History of Kalikavu Grama Panchayat

Social History

Kalikavu is a village with an ancient and rich cultural and social heritage. The first President of the Panchayat was Comrade Kunjali, who was the brother-in-law of the renowned Malayalam dramatist and playwright, Shri K. T. Muhammad, and a prominent revolutionary leader from Kizhakkennerat. Kalikavu is also the birthplace of Jawan Abdul Naser, a brave soldier who served as a guardian of the nation’s borders and attained martyrdom. The village is also the native place of Kunjippa, one of the young martyrs who sacrificed his life during the Arabic Language Agitation of 1980, one of the intense movements witnessed in Kerala, at the premises of the Malappuram Civil Station.

Historically, much of the land in this region was owned and controlled by the members of the Padinjare Kovilakam. It is also believed that the Kovilakam later acquired and possessed a large stretch of the drainage and water-flow area extending southwards from the Kalikavu Panchayat. The old name of this region was Kannath Kalikavu. In ancient times, there was a Kali temple in the Kannath area of Karuvarakundu, and the present-day Ambakunnu region was believed to be the sacred grove associated with that temple. Since the sacred grove of Kannath Kali was situated in this area, it came to be known as Kannath Kalikavu. Over time, the name was shortened to Kalikavu. A well and temple grounds were situated near the sacred grove, and the same area is now known as the Ambalakkunnu Maidan.

Until the abolition of the feudal system, the lives of the hardworking farmers of this region were marked by considerable hardship due to unjust levies imposed by landlords and their agents, as well as the prevailing tenancy system. Sporadic protests, resistance, and struggles gradually strengthened the people’s spirit of collective action and resistance. Pullankode Estate was one of the oldest plantations in the early Kalikavu Panchayat area. Land for the estate began to be acquired around 1906, and it is understood that the company was registered under the Companies Act in 1914. Many parts of this region became important centres of the 1921 Malabar Rebellion, which emerged as a major chapter in the anti-imperialist and anti-feudal struggles of the period. Areas such as Vellayur, Manjapetta, Kallamoola, Pullankode, Chokkad, and Kalikavu bear witness to many stories associated with the rebellion.

Cultural History

Kalikavu has a rich cultural heritage closely associated with its agricultural traditions. Kalapootu, the traditional bullock race, was once one of the major popular festivals of the agricultural community. The bullock races held in areas such as Koorad, Poochapoyil, Pevumthara, and Ambalakkadavu were highly popular among the people. Even today, the Kalapootu competition centred around Ambalakkadavu continues to be held as an important traditional event in the Panchayat.

Kolkkali, a traditional folk art form, was also very popular in the region. It was performed under the leadership of renowned Muslim artists such as Pulath Moossamolla of Vellayur and Parakkal Vappukakka of Kalikavu. The Tagore Reading Room, established at Srambikkal in 1961, was the first library in the area. From its early days, the Labour Club of the Pullankode Estate played an active role in enriching the cultural life of the community. Various artistic performances organized under the leadership of the Pullankode Kala Samithi attracted considerable public attention.

The Nadana Kalavedi at Kalikavu Junction continues to be an active cultural organization. It has made valuable contributions to cultural activities, social service, and local development. Kalikavu also has a strong sporting tradition, particularly in football. The Panchayat has produced a large number of talented young footballers who continue the legacy of renowned players such as Poonthanath Muhammedali and Parakkal Nani. Football remains one of the most popular sports in the Panchayat.