Meppayur
Grama panchayat

Study on the Origin of the Name Meppayur

The investigation into the origin of the name Meppayur leads back to Payyur. It is believed that Payyur was an important part of Payyormala, and that the name Meppayur evolved from it. There is nothing incorrect in this belief. The town of Meppayur was also known as Venkappara Poyil.

The regions included in Payyormala—Paleri, Cheruvannur, Meppayur, Perambra, Kayanna, Karayad, and Iringath—were under the control of the Avinyattu Koothali Nayanars of Paleri, also known as the Payyur Nayanars. The rulers of Payyormala held the title “Payyormala Kotheraman.” They were independent local chieftains, and their allegiance to the Kurumbranad royal family and the Zamorin was only nominal.

Kurumbranad and British Malabar Administration

The old Kurumbranad Taluk, which formed part of British Malabar, existed as a royal administrative region even before the British formally established the taluk. This is recorded in William Logan’s Malabar Manual (p. 697). The region was under the Kurumbranad royal dynasty.

The jurisdiction included areas such as Kottur, Thrikkuttisseri, Naduvannur, Kavunthara, Iyyad, Panangad, Nediyanad, Keezhkott, and Madavoor. It is believed that the ruler of Kurumbranad was associated with the Kizhakkedath Kovilakam near Balussery.

The Meppayur Panchayat region lies at approximately 11°34′ North latitude and 75°44′ East longitude, at an elevation of about 36 metres above sea level.

Venkappara Poyil

The administrative centre of Meppayur Grama Panchayat is Meppayur town, also known as Venkappara Poyil. The town lies within the Kayalad and Meppayur regions.

The origin of the name Venkappara Poyil requires further study. One oral tradition connects it to the mythical figure Bakan, suggesting that “Bakanpara” gradually evolved into “Venkappara.” However, a more plausible explanation is that the name derives from “Venkalpara,” meaning a place with abundant white stones. The term “Poyil” may refer to a low-lying area or pond region beneath Venkappara.

Formation of the Panchayat

The Meppayur Grama Panchayat covers the villages of Meppayur and Kozhukkallur and includes ten desams. It was formally constituted in 1963 under the Kerala Panchayat Act of 1960.

Before this, local governance was divided among several smaller village bodies:

• Meppayur, Keezhpayur, Changaravally, and Kayalad formed one administrative unit.
• Narakkode, Nidumboyil, and Chavatt formed Kozhukkallur Panchayat.
• Elambilad and Vilayattoor formed Vilayattoor Panchayat.  

Initially, the Panchayat functioned in the residence of Cheruvath Edavattath Appukuttan Nambiar. Later, it was shifted to the building of the Airanitharamal Congress Jubilee Library, which was constructed using funds raised from staging the drama “Pattiniyo Parathanthramo” directed by E. Raman Master.

The first president of the unified Meppayur Panchayat was M.K. Chappan Nair. The council consisted of seven members—five general seats and two reserved seats (one for women and one for Scheduled Castes), with nomination-based selection for reserved seats.

Socio-Economic Structure

Meppayur had a predominantly agrarian economy. The social order was based on agricultural relations. Land ownership was concentrated in the hands of a few landlords, while tenant farmers formed the majority of the working population. Kattumadam Namboothiri of Ponnani was one of the major landlords.

Land-related administration and disputes were managed by intermediaries, including Neravath, Cheruvatta, Edavathery, Puthalath, Antholikkandi, Cheruvattattu, Pattona, and Thirumangalath families of Meppayur.

A rigid feudal system prevailed, where social status and authority were closely linked to land ownership and loyalty to landlords. Lower-caste communities, including Harijans, backward castes, and landless Muslim populations, formed the majority and were subjected to severe social and economic exploitation.

Untouchability and caste-based discrimination were deeply entrenched in social life. Marginalized communities were excluded from public spaces and denied dignity in everyday life.

Beginning of Social and National Movements

Organised nationalist movements began in Meppayur in the late 1920s. Anti-untouchability campaigns, Hindi education classes, and adult literacy programmes were widely conducted.

Congress committees were formed in an uncoordinated but growing manner. Leaders included E.C. Appu Nambiar, Nagathinkal Kunjiraman Nair, P.K. Krishnan Nair, Aachikkulangara Ukkaran Nambiar, P.T. Gopalan Nambiar, and K.T. Kunjiraman Nair.

During the Salt Satyagraha of 1930, a procession led by E.P. Kunjikkannan Nambiar received enthusiastic support in Meppayur and Narakkode. Following this, E.C. Appu Nambiar emerged as a prominent nationalist leader.

Spinning programmes, literacy classes, and social reform activities were conducted across the region. Leaders such as E.C. Appu Nambiar, Thekke Kopparambath Gopalan Nair, Nagathinkal Kunjiraman Nair, Damodaran Embrandiri, and Kunjikrishnan Embrandiri played important roles.

Social Reform and Anti-Untouchability Movement

Caste discrimination and social inequality were major issues. Efforts to assert dignity among oppressed communities led to strong reform movements.

In 1939, an anti-untouchability conference attended by K. Kelappan was held at Narakkode under the presidency of Dr. Kutti. Following its resolutions, two Pulaya children were admitted for the first time to Kozhukkallur L.P. School.

Various protests, including temple entry struggles and symbolic acts of resistance, challenged the prevailing social order. Leaders such as E.C. Appu Nambiar and others played a key role in these movements.

Koottaali Struggle and Agrarian Movements

The Koothali peasant struggle represents the militant agrarian history of the Kurumbranad region. During the hardship of World War II, famine, disease, and poverty intensified.

The Kisan Sangham launched movements to reclaim unused land and improve agricultural production. On 12 April 1947, a major protest took place at Koothali, involving 36 activists, including six from Meppayur. The movement faced severe police repression.

The struggle slogan “Even if we die, we will fight in Koothali” became symbolic of peasant resistance. Many leaders were later recognized and awarded pensions for their participation.

Legacy

Meppayur’s history reflects a strong tradition of unity, resistance, and social reform. The region played a significant role in anti-feudal struggles, nationalist movements, and cultural development.

From struggles against untouchability and feudal oppression emerged a powerful message of equality and collective strength. Cultural leaders, writers, and activists laid the foundation for libraries, educational initiatives, and social organizations in the region.