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Mananthavady
Town
MananthavadyLocation in Kerala, IndiaShow map of KeralaMananthavadyMananthavady (India)Show map of India
Coordinates: 11°48′N 76°0′E / 11.800°N 76.000°E / 11.800; 76.000
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Wayanad
Government
• Body	Municipality
• Member of Parliament	Priyanka Gandhi (Indian National Congress)
Area
• Total	80.1 km (30.9 sq mi)
Elevation	760 m (2,490 ft)
Population
• Total	47,974
• Density	600/km (1,600/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Malayalam, English
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	670645 Mananthavady town
Telephone code	04935
ISO 3166 code	IN-KL
Vehicle registration	KL-72
Sex ratio	983 ♂/♀
Literacy	85.77%

Mananthavady is a municipality, taluk and town in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. The municipal boundaries are defined by Tirunelli Panchayat to the north, Kabani River to the east and south, and Thavinhal Panchayat to the west. Mananthavady is the third largest town in Wayanad District, following Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta. It is situated 35 km northeast of the district headquarters, Kalpetta, 80 km east of Thalassery, and 110 km northeast of Kozhikode.

Etymology

The popular view on the etymology is that the word is derived from "Maane Eytha Vady" (English: "The place where an arrow was shot at the deer"). This view is strengthened by the existence of a place called Ambukuthy, literally "the location where the arrow pierced", on the outskirts of the town.

History

Early History

From the dawn of the Neolithic Age, Wayanad has been home to a culturally rich population. The prehistoric period of the region is evidenced through the myths and traditions of various indigenous groups found here. According to an inscription found in Edakkal Cave, it appears that the Girivar tribe governed Wayanad in ancient times. The last rulers of this tribe were Arippan and Vettan, two family members of the same lineage. All the northern territories of Panamaram were under the rule of King Arippan. It was through the deceit of the Kumbala Maippadi King that the Vettan dynasty eventually lost its prominence.

Various tribes such as the Paniyar, Mullakurumar, Ooralaikkurumar, Kattu Naikkar, Adiyan, and Kurichiyar have been present in different parts of Wayanad for centuries. The Paniyar, who were permanent settlers in the mountains, and the Kurumbar, known for their prominence in the Vettan dynasty, along with the Naga Makkal of Ooralaikkurumar and the Adiyan, descendants of Keeoruthiyan and Melorachavan, are noted for their significant cultural heritage. Among these, the Adiyan tribe is most commonly found in Mananthavady after Tirunelli. The region surrounding Mananthavady is associated with myths of the Adiyan tribe connected to Thirunelli and Pakki. Their rich tradition of storytelling and singing is well known.

Mananthavady houses numerous sites related to the Paniyar tribe, extending from Palakkad to Malappuram. The Valliyoor Kavu temple, in particular, has a special place reserved for them. The Ooralaikkurumar, known for their skills in craftsmanship among the indigenous tribes, can be found in places like Tholpetty, Begur, Appapara, Panamaram, Kalpetta, Pulppally, and Mullanthara in Mananthavady. They self-produce all the essential tools and materials required by human society.

Kurichiyars, who were companions of the Pazhassi Raja, provide clear evidence that the early inhabitants of Wayanad understood the use of the wheel from ancient times. This is supported by the discovery of a wooden wheel from the riverbanks of Wayanad. Wayanad is one of the few ancient centres in India where trees were carved into circular shapes, cut into wheels, and fitted onto axles to create vehicles. An inscription from the 5th century AD by Vishnusharma is found in Edakkal Cave.

Regional Administration History

According to the inscription found in Edakkal Cave, the Girivar tribe was the governing authority in Wayanad during ancient times. The last rulers of this tribe were Arippan and Vettan, two family members from the same lineage. All the northern territories of Panamaram were under the rule of King Arippan. The Vettan dynasty eventually fell due to the deceit of the Kumbala Maippadi King. In 1810, the history of Wayanad was compiled and recorded orally by the Malabar District Court. This is also noted in Mackenzie’s manuscripts.

