Panchayat Geography
Historical and Geographical Background of Velliyamattom Grama Panchayat
Velliyamattom Grama Panchayat, a hilly region in Thodupuzha Taluk of Idukki District, characterized by hills, slopes, rich agricultural resources, and a significant tribal population, was formed in 1961. Initially known as Valiyamattom, the name gradually evolved into Velliyamattom. In 1963, an eight-member governing committee headed by K.C. Mathew Kaddalikkattil assumed office as the first Panchayat administration. The Panchayat currently consists of 15 wards. Prior to its formation, these areas were part of Arakkulam and Alakode Panchayats. Though administratively divided among the villages of Arakkulam, Velliyamattom, and Alakode, the Panchayat spreads across an area of 36.6 square kilometres and is renowned for its rich biodiversity, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges.
In ancient times, Keezhmalai Nadu was one of the sixteen regions that formed Tamilakam, comprising the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. It was the only native kingdom that ruled with present-day Idukki as its capital. Keezhmalai Nadu was larger and more significant than many other contemporary principalities. Governance was carried out by a council of 600 members, known as the Arunootuvar (The Six Hundred). During the 13th century, the administrative headquarters shifted first to Karur (later known as Kothamangalam), then to Muvattupuzha, and finally to Karikkode. The place name “Thodupuzha” did not exist at that time.
The capital was moved to Karikkode, west of Kaliyanthani, because of its strategic advantages for trade and resource collection. During the period of royal rule, the Velliyamattom region formed part of the Vadakkumkoor Kingdom, headquartered at Karikkode. The rulers of Vadakkumkoor maintained close ties with the kings of Madurai. Historical accounts indicate that a major route connecting Madurai passed through Velliyamattom, Elamdesam, Pannimattom, and Kozhippilly, remnants of which can still be seen today. Commodities such as dry ginger, pepper, cardamom, black rice, and other spices were traded along this route.
To collect customs duties, checkpoints were established at Muriyathodu in Elamdesam and Karukappilly in Velliyamattom. Historical records also mention the existence of resting places for travellers, postal stations, and horse shelters in the Elamdesam area. During those times, the local population relied mainly on the cultivation of traditional black rice (Karinellu) for their food requirements.
The earliest settlements in Velliyamattom were concentrated in the mountain ranges of Nellikkamala, Muthiyamala, Pathikkamala, Parambukattumala, and Kizhakkanmala. One of the primary reasons for settling in these elevated regions was protection from wild animals, as the area bordered dense forests. Agricultural activities necessary for livelihood were carried out in the valleys below these highlands.
It was during this period that the British established the Karikkode Rubber Estate. Long before this, tribal communities such as the Malayarayan, Oorali, and Ulladan had settled in areas including Pathikkamala, Poomala, Naliyani, Methotti, Poochapra, Karippalangad, Nadukani, and Kozhippilly, located in the northern, eastern, and southern parts of the Panchayat. The indigenous people living in the forested eastern regions practiced shifting cultivation (punam cultivation) and gathered forest produce for their livelihood. These tribal communities, rich in cultural heritage, were custodians of unique traditional knowledge systems and artistic traditions.
From 1890 onwards, increasing poverty and economic hardships, which were further aggravated during the era of the World Wars, prompted people from the taluks of Meenachil, Pala, and Muvattupuzha to migrate to Velliyamattom and engage in agriculture. A popular saying of the time was, “Let him go to Velliyamattom if he has no work.”
When the British began clearing forests to establish the Karikkode Rubber Estate, they faced considerable challenges. To overcome this, they reportedly devised a strategy of scattering silver coins in the interior forests and spreading news of their presence among local residents. At a time when employment opportunities were scarce, many people entered the forests in search of these coins. In the process of collecting them, they cleared dense undergrowth and vegetation, thereby inadvertently assisting in forest clearance. This practice eventually gave rise to the popular proverb used by elders to describe idle young men who avoided productive work and spent their time wandering without purpose.