Ranni
Perunadu Grama Panchayat

Historical Background of Perunad Perunad is a land that has long been renowned for its ancient glory and historical significance. According to legends associated with the Ramayana, Lord Rama and Lakshmana arrived at the hermitage of Shabari while searching for Sita. After receiving the hospitality of the devoted ascetic Shabari and granting her salvation, they are said to have traveled westward along the banks of the Pampa River and reached Kishkindha, where they met Sugriva. The beautiful, spring-blossomed banks of the Pampa filled Rama with sorrow and longing for Sita. Mythological traditions further state that Sita herself had once visited this region. Upon seeing the vast expanse of land, she is believed to have exclaimed, “Perutha Nadu” (meaning “the great land” or “the vast land”), from which the name Perunad is said to have originated. It is also believed that “Kisumam,” located in the eighth ward of the Panchayat, is the Kishkindha mentioned in the Ramayana. During the Sangam Age, the eastern highlands of Kerala were generally inhabited regions known as “Palai lands.” Evidence of settlements from the Neolithic and Iron Age periods has been discovered in eastern forest areas, including Anchal, indicating ancient human habitation. Historians have also suggested that several Sastha temples, including Sabarimala, were originally Buddhist monasteries and that the idols worshipped there may once have been Buddhist images. Place names containing the suffix “Pally” are often cited as evidence supporting this view. The world-famous pilgrimage centre of Sabarimala, which adorns Ranni–Perunad Panchayat like a crown jewel, is today one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world. Historical accounts suggest that centuries ago, the King of Pandalam stayed in Perunad while overseeing the construction of the Sabarimala Temple. At that time, he resided in the dense forest region of Kakkad. The Kakkattu Koyikkal Temple, built for worship during that period, remains a notable shrine. During the return journey from Sabarimala, the sacred Thiruvabharanam (holy ornaments) are ceremonially adorned on the deity at this temple. The royal scribes (Rayasam Pillais) who accompanied the king settled in Koyikkamannil, while those who came as guards settled in the area now known as Koodakkavil. These groups became some of the early settlers of the region. Although indigenous tribal communities and nomadic groups had inhabited the forest regions from ancient times, they remain a minority population even today. In the early decades of the twentieth century, British plantation owners expanded into the region. Areas such as Laha, Kurungal, Kavanal, and Kandan Kulam came under their control. Local residents were intimidated and displaced to make way for rubber and tea plantations. These harsh actions led to strong resistance from the local population. The conflict escalated to the point where a powerful British planter, Brandon Sahib, was shot and killed. One of the most notable incidents involved Veluthalikudi Sankaran, a tenant farmer living near the boundary of the Kandan Kulam estate. In an attempt to frighten the British planter, Sankaran injured his own relatives with a knife, expecting the sight to force a retreat. When this failed, he entered his house and fired a gun through an opening in the wall. This event is remembered as the beginning of the local resistance movement against British oppression and forced displacement. The first educational institution in the village was a Government Primary School established in 1083 M.E. (Malayalam Era). Unlike many other parts of Kerala, the feudal landlord system was not prominent here. However, workers on tea and rubber plantations were often subjected to exploitative and oppressive labour conditions. During a period when transportation facilities were limited, people carried their products to markets by travelling on foot or by boat. Travel became much easier after the construction of a bridge across the Kakkattu River, which had previously divided Perunad into two parts. The Kakkattu Koyikkal Temple, built by the King of Pandalam for the worship of the Divine Mother, continues to hold great importance. On the 8th day of the Malayalam month of Makaram, during the return procession from Sabarimala, the sacred Thiruvabharanam is ceremonially adorned on the Sastha idol at the temple. For the countless women who were historically denied the opportunity to visit and worship at Sabarimala, this ceremony has long been regarded as a cherished blessing and a meaningful spiritual experience.