After the downfall of the Vettan rulers, the Kottayam Raja began governing Wayanad, having also seized the rights of the Parrayikkumithal Mādampi. During Hyder Ali's invasion, Ravi Varma, the Raja of Kottayam, sought refuge in Travancore with his family. During the second Mysore invasion, Ravi Varma returned with a military force and regained control of Wayanad. After the war, Wayanad was divided into several regions, with Ilamkur being part of the present-day Mananthavady. Vemooth Nambiar was the Mādampi (local ruler) of this region.

On March 18, 1792, the Treaty between the East India Company and Tipu Sultan transferred the sovereignty of Malabar to the British. Since the Company did not comply with the condition of handing over authority to local rulers, Pazhassi Raja took a strong stand against it. To subdue Pazhassi Raja, the British authorities employed various strategies. By the end of April 1805, Pazhassi Raja was unable to hold his ground. With the takeover of the Company’s forces by the Malabar Sub-Collector T.H. Baber, Pazhassi Raja’s position became increasingly precarious. On November 30, 1805, he met his heroic end in Mavilathottam at Pulppally. His body was brought to Mananthavady the next day under heavy guard and was interred at Thazhankari with Brahmin rituals. The stone monument erected by the British and the tree that grew on it still stand as historical witnesses. To preserve the memories of the battles and to store ammunition, the British also constructed a gunpowder magazine near Chuttakkadavu, which still stands today despite its weathered condition. Pazhassi Raja died at the age of 47. With his fall, the Kurichiyapad was plundered.

In 1856, Robinson's report indicated that the Ilamkur division, including Mananthavady, was re-divided into new administrative sections, including Vemooth and Tirunelli. By 1830, private coffee plantations were already present around Mananthavady, but it was Pugh, a Ceylonese, who started coffee plantations in Mananthavady around 1835. The initial coffee plantation was started by soldiers stationed in Mananthavady as a form of rest work. In 1854, tea plantations began in Chirakkara and Jessia. By 1892, Pyari & Company established a foothold in the area. According to William Logan's Malabar Manual of 1887, Mananthavady had offices of the Deputy Collector, Police Inspector, Sub Registrar, and Sub Assistant Conservator, among others. There were also government-run middle schools and a post office in Mananthavady. Before 1886, medical officers in Mananthavady were Europeans. There was also a club for Europeans and a canteen selling necessary goods.

During the early days of the East India Company's rule, Mananthavady was under the Talassery Sub-Collector. Later, during the British government’s rule, it came under the authority of a specific Deputy Collector. From 1859 to 1879, the Deputy Collector of Mananthavady had civil powers. In 1859, with the formation of the Forest Department, the forests of Wayanad were divided into 14 blocks. A forest officer, a Sub Assistant Conservator, and 20 forest guards were appointed for district forest management, with the Sub Assistant Conservator's office located in Mananthavady. The Mananthavady Panchayat was formed in 1935. The regions of Kaniyaram and Ozhakkodi were not included in the Panchayat at that time. The Panchayat had an area of about twenty square kilometres.

Socio-Cultural History

The agricultural characteristics of the Wayanad region, known for its fertile lands, are reflected in the agricultural sector of the Mananthavady Panchayat. Most of the agricultural lands in Mananthavady were under the jurisdiction of the Sreevalliyurkkav Devaswom and the Koilery Vadyoor Devaswom. Landowners included Brahmins, Chettiyars, and Goudas, along with tenants. The tenant-landlord relationship, which existed in earlier times, was managed through a system of rent payment in paddy, which was equivalent to the seed required for cultivation. The rate for irrigated land was five rupees per acre.

The agricultural workers for the landowners included Paniyans, Kurichiyars, Adiyans, and Kurumbas. Migration began actively in the 1930s and continued into the 1960s, with rice cultivation being the main agricultural activity. The Mananthavady Panchayat consists of Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jains, and other groups, including Yadavs, Chettiyars, and Tamil Brahmins. The onset of World War II led to food shortages, causing an influx of Christian families from Todupuzha, Muvattupuzha, and Palai into various parts of the Panchayat. During Tipu Sultan's military campaign, the settlers of the Panchayat included families from the region and subsequent Muslim immigrants.

