Kasaragod district
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For the town with the same name, see Kasaragod.
| Kasaragod | |
  Kasaragod
|
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| State | Kerala |
| Headquarters | Kasaragod |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Population - Density |
1,204,078 - 604/km² |
| Abbreviation (ISO) | IN-KL- |
Kasaragod (also spelled Kasargode or Kasarkode) is the northern-most district in the state of Kerala, south India. It is one among the 14 districts in the state name of Kerala and was formed on 24 May 1984. It is 19.41% urbanised. [1]
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[edit] History
The place was famous in ancient times as Harkwillia, a port city in the west coast of India. Many Arab travellers, who came to Kerala between ninth and 14th centuries, visited Kasaragod as it was then an important trade centre. They called this area Harkwillia. Duarte Barbosa, a Portuguese traveller who visited Kumbla near Kasaragod in 1514, had recorded that rice was exported to Mali Island whence coir was imported. Dr. Francis Buccanan, who was the family doctor of Lord Wellesley, visited Kasaragod in 1800. In his travelogue, he has included information on the political and communal set-up in places like Athipramba, Kavvai, Nileswaram, Bekal, Chandragiri and Manjeshwaram.
Kasaragod was part of the Kumbala Kingdom in which there were 64 Tulu and Malayalam villages. When Vijayanagar empire attacked Kasaragod, it was ruled by the Kolathiri King who had Nileshwaram as his headquarters. It is said that the characters appearing in Theyyam, the ritualistic folkdance of northern Kerala, represent those who had helped King Kolathiri in the fight against the attack of the Vijayanagar empire. During the decline of that empire in the 14th century, the administration of this area was vested with the Ikkery Naikans. They continued to be the rulers till the fall of the Vijayanagar empire in 16th century. Then Vengappa Naik declared independence to Ikkery. In 1645 Sivappa Naik took the reigns and transferred the capital to Bednoor. Thus they came to be known as Bednoor Naik. Chandragiri and Bekal forts are considered to be parts of a chain of forts constructed by Sivappa Naik
In 1763 Hyder Ali of Mysore conquered Bednoor. His intention was to capture all of Kerala, but when his attempt to conquer Thalassery Fort was foiled, Hyder Ali returned to Mysore and died there in 1782. His son Tipu Sultan resumed the campaign and conquered Malabar. At the conclusion of the Third Anglo-Mysore War in 1792, Tipu surrendered Malabar except for Tulu Nadu (Kanara) to the British. The British acquired Kanara in 1799 after the death of Tipu Sultan in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.
Under British administration, Kasaragod was part of Bekal taluk in the Kanara District of Madras Presidency. Kanara District was split into North Kanara and South Kanara in 1862. Kasaragod taluk came into being on April 16 1882. Though Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar moved a resolution in 1913 on the floor of Madras Governor's Council demanding the merger of Kasaragod taluk with Malabar District, it had to be withdrawn because of the stiff opposition of the members from Karnataka. In 1927, a political convention held at Kozhikode, passed a resolution stressing the above demand. In the same year, an organisation titled Malayalee Seva Sanghom was constituted. Thanks to the efforts made by many eminent persons like K.P.Kesava Menon, Kasaragod became part of Kerala following the reorganisation of state_names and formation of Kerala on the first November 1956. The Mahajan commission, in 1967 recommended the transfer of 71 villages in this district to Karnataka. This was not accepted by Kerela government. This issue is still active in the supreme court.
[edit] Kasaragod and the Indian Independence Movement
Kasaragod played a prominent role in the Indian Independence Movement, which sought to free India from British rule. Achuthan,Mohammed Sherul Sahib and Kandige Krishna Bhat were the frontline leaders of the independence movement. Umesh Rao, K.M. Krishnan Nambiar, Shreesankarji, Naranthatta Raman Nair, A.C. Kannan Nair, T.Gopalan Nair and Meloth Narayanan Nambiar were the prominent freedom fighters hailing from this district.
