history
Palakkad is the land of Palmyrahs and Paddy fields. Along with Kuttanadu, Palakkad is major paddy growing area of the State. It is often called as the “gateway of Kerala”. The Sahya Ranges bordering the region and the 32 to 40 km. long gap in the mountains exert a dominant influence on the climate of the region. This gap is known as ‘Palakkad Gap’. In the past, this land was known as Palkkattussery. Etymologists trace the word Palakkad from Palanilam meaning the dry area. Palakkad has a long history dating back to the paleolithic period which was substantiated by a number of megalithic relics discovered from this region. It also housed the Capitals of two kingdoms such as Palakkad and Kollengode, which were in prominence till a century back.
The ancient history of Palakkad is shrouded. According to William Logan, the author of “Malabar Manual” the Pallava Dynasty of Kochi might have invaded Malabar in the second or third century. One of their headquarters was Palakkad, which could be the present Palakkad. For many centuries the Malabar region was ruled by Perumals. Malabar had been invaded by many of the ancient South Indian Rulers. After this the Malabar was divided among their Utayavars. The famous among them were the “Valluvakonathiri” (Ruler of Valluvanad) Kollengode Raja (Ruler of Vengunad) and Sekhari varma (Raja of Palakkad) of Palakkattussery. The Palakkad Region was came under the control of Kollengode Raja and Sekhari Varma Raja of Palakkad.
When the Kozhikode Samoothiri invaded Palakkad in 1757, the Palakkad Raja sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore. His help forced the Samoothiri for retreat. Later Hyder Ali subjugated all territories in Palakkad which were under the possession of Kozhikode Samoothiri. Thus whole dominion of Palakkad passed into the control of Mysore Sulthan Hyder Ali Khan and his son Tippu Sulthan. The war between East India Company and Tippu Sulthan ended with the treaty of 1792 and all the possession of Tippu in Malabar area ceded to the East India Company and it formed the Malabar District of the Madras Presidency.
Content Courtesy: Department of Information & Public Relation