History of Grama Panchayat
Kidangoor: History, Culture, and Heritage
Kidangoor is a small, picturesque village located in the Meenachil Taluk of Kottayam district, Kerala. Spread across both banks of the Meenachil River, this land boasts centuries of rich history and cultural heritage.
Historical Background & Origin of the Name
During recorded history, Kottayam and its surrounding areas were part of Vembanad. Vembalanad was a distinct territory of the Chera kingdom. When the Chera Empire collapsed in the 11th century, Vembalanad fragmented into several smaller realms, including:
Vadakkumkoor
Kizhumalanad
Thekkumkoor
Munjanad
The capital of the Thekkumkoor kingdom was initially at Vennimala and later shifted to Thali. Kidangoor was an integral part of this region.
It is believed that this historically significant land, which bordered the Vadakkumkoor kingdom, once housed a moat (kidang) and a fort (kotta). Thus, "Kidangoor" translates to the "land with a moat."
Elders recall the presence of mud fort remnants in the area now known as Kottappuram. Place names like Kottavazhi (Fort Road) strengthen this belief. Furthermore, Kothalam refers to a watchtower or fortification built on borders to confront enemies. The fact that the property housing a tile factory in Kattachira (on Kidangoor's border) is called Kothalam is a thought-provoking testament to its military past. One can only imagine the troop deployments and wartime turmoil this land witnessed!
Legends & Cultural Heritage
There is another local legend regarding the origin of the name:
A devotee traveling from Tamil Nadu carrying an idol of the Goddess arrived here late at night, exhausted, and fell asleep. When he did not wake up by morning, the local authority, Adiyodi Nair, was summoned. Upon questioning, the devotee explained that he was looking for a suitable place to consecrate the idol. He suggested that a Subramanya temple be established at that spot instead.
Later, the devotee consecrated the Goddess idol at Kumaranalloor, while the local official built the present-day Kidangoor Subramanya Swami Temple. He brought Samavedi Brahmins from the north and entrusted them with the temple administration. Thus, the land where the devotee slept (Kidanna Ooru) became Kidannoor, which gradually evolved into Kidangoor.
Pattathanam: The royal patronage tradition initiated by Veera Marthanda Varma—where the king or his representatives presented money bags (panakkizhi) and clothes to Brahmins—was conducted here until about fifty years ago.
Trade Fairs: Historically, a major trade fair was held on the sandy banks of the Meenachil River during temple festivals. People traveled from far and wide to purchase metal vessels, household utensils, and famous Pirayan clay pots. The cattle market held the day after the festival was equally renowned.
Prominent Personalities & References
Kidangoor takes immense pride in being the ancestral home of several luminaries:
Kunchan Nambiar (Founder of the Thullal art form)
A.R. Raja Raja Varma (Revered as Kerala Panini)
Kidangoor Pisharody (Tutor to the Travancore Royal Family)
Kidangoor Krishna Warier (Famous humorist poet)
Karukayil Kaimal (Renowned warrior)
Nalanunni & Paingulam Narayana Chakyar
Cheruvalli Narayanan Namboodiri (Known as Mr. Thirumeni)
Mazuvaloor Kollan (Artisan who crafted the Kurunthottithoon pillar in the Koothambalam)
In modern times, the late Kidangoor Gopalakrishna Pillai and former Kerala Chief Minister P.K. Vasudevan Nair contributed greatly to the region's fame.
Furthermore, Kidangoor is mentioned in famous classic literary works such as Pooraprabandham, Unnuneelisondesam, Aaryamrutam, and Aithihyamala. A distinct Kathakali style known as the "Kidangoor Vazhi" also flourished here.
Social Harmony & Modern Governance
For centuries, Hindus and Christians have lived here in complete communal harmony. Festivals at the famous St. Mary's Forane Church and the Subramanya Swami Temple are celebrated by all residents without distinction. Festivals like Onam, Christmas, Easter, and Vishu are celebrated as shared community occasions.
The absence of religious or political conflicts reflects the enlightened mindset of the locals—a wisdom nurtured by the light of knowledge from two ancient local educational centers (Saraswathi Mandirams).
Demographics & Community:
About 26 different castes, religions, and ethnic groups reside in the village, with a very small Muslim population.
Tamil Brahmins and Tamil Vishwakarmas, who likely migrated from outside, speak their native languages at home while using Malayalam and adopting the local lifestyle in public, seamlessly blending into the local culture.
Places of worship, including the Kidangoor Subramanya Swami Temple, ancient Christian churches, and Guru Mandirams, serve as core focal points of the village's culture.
Local Administration History:
1940: Before independence, a Village Union was established under the Village Union Act of 1940. Mr. Emmanuel Koladi served as its first President, and Mr. P.A. Ramakrishna Pillai as Vice President.
1953: The first democratic Panchayat council (under the modern system) was formed, initially covering 9 wards.
Present: The Panchayat currently consists of 16 wards.