Mathilakam Grama Panchayat

History • Heritage • Culture

Administrative History

The first governing council was formed on January 1, 1964. M.K. Krishnan was the president. The panchayat was then known as “Pappinivattom.” He served as president for 15 years. The governing body consisted of nine members including V.M. Saithu (Vice President), V.A. Mamakunhi, Raman Vadakkedath, Sarabi Teacher, O.T. Thomas, Adimakunhi, Kunhayan, and K.V. Sankaran. He became president representing the Communist Party of India.

Ancient History

This region was once governed by tribal assemblies. Later, during the monarchy period, Mathilakam became part of the Chera Empire. It remained under the Kochi kingdom and later under the Zamorin, preserving its prominence. In the 18th century, Tipu Sultan ruled the area, and later the British took control through the Srirangapatna Treaty in 1782. This continued until 1947. The region was also known as a Jain and educational center. It was once called “Thrikkana Vaikkottam.” Local rulers attempted to build a seven-wall fort around the region, but due to opposition from Namboothiri Brahmins, it was not completed. This led to the name “Thrikkana Mathilakam.”

Freedom Struggle and People’s Movements

A notable freedom fighter from Mathilakam was Pokkakkillath Abdul Khader Master. The famous “Aaradi Protest” of 1973 took place here, demanding democracy and civil rights against police rule. Communist leader Sardar Gopala Krishnan was martyred in Mathilakam during this movement.

Education and Social Development

Pappinivattam GLP School originally started as a mission school in Mathilakam. The first library was the “Sreenarayana Vilasam Library and Reading Room” established in 1919. Today, there are 13 schools including aided and private institutions.

The present NH-17 was earlier known as “Vettu Vazhi.” The first vehicle traffic started here in 1933, from Kodungallur to Chavakkad.

Through the Panchayat

Mathilakam Grama Panchayat is located in Kodungallur taluk of Thrissur district under Mathilakam block. It was formed on January 1, 1964. It covers Pappinivattam and Kulimuttam villages with an area of 12.92 sq km. It is bordered by Perinjanam Panchayat (north), Sreenarayanapuram Panchayat (south), Vellangallur and Padiyoor Panchayats (east), and the Arabian Sea (west). Major crops include coconut and arecanut. Nedumbassery Airport and Chalakudy Railway Station are the main travel hubs. Kochi is the nearest port. NH-17 (now NH-66) passes through this panchayat.

Mathilakam – In Ancient Literature

Historical Heritage and Literary References

Mathilakam in Tamil Literature and Messenger Poems

In the Tamil epic Silappathikaram, Mathilakam is referred to as “Kunavairkottam”. In the 12th-century Sanskrit work Shukasandesam, Mathilakam is mentioned. It is believed that a Malayali authored it. The swan messenger passes through Mathilakam in this work. The 13th-century poem Unniyachicharitam also mentions Mathilakam as an important town called Thrikkana Mathilakam.

“Kunavaikkunamapi kunapam dadhati”

This verse in Unniyachicharitam is believed to refer to this ancient town.

Koka Sandesam and Mathilakam

The 14th-century work Koka Sandesam also mentions Mathilakam. It refers to a “Chadiyandan Kulam” here, where the sound of women bathing could be heard. It advises the messenger to enter Thrikkana Mathilakam following this route. Historical records suggest that a major Shiva temple existed in Mathilakam during that period.

The Old Walking Path and Chithrasalabha Kavya

The messenger poem Chithrasalabha Kavya also refers to Mathilakam’s old pathway. It describes a dusty and difficult route.

“Those who walk this harsh desert path in summer noon…
will have no hell thereafter.”

This is believed to describe the sandy coastal route, which later became today’s National Highway 17 (NH-66). Historian P.K. Gopalakrishnan noted this transformation. The long sandy coastal stretch was also called “Pancharamanal.”

