History of Grama Panchayat
Socio-Cultural History
This land, along with its history, culture, and production systems, was built entirely by human labor and physical strength. This village was once a prominent stronghold of the Nair community. Among them, the most notable were likely the Velloor Kurups, who served as the deputy army commanders and physicians to the Chempakassery King. There was even a popular local saying: "Vettum kuthum Mathurkk; odivum chathavum Velloork" (meaning: Mathoor for combat and attacks; Velloor for healing fractures and contusions). Weapon training was also conducted here by setting up a Kalari (traditional martial arts school) near the Padippurackal temple. Warriors (Nayanars) from Kadathanad used to come to these Kalaris to teach martial arts. In the paddy field now known as 'Padachal', the underprivileged communities used to split into two factions every year on the Ayilyam-Makam days to engage in a mock battle using stones and slings (Kavani).
The Chambakulam Moolam Boat Race stands as the strongest evidence that this land possesses a rich heritage of collective unity and cooperative effort. The Moolam Boat Race commenced in the Kollam Era (ME) 990. The indigenous technology of boat building here garnered special attention. The craftsmanship developed rapidly, evolving from making simple log floats to magnificent Chundan Vallams (snake boats). The system was designed with Chundan Vallams for the warriors, Vaipu Vallams for escorts, and Iruttukuthi boats for lightning guerrilla attacks. Chambakulam was a land that provided powerful support, both directly and indirectly, in military and warfare matters. Later, the historical events of the region—including the conquest of Chempakassery by Marthanda Varma, followed by the British rule after Marthanda Varma's reign—applied to this village as well.
During the period of the First World War, the mechanization efforts introduced by Mr. Brandon brought widespread transformations to the agricultural sector of Kuttanad. Modern education also began to spread among the common people. The very first school in the panchayat was established in the year 1884 at Punnakkunnathusseril.