Arikkulam
Grama Panchayat

History

The spirit of nationalism resonated in this Panchayat from the beginning of the 20th century. The desire for independence that arose in the nearby areas of Panthalayani and Moodadi, along with the inspiration from the work of C. K. Govindan Nair, Kelappaji, and Kunhiraman Kidavu, motivated the people of Arikkulam.

In the 1930s, the struggle for agricultural land began to grow under the leadership of the Farmers' Association (Karshaka Sangham). Public events like communal bathing in ponds (against untouchability) and communal feasting (Panthibhojanam) were organized against untouchability and feudalism (Janmithwam). Mass protests were organized against eviction, refusal to issue tenancy agreements (pattasheettu), superior claims on land (melcharthu), and rent increases.

Most of the farmers were either hutment dwellers (kudikidappukar) or tenant farmers (paattakudiyanmaar). The tenants were responsible for arranging all the necessary provisions for big and small functions like weddings, death anniversaries (shraddham), and first rice-feeding ceremonies (choroonu) held in the ancestral homes of the landlords (Jammimar) and local chieftains (Naattukoymakal). It was customary to collect all items, including yam, plantain, and rice, from the tenants. This presentation was known as Oshaaram Vekkuka. Muslim tenants customarily offered Panjarakkalavam (six and a quarter palam of sugar in an earthenware pot), and Muslim landlords received Nomposhaaram (gifts for the fasting month).

There were significant differences in farming methods. Only Oru Pukil (single crop) and Randu Pukil (double crop) cultivation existed. Paddy cultivation (Puncha) was rare in some places. Ploughing oxen (Uzhava Kaalakal) were a crucial factor in a farmer's life. Ox-ploughing competitions and cattle markets greatly influenced the farming community.

In earlier times, those without their own land would lease land in the eastern hilly regions, which were under the control of the local chieftains, for cultivation. This type of farming was called Asthira Puncha. Landlords and their managers would demand rent arbitrarily, which often amounted to about half of the harvest. Wages were not paid in cash but in paddy. Farmers usually exchanged goods with each other.

Educational History
Lower Elementary Schools were established in the first half of the twentieth century. Later, similar schools appeared in other parts of the Panchayat. At that time, women were far behind in education. Before being admitted to the first grade, children were seated for writing practice on the floor under the tutelage of Ezhuthashanmaar (traditional teachers).

In 1932, a Higher Elementary School was established in Arikkulam. It was from here that students were first sent for the E.S.L.C. (Elementary School Leaving Certificate) examination. However, there were no facilities for high school education. Children had to walk seven or eight kilometers to the Board High School outside the Panchayat for higher studies.

Up to the eighth standard was considered the primary level. The high school level consisted of classes 9, 10, and 11, which were respectively called the Fourth Form, Fifth Form, and Sixth Form. The public examination for the eighth standard was called the E.S.L.C. Only students who passed this examination were admitted to the Fourth Form in High School. Each student had to pay a monthly fee of six rupees, which was a large sum at that time.

Cultural History
Informal education existed even before India's independence. Informal education classes were conducted in the Karayad and Arikkulam areas as part of the national movement.

The Panchayat has a tile manufacturing centre, a women's spinning centre, and a women's weaving centre under the Khadi and Village Industries Board. Traditional industries, such as pottery and the weaving of baskets and mats, are currently stagnating due to the scarcity of raw materials.

The most important road is the Koyilandy-Arikkulam-Anjam Peedika P.W.D. road, which passes in front of the Panchayat office on the western side of the Panchayat. This road is also the shortest route connecting the major tourist centres of the district, Kappad and Peruvannamuzhi.

The first library in the Panchayat is the Gramina Bandhu Vayanasala, now known as the R.K. Smaraka Granthashala (R.K. Memorial Library).