The indigenous communities in the Panchayat are known for their superior and diverse cultural heritage. Mananthavady was once a region with abundant wild animals. Many of the places in the Mananthavady town, which are now densely populated, were once thick forests. Roads, bridges, and electricity were very limited. Authorities took necessary measures to light up the important locations in the Panchayat at night. There was bus service to Talassery, Kozhikode, and Mysore. During World War II, when there was a shortage of petrol, buses operated using bullocks and horses. Seeking medical treatment from Krishna Vaidyan in Vadakara was a common practice for the people of Mananthavady. The malaria epidemic that affected Wayanad also reached Mananthavady. In 1946-47, there was a suspected plague outbreak, leading to the closure of Mananthavady town and the destruction of roofs of houses to eradicate rats.

Many notable local freedom fighters were active in the Panchayat. Early cinema screenings in Mananthavady were conducted through touring talkies, with the main center being in Ampukuthy. A well-known place of worship in Mananthavady is Valliyoor Kavu, which follows Dravidian architectural style. The first Christian temple, Amaloothbhava Devalayam, was established in 1848. Initially, there was a small church at the present site and another church in Pathivayal, intended for worship by converts from the Kurichiyar community. Later, temples for different communities, including Jains and Yadavs, were built in various regions. The Pattanipalli Mosque and the Muslim mosque in the town were among the first of their kind. The worship practices of different indigenous communities and their distinct temples add to the cultural uniqueness of the Panchayat.

Transportation

The Thalassery–Bavali Road passes through Mananthavady and is the town's main road, allowing connection to Mysore, Karnataka. The road to Mysore through Nagarhole National Park has been declared a National Highway by the central government; it is parallel to the Kabini River, night travel in this road is regulated so that the road is closed from 6PM to 6AM. The highway goes from Kainatty (at the junction of NH 766) to Mysore via Bavali, Jayapura. Another road permits access to Gonikoppal, Kodagu district, 60 km (37 mi) away via Kartikulam, Tholpetty forest, Kutta and Ponnampet.

Climate

Mananthavady experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by moderate temperatures and high humidity. The monsoon season brings significant rainfall, which supports the region's lush greenery and agricultural activities. The weather is generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from mild to warm throughout the year.

Notable Landmarks

Edakkal Caves: These ancient caves are renowned for their prehistoric petroglyphs and inscriptions, providing insights into the early history of the region.

Valliyoor Kavu Temple: An important religious site known for its Dravidian architectural style and historical significance.

Pazhassi Raja's Resting place: The Pazhassi Tomb and Museum, a significant memorial dedicated to one of Kerala’s esteemed heroes, is located in Mananthavady. Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, celebrated as the Lion of Kerala, is honoured here for his unwavering loyalty to his people until the end. The tomb, built on the site where the King was cremated, stands on the banks of the Kabani River. In 1996, it was transformed into a museum that now displays various items of memorabilia related to Pazhassi Raja.

Kabini River: One of the 44 rivers of Kerala. It forms part of the eastern boundary of Mananthavady and is known for its picturesque landscapes and wildlife.

See also

• Kattikkulam
• Thirunelly
• Boys Town, Mananthavady
• Thalappuzha, Wayanad
• Palchuram

