History of the Grama Panchayat

Social History

Mariyapuram, which was formerly a part of Kottayam District, was initially part of Udumbanchola Panchayat and subsequently became part of Kattappana Panchayat and Kamakshi Panchayat. Later, Kamakshi Panchayat was divided, and Mariyapuram Panchayat was established on 10 February 1973.

Although the Panchayat was formed in 1973, settlement in this area had already begun in 1959. There is evidence to suggest that people had inhabited these regions from ancient times, as earthen vessels believed to have been used in ancient periods, burial stones and other archaeological remains have been discovered. Neolithic remains have also been found in various parts of the Panchayat.

A major share of the settlers were people who migrated from the Central Travancore region. With the commencement of the Idukki Project, large numbers of people from various parts of Kerala, particularly from southern Kerala, came to this area in search of employment.

In the early days, people reached this region mainly on foot. The early settlers had to face several hardships, including attacks by wild animals, difficult climatic conditions, scarcity of food, shortage of tools and implements, difficulties in constructing houses, and financial hardships. The history of Mariyapuram is closely associated with the history of Idukki.

In 1922, John, the Superintendent of the Malankara Estate, and his friend Thomas, an engineer, came to the forest region of Idukki for hunting. Karuvalli Kolumban, a tribal man, assisted them and showed them the way. During the hunting expedition, Kolumban drew their attention to a very large river flowing between two mountains.

Realising the importance and potential of the area, the engineer submitted a report on the Idukki Project to the Travancore Government in 1932. However, no significant action was taken in this regard until 1962. In the early 1960s, the possibilities and potential of Idukki were highlighted through the print media, bringing the matter to the attention of the Planning Commission. In 1963, the Central Planning Commission approved the Idukki Project.

Development History

The first educational institution in this Panchayat was a small village school (Kudippallikkoodam) established in connection with the Upputhodu Church. The Government Lower Primary School established at Vazhathoppu in 1964 also played a significant role in providing primary education to the students of this Panchayat. Subsequently, village schools were established at Mariyapuram, Vimalagiri and Narakathanam.

The first post office in the Panchayat began functioning at Upputhodu. Around the same period, ration shops were opened in Upputhodu, Kuthirakkallu and Narakathanam.

In the field of healthcare, the first institution established in the area was the Mariyapuram Primary Health Centre, which commenced functioning in 1974. In 1978, a Homeopathic Hospital and a Veterinary Hospital began functioning at Narakkanam.

The Mariyapuram Cooperative Bank started functioning in 1975. The second Primary Cooperative Society in the Panchayat was also established at Karimpanam in 1975. The Narakathanam Milk Producers' Cooperative Society was the first institution in the dairy sector.

The Highrange Recreation Club, established at Upputhodu in 1970, was the first cultural organisation in the Panchayat.

People began migrating to this region in 1959, clearing the forests and settling in the area. As the years passed and the population increased, more and more people from the surrounding areas began to settle here. Consequently, settlements expanded towards the hill slopes, and cultivation was also started in those areas. These areas gradually became inhabited.

During the early days of migration, paddy and tapioca were the major crops cultivated. Gradually, pepper, coconut and arecanut replaced paddy and tapioca as the major agricultural crops. Thus, pepper, popularly known as the “Black Gold,” became the principal source of income in the region.

Cash crops such as rubber, coconut, pepper, cocoa, coffee, cardamom and tea are cultivated in the Panchayat. Intercrops such as ginger, turmeric, banana and tapioca are also grown. Paddy cultivation is still found on a very limited scale.

Mariyapuram is an agriculturally oriented Grama Panchayat with terrain highly suitable for agriculture. A large number of people depend on the animal husbandry sector for their livelihood. The majority of the livestock wealth, which forms the backbone of this sector, is owned by small and marginal farmers in the villages.

The village schools (Kudippallikkoodams) were established in association with churches as part of collective efforts to address the educational difficulties of the time. The first such village school was established at Upputhodu. Subsequently, schools were established at Narakathanam, Mariyapuram and Vimalagiri. These early village schools later developed into the recognised schools that exist today.

Under the leadership of cultural organisations and with the cooperation of people from all sections of society, a variety of programmes are organised in connection with Onam, Vishu, Easter, Christmas, Ramadan, Bakrid, Independence Day and Republic Day. These activities may be regarded as excellent examples of the rich cultural heritage of the Panchayat.

In addition, the church feasts and festivals associated with various places of worship in the Panchayat are also examples of unity and collective participation among people, irrespective of caste or religion.