala. Native to the Western Ghats of Wayanad since ancient times, the majority work as agricultural laborers.

Kurichya: Traditionally known as Karinaanmar, believed to have migrated to Wayanad in early historic times. Known historically for their martial heritage, traditional topknots (kuduma), and expertise with bows and arrows.

Kattunayakan: A particularly vulnerable tribal group historically reliant on caves and natural shelters, subsisting on the gathering of non-timber forest produce and receiving targeted government welfare protections.

Wayanad Kadar: An indigenous forest-dwelling community native to the surrounding tracts.