Kunhimangalam
| Kunhimangalam | |
|---|---|
| village | |
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Kunhimangalam Junction
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 Kunhimangalam
 Kunhimangalam
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| Coordinates: 12°3′10″N 75°14′20″E / 12.05278°N 75.23889°ECoordinates: 12°3′10″N 75°14′20″E / 12.05278°N 75.23889°E | |
| Country |
 India
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| State | Kerala |
| District | Kannur |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 18,014 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| ISO 3166 code | IN-KL |
Kunhimangalam is a small village situated in the north end of Kannur District in the state of Kerala. Payyanur and Payangadi are the main neighboring towns of Kunhimangalam.
Long ago, this region was known as Elimala. Environment, weather conditions and, in particular, the fertile soil made this land suitable for habitation from centuries ago. It is believed that people were in existence at this village ever since Stone Age Civilization (between BC 300 and AD 100).
Once upon a time, "Ezhimannan", the ruler of Ezhimala, governed Kunhimangalam. At that time, the province of Ezhimala spanned between "Badagara" and "Mangalore". In Sang literature, this area is referred to as "Ezhil Malai" which means high hillock. In the later years, it is widely believed that Ezhilmalai reduced to Ezhimala. In the history, this region is also known as "Elimala", "Mooshika Sailam", "Sapta Sailam", "Mount Eli" and "Mount the Eli". It was the seat of the renowned Mooshika dynasty. This dynasty reached its apex of grandeur during the administration of King Nandan. The vestiges of the history illustrate that it was an occupied region from the very ancient antiquity.
Ezhimala was also a well-known attraction of the ancient sailors. The Ezhimala hills are renowned for rare medicinal herbs with mythological significance. Here, the sea is bluer than in other areas and the sand at this beach has a different texture. Carved stone pillars, prehistoric mosques, burial chambers, caves and granite platforms are visible at the foot of the hills; all these indicate the presence of human life in this hilly region in the past. Mesmerizing sea view, 286m high hillocks and the reminiscences of ancient life, all are the facts that fascinated the sightseers. Then the Mount Dili lighthouse proved the center of attraction for tourists. This mountain range was an eminent milestone for sailors because of its majestic form and the lighthouse.
According to historians, during the 12th century when China's main mode of transportation was through the sea, ships from China and other countries sailed through the river "Changoorichal" which is the west frontier of this village. "Changoorichal" was named after China's biggest ship "Changu" anchored in this river. Also, Marco Polo, the famous voyager mentioned about Ezhimala in his travelogue.
Also residuals of four or five caves made of stones at "Thiyyar Vekkum Chal" are the reminiscences of the Stone Age civilization. There is a reference about 64 villages - 32 Tulu villages and 32 Malayalam villages - at the time of commencement of Kerala. Among these Tulu villages, Kunhimangalam is also mentioned. There is a story behind the origin of the name "Kunhimangalam"'.
It is evident from the history of Kunhimangalam, a Namboodiri family known as "Kunhaangalam Taravadu" ruled the so-called Kunhimangalam. They ruled the village in an acceptable manner, but over the time this family started to become extinct and at last one mother and a son left as the only members of the family. One day both the mother and son went to river Kaveri to pray for their departed family members and while coming back when they looked from the top of the Gadikuzhi hills they noticed that soldiers of Chirakkal Tamburan triumph over the Kunhaangalam Taravadu. The mother and son ended their life in a fire with grief. Later, it is believed that the mother emerged as Goddess "Veerachamundi" and the son as God "Veeran". Due to the high adoration and gratitude towards this Namboodiri family, the people around this area constructed a temple at the same place where the Taravadu existed and they called it as "Kunhimangalam Molom". The people started worshipping "Veerachamundi" and "Veeran" as their Goddess/God and the village is then being known as Kunhimangalam.
After several years, when all the activities centered in the then existed Kunhimangalam-Cheruthazham panchayat, the people of Kunhimangalam village got provoked and made confrontation for forming a separate panchayat for them. Under this circumstance, Kunhimangalam Panchayat came into existence during the year 1962. Initially, the Panchayat Office was situated in a rented building in "Theru". The first Panchayat President was Mr U. Kunhiraman who administered the panchayat under his commanding guidance for more than 24 years. The first panchayat election was conducted not based on the political parties as today. In those days people's movements were very much effective and most of the works were carried out through such movements. Hindus and Muslims dominate the area. However, there are a few numbers of Christian families too. All these people from different communities peacefully co-exist, adopting their own rites and rituals.
Currently, the President of Kunhimangalam Panchayat is Mr.M.kunhiraman. The Panchayat is under development in various aspects. The neighboring towns Payyanur and Payangadi are very fast developing towns that influence in the economic and commercial aspects of this village. Notably, there is one family of the ex-President of the Kunhimangalam Panchayat who has largely settle down in Malaysia who pays an occasional visit to Kunhimangalam.
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Wikipedia