Vazhakulam
Block Panchayat

Ancient History and Feudal System
The areas falling under Vazhakulam Block Panchayat have a rich history and cultural heritage dating back several centuries. In ancient times, a major portion of the land was under the control of the Edappally Swarूपam, Kalathil Karthas, various traditional Namboothiri families, Devaswoms and other landlords. The Janmi-Kudiyan system (landlord-tenant system) was prevalent, under which farmers cultivated land owned by landlords and were required to pay heavy rents. Caste discrimination, untouchability and several social evils were also prevalent in society. Over time, the freedom movement, progressive movements and social reform activities brought significant changes to these conditions. The implementation of land reforms brought an end to the traditional landlord-tenant system and enabled farmers to acquire ownership of the land they cultivated. Local legends associated with the Pandavas' period of exile and the construction of the Lakshagriha (house of lac) at Kizhakkambalam add historical interest to the region. There is also a local belief that the name Kizhakkambalam evolved from the earlier name Kazhukambalam.

Growth of the Local Self-Government System
The history of local self-government in the areas under Vazhakulam Block Panchayat dates back to the pre-independence period. The Travancore Village Panchayat Act of 1925 and the Village Union Act of 1939 laid the foundation for rural administrative systems. The Keezhmad Village Union, established in 1947, was an important milestone in this development, with Makkar Pillai serving as its first president. While Vengola Panchayat was formed in 1952, the Vazhakulam Village Union functioned from 1947 to 1953. Following the election held in April 1953, the first meeting of Vazhakulam Panchayat was convened on July 22. In Churnikkara, an elected people's committee assumed office in 1953. At that time, the areas comprising present-day Edathala and Churnikkara were part of a single panchayat. On September 27, 1969, Edathala was separated and constituted as an independent panchayat. In Keezhmad, a committee headed by T.O. Hydrose assumed office on December 18, 1963. Following the subsequent election in 1979, a new committee headed by K.K. Said Mohammed came to power. The gradual development of these local administrative institutions laid the foundation for the present system of rural governance.

Agricultural Heritage and Economic Development
Agriculture occupies a significant place in the history of Vazhakulam Block Panchayat. From the beginning of the twentieth century until around the 1960s, agriculture was the primary livelihood of the people in this region. Paddy cultivation and traditional farming practices formed an integral part of rural life. Important paddy fields in Churnikkara included Kaithalippadam, Muttath Punchha, Pallikkery Padam, Pathaattu Padam, Kodungode Padam and Muthirappadam. In the Vazhakulam region, a major portion of the taxable land was under the control of the Edappally Swarupam before independence. Land reforms brought about a significant transformation by granting ownership rights to cultivating farmers and bringing an end to the traditional landlord system. The establishment of industrial enterprises such as Standard Potteries in Churnikkara in 1919 marked the beginning of industrial development in the region. The gradual transition from an agriculture-based rural economy to industrial and commercial activities represents an important phase in the economic history of the area.

Progress in the Field of Education
Educational institutions have played a significant role in the development history of Vazhakulam Block Panchayat. Modern education began to take root in Vengola with the establishment of a Lower Primary School at Onamkulangara in 1911. The contributions of Patlattu Mathai Core Episcopa were particularly noteworthy in promoting education. Salem Middle School was established in 1940, followed by Salem High School in 1953. In Churnikkara, an L.P. School was established to provide education to the children of workers employed at the Standard Potteries Company. It became one of the earliest educational institutions in the area. Educational institutions gradually developed in Vazhakulam, Keezhmad, Edathala and Kizhakkambalam as well. The expansion of education created new opportunities for younger generations and laid a strong foundation for social advancement.

