History of Grama Panchayat
Formation
Erimayur Panchayat was formed in December 1961 by merging the Panchayat Boards of Erimayur, Kunissery, and Vadakkathara, which were part of the Palakkad Taluk in the erstwhile Malabar District.
Election
The first general election in the Panchayat was held in 1963.
Origin of the Name
It is believed that the name Erimayur originated as a shortened form of the names “Orumayur” and “Aamayur.”
Historical Background
The region, which developed during the early decades of the 20th century, was part of the Palakkad Taluk, which was formed in 1861 in the Malabar District of the erstwhile Madras State.
Agriculture
The vast paddy fields of Erimayur have played a significant role in making Palakkad the “rice bowl of Kerala.” It is regarded as a model agricultural village.
Places of Worship
The Thrippalur Mahadeva Temple, considered one of the important 108 Shiva temples in India, is situated here. It is believed to be approximately a thousand years old.
Geography
The Gayathripuzha River, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha River, flows through Erimayur Panchayat.
Culture
Because the region was part of the erstwhile Madras State and is located close to the Palakkad Gap, it has a deep cultural connection with Tamil culture. The influence of Tamil-mixed Malayalam can be seen in the local customs, traditions, and language. There are also folk art forms in the region that feature songs entirely in Tamil.
National Movement
The echoes of India's national freedom struggle were also felt in Erimayur. People from Kunissery and Erimayur participated in movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement.
Participation in the INA
A few people from this region fought as members of Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army (INA).
Prominent Personalities
The following individuals are particularly remembered in the history of the freedom struggle:
- Kallayil Narayanan Nair of Kunissery
- Narayanan Kutty Chettiar of Erimayur
- Vasudeva Menon of Puthott
Social Conditions
In earlier times, a very strong caste system existed in this region. The traditional social structure, along with the dominance of upper-caste landlords and local feudal authorities, continued for centuries.
The practice of “Bhrashtu”, in which individuals who violated caste norms were socially ostracized, existed to varying degrees among different castes. Various communities lived within the traditional Chaturvarna social system of Hindu society.
