The panchayat-level inauguration of “Toofan 2.0,” a project launched by the State Government to curb the increasing sale and distribution of narcotic substances in the state, was held at the Thrikkadeeri Samskarika Nilayam at 12:00 noon on 28.09.2026
History of Grama Panchayat

Here is the English translation of the socio-cultural history of Thrikkadeeri:

Socio-Cultural History

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the region of Thrikkadeeri was under the domain of the Thrikkoduveli Devaswom. Even today, the most prominent temple in Thrikkadeeri—the Munnurthi Temple—remains under this Devaswom. Originally, the region was named Thrikkoduveli, meaning "the land of the Thrikkoduveli Devaswom." In 1882, a British judge of the Madras High Court used the name Thrikkadeeri instead of Thrikkoduveli in a written verdict concerning a case related to the Devaswom. This name subsequently gained popularity, and the area governed by the Thrikkoduveli Devaswom gradually came to be known as Thrikkadeeri. However, ancient records associated with the Munnurthi Temple still refer to the region as Thrikkoduveli.Thrikkadeeri boasts a rich cultural heritage. The Munnurthi Temple—famously known as Dakshina Kashi (the Kashi of the South)—houses 8th-century mural paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts that highlight its ancient past.

Social Reforms and Education

Although upper-caste feudal lords held dominance in the region—leading to severe practices of untouchability, landlordism, and associated atrocities—notable social initiatives were also undertaken by members of the upper caste. To educate local children, a prominent landlord family known as the "Thrikkadeeri Nair Veedu" managed a traditional school (Pathasala). This institution eventually evolved into the Basel Evangelical Mission Upper Primary (BEMUP) School, formerly known as the Mission School.Along with the national movement, non-formal educational initiatives flourished in Thrikkadeeri. As part of these efforts, P. K. Govindan Nair actively organized library movements in the region. Night schools and comprehensive literacy campaigns were also conducted as part of non-formal education. In the 1930s, an individual named Gopalan Nair established the Panchama School for marginalized communities, marking an early progressive step toward providing education beyond caste considerations.

Cultural Heritage and Traditions

Thrikkadeeri is home to a mixed population of Hindu and Muslim communities, leading to mutual cultural influence. Festivals like Onam (the harvest festival) and Vishu (the sowing festival) bring a festive atmosphere to the village.
  • Folk Arts: Traditional folk arts such as Karagali, Thalapanthukali, Thumbithullal, Villukottu, Kummi, and Aattakalam were once widely practiced. The literacy movement of 1991 helped revive several of these traditions.
  • Muslim Cultural Arts: Traditions like Oppana, Kaikottikali, and Kolkali were popular within the Muslim community.
  • Regional Festivals: The Pooram at Mangottu Kavu is one of the major temple festivals in the district. The Poykuthirai/Poykakal (dummy horse/stilt performances) associated with the Thalappoli at Aaramkunnathu Kavu highlight the authentic culture of the Valluvanad region. Ritual art forms such as Thira and Poothan are also observed across Thrikkadeeri, while Ayyappan Vilakku is organized everywhere during the Mandala season.
  • Classical Arts: Performing arts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Arabanamuttu, Poorakkali, Chavittukali, Parichamuttukali, Sopana Sangeetham, and Ottamthullal are widely practiced. Many classical art forms flourished through associations with upper-caste landlord families and places of worship. Kathakali clubs like Rangasree in Mangode emerged under the influence of the Kerala Kalamandalam and the renowned Olappamanna Mana of Vellinezhi.
  • Literary Figures: Prominent literary personalities from Thrikkadeeri include Bhavatrathan Namboodiripad and V. K. Govindan Nair. Kalari (traditional martial arts) centers were also known to operate in Thrikkadeeri and Veeramangalam.

Political and Agrarian Movements

Prior to independence, the Indian National Congress was the primary political party in the region. Following significant social shifts, the Left movement gained strong footing.
  • 1929: Activities tied to the national movement began in Thrikkadeeri with the formation of the first Congress unit led by Parekkottu Appu Menon. That same year, toddy shop picketing took place in Attassery following the call of the national movement. Around this time, T. Balakrishnan Nair became active as a leader in the Malabar Teachers' Movement.
  • 1939: A boycott of the "Shaniyan Sabha" (Saturday assembly) at the Thrikkadeeri Mission School generated widespread social impact.
  • Social Awakening: Muthiringode Bhavatrathan Namboodiripad, associated with the Thrikkadeeri Mana, was a progressive thinker drawn to the reformist activities of the Yogakshema Sabha. He authored the novel Aphante Makal and famously played a female role on stage in V. T. Bhattathiripad's groundbreaking play Marakkudakkullile Mahanarakam.
  • Temple Entry Movement: A landmark protest advocating temple entry for Dalits at the Thrikkadeeri Munnurthi Temple was led by Vappala Kutti Sankara Menon and T. Balakrishnan Nair, who organized a procession to bathe and offer prayers inside the temple.
  • Agrarian Struggles: Thrikkadeeri witnessed intense agrarian agitations around the time of the 1957 Government Eviction Prohibition Ordinance. In 1969, the peasant movement led widespread demonstrations as part of the surplus land movement.
  • 1963: In the first Panchayat elections held in December 1963, a coalition contesting under the banner of the "Civic Front" secured a majority and assumed governance of the Panchayat.

Topography

Geographically situated in the midland region, Thrikkadeeri can be classified into four terrain types: high plains, low plains, hilltops, and valleys.