Housing and Social Welfare
Keezhmad Panchayat holds a special place in the development history of Vazhakulam Block Panchayat. It was among the pioneering panchayats in completing houses under the Laksham Veedu (One Lakh Houses) Scheme. The committee headed by T.O. Hydrose played a significant role in implementing the housing programme effectively. On January 6, 1973, the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, inaugurated the Laksham Veedu Scheme at Keeramkunnu. The scheme played a major role in fulfilling the dream of home ownership for economically disadvantaged families. The Chunanganveli Madham Destitute Home in Edathala and the Yatheemkhana established by Kuruppali Mustafa Sahib are also important institutions in the social welfare history of the region. Over the years, local self-government institutions have actively contributed to housing, poverty alleviation, women's empowerment and social security programmes.

Religious Harmony and Cultural Heritage
Vazhakulam Block Panchayat is home to people belonging to Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities who have traditionally lived together in mutual harmony. Places of worship, religious festivals and annual celebrations form an important part of the region's social and cultural life. The Pengattussery Mosque, Kuzhivelippady Mosque and St. Jude Church at Ethekkara in Edathala, along with numerous temples and Thaikkavus, represent the religious heritage of the region. The Pengattussery Shaheedanmar Ziyaram is an important pilgrimage centre. Ancient temples in Kizhakkambalam and places of worship such as Valakkarakavu, Poonoor Temple, Thekkamala Temple and Purakkattambalam in Vengola reflect the historical significance of the area. Traditional art forms such as Pulluvan Pattu, Onappattu, Njattu Pattu, Sastham Pattu, Kolkali, Oppana, Duffmuttu, Thiruvathirakali and Mudiyattam are important expressions of the region's rich cultural heritage.

Libraries and the Arts and Sports Sector
Libraries, reading rooms and cultural organisations have played an important role in the social development of the region. The Vengola Karshaka Grandhasala, which began functioning on January 30, 1949, was one of the earliest centres of cultural activity. The V.N. Kesava Pillai Memorial Library at Valayanchirangara also made significant contributions to cultural development. In Churnikkara, organisations such as Navayugam Library, S.N. Library, Maithri Kala Kendram and Pratheeksha, along with various drama troupes, promoted artistic and cultural activities. Kala Fine Arts Society in Kizhakkambalam also made notable contributions to the cultural field. Renowned artist and architect M.P. Devan, playwright and director Xavier Pulppattu, and film director Sandhya Mohan are among the prominent personalities who have made their mark in the artistic and cultural history of this region. Libraries, arts clubs and sports organisations have encouraged reading habits, creativity, social awareness and community participation among the people.

Healthcare and Traditional Systems of Medicine
Traditional systems of medicine and healthcare services have an important place in the history of this region. Several traditional practitioners were well known for their expertise in poison treatment, therapeutic massage and Ayurveda. Institutions such as S.D. Pharmacy also provided notable healthcare services to the local population. Alongside traditional treatment methods, modern healthcare facilities gradually developed in the region. These institutions and practitioners played an important role in making healthcare accessible to rural communities. Over time, health centres, immunisation programmes, sanitation initiatives and health awareness campaigns also became integral parts of rural development.

A New Era of Development
With changing times, the villages under Vazhakulam Block Panchayat gradually moved from an agriculture-based economy towards a development model that gives importance to industries, trade, education, healthcare and service sectors. Roads, transportation facilities, educational institutions, drinking water projects, housing schemes, health centres, sanitation programmes, women's empowerment, poverty alleviation and agricultural development became important components of rural progress. The village panchayats and the block panchayat have been actively involved in implementing development programmes with public participation. The People's Planning Campaign gave a new direction to grassroots development by encouraging decentralised planning and participatory governance. The growth of a democratic administrative system that identifies people's needs and implements development projects accordingly remains one of the significant achievements in the development history of the region.

Conclusion
The history of Vazhakulam Block Panchayat is not merely the history of the village panchayats within its jurisdiction; it is the story of social transformation, agricultural heritage, educational progress, cultural richness and people-centred development. The journey from the era of feudalism and social inequalities to democratic governance, educational advancement, social justice and modern development is truly remarkable. Preserving the values of hard work, religious harmony, social unity and cultural heritage inherited from previous generations, Vazhakulam Block Panchayat continues to move forward on the path of progress.