Cherukavu
Grama Panchayat

Social History

The Adi Dravidian community is said to have been the original inhabitants of these areas. Historical remnants dating back to the period of royal rule include Bhagavathikotta at Vadakkanmala in the northern part of Paravoor, Neelandanpara, and Poovathikotta in the nearby Pulikkal Panchayat.

In ancient times, the area was covered by dense forests inhabited by numerous carnivorous wild animals. Local elders still recount stories of jackals carrying away cattle that were kept in households, a practice believed to have continued until about a century ago. The remains of animal dens that can still be seen at Munniyoorkunnu in Chevayoor, Karunnayimala in Peringavu, and Kallarakkunnu near Aikkarappadi support these accounts.

Sarpakavu (sacred serpent groves) and Bhagavathi Kavu (sacred groves dedicated to Bhagavathi) are distinctive features of the region. It is believed that this area, once rich in sacred groves and biodiversity, came to be known as Cherukavu.

The remains of Kalaris, traditional martial-arts training centres, found in some parts of the area are evidence of the physical strength and exceptional martial-arts skills of its ancestors. A Kalari and an associated temple still exist at Vennayur.

After the rule of the local kings, the region came under the authority of Thinayancheri Elayath. As a feudal lord under the Zamorin of Calicut, the administrative rights of Thinayancheri Elayath gradually came under the authority of the Zamorin. For administrative convenience, the Zamorin divided the territories under his control into several Cherikkals. The area that formed part of Karippur Cherikkal corresponds to the present-day Cherukavu Grama Panchayat.

The remains of a road extending from Kariyathankunnu in Peringavu to Thampurattikkunnu in Vazhayur are considered evidence of Tipu Sultan's military campaign in the region.

In earlier times, the area was filled with numerous large and small sacred groves, including Sarpakavus and places where traditional art forms such as Theyyam were performed.

During the Malabar Rebellion of 1921, British artillery and tanks travelling from Feroke to Pookkottur passed through the rural roads of this region. Local people have many stories about the hardships experienced under British imperial rule and the feudal landlord system.

The Malabar Rebellion of 1921 remains an unforgettable event in the history of the Malabar region. In examining Cherukavu's role in the history of the Malabar struggle, it is stated that not a single person from Cherukavu lost their life here as a result of communal conflict. Among those who endured long periods of imprisonment and persecution for participating in the struggle for freedom of their homeland were E.K. Kumaran Kutti Nair, Gopinair, and Cherathodi Avarankutty, among others.

Cultural History

Cherukavu is a village with a rich and distinguished cultural heritage that is believed to date back to prehistoric times. Many people from the village endured long periods of imprisonment and persecution for participating in the struggle for the freedom of their homeland.

When the Khilafat Movement emerged as part of the national movement, Cherukavu remained a village where, according to local historical accounts, no communal conflicts took place.

Schools centred around mosques and madrassas were established in the Panchayat from very early times. The first rural library in Cherukavu was established at Aikkarappadi in 1953. Later, libraries were established at Peringavu, Puthikkode, Danagram, and Pulikkal.

Prominent organisations involved in the arts and cultural activities of the Panchayat include Navapatham, Vedi, and Vennayur Youth Centre.

The village has a long history of Hindus and Muslims living together in harmony like brothers. Major local festivals are held at Malil Moothedath, Kunnath Vennathodi, Animangalam, Churakkavil, Vilasinikavu, and Perumbaryan Kavu.

Kaalappootu, a traditional bull-racing event, was one of the principal forms of entertainment for farmers. Kaalappootu venues existed in Pulikkal, Peringavu, Aikkarappadi, and Vennayur within the Panchayat.

In ancient times, child marriage was prevalent among various sections of society. The traditional practice known as Kurikkalyanam, associated with marriage ceremonies, continues to exist in the Panchayat.

Major Sacred Groves

The important sacred groves (Kavus) in Cherukavu Panchayat include:

• Mylakkottukavu
• Choorakkavu
• Kolakkattilkavu
• Mayilangottukavu
• Palasherikavu
• Karinkalikavu
• Narayinikavu
• Ambalathodikavu

Important Temples

The major temples in the Panchayat include:

• Subrahmanya Temple, Chevayoor
• Aralippuram Vishnu Temple, Pengad
• Lakshmi Narayana Temple, Peringavu
• Puthuthenchery Temple, Illath
• Shiva Temple, Poovakkatt
• Sree Vaikuntha Mahavishnu Temple, Siyamkandam
• Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
• Subrahmanya Temple, Vennayur
• Thirumala Devi Temple, Chelakkad Kunnu

Important Mosques

The major mosques in the Panchayat include:

• Aikkarappadi Badr Palli
• Puthupadam Juma Masjid
• Aikkarappadi Salafi Masjid
• Puthalam Juma Masjid, Siyamkandam
• Masjid Sunniya
• Paravoor Juma Masjid
• Cholakkode Juma Masjid
• Peringavu Juma Masjid
• Pengad Juma Masjid

The renowned Mappilappattu singer V.M. Kutty was a native of this area.

Cherukavu is known for its people living together in unity and harmony, without discrimination based on caste or religion. E.K. Hassan Musliyar, a prominent leader of the Kerala Sunni community, was also a permanent resident of this Panchayat.