Madappally
Block Panchayat

Madappally, located near Changanassery, is a region that is home to several historic movements and has borne witness to exemplary instances of religious harmony. The Madappally Block Panchayat has played a leading role in the social and cultural development of the region.

 Headquarters: The Block Office is situated on a 2-acre plot of land donated by Krishnappanikkar of Karimuttam House in Madappallikkara.

History of the Block Panchayat

Historical Background

**Period of Royal Rule:** This area is known as a region that belonged to the Thekkumkoor royal dynasty. During the royal period, it was also known as a place where punishments were carried out for thieves and robbers.

**Reference in Literature:** The Manikanda region mentioned in the famous *Unnuneeli Sandesham* is situated within the limits of this block.

**Extent:** This block comprises five Grama Panchayats: Madappally, Thrikkodithanam, Payippad, Vazhappally, and Vakathanam. Since the royal period, this land has witnessed numerous historically significant events and stories.

Geography and Water Resources

This region has a mixed landscape consisting of hills, valleys, and paddy fields. It covers a total area of 145.14 square kilometers.

In ancient times, numerous ponds, sacred groves, and biodiversity-rich areas existed here. Some of the major ones are listed below:

**Pokkottuchira Pond:** Located in Thrikkodithanam Panchayat, this is one of the most important water reservoirs in Kerala. It provides irrigation for vegetable and paddy cultivation in the surrounding areas.

**Anjiliveli Pond:** This is another major water reservoir in the region.

These ancient ponds, renowned for their abundant water resources, provide irrigation for agriculture and help mitigate the intense summer heat (and the effects of extreme cold/climate variations) while ensuring water supply.

Agriculture and Industrial Sector

This is predominantly an agricultural region where paddy, rubber, coconut, vegetables, and milk are produced in abundance.

**Paddy Cultivation:** Paddy is extensively cultivated in the Upper Kuttanad region, including the areas of Payippad and Vazhappally.

**Water Transport and Marketing:** Since the region is connected to Alappuzha, known as the "Venice of the East," it has greatly facilitated inland water transport for exporting agricultural produce. At one time, this area was widely renowned for the marketing of agricultural products.

**Industry:** The Industrial Estate functioning in Vazhappally Grama Panchayat is an excellent example of the region's industrial growth. *(Note: With the advent of modern lifestyles, many changes have occurred in these traditional sectors.)*

Secularism and Places of Worship

People belonging to different religions live here in harmony, making it a truly secular community. The major places of worship include:

**Hindu Temples:**

- Madappally Bhagavathi Temple

- Thengana Mahadeva Temple

- Thrikkodithanam Mahakshetram: The Archaeological Department has taken over and is preserving the temple's outer wall. Built centuries ago without the use of cement or other binding materials, this wall resembles the fortifications of royal palaces.

**Christian Churches:**

- Kunnumpuram Church

- Kurumpanadam Forane Church

- Vakathanam Valiya Palli (Great Church)

**Islamic Places of Worship:**

- Payippad Muslim Jama Masjid

- Thengana Muslim Jama Masjid

Education, Arts, and Culture

This is the birthplace of several eminent cultural movements and talented personalities.

**Prominent Personalities:** Renowned dramatist Changanassery Natarajan, musician and actor Thrikkodithanam Sachidanandan, film actor P. M. Sunny, Kalabhavan Prajod, child music prodigy Seethalakshmi, filmmaker and actor Johny Antony, Thrikkodithanam Gopinathan, and Thrikkodithanam Gopalakrishnan are among those who have excelled in their respective fields.

**Cultural Centre:** *Sargakshethra Kalapeedam* at Vazhappally has served as a major milestone in the promotion of arts in the region.

**Education:** The college at Amara, named after Poikayil Kumara Devan, is one of the important educational institutions in the area.