Vettom
Grama Panchayat

History

Social History

Although there is a view that this princely state came to be known as "Vettom"—meaning "light of the land"—because it was the region where the Malayalam script, art, and culture originated, it remains unclear whether this is the actual historical basis for the name or merely a figurative expression. The historically significant Kingdom of Vettom was ruled by the Vettath dynasty under the suzerainty of the Zamorin. The Vettath Royal Dynasty became extinct upon the death of its last heir on May 24, 1973. The royal palace was situated near the present-day Vettathukavu Devi Temple; the temple is said to have been the King's family shrine. It was the King of Vettath who introduced new reforms to the art form of Kathakali. This region also bore witness to the military campaigns of Tipu Sultan. This region also bore witness to Tipu's military campaigns. Consequently, the roads constructed by Tipu to facilitate the movement of his artillery are still known today as 'Tipu Sultan Roads'. Furthermore, it is said that the narrow, winding paths of Vettathunad helped thwart invasions from neighboring princely states. The family roots of Mohammed Abdurahiman Sahib—a figure who struck fear into the British army—lie in the Koottayi area. The people of Vettam also stood steadfast in the struggles against British rule. The reverberations of the 1921 Malabar Rebellion and the Khilafat Movement—integral parts of the Indian freedom struggle—were felt in this region as well. It is said that British troops and auxiliary forces frequently moved towards Ponnani via the Tirur-Ponnani River and towards Tanur via the Conolly Canal.

History of Education

The foundation for education was laid here during the British colonial era. A school was established in Koottayi at that time, but the local people boycotted it due to their strong opposition to the British. Consequently, the school was lost to the area and subsequently relocated to Mangalam. It was in 1960 that a high school was first established at Koottayi in this panchayat. Later, a high school was also established at Paravanna. Thunchan Memorial Government College, established in Paravanna in 1980, and the Food Craft Institute—a vocational training institution—highlight the educational standards of this panchayat. Cultural History

Vettom is a land with a rich artistic heritage. It was the Raja of Vettom who introduced new innovations to Kathakali. The renowned Kathakali artist Vettathu Sankaran was also born and raised here. Padmapada, the foremost disciple of Adi Shankara, was born and grew up at the Vettom Mullappally Illam. The great poet Vallathol received his early education at the Mangalam Thekkumpad Mana. Chokkakka, the trusted bodyguard of the Vettathu Raja, was also born in Kootayi, within this princely state. Even today, amidst the relentless flow of time, one can still see the palaces of the Vettathunad Raja and the secluded, winding paths once used by his military commanders to move about covertly. 

Through the Panchayat 

Vettom - 2010 Vettom Grama Panchayat is situated within the limits of the Tirur Block in the Tirur Taluk of Malappuram district. The panchayat was officially formed in 1962. Spanning an area of ​​15.43 square kilometers, it is bounded by Thanaloor Panchayat and Tirur Municipality to the north; Tirur Municipality and Thalakkad Panchayat to the east; Mangalam Panchayat to the south; and the Arabian Sea to the west. The total population of 33,430 comprises 15,661 men and 17,769 women. The overall literacy rate stands at 90 percent. CV Land is a theme park that attracts tourists. Boating facilities along an artificial waterway are available at Noorlake in Pachattiri. Residents of the panchayat rely on 48 public wells and over 1,500 pipe connections for their drinking water needs. Nine ration shops and one Maveli Store operate within the panchayat's public distribution sector. The 234 streetlights that have been installed illuminate the panchayat's roads at night.