History

The area known today as Koothali Panchayat was historically part of the ancestral property under the Koothali Moopil Nair, who held the title Vallabhan Chathan, and the Avinjattu Naduvaazhi (chieftain), who held the title Godaraman. This region was included in the former Kurumbranad Taluk.This region, which extended up to Wayanad, is known in the pages of history as the Koothali Estate. Approximately 40 percent of the area's vast expanse consisted of paddy fields, where paddy cultivation (rice) was carried out during the Malayalam months of Kanni (mid-September to mid-October) and Makaram (mid-January to mid-February).Paddy cultivation (known as Modan) was also carried out on the dry lands/hillsides (Parambukal).

They cultivated coconut (Thengu), arecanut (Kavungu), pepper (Kurumulakum), tapioca (Kappa), banana (Vazha), and other intercrops (Idavila Krishikal).

Based on the crops grown, the land was classified into the following categories:

  • Nanja (Wetland/Paddy field for main season crops)
  • Punja (Dryland/Paddy field for off-season or specific dry crops)
  • Thottam (Plantation/Garden land for tree crops like coconut, arecanut, and pepper)

The taxation was determined based on the type of crop grown.

he Koothali Moopil Nair, named Vallabhan Chathan, who was the last chieftain of the chieftain family that followed the Marumakkathayam system (matrilineal inheritance), passed away.

As a result, the properties were left without legal heirs. According to the law known as Attaladakkam (escheat, or confiscation of property without a claimant/heir), the properties were vested in the British Government in 1932.The roots of the Naduvalis' (local rulers) family tree trace back to the Tamil Brahmin community.While the seats of the Naduvalis are referred to as Kovilakam or Kottaram (palace), the seat of the Kuthali Naduvali is known as "Madam" (monastery/hermitage), and this may be the reason for that. British laws that denied people's rights led to widespread protests. When the common people's right to enter the forest, identify land for punam cultivation (shifting cultivation), and farm after the Naduvali's hunting festival was denied, it took the form of an open struggle. The Renaissance activities held here as part of the Abolition of Untouchability movement awakened the self-awareness and organizational strength of the lower castes. Modern education helped initiate interactions based on self-respect and humanity, instead of the privileges bestowed by the customary courtesies of power. Thus, society began to find new pathways. The era of the Naduvalis was a period when ancient art forms received commendable encouragement. Although there are different interpretations regarding the place name "Kuthali" (that it was derived from the contraction of "Kuthattupalli", or that it originated from the words "Koothu" and "Aali"), the fact that the connection with the art form "Koothu" is inherent in "Kuthali" indicates the deep relationship this region has had with art since ancient times. People belonging to all categories of handicrafts/manual labor resided in the villages 

People belonging to all categories of manual labor/handicrafts also resided (in the villages). The division of labor that existed at the time was based on caste. All the corrupted practices naturally arising under the feudal system (Naduvalitham) were prevalent here. Untouchability (Ayitham) was very strong.Despite the severe restrictions imposed by the feudal rulers, the movements of the National Movement (Congress) also rose up here. The late Arakandi Narayanan Nair, T.V. Unnikuttan Nair, and K. Krishnan Nair (who was the Headmaster of the Kuthali School) were the early Congress workers. Narayanan Nair took the initiative to establish the first public library and reading room in Kuthali. Krishnan Nair lost his job at Kuthali School for his efforts, as part of Congress activities, to send Harijan students to school and similar endeavors.The protest that arose against the government's legal prohibition of punam cultivation (shifting cultivation), which farmers had carried out traditionally on the fertile land of the Kuthali Estate, developed into the historically famous Kuthali Struggle.

Educational and Cultural History

Years ago, there were already Kudipallikoodams (traditional village schools) run by Nattashans (local teachers), along with single-teacher schools and Elementary Schools. Kallod G.L.P. School, one of the oldest schools in this Panchayat, is still functioning today. Kuthali High School, the only high school in the Panchayat, was established in 1983. In addition to formal educational institutions, tutorial colleges also operate in the Panchayat as non-formal educational centers. Children depend on nearby towns like Perambra, Koyilandy, Vatakara, and Kozhikode for technical education and higher studies.

Kuthali is a region that can claim the legacy of a very ancient culture. The Kudakkallu (umbrella stones), which still stand as monuments of the Megalithic Age, clearly attest to this. Ancient remains discovered here hint at the life and social customs of the people of that time. Through numerous transformations over time, the primitive culture gradually evolved into feudalism (Naduvalitham) and subsequently into urbanization.

