History of Cherpulassery Municipality

1. Ancient & Medieval Era

  • Part of Nedunganad: In the early period, before the reign of the Samoothiri (Zamorin) and Valluvanad rulers, Cherpulassery was one of the prominent centers of the 'Nedunganad' dynasty.
  • Valluvanad Swaroopam: Later, it came under the rule of the Valluvanad kings (Valluvakonathiri), evolving into a major commercial and cultural hub in Malabar.

2. British Rule & Malabar District

  • British Malabar: Following the military campaigns of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, Malabar came under British rule in 1792. During the colonial era, Cherpulassery was part of the erstwhile Valluvanad Taluk and served as an early taluk headquarters until the 1860s before administration shifted to Ottapalam.
  • Freedom Struggle History: The region played a key role in the Indian independence movement and the 1921 Malabar Rebellion, influenced by prominent leaders like K. Madhavan Nair and C.P. Subhadra Amma.

3. Cultural & Heritage Legacy

  • Temple Culture: The Cherpulassery Ayyappan Kavu (often referred to as the 'Sabarimala of Malabar') and the Puthanalkal Bhagavathy Temple are the primary spiritual and cultural centers of the region.
  • Arts & Traditions: Festivals like the Kadalimangalam Vela, traditional Chenda Melam, and proximity to the Vellinezhi Kalagramam tie Cherpulassery deeply to Kathakali, Tholpavakoothu, and Parayan Thullal art forms.

4. Transition from Grama Panchayat to Municipality

  • Panchayat Era: Following the formation of Kerala, Cherpulassery functioned as a major Grama Panchayat under the Ottapalam Taluk for several decades.
  • Municipal Status: As per a government order issued on January 14, 2015, the Cherpulassery Grama Panchayat was upgraded to a Grade-II Municipality. The first municipal council assumed office in November 2015.

5. Modern Cherpulassery

  • Commercial Hub: Cherpulassery has developed into a strategic transit and trade hub in Palakkad district, seamlessly connecting major towns like Ottapalam, Pattambi, and Mannarkkad.
  • Education & Healthcare: With numerous educational institutions and healthcare facilities, including medical colleges, it continues to grow as a key urban center in Malabar.