Institutional history
Land ownership belonged to the Kovilakams (Palaces of royal families) or the Naduvazhi Tharavadus (feudal chieftain families). Ayanchery was under the control of Naduvazhis like Purameri Kovilakam, Kuthippuram Kovilakam, Kurukkaatt, Moorchilott, and Komath.
The land was leased out by the Naduvazhis for huge rent (Paattam). Those who held this land were called Kudiyanmaar (tenants), and those who worked on the land were called Adiyaanmar (serfs/bonded labourers). This system remained in effect until the implementation of the Land Reforms Act.
The labourers, referred to as Adiyaanmar, were housed in temporary huts (Kudil) built on the landowners' property.
The landlords (Janmis) had the right to evict them at any time.
🇮🇳 National Movement and Social Change
As the National Movement gained strength, its repercussions were also visible in Ayanchery. Leaders like Vishnubharatheeyan, K. Kelappan, and V.P. Kunhiramakurup maintained connections with this area through Congress activities.
The caste system was strongly prevalent in the region.
There was rigid untouchability (Ayitham) between the sub-castes of Hindus, though Muslim believers were generally beyond it.
Feudal Lords and Community Service
Although the Naduvazhis were strong feudalists, they did pay attention to the well-being of the region and its people. Examples of this include:
Establishing Thanneer Panthals (refreshment sheds offering water) for travelers.
Constructing Chumaduthaangis (stone supports) for those carrying heavy loads.
Setting up water troughs made of granite for animals.
Educational Development
The first school in the Panchayat was the Ayanchery L.P. School, established in 1892 through the initiative of Kiliyamal Shankaran Gurukkal.
The world-famous V.K. Krishna Menon studied at this school.
Those who took the initiative to spread education among the Muslim community were Tharakkandiyil Abdurahiman Musliyar (known as Tharakkandiyil Or), Ayanchery K.K.M. Jamaluddin Moulavi, and Chirakkal Abdurahiman Musliyar (known as Kadameri Chirakkal Or).
During that time, there were Othupallis (traditional schools) that provided religious education alongside secular subjects for Muslim students. The fact that students of all religions studied in such schools demonstrates the religious harmony that existed then.
The only school that provided facilities for Higher Elementary Education was the present-day Kadameri U.P. School.
The Ayanchery Rahmaniya High School provided facilities for High School education.
Traditional Industries and Informal Education
In the olden days, there were some cottage industry enterprises. Notable among them was the handloom industry centered around Ayanchery-Kadameri Theru.
Pottery (Clay-pot making) was also present in some parts of the Panchayat.
Informal education, in the form of providing basic literacy (Aksharabhyaasam), was available in the Kovilakams and the manor houses of the landlords as early as the first half of the 19th century.
The Ezhuthupalli (traditional school) where students of various castes and religions studied was established by Kiliyamal Shankaran Gurukkal.
The method of teaching then was Nilathezhuthu (writing on the floor). This involved spreading sand on the floor and writing on it with a finger. Since paper was not widely used, they used a Ezhuthola (palm leaf manuscript) and Ezhuthaani (stylus).