Ongallur
Grama Panchayat

Socio-Cultural History of Ongallur Grama Panchayat

It is believed that more than 1,800 years ago, the regions adjoining Ongallur, particularly the areas of Koodanad, were prosperous centres of human settlement enriched with culture and civilization. In later periods, when this region came under the rule of the Nedunganad chieftains, administrative and military responsibilities were entrusted to the Perumbrayur Perumbaranayars, who served as local rulers and military commanders. Their principal centres were Ongallur and Paruthur Pallippuram.

Ongallur Thali was one among the famous “Eighteen and a Half Thalis” associated with the rule of the Zamorin. Historical accounts suggest that it was destroyed during the military campaigns of Tipu Sultan. The present-day Rawther community of Ongallur is believed to have descended from soldiers and assistants who arrived from Coimbatore, then part of Tipu Sultan’s kingdom. Even today, their language and attire remain noticeably distinct from those of the broader Malabar Muslim community.

The term “Ongal” is associated with meanings such as elevated land or hill, and the name Ongallur is thought to signify a good settlement situated across elevated and low-lying landscapes, reflecting the region’s geographical character.

Traditional Art Forms and Cultural Practices

Ongallur possesses a rich tradition of ritualistic and folk art forms that continue to thrive across different parts of the Panchayat. Ritual performance traditions include:

• Thira
• Poothan
• Ayyappan Pattu
• Pavakoothu (puppet performance)
• Vettakkorumakan ritual performances

Folk and performing arts practiced in the region include:

• Nayadi Pattu
• Aandi performance traditions
• Onappattu
• Chavittukali
• Kolkali
• Vellattu / Daffmuttu
• Khissa Pattu
• Kalakali

Traditional musical and percussion instruments still widely practiced include:

• Chenda
• Villinmel Thayambaka
• Thakil
• Nadaswaram
• Kombu
• Kuzhal

Festivals and Celebrations

Several festivals continue to reflect the vibrant cultural life of the Panchayat. Important celebrations include:

• Kadapparambathukavu Vela
• Vailerikavu Vela
• Vadanamkurussi Thaipooya Festival
• Maruthur procession associated with the Pattambi Nercha
• Karimpulli Nercha
• Angadikkavu Vela

Historical Heritage and Archaeological Significance

Stretching along the northern boundary of the Panchayat, the historic Ramagiri Fort still stands as a reminder of the military expeditions of Tipu Sultan.

Many legends are associated with Tulamuttam Hill. The historic Ongallur Sree Thali Mahadeva Temple is regarded as an outstanding example of sculptural excellence and architectural heritage. A rare Kodakkal (umbrella stone megalith) can be found in Nambadath, Ongallur, and several ancient burial urns (Nannangadis) have been excavated from this area. Historically significant caves have also been discovered among the rocky formations nearby.

At Poovakkode, remnants of a traditional military training ground (Padakettu) and a martial training centre (Kalari) used for training soldiers of the Perumbrayur Perumbra Nayars still exist. The shrine of Anthimahalan Kavu at Kalladipatta, worshipped as their family deity, also remains an important heritage site.

Literature, Performing Arts, and Intellectual Legacy

Situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha (Nila), Ongallur is a culturally rich Valluvanadan village and a fertile ground for ancient art traditions. The highly traditional art form Chavittukali continues to survive in the region.

Renowned Kathakali costume artists such as Kattalath Gopalan Nair and Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair (Pottozhi Thazhathethil) hailed from this Panchayat. Distinguished percussion ensembles and musicians also flourished here.

In literature, eminent personalities such as K. T. Ravunni Menon lived and contributed significantly to Malayalam literary culture.

As with Chavittukali, ritual art forms such as Koothu, Kalam Pattu, Ayyappan Pattu, Sarpam Thullal, and Khissa Pattu remained actively practiced in the region.

Libraries and Educational Culture

Major libraries and cultural institutions in the Panchayat include:

• Maruthur Grameena Vayanashala
• Century Arts & Sports Club and Library
• K. T. Ravunni Menon Memorial Library
• Vadanamkurussi Grameena Vayanashala

Freedom Movement and Political Legacy

Several freedom fighters were born in this region, including:

• K. T. Ravunni Menon
• A. K. Sekhara Pisharadi
• P. Raghava Pisharadi
• P. V. Krishnavariar

In 1932, K. T. Ravunni Menon served as a volunteer in the Guruvayur Satyagraha led by K. Kelappan and later became a renowned poet in Kerala.