References

1. "St. Thomas Orthodox Church - Mananthavady". directory.mosc.in. MOSC Publications. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
2. Kallivalli. "Jeevan's KALLI VALLI : My town Mananthavady". Jeevan's KALLI VALLI. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
3. "മാനന്തവാടി ഗ്രാമപഞ്ചായത്ത്". Archived from the original on 28 December 2009.
4. "മാനന്തവാടി ഗ്രാമപഞ്ചായത്ത് (Mananthavady Grama Panchayat) » ചരിത്രം". 16 March 2016. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
5. "Tribal population, Wayanad, Kerala, India". Kerala Tourism - Wayanad. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
6. Heritage (31 January 2022). "Valliyoorkavu Temple: Goddess of the Tribes". Retrieved 27 July 2024.
7. "An ode to Kerala's freedom struggle". Onmanorama. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
8. "Edakkal Caves | Welcome to Wayanad | India". Retrieved 27 July 2024.
9. Wolffhardt, Tobias (1 October 2017), "Chapter 6. Knowledge for the Future", Unearthing the Past to Forge the Future, Berghahn Books, pp. 180–214, doi:10.1515/9781785336904-011, ISBN 978-1-78533-690-4, retrieved 27 July 2024
10. Dodwell, pp. 336–337
11. "FEDAR | Foundation for Futuristic Education and Research". fedarfoundation.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
12. "Centre Agrees to Upgrade 1,656km of State and National Highways". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 11 March 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
13. P. P.Chandran (April 2003). "Wayanad District" (PDF). District Handbooks of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram: Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Kerala. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 December 2011. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
14. Abraham, Minu Treesa; Satyam, Neelima; Rosi, Ascanio; Pradhan, Biswajeet; Segoni, Samuele (1 April 2020). "The Selection of Rain Gauges and Rainfall Parameters in Estimating Intensity-Duration Thresholds for Landslide Occurrence: Case Study from Wayanad (India)". Water. 12 (4): 1000. doi:10.3390/w12041000. hdl:10453/146667. ISSN 2073-4441.
15. "Climate: Mananthavady", Climate-Data.org. Web: .
16. Bureau, The Hindu (18 October 2023). "₹2.9-crore project to improve amenities around Edakkal Caves". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 July 2024. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
17. Chinta, Indu (25 March 2022). "A festival of togetherness". Indulgexpress. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
18. "Mananthavady in Wayanad | Districts of Malabar". www.keralatourism.org. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
19. "Revenue Portal". village.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 27 July 2024.

External links

• Kerala Tourism Webpage on Mananthavady

• Mananthavady travel guide from Wikivoyage

v t e Malabar region
Metropolitan cities: Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur
States/UTs	Kerala Lakshadweep Puducherry Tamil Nadu
Districts	Kannur Kozhikode Lakshadweep Mahe Malappuram Nilgiris (part) Palakkad (part) Thrissur (part) Ernakulam (part) Kollam (part) Thiruvananthapuram (part) Wayanad
Taluks	Alathur Chavakkad Chirayinkeezhu (part) Chittur Eranad Gudalur Iritty Kannur Kodungallur (part) Kollam (part) Kondotty Koyilandy Kozhikode Mananthavady Mannarkkad Nilambur Ottapalam Palakkad Pandalur Pattambi Perinthalmanna Ponnani Sultan Bathery Taliparamba Thalassery Thamarassery Tirur Tirurangadi Vatakara Vythiri
Municipal Corporations	Kozhikode Kannur Kochi (Fort Kochi area only) Kollam Municipal Corporation (Thangassery area only)
Municipalities	Anthoor Chavakkad Cherpulassery Feroke Gudalur Guruvayur Iritty Kalpetta Koduvally Kondotty Kuthuparamba Kottakkal Koyilandy Mahe Malappuram Manjeri Mannarkkad Mattanur Mukkam Nilambur Ottapalam Palakkad Panoor Parappanangadi Pattambi Payyanur Perinthalmanna Ponnani Ramanattukara Shoranur Sreekandapuram Tanur Thalassery Taliparamba Tirur Tirurangadi Valanchery Vatakara
Other towns	Alakode Alathur Amini Anchuthengu Andrott Angadipuram Anjarakkandy Areekode Azhikode Balussery Cherukunnu Chundale Devarshola Dharmadom Edappal Irikkur Kadmat Kalliasseri Kalpeni Karipur Kavaratti Kodencheri Kottappadi Kunnamangalam Kuttiady Kuttippuram Lakkidi Lakkidi-Perur Malampuzha Mankada Meenangadi Meppadi Minicoy Muttil Muzhappilangad Nadapuram Nelliyalam O' Valley Olavanna Padinharethara Panamaram Pappinisseri Pavaratty Perambra Peravoor Pulpally Sreekrishnapuram Thamarassery Thavanur Thiruvambady Thrithala Vallikkunnu Vengara Vythiri Wandoor
Historical regions	Arakkal kingdom Chirakkal kingdom Eranad Kingdom of Kadathanadu Kavalappara Kingdom of Kottayam Kingdom of Tanur Kingdom of Valluvanad Kolathunadu Kurumbranad Malabar District (North Malabar, South Malabar) Mannarghat Nilambur Kingdom Parappanad Zamorin of Calicut
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