Mankara
Grama Panchayat

Mankara is said to have been known as a “sand islet” on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, which originates from the Sahya Mountains (Western Ghats). In earlier times, the areas that now form this Panchayat were under the rule of the Valluvanad Raja. Administration was carried out by certain landlord families who acted as representatives of the king. Mankara village reflects a blend of the cultures of Palakkad and Valluvanad.

This region, once under the administration of the Valluvakonathiri rulers, later became part of the Madras State. During the period when Tipu Sultan established his dominance over Malabar, this area too came under his control. Hyder Ali constructed a fort in Mankara, similar to those built in other places. The historic monument known as “Mankara Fort” once stood where a Government High School is now located. Even today, remnants of the fort can still be seen nearby.

Rich with green agricultural landscapes, the village is blessed with clusters of palm trees, hills that form part of the Western Ghats, and the Bharathapuzha River. Until the first half of the 20th century, the nights of this village were vibrant with performances of Aryamala, Harishchandra plays, and Porattukali folk art forms.

A distinctive feature of Palakkad villages is the presence of numerous small temples dedicated to Kodungallur Bhagavathy. The tradition of performing “Kovilan Charitham,” based on the story of Kannaki and Kovilan, in the form of Bhagavathy songs during festivals, continues even today under the local folk tradition known as “Nallammappattu.” Rituals such as Kalampattu and Kalam Ezhuthu are still conducted in serpent groves (Sarpakkavu) in this region.

One of the ritual art forms practiced here is “Parayapootam,” performed during Kavu festivals. In ancient times, Kalari Panickers were responsible for teaching literacy in this area. Each locality had its own Panicker family serving as teachers and spiritual guides. Children would go to the teacher’s house carrying writing tools and palm leaves. They were taught letters by writing with their fingers on sand. After learning the alphabet, students studied Sanskrit grammar texts such as the “Amarakosham,” followed by Puranas and epics. This was the educational system of the village and neighboring regions until English education became widespread.

Mankara was also home to many renowned practitioners of traditional Ayurvedic medicine. During India’s freedom struggle, the spirit of resistance and reform also reached Mankara. In 1964, when prohibition was introduced, toddy tappers in the area lost their livelihood. Workers organized strong protests demanding the lifting of prohibition.

During both the freedom movement and the later social reform period, Mankara embraced progressive change. The village where the famous writer O. V. Vijayan, author of the celebrated literary work Khasakkinte Ithihasam (The Legends of Khasak), was born lies within Mankara Panchayat.

Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, the only Malayali to become President of the Indian National Congress, was also born here. He traveled to England to argue against General Michael Dyer and the brutal martial law imposed after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The first school in the Panchayat was established by Sir C. Sankaran Nair.

Until 1956, Mankara was an interior Palakkad village in South Malabar, which was then part of the Madras State. Today, five educational institutions function in the Panchayat in both government and private sectors. Higher secondary education up to Plus Two is available at Mankara Higher Secondary School. Government LP schools operate at Kallur and Kannampiriyaram, while a UP school functions at Mankurissi.