Palakkad
Palakkad
is a part of the erstwhile Malabar district of Madras Presidency. The district
accounts for about 11.5% of the total land area of the state of Kerala, with
the share of population is 8.20.%. The literacy rate of the district is low
than the state. The district has got two types of climates. Ottappalam, Alathur
and Mannarkkad are having a climate similar to that of other districts of Kerala
, whereas Palakkad and Chittur are having rather a dry climate similar to Tamilnadu.
However the average rainfall is good for cultivation. There are five taluks
and 163 villages in the district. There are four Municipal towns and Ninety
panchayaths in the district. The district is divided into 13 Community Development
Blocks for the effective implementation of various developmental activities
Palakkad or Palghat is the land of Palmyrahs and Paddy fields. Along with Kuttanadu,
Palakkad is a major Paddy growing area of the state. It is often called as the
“Gateway of Kerala”. The Sahya Ranges bordering the region and the
32 k.m. long gap in the mountains exert a dominant influence on the climate
of the region. This Gap is known as “Palakkad Gap”.
In the past, this land was known as Palakkattussery Etymologist trace the word
Palakkad from Palanilam meaning the dry area. Palakkad has a long history dating
back to the Paleolithic Period which was substantiated by a number of megalithic
relics discovered from this region. It also housed the Capitals of two Kingdoms
such as Palakkad and Kollengode, which were in prominence till a Century back.
The ancient history of Palakkad is shrouded. According to William Logan, the
author of “Malabar Manual”, the Pallava Dynasty of Kanchi might have
invaded Malabar in the second or third century. One of their headquarters was
Palakkad, which could be the present Palakkad. For many centuries the Malabar
region was ruled by Perumals. Malabar had been invaded by many of the ancient
South Indian Rulers. After this the Malabar was divided among their Utayavars.
The famous among them were the “Valluvakonathiri” (Ruler of Valluvanad)
Kollengode Raja (Ruler of Venguvanad) and Sekharivarma (Raja of Palakkad) of
Palakkattussery. The Palakkad Region was came under the control of Kollengode
Raja and Sekharivarma Raja of Palakkad.
When the Kozhikkode Sammoothiri invaded Palakkad in 1757, the Palakkad Raja
sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore. His help forced the Sammoothiri for
retreat. Later Hyder Ali subjugated all territories in Palakkad which were under
the possession of Kozhikkode Sammoothiri. Thus whole dominion of Palakkad passed
into the control of Mysore Sulthan Hyder Ali Khan and his son Tippu Sulthan.
The war between East India Company and Tippu Sulthan ended with the treaty of
1792 and all the possessions of Tippu in Malabar area ceded to the East India
Company and it formed the Malabar District of the Madras Presidency.
Places of Interest in
& Around Palakkad
Kerala Must See › Alappuzha
› Ernakulam › Idukki
› Kannur › Kasaragod
› Kollam › Kottayam
› Kovalam › Kozhikode
› Malappuram › Palakkad
› Pathanamthitta › Periyar
› Thiruvananthapuram ›
Thrissur › Wayanad
