History of Grama Panchayat
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1. Social History
Fort and History: Although Balussery Kota Paradevatha Temple is currently located in Panangad Panchayat, it is an integral part of Balussery's cultural history. The history of the fort and that of Balussery are complementary to each other.
Social Changes: During the period when the matrilineal (marumakkathayam) system was in practice, there were many ancestral family temples (tharavattu kshethrangal) belonging to joint families in this panchayat. Violent incidents related to temple entry occurred during that era. The entry of lower-caste people into the Kongottukunnu Bhagavathy Temple, which was under the control of upper-caste Hindus, was a landmark event of that time.
Resistance Against Rule: The society here experienced the characteristics of both feudal and imperial regimes at various stages. A series of events resisting the divisive, secessionist, and anti-national rule of British imperialism took place in this village as well.
Freedom Movement:
Before India attained independence, the governing body of Balussery Panchayat—a local self-government institution established by the British government—passed several resolutions challenging foreign rule.
Phrases from resolutions passed during that era included demands to hoist the tricolor flag at the panchayat office, display Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait, declare the Viceroy's explanation regarding the British government's war aims as unsatisfactory, and fully endorse the actions of the All India Congress Committee.
In 1931, a brutal lathi charge led by a police circle inspector named Kunchu Menon took place against a Congress public meeting in Balussery. The Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement deeply stirred public life.
The arson attack on the Kokkallur Amsham Office (Amshamkacheri) and the destruction of the Ulliyeri Bridge were strong manifestations of protest against foreign rule.
Agrarian & Anti-Alcohol Movements: Numerous agitations arose in the agricultural sector. The campaign demanding the distribution of surplus land held by Ramaiyer was fierce, eventually forcing the authorities to assign the surplus land. Alongside the freedom struggle, students took to the streets participating in anti-alcohol (prohibition) movements.
Local Administration: Nearly a decade before India gained independence, Balussery Panchayat had already come into existence. On July 16, 1938, in a meeting chaired by the District Panchayat Officer, P. Ukkappakurup was elected as the first President of Balussery. During the tenure of the first and second governing bodies, members were elected by voters raising their hands. The secret ballot system as seen today came into force with the election held under the Madras Village Panchayat Act in 1953, when the third governing body came to power.
Industry: Balussery is an industrially backward region, and traditional industries are generally facing a decline. Among the limited industrial establishments in the panchayat, the most prominent is the Mini Industrial Estate located at Parambinte Muku.
2. Educational History
Early Institutions: Like other parts of the state, library movements, renaissance movements, national freedom movements, private agencies, and popular organizations have all contributed uniquely to Balussery's educational progress.
First Formal School: The first formal educational institution started in the panchayat is said to be the Kokkallur Elementary School.
Informal Village Schools: Informal village schools (kudippallikoodangal) existed in areas like Kunnakkodi, Kuruppankandi, and Pottol Valappu, led by village teachers (ezhuthashanmar) such as Choyakkutti Vaidyar.
High School Education: When high school facilities were absent within the panchayat, residents mainly relied on Quilandy High School. Although a high school was sanctioned for the panchayat, it was relocated to Nanminda due to the non-availability of land.
Social Inclusion: Although backward communities in the panchayat were initially behind in utilizing available educational facilities, they reached the mainstream within a short span of time compared to many other regions.
3. Cultural History
Rich Heritage: The cultural landscape of the panchayat is rich, with educational institutions playing an invaluable role in cultural renaissance. Kokkallur Elementary School, established in 1911, is the oldest educational institution in the panchayat.
Traditional Arts & Sports: Folk and traditional art forms such as Theyyam, Thira, Thiruvathirakkali, Oppana, Kolkali, Parichamuttukali, Vattakkali, Duffmuttu, folk songs, archery, tug-of-war, and oral rhythmic chants (vaitharikal) survive today in various parts of the panchayat, even if in reduced forms.
Volleyball: Volleyball, once the passion of Northern Kerala, is now largely confined to a few grounds, yet the panchayat has made distinct contributions to this sport. Prominent Indian volleyball player Mukesh Lal—once described by a Cuban coach as the fastest player in Asia—grew up through the Mannampoyil Yuvajana Center.
Religious Harmony: The majority of the population in this village is Hindu. Thira festivals, Ayyappan Vilakku, and the nearly 150-year-old Jarram festival at the Eramangalam Mosque are conducted with large public participation. The region is famous for its exemplary communal harmony, with the Eramangalam Mosque holding a special place among early places of worship.