The agrarian struggle to end the exploitation and oppression by landlords and chieftains were part of the National Movement. The Kadakom Sathyagraha was started following the arrest of Gandhiji in 1932. The Palayi Harvest Agitation (1941), Cheemeni estate Struggle (1942), Kayyur Agrarian Riot (1944), Eleri estate Agitation (1946), Karinthalam Paddy Seizure Revolt (1948) and many other struggles waged by the peasant organisations accelerated the tempo of the freedom movement. Besides the agitation of the peasants, the various struggles unleashed for the uplift of the scheduled castes and tribes also supported and enlivened the National Movement.
[edit] Geography
Kasaragod district lies between 11° 18' and 12° 48' north latitudes and between 74° 52' and 75° 26' east longitudes. The district is marked off from the adjoining areas outside the state by the Western Ghats, which run parallel to the sea and constitute an almost continuous mountain wall on the eastern side. The Ghats dominate the topography. The coastline is fringed with low cliffs alternating with stretches of sand. A few miles to the interior, the scene changes and the sand level rises towards the barrier of the Ghats and transforms into low red laterite hills interspersed with paddy fields and coconut gardens.
The district is bounded in the east by the Western Ghats, in the west by the Arabian sea, the north by the Kannada region of Karnataka and in the south by Kannur District. Based on physical features the district falls into three natural divisions—the lowland bordering the sea, the midland consisting of the undulating country and the forest clad highland on the extreme east. The land rises from the densely populated coastal region in the west to the forest-covered Western Ghats range in the east. Twelve rivers across the district form lush green gorges in places as they cut their way through out the hills before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The longest of these is the Chandragiri River which flows into the sea just south of the district headquarters, also named Kasaragod.
The nearest airport and seaport are in Mangalore, which is 20 km from the northern border and 50 km from Kasaragod town. The chief business center is Kanhangad, 26 km from Kasaragod town.
There are a variety of languages spoken, the main being Malayalam, Kannada and Tulu. Languages like Tamil, Hindi and Konkani are also spoken by a minority of the population in the District.
[edit] Climate
The climate is warm and humid throughout the year, with an average maximum temperature of 31.2 °C (88.9 °F) and a minimum of 23.6 °C (74.5 °F). Annual rainfall is plentiful at 3581 mm (141.0 in) but is mainly concentrated in the period from May to September.
[edit] Demographic profile and customs of people
The people of this district have, as is the case in other parts of the state, a distinctiveness in personal appearance, marked by fairness of complexion, regularity of features, clean habits and a simple life.
In addition to Malayalam, many other languages are spoken in Kasaragod including Kannada, Tulu, Konkani etc. Its proximity to Mangalore, in Karnataka is one of the reasons for this.
The major religious groups are Hindus, Mappila Muslims and Christians. Brahmins, Nairs, Ambalavasis, Thiyyas, Kammalas and Chaliyans are the major divisions of the Hindu community. Thiyyas in the northern parts of the district are known as Belichappad. The sub-divisions of Nair community are Nambiar, Menon, Kurup etc. Kammalas are artisans like thattan (goldsmiths), perumkollan (blacksmiths) and asaris (carpenters). Brahmins consist of Bhat, Punichitaya, Kukkillaya, Kunikullaya, Ballullaya, Kadambulithaya, Kakunnaya etc.
Christians are settled mainly in the eastern hilly areas. They are the early settlers from the southern parts of the state_name. The first group of Christian settlers came to Rajapuram in 1943. The main Christian settlements are Thomapuram, Palavayal, Vellarikundu, Cherupuzha, Bandadka, Pulingom, Kozhichal, Karibedkom, Malom, Balal, Kanhiradkom, Kadumeni, Malakkallu, Panathady and Cheemeni. These hilly terrains have been converted to rich plantations.
The Mappila Muslims are very pious and they follow rigid religious customs. The purdha system is observed more strictly here by Muslim women than in any other parts of the state.
Cherumas, Mavilans, Parayas, etc. are the scheduled castes. They are mainly agricultural labourers. The scheduled tribes consist of Koragas of Kasaragod taluk, Marattis of Hosdurg and Kasaragod taluks and Adiyans of Eravas.
