Kottathara
Grama Panchayat

There are various legends regarding how the Kottathara village got its name. The name 'Kottathara' originated in connection with Kurumbalakotta. The British Company's army initiated a war with Kerala Varma Pazhassi, the King of Kottayam, to conquer Wayanad, which was under his control. To prevent Wayanad from falling into enemy hands, Pazhassi's army established hideouts in various parts of Wayanad to combat the British through guerrilla warfare. Historical records indicate that Kurumbalakkunnu was one of these centers. A fierce battle took place centered around this fort. There is evidence that a place called Padavetti, located in the valley of the fort, witnessed this clash. After Pazhassi's death, the army and their descendants living in these hideouts relocated to places like Thekkumthara, Kuppadithara, and Padinjarathara. They later established shrines and temples in these areas.

There is evidence that certain indigenous communities of Wayanad, such as the Wayanadan Pulayar, Urali Kurumar, Paniyar, and Naykkar, have been present in Kottathara since ancient times. The group known as Wayanadan Pulayar are the descendants of the Veda kings who ruled Wayanad in the ancient era. A section of those who were part of Pazhassi's army also built a hideout for him in Kurumbalakotta. The members of these families, found in all areas of Kottathara today, are the descendants of Pazhassi's army. During those times, life was exceedingly difficult; human existence was filled with hellish suffering due to extreme cold and the menace of wild animals. Many died of malaria and other epidemics. Natural disasters also caused severe destruction to agriculture and life here. Long ago, Jains from Karnataka had settled in places like Venniyode and Kareenkutty in this village. The Shanthinatha Temple belonging to this community in Venniyode is believed to be over a thousand years old.

During the period of Pazhassi's struggles, there was also a migration of Hindu and Muslim communities. Muslims and Hindus migrated here from Kuttiady, Perambra, Kadathanad, Vadakara, and Kozhikode. According to the 1921 British Settlement Register, these groups were the early landowners of the Kottathara region. Subsequently, two schools were established in this village by the Wayanad Taluk Board, which are today's Govt. U.P. School Kottathara and Govt. L.P. School Madakkimala. After the Kottathara region (Amsam) came into existence, a person named Chandukkutty Nair from Thethamangalath served as its local authority (Adhikari). It was during this time that the Kottathara Post Office was established, centered in Venniyode.

From 1940 onwards, a large number of migrants from Travancore and other regions settled in areas of this village such as Madakkunnu, Arampattakunnu, Mechana, Kurumbalakotta, Mailadi, Pallikunnu, Vandiyampetta, and Cheerata. Their arrival led to an increase in the local population. In addition to bringing changes to the agricultural sector, they cleared dense forests to create farmlands and extensively cultivated sweet oranges, tapioca, lemongrass, hill paddy, and tubers. Concurrently, issues began to surface regarding landlord-tenant (Janmi-Kudiyan) relations. Struggles for tenancy rights and permanent ownership of agricultural land broke out sporadically. The Koottakkal agitation and the Kilakkimottankunnu Paniya strike were prime examples of this. Many had to endure imprisonment for participating in such struggles, including Nedumalayil Devasya and Muzhankattil Thomas from Kurumbalakotta.

Initially, Kottathara Panchayat possessed a vast amount of livestock wealth. Until cash crops and paddy cultivation became widespread in the 1960s, it was common practice to let cattle graze freely in open areas. As barren land decreased and agricultural land was divided into smaller plots, controlled cattle rearing became the norm. There was an interesting traditional method used here to protect cattle at night, similar to how flocks of ducks are sheltered in field tents today. This method was only suitable for the highly disease-resistant native cattle breeds of that era. The locals called such enclosures 'Ptavu'. By frequently shifting the location of these enclosures, this practice helped fertilize the farmers' fields entirely with organic manure. In the field of healthcare, the locals continue to follow traditional single-herb remedies (Ottamooli) and native treatments passed down through generations.

Cultural History

Kottathara Grama Panchayat has a glorious past in the cultural sphere. The foundation of its culture was laid by tribal communities who preserve indigenous art forms and tribal traditions. The migration of Christians and Hindus from Travancore, Jains from Mysore, and Muslims from neighboring districts turned this village into a confluence of diverse cultures. Areas like Mandalam and Valal within the panchayat were once prominent gathering places for cultural activists. The older generation still fondly remembers how Mandalam frequently hosted Vellari Natakam (a traditional theatrical art form), which eventually faded away in the floodwaters of modernization. There are numerous festivals and art forms that began as part of religious beliefs and customs, later evolving into the shared heritage of the community. Shivaratri celebrations, consecration anniversaries (Prathishta Dinam), and Theyyam performances at places like Neeroor, Ayyoth Kavu, Aneri, and Kokkottukunnu continue to attract large crowds. Many traditional tribal arts are prevalent in this region. Art forms such as Kurathi Natakam, Malayan Thira, Puthari, and the Nellukuthu Pattu (paddy-pounding song) of the Kurichyas provide deep insights into their culture and way of life. The region is home to tribal communities including the Paniyar, Kurichyar, Kuravar, and Malayar.