The roots of the Naduvalis' family tree trace back to the Tamil Brahmin community. While the seats of the Naduvalis are referred to as Kovilakam or Kottaram (palace), the seat of the Kuthali Naduvali is known as "Madam" (monastery/hermitage), and this may be the reason for that. The era of the Naduvalis was a period when ancient art forms received commendable encouragement.

Although there are different interpretations regarding the place name "Kuthali" (that it was derived from the contraction of "Kuthattupalli", or that it originated from the words "Koothu" and "Aali"), the fact that the connection with the art form "Koothu" is inherent in "Kuthali" indicates the deep relationship this region has had with art since ancient times.

Several eminent Kathakali artists have taught and studied here. Guru Kunjukurup and Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair deserve special mention.

Parallel to the classical arts nurtured by the Naduvalis, the folk art forms of the lower castes were also rich in Kuthali. Like any other feudal rule in Kerala, autocracy, the luxurious lifestyle of the authorities, and their social repercussions existed similarly in Kuthali. On one side, there was a chain of exploitation and oppression based on a social structure rooted in the caste system, social relations based on evil practices like untouchability, and an economy of power determined by land ownership; on the other side, the nurturing of scientific temple arts flourished.

It was customary for temple arts like Koothu, Kathakali, and Dance to be taught and performed in the Theatre Hall associated with the Kuthali Madam. A distinctive feature of the Madam is the concept of the Shadow Deity (Chhayabhagavathi) enshrined there, which is completely different from other deity concepts. The Kuthali Theatre Hall having pillars where the shadow of the Kalivilakku (traditional lamp) does not fall can also be linked to this.

The origin of the place name Kuthali may be due to the contraction of Kuthattupalli (where 'Palli' denotes royalty), or it may mean "the area where Koothu reigns" (Koothu Aalunna Pradesh), or "the handmaiden of Koothu" (Koothinte Aali, where Aali=female companion). In any case, all these conclusions point to a rich culture based on Kuthali's artistic tradition.

Parallel to this, the folk arts of the common people also flourished. Subaltern ritual arts like Theyyam, Thira, Thottam, Njattupattu, and Kolkkalippattu, as well as martial arts like archery (ambeyth) and sword fighting (vaalpayatt), were active here. The Njattupattukal (paddy-planting songs) and Parayathudi Melams (Parayan community drums) that kept Kuthali's days and nights rhythmic until the last decades of the twentieth century are the continuing links of this tradition.

Festivals are not just for believers but are annual platforms for the collective gathering of society. Festivals play a major role in bringing people together for commercial purposes, irrespective of gender, strengthening coexistence and cooperation, and establishing connections with neighboring areas. The venue of the Panaakkad Sree Payyoormala Bhagavathi Temple Pattootsavam (Festival) was a famous center for gem trade even in distant lands.The other main temples in the Panchayat are the Kuthali Kammoth Vishnu Temple, Palayattu Sree Krishna Temple, Purayankode Siva Temple, and Kuthali Theru Ganapathi Temple. Most of these are centuries old.

The main sacred groves (Kavukal) are located in Koolikkavu, Paithothkavu, Kudakuruthy, Thidangazhikkal, and Purayankottummal.

The changes that occurred across various levels—including the end of the Naduvali rule, the influence of British rule, and the awakening created by the national renaissance and modern education—transformed the cultural stream of Kuthali. Changes began to be seen in all sectors of society. Many old beliefs were rejected. The importance of festival celebrations decreased, and commercial needs could be met at any time. Changes were observed even in dress, housing construction, and food habits.

Along with this, associations and organizations were formed to lead cultural activities. In the seventies, an institution called 'Friends Arts Theatres' became active in the arts scene and provided a platform for many artists to grow. This helped Kuthali achieve many feats in amateur drama.

However, it is Kuthali's achievements in the sports sector that have truly embodied its cultural heritage. The annual Rural Sports Meets conducted in Kuthali, which even astonished the Kozhikode District Amateur Athletic Association, serve as examples. The services of P.V.K. Nambiar, K.O. Balakrishnan, V.V. Appa Nair, Damu Kuthali, and Kallattu Narayanan deserve special mention here.

During the same period, 'Intelligentsia', formed under the leadership of P. Balachandran Master, brought about insightful transformations in the cultural field. The 'Khorana Quiz Club,' formed by including school students, was the first of its kind. 'Intelligentsia,' which conducted both Kathakali and poetry gatherings simultaneously, made significant contributions in organizing youth, directing them toward constructive paths, and promoting reading.

Kuthali has managed to contribute excellent players to volleyball in the district. The people of Kuthali embraced Volleyball like an intoxication.