The cosmopolitan outlook and character of the people in the district are because of the contact they had with the trade missions that used to visit this place years back. The Hindus, the Muslims and the Christians are, influencing and getting influenced by the culture of the other. Communal harmony and religious tolerance are the noteworthy characteristics of the people. Though the people speak different languages, there is no barrier on the cultural unity. Mosques, Temples and Churches stand side by side as a symbol of communal harmony.
[edit] Places of interest in Kasaragod district
Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), situated 4 km north of Kasaragod town, was established by the central government to conduct research on plantation crops such as coconut, arecanut, cardamom, turmeric and cashew.
Bekal- Bekal, situated on the seashore of Pallikara village, is an important place of tourist interest in the district. It lies 12 km south of Kasaragod town. According to Bekal Rama Nayak, a local Kannada writer, the word, Bekal is derived from the word Baliakulam, meaning Big Palace. The place is said to have been the seat of a big palace in the past. The term Baliakulam got corrupted as Bekulam and later as Bekal.
Adoor- Adoor is a scenic village situated 23 miles east of Kasaragod town. River Payaswani runs middle of the village. Famous for its ancient Siva Temple belonged to have been founded by Arjuna. The place where the Kiratha Yuddham battle between Arjuna and Lord Siva took place according to legend. The adjacent forest not frequented by men is considered the abode of Lord Siva and his divine consort. The stream below the valley is nature bounty.
Anand Ashram & Nityanand Ashram These are the two notable ashrams in Kanhagad. Anandashramam, situated about five kms east of the Kanhangad Railway Station, was founded in 1939 by Swami Ramadas, a great Vaishnava saint of modern times. The main ashram and other buildings have a beautiful setting in the midst of shady mango, coconut and other groves. There is a hill to the east of the ashram, to which the devotees retire for quiet meditation and from its west, the surrounding extensive landscape can be seen in its natural grandeur. he spot at the highest point of the hill is so fascinating that the devotees, who go up the hill and sit silently, are blessed with deep peace and tranquility.
The Nityanandasramam, which is situated on the hillock about half a km. south of the Hosdurg taluk office, was founded by Swami Nityananda. The spot was at first part of a forest area. Here Swami Nityananda constructed 45 guhas (caves) in a mountain slope. There is a temple built in 1963, after the style and design of the famous Somanatha Temple in Gujarat. A full size statue of Swami Nityananda in sitting posture made of panchaloha is one of the attractions of the ashram.
Ajanoor- The famous Madiyan Kulom temple is situated in Ajanur village. It is about 5 km from Kanhangad, the headquarters of Hosdurg taluk. The main deity of the temple is Bhadrakali; but there are also other deities like Kshetrapalan, Bhagavathi and Bhairavan. A pecularity of this temple is that a Brahmin priest performs pooja only in the noon, while the morning and evening poojas are performed by a sect called Maniyanis. The festivals in the temple fall during the months of Edavam (May, June) and Dhanu (December, January) and on these days all the poojas are performed in connection with this festival.
Ananthapura Lake Temple- The only lake temple in Kerala and the Moolasthanam (original seat) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami (Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple) Thiruvananthapuram. is 5 km from Kumbla. Local belief is that Ananthapadmanabha had settled down here originally. The industrial park of KINFRA is situated here.
Bekal Fort- The largest and best preserved fort in the state. The alluring scene of the sea shore and its exhilarating natural scenery and beauty attracts the visitors. Fast emerging as an International tourist centre.
Bela Church- Our Lady of Sorrows Church - oldest in the district constructed in 1890 AD, 15 km north of Kasaragod. This Gothic style Roman Catholic Church which is under the Manglore Diocese, has celebrated its centenary recently and also renovated.
