Panchayat History
SREEMOOLANAGARAM GRAMA PANCHAYAT
History • Heritage • Culture • Development
Ernakulam District | Aluva Taluk | Kerala
Welcome to Sreemoolanagaram
Sreemoolanagaram Grama Panchayat is a region where Kerala's history, legends, cultural heritage and agricultural richness come together. Located in Aluva Taluk of Ernakulam District, this region is known for its historically significant monuments, social movements and educational progress.
1990
Year of Complete Literacy
25,731
Population – 2011 Census
Ernakulam
District
1. History and Origin of the Name
Sreemoolanagaram is rich in legends and historical memories. Akavoor Mana, traditionally associated with Chathan of the legendary Parayi Petta Panthirukulam, and Thiruvairanikkulam Temple, mentioned in Kottarathil Sankunni's Aithihyamala, enhance the historical significance of this region.
Historical accounts mention that Sakthan Thampuran, a prominent ruler of the Cochin Royal Family, was born at Puthiyedam Palace in the old Vellarappilly village. The Chowara region was also known as a summer residence of the Cochin kings.
The region was formerly known as Kaiprakunnu. According to local historical accounts, it came to be known as Sreemoolanagaram in memory of Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma Maharaja, who passed away at Chowara.
3. Agriculture and Traditional Occupations
Agriculture has traditionally played an important role in the economy of Sreemoolanagaram. Mango, jackfruit, coconut, rubber, arecanut, pepper, nutmeg and clove are among the crops cultivated in the region.
Chandrakaran – Traditional Mango Variety
Chandrakaran, a traditional local variety of mango, is part of the agricultural heritage of the area.
Traditional occupations such as coir weaving, palm-leaf weaving and clay pottery making were also practised here.
A spinning and weaving unit under the Khadi Board also functioned in the region, providing women with vocational training and livelihood opportunities.
4. Education and Cultural Progress
Educational institutions and libraries have played an important role in the social progress of Sreemoolanagaram. According to the Panchayat's historical account, Chowara Government L.P. School was upgraded to a high school in 1993, during its centenary year.
Institutions such as Chowara Janaranjini Library, Thekkumbhagam Yuvajana Samajam and Edanad Jawaharlal Nehru Library contributed to the growth of literature, arts, cultural activities and non-formal education.
1990 – Complete Literacy Achievement
In 1990, Sreemoolanagaram Grama Panchayat achieved complete literacy. This was one of the major milestones in the Panchayat's educational progress.
5. Transportation and Trade
The Public Works Department roads connecting the region to Malayattoor and Sreemoolanagaram to Vallam played an important role in the development of transportation facilities. Ilayaraja Palace Road is also important for local connectivity.
In earlier times, Kaipra Market in Sreemoolanagaram was a well-known public marketplace. Cattle, agricultural products, grass and other goods were traded there.
Operating once a week, the market served as an important centre for rural trade and the agricultural economy.
6. Sreemoolanagaram Grama Panchayat Today
Today, Sreemoolanagaram Grama Panchayat implements various development activities through the local self-government system. Education, healthcare, sanitation, waste management, social welfare and infrastructure development are among its major areas of activity.
Improving the quality of life through public participation, environmental protection, sanitation and the improvement of public amenities remains an important objective of the local administration.
2. Social and Political History
Sreemoolanagaram played a notable role during the Indian national movement and in struggles against the landlord system. Chowara Parameswaran and K.C.M. Methar were among the prominent freedom movement activists associated with this region.
Historical accounts also mention that political leaders, including E.M.S. Namboodiripad, stayed underground in various parts of this region as part of the struggles against the landlord system.
During a period when a significant portion of the land was owned by traditional families such as Akavoor Mana, Paleli Mana, Vediyoor Mana and Venmani Mana, as well as various Devaswoms, the implementation of land reform laws brought changes to land ownership.
These changes helped strengthen the land rights of farmers.