Institutional History
Malappattam is a small Grama Panchayat situated in the heart of Kannur district, adjoining the highland region and forming part of the midland zone. The region is characterised by hills, valleys, plains and paddy fields, which add to its scenic beauty. The area is surrounded by rivers on three sides.
The region is situated between 10°41′ and 11°10′ North latitude and around 70°11′ East longitude. The exact origin of the name Malappattam is not mentioned in any known historical records. One popular belief is that the town was built by Mahishasura, a character from the Mahabharata, and that the name Mahisha Pattana gradually evolved into Malappattam. Another interpretation is that the settlement at the foothills was known as Malappattanam, which gradually evolved into Malappattam over time.
At present, Malappattam Grama Panchayat falls under Taliparamba Taluk and Irikkur Block in Kannur district. The Sreekandapuram River forms the northern boundary, the Valapattanam River forms the southern boundary, and the Chengalayi River flows along the western boundary. The eastern boundary is shared with Irikkur Grama Panchayat.
The Panchayat covers an area of 19.34 square kilometres and is currently divided into 13 wards for administrative convenience.
Places of Worship and Cultural Heritage
The major places of worship in the region include Sree Durgabhagavathi Temple, Kodakkatteri Mahavishnu Temple, Adichery Kalloth Shiva Temple, Adoor Mahashiva Temple, Malappattam Juma Masjid, Adichery Juma Masjid, and Chooliyad Juma Masjid.
Malappattam historically maintained strong social and cultural associations centred around the Malappattam Durgabhagavathi Temple. Eighteen temples were established in Malappattam under or in association with this temple.
Several local place names are traditionally associated with lands earmarked for meeting the expenses of temple administration and various temple-related requirements. These include Puthusserippattam for general temple expenses, Poovin Pookkandam for flowers, Chandanakkandam for sandalwood, Kotturuthi for musical instruments, Kundyal for tax-related purposes, Paalkkandam for milk, Neyppattam for lamp oil, and Thacharkkandam for the carpenter, among others.
Formation of Malappattam Panchayat
Malappattam Panchayat was established in 1954. Prior to its formation, the area was part of the erstwhile Irikkur Panchayat. At that time, the voting system was based on raising hands.
The first governing committee was headed by Sri. Alavoor Krishnan Nambiar as President and Aikoth Abdu as Vice-President. The members of the committee included P. P. Kunjiraman, K. K. Govindan, K. R. Narayanan Nambiar, Adichath Koran, and V. V. Kunjiraman.
