History of Grama Panchayat

Kadaplamattom was once a prominent hub for powerful local kings and minor chieftains (Idaprabhukkanmar). This region witnessed numerous battles fought between these rulers. Because it served as both a battlefield (Padanialam) and a military camp (Palayam), the area came to be known as ‘Padathalamattam’. The name Kadaplamattom is a derivative (Thadbhavam) of Padathalamattam.

Several local place names strongly support this historical theory. Examples include:

  • Bhagavathikunnu

  • Kathanarukadavu

  • Ezhuthupuzha

  • Vedikunnu

  • Vettiyakkakuzhi

  • Palamthattu

  • Anakkuzhichittamattam

  • Murathattelukavu Mangal

Destruction and Rebuilding of the Church

Around 1000 AD, a Christian church established in Kadaplamattom was destroyed due to conflicts between rival kings. When the Christian community wished to rebuild their church, Pothiyittel Thomman Tharyathu Kathanar—a priest hailing from Kalikavu (believed to be part of modern-day Maariyidam)—took the initiative. He approached Thumbayil Kaimal, the local chieftain and ruler of the region at the time. Church history records that the chieftain granted him a Theetturam (official royal decree/permission) to reconstruct the church.

Communal Harmony and Modern Growth

Hindus and Christians lived here in perfect harmony and mutual respect. The ruins of the Illam (ancestral home) of Thumbayil Kaimal, who permitted the church construction, along with their family deity shrine Murathattelu Kavu, still exist today in Pariyara Mangalam.

Prior to 1930, the Kadaplamattom area was very modest, featuring just two or three small churches, the St. Joseph L.P. School (managed by the church in its courtyard), a few small tea shops, and a single textile shop. However, the development and progress the region witnessed after 1930 was highly enviable.

The Historical Legacy of Vayala

The house names in the Vayala region prove that an enlightened society thrived here as early as 1,200 years ago.

Jain and Buddhist Influences

Centuries ago, Vayala was a major stronghold for Jainism and Buddhism.

  • Jain Evidence: The plot name ‘Kottayil’ means a Jain temple. Other land names like Kaniyadi (where the Kaniadikal, or fortune-tellers of the Jain temple, resided), Koothanadi, and Thannadi further validate this history.

  • Buddhist Evidence: In ancient times, the word ‘Pally’ signified a settlement of Buddhist followers. Vayala contains about fifteen land plots with names incorporating this term. Names like Othappally (Otholil), Muttappally, Koshappally, Puthuppally, and Kattampally stand as living testimonies to the profound influence Jainism and Buddhism once held here.

Ancient Temples and Notable Personalities

Several temples in the region boast a history stretching back over a thousand years:

  • Njaralappuzha Ayyappa Temple (on the eastern border of Vayala)

  • Mundukayyan Ayyappa Temple (formerly on the western border)

  • Vayala Paranthuruthukavu

  • Thrikkel Ambalam

It is also worth noting that Neelakantan Namboothiri of the Keezhedathu Thotti Illam, who served as the Chief Priest (Melshanthi) of the famous Sabarimala Temple in 1967-68, was a native of the Kadaplamattom Panchayat.

Historical Transit and Cultural Icons

Vayala was a key route for the historic ‘Anchalottam’ (the ancient postal runner system) that connected Pattithanam, Vembally, Vayala, Ilakkadu, Pavakkal, Uzhavoor, Veliyannoor, Poovakkulam, and Muvattupuzha. This route was also regularly used for bullock cart transit. As a symbol of this bygone era, a Chumaduthangi (a traditional stone porter-rest) still stands on the Kadaplamattom–Marangattupilly Road.

Today, several structures continue to stand as proud cultural symbols of the Panchayat's heritage:

  • The Harijan L.P. School, established under the management of Dr. S. N. Theertha on the banks of Vayala.

  • The Mampally Palace, which carries a 300-year-old history.

  • A local church that is over 75 years old.