Thrikkaruva
Grama Panchayat

Thrikkaruva Grama Panchayat possesses a rich cultural history in which legends and historical facts are closely intertwined. The region reflects a composite culture shaped by the ancient Indian civilization as well as the cultural influences of foreign traders such as the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese, who anchored their ships in Ashtamudi Lake from the 1st to the 15th centuries AD to procure spices and other hill products from Kerala. The Chinese fishing nets commonly seen along the shores of Ashtamudi Lake today stand as visible reminders of this cultural interaction.

Historical records indicate that from the 1st to the 13th centuries AD, the ancient port of Kollam included Neendakara and its surrounding regions such as Prakkulam, Ashtamudi, and Kallada. The Arab traveler Suleiman, who visited Kerala in AD 851, recorded the presence of numerous Chinese ships anchored in Ashtamudi Lake. In his work History of Kollam, historian Bhaskaran Unni mentions a cape located on the southwestern side of Thrikkaruva village known as “Chambranikodi.” It is believed that the name originated from the small Chinese trading vessels, known as “Chambrani” ships, that used to anchor there. It is also said that the Kuttiyazhikathu family, who owned the Thrikkaruva Bhadrakali Temple, were engaged in silk production and exported silk fabrics.

The cultural heritage of the panchayat is deeply rooted in antiquity. The Thrikkaruva Bhadrakali Temple and the Ashtamudi Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, both associated with legends connected to the mythological Daksha Yaga story, stand as silent witnesses to the many phases of the region’s cultural evolution. During the period when Marthanda Varma lived in hiding, the royal prince, whose boat capsized in Ashtamudi Lake, was reportedly given refuge by the Valiyamadam family of Prakkulam.

The national movement and India’s struggle for independence constitute a glorious chapter in the cultural history of Thrikkaruva. Several distinguished freedom fighters and patriotic leaders hailed from this region, including P. K. Padmanabha Pillai, Kumbalathu Shanku Pillai, Advocate Vellassery Padmanabha Pillai, A. P. Pillai, and T. Balakrishna Pillai. During the Quit India Movement of 1942, a massive public meeting was held at the Thrikkaruva temple grounds under the leadership of Advocate M. G. Koshy. The courage and discipline displayed by local residents when he was arrested by the police during his speech remain a memorable episode in the region’s history.

Many residents of the panchayat actively participated in the historic Vaikom Satyagraha of 1921. The village also played a significant role in the legendary Perinad Revolt, popularly known as the Kallumala Agitation, which fought against caste discrimination and untouchability. Notably, Prakkulam Parameswaran Pillai was one of the twelve members selected to submit a memorial to the Maharani under the leadership of Mannath Padmanabhan.

Thrikkaruva was also a pioneer in the labour movement. The first registered workers’ organization in the Perinad region, the “Perinad Labourers Association,” began its activities here and inspired coir workers and agricultural labourers. The construction of the road connecting Kanjhaveli and Prakkulam was largely attributed to the vision and leadership of Prakkulam Parameswaran Pillai of Thottuvayal.

The literary and artistic contributions of Thrikkaruva are equally noteworthy. Eminent literary figures such as Karuva Krishnan Asan, Sarasakavi Kaniyankad, and Thirunalloor Karunakaran have secured a place in Kerala’s literary history. Krishnan Asan, a renowned Sanskrit scholar, orator, and journalist, was a devoted disciple of Chattampi Swamikal and Sree Narayana Guru. The monthly magazine Vidyavilasini, published in 1898 from a printing press established at Kuppana Thekke Kizhakkathil House, served as a prominent platform for many literary figures of Kerala.

Among the notable personalities associated with Thrikkaruva are M. A. Baby and Raghunathan, both of whom have brought pride and recognition to the region through their achievements.