Urangattiri
Grama Panchayat

Social History

The areas of Myladi, Panniyanmala, Kodumpuzha, Cheenkannippali and Odakkayam, situated along the Chekkunnu Hills and once covered by dense forests, were inhabited by tribal communities who migrated from the forests of Nilambur. Their settlements and huts were traditionally known as “Ooru.” According to local elders, the name “Ooru” gradually evolved into “Oorangattiri” and eventually became “Urangattiri.” Tribal colonies still exist in these areas today.

It is said that the tribal communities once had traditional leaders and elders known as Naduvazhis and Mooppans. Some of their descendants are still known by the family name “Naduvazhi.” In the early period, settlements were concentrated mainly in Poovathikkal, Maithra, Moorkanad-Therattammal and Vadakkummuri.

However, ancient temple ruins, stone inscriptions and other archaeological remains discovered at Vilakkuparamba, near Vettilappara, indicate that people had settled in this region many centuries ago. The area was formerly known as “Panthalangadi.” During the British period, Amsakacheris—local administrative offices—were functioning here. Keshavan Namboothiri of Vannilaparambil was the first Adhikari of the Urangattiri Amsakacheri. His family residence itself served as the office of the Amsakacheri.

After 1961, the Amsakacheris were abolished and government officials took over their administrative responsibilities.

A large part of the extensive Urangattiri Panchayat consists of hilly terrain. These elevated areas, bordering Kozhikode district, were once densely forested and largely uninhabited. Ancient temple ruins, laterite stones carved in traditional styles, roof tiles, and granite stones bearing ancient inscriptions have been discovered in different parts of the region. The area also contains a cave believed to have possibly served as a hideout of Tipu Sultan.

Many families have been settled along the banks of the Chaliyar River for centuries. During the British period, much of the hilly land in the area was controlled by intermediaries such as Koyappathodi and Kalluvetti. Ordinary farmers cultivated the land under a sharecropping system known as Vaaram, whereby a portion of the agricultural produce was paid to the landholders.

The Malabar Rebellion of 1921 had a significant impact on this region as well. It is said that many participants in the rebellion were imprisoned by the British forces or deported to the Andaman Islands. Several others were killed by gunfire.

Between 1948 and 1950, parts of Urangattiri were affected by a severe outbreak of malaria. At a time when many people were infected, an Australian doctor, popularly known as “Mara Sahib,” who was associated with the World Health Organization, and his wife came to Urangattiri and undertook preventive measures to control the disease.

One of the earliest major initiatives in education was the establishment of the M.B.L.P. School at Maithra in 1921. The school received recognition from the Malabar Board in 1924.

After 1956, members of the Christian community migrated from Travancore to the Malabar region. They initially settled in Thiruvambady and later moved into the forested areas of Urangattiri. Pullanthanippappachan was the first migrant settler to arrive in the area, in April 1956.

The establishment of a school at Chundathumpoyil in 1964 marked an important milestone in the development of the region. The electrification drive of 1986 was another significant achievement that accelerated the area's development.

Cultural History

A large part of the extensive Urangattiri Panchayat consists of hilly terrain. These elevated areas, bordering Kozhikode district, were once densely forested and largely uninhabited. Ancient temple ruins, laterite stones carved in traditional styles, roof tiles, and granite stones bearing ancient inscriptions have been discovered in the region. The area also contains a cave believed to have possibly served as a hideout of Tipu Sultan.

Many families have been settled along the banks of the Chaliyar River for centuries. Educational and cultural activities had already begun in the region even before Independence.

The Lower Primary School established at Maithra in 1921 under the Malabar District Board later became a cornerstone of the cultural heritage and educational development of the village.

Narayanan Ezhuthachan was a distinguished personality who played a leading role in promoting education in the Poovathikkal area. Through his tireless efforts, an aided school was established there in 1932.

An organisation called the Aikya Nayana Sangham, based at Therattammal and established in 1921, also played an important role in the social and cultural advancement of Urangattiri.

In 1952, a cultural organisation and reading room was established at Therattammal under the National Sports Club. It became the first cultural centre of its kind in the Panchayat.

The Moorkanad Library, established in 1979, was the first reading room in the Panchayat to receive recognition from the Kerala Grandhasala Sangham, the state library movement.

Through cultural and voluntary activities, efforts have also been made to promote cultural awareness among the tribal families living in Odakkayam, Vettilappara and Cheenkannippali. The Nehru Arts and Sports Club, Odakkayam, established in 1970, has been one of the prominent organisations working for the advancement and welfare of the tribal communities.

Many people in the region have traditionally excelled in Chavittukali and Kolkali, two traditional art forms associated with the local tribal and community heritage.

The Panchayat has a cultural centre as well as a Jana Shikshana Nilayam, which contribute to cultural and educational activities in the area.

Places of worship, including mosques, temples and churches, are found throughout Urangattiri. Festivals such as Shivaratri, Onam, Eid and Christmas are celebrated collectively by the people of the village, reflecting the region's diverse cultural traditions and communal harmony.

U. Sharafali, who made a mark in Indian national football, is a distinguished son of this village. Therattammal has long been regarded as a nurturing ground for football players, with the National Sports Club, Therattammal, playing a significant role in promoting football talent in the region.