Thennala
Grama Panchayat

History

Socio-Cultural History

Until 1982, the residents of this village had to depend on the Government High School in Tirurangadi Panchayat, located 10 kilometres away, and Raja’s High School in Kottakkal, located 12 kilometres away, even for high school education. During the 1940s, some students from this Panchayat had to stay in Parappanangadi to pursue their studies.

The old Thennala Panchayat comprised the regions of Thennala, Thennala-Venniyoor, Apl, Valakolam, Klari, Ambalavattam, Puthupparamba, and Cherushola. All these areas were under the administration of the former Malabar District Board.

Historical records indicate that Thennala Panchayat came into existence in January 1925. During those days, the president was elected by literate members of the community who gathered together and voted by raising their hands. The first election in the Panchayat was held in 1964. A new Panchayat Board was formed in January of the same year, and Parappil Gopala Menon became the first Panchayat President.

In this village, where more than 85 percent of the population was Muslim, Gopala Menon was elected as a Panchayat member unopposed. Similarly, five of the nine members of the Panchayat Board belonged to the Muslim League. However, it is noteworthy that Menon, who was not a member of the Muslim League, was unanimously elected as the Panchayat President. This stands as strong evidence of the religious harmony and political goodwill that had traditionally existed in the region.

A primary school had already been established in the Panchayat in 1920. In the field of libraries, the C. H. Memorial Panchayat Library began functioning in 1992. Libraries and reading rooms run by various religious organizations were also active in the area.

Football is the most popular sport in this region. The Parappanangadi–Kottakkal Road, which passes through the centre of the Panchayat and divides it into two parts, was the first major transportation route in the area. Today, this road forms part of National Highway 17, the Bombay–Edappally National Highway.

The Valakolam Post Office, which was initially started as a branch post office at Kozhichena, was the first post office in the Panchayat. A high school was established in the Panchayat in 1982.

Coconut is the major crop cultivated in the hilly and sloping areas. In the low-lying areas, banana, arecanut, and betel leaf are cultivated extensively. Fruit trees such as mango, jackfruit, and cashew are also found throughout the Panchayat.

About three-quarters of a century ago, garden and homestead crops were predominant in this region. Ginger was the major crop cultivated during that period. The varieties grown included Kizhakkan and Nadan.

In the field of libraries, the C. H. Memorial Panchayat Library, which began functioning in 1992, is the only Panchayat library in the area.