History of Grama Panchayat

Kadukutty Grama Panchayat – History, Heritage and General Information

Kadukutty Grama Panchayat is situated in the Chalakudy Block of Thrissur District, Kerala. Kadukutty is a Special Grade Grama Panchayat, and the village included under the Panchayat is Kalloor-Vadakkummuri. The Panchayat consists of 18 wards.

The boundaries of Kadukutty Grama Panchayat are as follows: Koratti and Meloor Grama Panchayats to the east; Chalakudy River and Chalakudy Municipality to the north; Mala and Annamanada Grama Panchayats to the west; and Annamanada Grama Panchayat to the south.

The present-day Kadukutty Grama Panchayat constitutes the northern part of Kalloor village. This area was formerly part of the old Adur Farka. At that time, it was known as Kalloor Vadakkummuri Panchayat.

The first Malayalam printing press established in Kerala by Arnos Pathiri was located near Sampaloor in this Panchayat. During the period of Tipu Sultan's invasion, the rulers of Travancore and Cochin jointly constructed a long defensive fortification extending from the Arabian Sea to the Western Ghats. The remains of the fort, its associated trenches and military structures can still be seen at various places in the Panchayat.

Panampilly Govinda Menon, a prominent political leader and former Chief Minister of Cochin and Union Law Minister of India, was born in this Panchayat.

The Kalloor Vadakkummuri Village Panchayat was established in 1952, and its first elected committee came into existence in 1954. On 22 September 1989, Kalloor Vadakkummuri Panchayat was renamed Kadukutty Panchayat.

A large majority of the people of Kadukutty Panchayat depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The Chalakudy River flows for approximately 6 kilometres through the Panchayat.

The Kadukutty Grama Panchayat Office obtained the internationally recognised ISO 9001:2015 certification in March 2019, in recognition of its efficient, people-friendly and systematic functioning.

Historical and Cultural Heritage

Kadukutty Grama Panchayat, located in the Chalakudy Block of Thrissur District, has considerable historical and cultural significance. Surrounded by the Chalakudy River on three sides, this beautiful village has a rich heritage and several important historical landmarks.

1. Portuguese-Dutch History and Sampaloor

One of the most historically significant places in Kadukutty Panchayat is Sampaloor.

Following the Dutch occupation of Kochi, Portuguese missionaries and Jesuit priests who had been based there moved to Sampaloor.
The area came to be known as “St. Paul's Ooru”, meaning the land of St. Paul, which later evolved into the name Sampaloor.
Prominent missionaries such as St. Francis Xavier and St. John de Britto are associated with Sampaloor and are believed to have visited the area and celebrated Holy Mass here.

2. The History of Printing and Arnos Pathiri

Kadukutty has an important place in the early history of printing in Kerala.

The historic St. Paul's Press was established at Sampaloor in 1663 by European missionaries. It was among the earliest printing establishments in India and played an important role in the early printing of Malayalam letters.
Arnos Pathiri (Johann Ernst Hanxleden), the renowned German missionary and linguist, lived in this region, where he studied Sanskrit and Malayalam.
He composed his famous work “Puthen Pana” during his association with Kerala. His literary works were also printed through the historic press at Sampaloor.

3. The Invasion of Tipu Sultan

During the military campaign of Tipu Sultan in 1781, the historic Jesuit seminary, the old Latin church and the printing establishment at Sampaloor were destroyed.

The church was subsequently rebuilt in 1862. Today, Sampaloor is an important centre of historical and religious heritage.

4. Birthplace of Panampilly Govinda Menon

Panampilly Govinda Menon, the former Chief Minister of the Cochin State and a prominent Union Minister of India, was born in Kakkat, a village within Kadukutty Panchayat.

His memory continues to be preserved through libraries and cultural institutions established in the area.

5. Arangali Manappuram Fest

Arangali Manappuram, situated on the banks of the Chalakudy River, is one of the prominent sandbanks along the river.

Cultural festivals conducted here under the leadership of the Panchayat have provided an important platform for local artists and cultural activities. The area is also known for its scenic beauty and has been used as a location for film shoots.

General Information

Location: Chalakudy Block, Thrissur District, Kerala
Type: Special Grade Grama Panchayat
Village: Kalloor-Vadakkummuri
Number of Wards: 18
Major Livelihood: Agriculture
Major River: Chalakudy River
Length of Chalakudy River through the Panchayat: Approximately 6 km
Panchayat Established: 1952 as Kalloor Vadakkummuri Village Panchayat
First Elected Committee: 1954
Renamed as Kadukutty Panchayat: 22 September 1989
ISO Certification: ISO 9001:2015, obtained in March 2019
Major Industrial Establishment: Nitta Gelatin India Limited (formerly KCPL), located in Kathikudam Ward

Historical Importance

Kerala's Goa – Sampaloor

When the Dutch established their dominance in Kochi, Portuguese missionaries and Jesuit priests moved their centre to Sampaloor in Kadukutty. The name “St. Paul's Ooru” gradually evolved into Sampaloor. St. Francis Xavier and St. John de Britto are among the prominent missionaries associated with this historic place.

The Beginning of Malayalam Printing

The St. Paul's Press, established at Sampaloor in 1663, is regarded as one of the earliest printing establishments in India. It played an important role in the early printing of Malayalam letters.

Contribution of Arnos Pathiri

The renowned German missionary and linguist Arnos Pathiri (Johann Ernst Hanxleden) lived in the Sampaloor region, where he studied Malayalam and Sanskrit. He is particularly remembered for his famous Christian poetic work “Puthen Pana.”

Tipu Sultan's Invasion

During Tipu Sultan's military campaign in 1781, the historic seminary and printing press at Sampaloor were destroyed. The present Sampaloor church was rebuilt in 1862.

Cultural Heritage and Eminent Personalities

Birthplace of Panampilly Govinda Menon

Panampilly Govinda Menon, who served as Chief Minister of the Cochin State and later as a prominent Union Minister, was born in Kakkat, within Kadukutty Panchayat.

Arangali Manappuram

Arangali Manappuram, located along the Chalakudy River, is one of the largest sandbanks in the river. Cultural festivals organised here under the leadership of the Panchayat have provided a major platform for local artists. The scenic surroundings have also attracted film productions.

Thaikuttam Suspension Bridge

The Thaikuttam Suspension Bridge, spanning the Chalakudy River, is one of the important attractions of Kadukutty and forms part of the area's distinctive natural and cultural landscape.