History of Grama Panchayat
History and Etymology Historical Background: Tipu Sultan's military campaign passed through this village. It is believed that the army moved from their base in Mankara, crossed the river, and reached Palakkad Fort via the northern border of Kottayi. Archaeological artifacts recovered from the Puthur region serve as evidence for this.
Origin of the Name: The name 'Kottayi' is believed to have originated from the phrase meaning 'the path to the fort' (Kottayilekkulla Vzhi).
Formation of the Panchayat: During the era of the Malabar District Board, it was known as 'Pulinelli Panchayat'. Kottayi Grama Panchayat was officially formed on March 2, 1935. A certificate signed by Madras Chief Minister K. Kamaraj for excellent performance, and a merit certificate awarded by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1955, stand as historical achievements of the panchayat.
Geography and Population Boundaries: Covering an area of 19.865 square kilometers, the panchayat is bounded by Mathur, Perungottukurussi, Parali, and Kuttanur.
Population: The total population across 15 wards is 20,992 (Males: 10,183, Females: 10,809). Among them, 6,911 people belong to the Scheduled Caste community.
Agriculture and Economy Situated in the midland region with flat terrain, paddy is the primary crop cultivated here. Coconut, banana, tapioca, vegetables, and rubber are also grown.
The Bharathapuzha River and around 50 ponds serve as the main water sources. However, the drying up of the Bharathapuzha due to illegal sand mining adversely affects agriculture.
Industry: Major establishments such as Southern Industry and L.G. Tyre Company are located here, alongside traditional industries like pottery and mat weaving. The 'Shanmukha Bank', established in the early days by A.R. Ramakrishna Iyer, was the first banking enterprise in the region.
Cultural Heritage and Notable Personalities Kottayi is a land renowned for temple arts and cultural activities. It is the birthplace of numerous eminent personalities:
Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar: The emperor of Carnatic music. The famous Chembai Music College operates here in his memory.
Guru Kunchu Kurup: Renowned Kathakali maestro and Padma Bhushan recipient.
A.S. Panchapakesa Ayyar: Served as a Madras High Court Judge in British India and was an ICS officer.
Major Ramaswamy: A brave soldier who achieved martyrdom in the 1948 Kashmir War and was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
A.P. Venkateswaran: Former Foreign Secretary and IAS officer.
Other Luminaries: Sanskrit scholars M. Krishna Joisyar and Odannur K.K. Chathu, and Kottayi Kumaran, who served as the editor of Mitavadi.
Arts, Sports, and Traditions In the early days, cultural activities were primarily centered around temples. Festivals like Vishu Vela and Uthram Vilakku, alongside traditional art forms such as Poothan, Thira, Kolkali, Pavakoothu, and Porattu Nadakam, continue to thrive here.
The traditional custom known as 'Kananutheli' is celebrated today as a festival called 'Theli Malsaram'. A traditional hand-to-hand combat contest ('Thallumalsaram') also existed in the past. Football and volleyball enjoy immense popularity.
Efforts to set up a library began as early as the 1940s. When electricity first reached the panchayat, a radio was purchased and a radio kiosk was set up to keep the public informed of the news.
Public Amenities and Education Education: The village houses 5 LP schools, 1 UP school, 1 Government Higher Secondary School, and a higher education institution under IHRD. The literacy rate stands at 76.20% for males and 65.36% for females.
Healthcare: Apart from the Primary Health Centre in Kottayi, Ayurveda and Homeo hospitals, as well as a veterinary care centre, function here.
Other Facilities: Facilities include a Village Office, Post Office, KSEB Office, Police Station, 3 Kudumbashree-Akshaya Centres, 25 Anganwadis, and the Ayyamkulam public market. For travel, residents rely on the Mankara Railway Station, as well as Karipur and Coimbatore Airports.
