Aralam
Grama Panchayat

Migrants arrived in this region during the twentieth century, leading to the displacement of the indigenous Kurichya, Paniya, and Malayar communities. It is said that a 'cold war' of sorts existed between the 'Kanakathadam' family—among the earliest settlers—and the family of Kunjimayan Haji, a Muslim settler. Setting aside exaggerations in oral accounts passed down by elders, it is evident that a sacred bond existed between the Kottayam Raja and the Kanakathadam family. Temples at Ambalakkandi, Adiyeri Madam, Palayad, and Mundayamparamba bear witness to the fact that, even before the influx of migrants from Travancore in the early twentieth century, a distinct community with a Sanskrit-influenced culture coexisted here alongside the indigenous tribes. Relics discovered in connection with these temples offer insight into the cultural and architectural excellence of the people of that era. Furthermore, numerous caves found in the laterite (vettukallu) terrain of Karaparamba serve as additional evidence of this history. Three distinct tribal groups—the Paniya, Kurichya, and Malayar—have historically inhabited this region. Among these groups, the Kurichyas are the most economically prosperous. The traditional culture of the Kurichyas—who had long resided in areas such as Vietnam and Keezhappally—declined following the arrival of other communities. They traditionally used bows and arrows as weapons and practiced untouchability towards other groups; however, this practice has largely disappeared today. This community remains historically backward in terms of education. Although the Paniyars were once the owners of the land, they were later reduced to slavery under the *Kanakathadam* landlords. Preferring a nomadic lifestyle, they lag behind educationally. The 'Malayar' community resides exclusively in the Veerpad area of ​​Aralam Panchayat. It is said that their ancestors originally lived in Palazhi (near present-day Tavakkilangadi), a region then under the rule of the Kottayam royal dynasty; the Kottayam King was the one who settled this community within his territory. Mentioned in the *Viswavijnanakosham* (Universal Encyclopedia), they were traditionally engaged in cattle rearing and paddy cultivation. While bows and arrows were once their primary weapons, they later became skilled in handling modern weapons like guns. They held full ownership rights over the Palayad Devaswom, and Palayad-eeswaran (Lord Shiva) is their principal deity.

   These people, who performed rituals such as *Theyyam* and *Thira*, practiced untouchability towards communities like the Kurichiyars and Paniyars. They followed a system of monogamy, and their women wore gold ornaments. It is believed that Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, visited this region during his invasion of Malabar. Early migrants from Malabar settled in the western parts of Aralam and other isolated areas. The entire land within the Aralam Panchayat was owned by the Mundayamparamba Devaswom, Palayad Devaswom, and the Kanakathadam *Janmi* (landlord). Landlords permitted their tenants to engage in *Punam* cultivation (a shifting cultivation method) on an annual basis; these tenants, along with other tribal communities, carried out such farming practices in the area. These hilly regions, covered with dense, tall trees, served as a habitat for wild animals. It was in the 1930s—initially on a small scale and later extensively after the Second World War—that hardworking farming families began migrating from Travancore to Malabar in search of new land suitable for agriculture. The local population began to focus on education following the establishment of a 'Board School' (a school offering classes up to the fourth standard) centered in Aralam; this school is said to have come into existence in 1906. Initially the only educational institution in the area, it later evolved into the sole government high school in Aralam Panchayat. In the early days, students had to travel 15 kilometers to high schools in Keezhpally or Peravoor for education beyond the upper primary level. Although a school offering classes up to the fourth grade was later opened at Keecheri within the panchayat, it ceased operations after four years. A Lower Primary (LP) school was established in the Edur area at the onset of the migration period in 1949; this institution later earned the distinction of becoming the first high school in Aralam Panchayat (1956). During the same period, an institution founded by Chathoth Kannan Gurukkal in the Veerpad area—originally started to provide Kalaripayattu training to about twenty students—received government recognition in 1944 and subsequently began operating under the name 'Ramananadavilasam School'. Despite being established for the educational advancement of the local Malayali community, the school was later sold to a Christian management.