Origin of the Name Pappinivattam

During the Second Chera period, Thrikkana Mathilakam came to be known as Pappinivattam. In Dutch and Portuguese records, the name appears as Pappinivattam. During religious dominance periods, Buddhists and Jains were displaced and took refuge in Mathilakam. They were called “Papinikal,” and their settlement came to be known as Pappinivattam. Later it evolved into its current form. The region was used as a military base by rulers of Kodungallur, and also by Romans, Samoothiri, Dutch, and Mysore forces.

Place Name History of Mathilakam

Historical and Toponymic Heritage

Pappinivattam

It is believed that during the Chera period, Buddhist followers who were excluded from Brahmin dominance were called “Papini/Papini people,” and their settlements were called “Pappinimadam.” Over time, this may have evolved into “Pappinivattam.” Some interpretations also suggest “Papini” refers to a special Brahmin route. As Buddhism spread, groups may have lived together in settlements called “vattam.” Similar community settlements still exist in various places today.

Puthiyakavu

Temples dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy were traditionally called “Kavu.” Since there were no such temples in Thrikkana Mathilakam earlier, when a new Bhagavathy temple was established, the place came to be known as “Puthiyakavu.”

Poovathumkadavu

The place where boats carrying flowers were brought to the main temple and sub-temples of Thrikkana Mathilakam was called “Poovathumkadavu,” which later became “Poovathumkadavu.” A local Ezhava family also carries this name.

Kazhuvilangu

Kazhuvilangu is a historically important place in Mathilakam. During a conflict between two local Nair groups, one leader was sentenced to execution. While praying at a dilapidated Shiva temple, it is believed that a divine voice intervened and the execution was cancelled. The place where this occurred came to be known as “Kazhuvilakkiya Sthalam,” which later evolved into “Kazhuvilangu.”

Kulimuttam

“Koolamulla” is interpreted as a coastal area. “Muttam” means village. Hence this coastal village may have been called “Kulimuttam.” Some interpretations also link it to “meeting place of Buddhist communities.” However, there is no clear mention of this name in ancient records, so it may have been known by another name earlier.

Onachammavu

The region where a rice variety called “Chemavu,” used for Onam feasts, was cultivated may have been called “Onachemmavu,” later evolving into “Onachammavu.”

Tharanchery

Low-lying areas with paddy fields and canals may have been called “Thazhvanchery,” which later transformed into “Tharanchery.” A nearby pond is still known as “Tharanchery Kulam.”

Kalariparambu

“Kalari” refers to traditional centers where knowledge and martial arts were taught. These also served as schools, temples, workplaces, and training grounds. In the historical context of Thrikkana Mathilakam, this may have been an important center.

Chembai Padam

The area southwest of the Mathilakam Block Office was once known as “Chembai Padam.” It had paddy fields and canals. During floods, copper vessels were said to float in the fields, which may have led to the name. Though the fields no longer exist, the name is still used by locals.

Mathilmoola

It is believed that the direction where the ancient fort wall turned became known as “Mathilmoola.” Though debated, locals still strongly associate the name with this origin.

Punnakkabazar

Once a major trade center for punnakka (oil cake), used for shipbuilding, soap production, and fertilizer. Large-scale trade and oil mills operated here. The industry declined over time, and the mill was closed in 1999. However, the place name “Punnakkabazar” still remains.

C.K. Valavu

Earlier known as Puthiyakavu and other local names, this bus stop later came to be known as “C.K. Valavu” after it was popularly named by a bus staff member. The name became widely accepted and remains in use today.

Major Place Names in Mathilakam

Pokkaly, Emmad, Kodur, Kazhuvilangu, Thamarakkulam, Thalam Road, Kalariparambu, Pappinivattam, Thrippekulam, Thattungal, Praniyad, Nedumparambu, Thriveni, Al, Water Tank, Bhajanamadam, Double Post, Kathikkodu, Swamithara, Punnakkabazar, Munnakkal (old name of Punnakkabazar east), Pazhanthara, Pallivalavu, Kizhakkumpuram, Mathilakam, Mathilmoola, Tharanchery, Poovathumkadavu, Onachammavu, C.K. Valavu, Puthiyakavu, Ummanthara, Chally Bazar...