Chandragiri Fort- Chandragiri lies 3 km south of Kasaragod town. It has a large square situated high above the Chandragiri river on its southern bank. The fort it said to have been built in the 17th century by Sivappa Nayak of Bednore, who established his authority over the area and built a chain of forts. The Chandragiri river, on the bank of which it rises, marked the traditional boundary between Kerala and the Tuluva Kingdom. There is a beautiful bridge over the Chandragiri river at Thekkil, 5 miles (8 km) from Chandragiri. A mosque is situated nearby and the view of the bridge with the mosque in the background is one of the most attractive sights on a drive along the NH 17 from Kannur to Kasaragod. The longest railway tunnel in Kerala passes through Chandragiri Hills. A boat club has been recently started here.
Cheruvathur- The place of illustrious poets and scholars of Kuttamath Kunniyur family. The Veeramala hills at this place has the ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18th century, is a picnic spot.
Hosdurg Fort - The fort with its round bastion looks imposing from a distance. Somashekara Nayak of Ikkeri dynasty built the fort. The place made well known by the Nithyanandasram with 45 caves.
Kanwatheertha Beach Resort- 3 km north of Manjeshwar, has a large swimming pool lake, and a beach of 4 km length. The swimming pool is formed by sea water in the neat vast beach is one of the gifts of nature.
Kariangode River - Running through the hills and dales of Hosdurg Taluk. Immorlised as Tejaswini by great novelist Niranjana laps on its shore. The famous village of Kayyur - the cradle of agrarian revolutions where the farmers and farm workers staged a historic battle against feudalism and the British imperialism.
Kottancheri Hills - The rain forest near Konnakkad 30 km northeast of Kanhangad is a beautiful picnic centre and ideal for trekking. Thalakkaveri in the Brahmagiri mountain of Coorg is near this hills. Reflection of genetic beauty of Kodaikkanal.
Malik Dinar Mosque - Over the years, Kasaragod acquired the considerable importance as a centre of Islam on the west coast. It is the site of one of the mosques believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar. The mosque, Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the district, is located at Thalangara. It contains the grave of Malik Ibn Mohammed, one of the descendants of Malik Ibn Dinar and the place is sacred to Muslims. Another notable mosque, in Kasaragod is the Theruvath Mosque which is in the center of the town. An important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar. The Uroos attract pilgrims from all over India.
Manjeswer - Lies in the northern most extremity of Kerala and a place of historical and religious importance. For a long time it was the seat of a flourishing community Gowda Saraswatha or Konkini Brahmins. Famous for the two old Jaina Bastis at Bangra Manjeswar. Manjula Kshethra Mahathmya a legend which deals with the history of this place. The birth place of Rashtra Kavi Govinda Pai.
Posadigumpe - An ideal picnic spot and tourist resort located on a hillock 487.68 meters above sea level in Dharmathadka 30 km north-east of Kasaragod. From the hill top one can see the Arabian Sea, Manglore, Kudremukh, etc.
Povval Fort- An old fashioned fort on the Kasaragod-Mulleria route about 10 km from Kasaragod.
Ranipuram - Formerly known as Madathumala. About 48 km east of Kanhangad. Lying 780 m above sea level. In beauty and boundary of nature comparable to Ooty. An ideal place for trekking. Tourist cottages are available here.
Valiyaparamba- 5 km southwest of Cheruvathur separated from the mainland by back waters. One of the main tourist spots of the District. This is an island in the Arabian Sea. An ideal place for picnic suited for fishing activities.
Veeramala Hills- Situated at Cheruvathur. Hill top with ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18th century. A picnic spot from where the natural beauty of Kariangode river and surroundings can be enjoyed.
[edit] External links
[edit] References
[edit] Photo gallery
 Bekal Fort, the largest fort in Kerala |
 Ananthapura Lake Temple, the only lake temple in Kerala |
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State of Kerala Kerala Topics | History | Economy | Geography | Flora and Fauna | Culture | Arts | Tourism |
|---|---|
| Capital | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Districts | Alappuzha • Ernakulam • Idukki • Kannur • Kasaragod • Kollam • Kottayam • Kozhikode • Malappuram • Palakkad • Pathanamthitta • Thiruvananthapuram • Thrissur • Wayanad |
| Major cities | Kochi • Kollam • Kozhikode • Thiruvananthapuram • Thrissur |
