Institutional History
Institutional History of Vellarada Grama Panchayat (A Socio-Geographical Overview)
Ancient Inhabitants and Historical Conflicts
The original inhabitants of this region were local farmers and Kanikkar tribals. Historically, Vellarada is believed to have witnessed intermittent feuds and rivalries between local chieftains during the reign of kings like the Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras.
A significant portion of the current population are descendants of people who migrated to this region in antiquity, mainly from the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.
Social Structure and Early Settlements
Over time, a landlord-tenant (Jammikudiyan) system developed, leading to the settlement of Harijans who were brought in to work on the landlords' farmlands.
Up to three-quarters of a century ago, the farmers and agricultural labourers in Vellarada—a landscape comprising valleys, paddy fields, rubber plantations, and rock-encircled hills—lived in houses roofed with grass, reeds (eera leaves), and palm leaves. Even wealthy farmers built simple homes with very little luxury.
Transformation and the Origin of the Name
Prior to the 1950s, the majority of the Panchayat area was dense forest. Given the abundance of natural springs and streams, it is assumed that the ancestors named the area Vellarada (വെള്ളം = water; ഉറവിടം = source/place) to denote it as a "Source of Water."
Formation of the Panchayat
The first Panchayat administrative body was formed in 1953. At that time, Vellarada was a vast Panchayat that included the present-day Amboori Panchayat area. Today, 88% of the Vellarada Grama Panchayat area is categorized as rural.
Notable Feature
The famous pilgrimage center, Thekkan Kurishumala, is located within this Panchayat.