History of Grama Panchayat
Socio-Cultural History
Perumanna Klari Grama Panchayat is a village rich with historical memories, having witnessed both Tipu Sultan’s military campaigns and the fierce activities of the national movement. During the British era, Perumanna Klari was part of the Malabar District in the former Madras State. The people of this village endured the bitter struggles of feudal landlordism, upper-caste oppression, and British imperial rule. The village also boasts stories of resisting the dominance of local feudal lords.
Clari Puthoor Valiyamaliyakkal Sayyid Kunjikkoya Thangal presided over the very first public meeting held regarding the boycott of foreign clothes; he also participated in the Salt Satyagraha. The history of how the locals bravely fought against British rule continues to inspire the new generation today.
It was during the peak of the Khilafat Movement—which emerged as part of the Indian independence struggle—that the Malabar Special Police camp was established at Kozhichena. This functions today as the headquarters of the Rapid Action Force (RAF). The Puthoor Mosque in Perumanna Klari village and its surrounding areas cherish the memory of around forty martyrs who fought valiantly with whatever weapons they could lay their hands on against the British during the height of the Malabar Rebellion. The people of this region cooperated wholeheartedly with the freedom movement. The Malabar Special Police camp at Kozhichena was set up specifically to suppress the rebellion and to capture and torture the insurgents.
During the peak of the independence struggle, the British cavalry arrived and shot dead seven freedom fighters who were hiding south of the Perumanna Kizhakkeniyakath Mana. The spot where these patriotic fighters fell to bullets and the place where their bodies were buried are preserved as historical monuments, evoking poignant memories even today.
The Karuthal region, located within the limits of Thennala and Ponmundam Panchayats, gives the village another terrifying historical memory. Located near Karuthal is 'Ammikkodan Kundu', which was once a nightmare for the people of Ponmundam and Thennala. A local saying popular when someone committed a crime—"Even if you exile me to the Andamans, do not exile me to Ammikkodan Kundu"—is still remembered by everyone here.
Near Parammal, one can find a stone-built shelter known as 'Kudakkallu' (Mushroom Stone), an ancient historical relic. This may have been a settlement for early inhabitants who lived here in ancient times. 'Pandyala' in Vailathur was a major commercial center in the past, featuring surrounding buildings and a spacious central courtyard. It is said that British officers used to collect taxes sitting on easy chairs here.
Historical Background: Having witnessed Tipu Sultan's military campaigns and the national movement, Perumanna Klari was part of the Malabar District in the old Madras State. This village has a history of bravely resisting both the feudal system and British rule.
Participation in the Freedom Struggle: Clari Puthoor Valiyamaliyakkal Sayyid Kunjikkoya Thangal, who presided over the first public meeting boycotting foreign clothes and participated in the Salt Satyagraha, is a prominent freedom fighter from this region.
The Malabar Rebellion and MSP: The Malabar Special Police (MSP) camp set up by the British in Kozhichena to suppress the Malabar Rebellion now serves as the headquarters of the Rapid Action Force (RAF). The memories of around forty people who fought courageously against the British during the rebellion and attained martyrdom are tied to the Puthoor Mosque.
British Atrocities and Historical Monuments: Seven freedom fighters in hiding were shot dead by the British cavalry near the Kizhakkeniyakath Mana. The spot where they fell and the location where they were buried are preserved today as historical monuments.
Local Memories and Ancient Remains: 'Ammikkodan Kundu', which carries a terrifying history on the Tennala-Ponmundam border; 'Kudakkallu' (Mushroom Stone/Capstone) in Parammal, an ancient relic believed to be a settlement of early inhabitants; and 'Pandyala' in Vailathur, a major commercial center where the British used to collect taxes, are all integral parts of this village's cultural history.