History of Aryankavu Grama Panchayat

History

Local History

Before Indian independence, Aryankavu was under the rule of the kings of Travancore. Shenkottai, which is now part of Tamil Nadu, was the boundary of Travancore. When the states were reorganized on a linguistic basis in 1956, the region including Shenkottai became part of Tamil Nadu.

The Western Ghats (Sahyadri Mountains), which form the eastern boundary of Kerala, pass through the Aryankavu Kottavasal area. The historically significant Aryankavu Pass in the Sahyadri Mountains is a route connecting Kerala with Tamil Nadu.

The history of this region is closely associated with two famous temples—the Aryankavu Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and the Sree Dharma Sastha Temple at Achankovil. These temples, believed to have been consecrated by Parasurama, attract a large number of devotees. In the days when there were no motor vehicles, pilgrims travelled here on foot.

According to Aithihyamala by Kottarathil Sankunni, during the period of royal rule, an Oottupura (a free-feeding centre) operated at Kazhuthurutty, where travellers were provided free food. Trenches were constructed around the Oottupura to protect people from wild animals. Tigers, leopards, bears, elephants, and other wild animals freely roamed the area along what is now the Kollam–Shenkottai road.

Some workers associated with the Aryankavu and Achankovil temples, as well as some pilgrims, began settling in this region. Over time, their relatives also arrived and settled permanently. Most of the agricultural land belonged to the Karayalar families of Shenkottai.

During 1947–48, people belonging to the Christian community from Kottayam district migrated to areas such as Kazhuthurutty, Edappalayam, and Aryankavu. These farmers leased land from the Karayalars and cultivated it despite the difficulties caused by malaria. With the implementation of land reform laws in Kerala, they eventually received title deeds for the leased land.

During the 1960s and 1970s, migrants who came to the Nedumangad Taluk settled on railway and road margins. A major portion of the land area of this Panchayat consists of rubber and tea plantations spread across six wards. These plantations had been leased by foreigners from the Maharaja of Travancore.

In the early days, workers were brought from Tamil Nadu on a contract basis to clear the forests and establish rubber and tea plantations. These workers were paid four annas per day. The Kanganis, who acted as contractors, received a commission of half an anna from this amount. There were no fixed working hours. Many workers died due to malaria. Over time, some Malayalis also arrived in search of employment.

In 1951, a trade union affiliated with INTUC began functioning in the plantation sector under the leadership of Daniel David and Joseph Vettikadan.

When Panchayats were first established in Kerala, this region was part of the Hilkar Ward of the Eroor Panchayat. Later, when Thenmala Panchayat was formed, the area became part of Thenmala Panchayat. In 1968–69, Aryankavu Panchayat was formed, and T. C. Nariyarath became its first President.

There are several interpretations given by local elders regarding the origin of the name Aryankavu:

1. First interpretation: It is said that there were a thousand sacred groves (kavus) in this region, and therefore the place came to be known as Ayiram Kavu, which later became Aryankavu.

2. Second interpretation: The name Aryankavu is believed to have originated in connection with the arrival of the Aryans in this region.

3. Third interpretation: The deity at Achankovil is referred to as Arashan, while the deity at Aryankavu is referred to as Ayyan. Thus, Arashan's temple became Arashan Kovil, and Ayyan's sacred grove became Ayyan Kavu. Over time, these names evolved into Achankovil and Aryankavu, respectively.

About 4 kilometres from Aryankavu, deep inside the forest, there is a natural waterfall. The famous Palaruvi Waterfalls, sometimes compared with Kuttalam, attracts many tourists.

During the period of royal rule, the kings used to visit this area for hunting and relaxation. Stone-built resting pavilions and the remains of horse stables can still be seen here. It is said that during the flood in 1099 Malayalam Era, the bathing area at Palaruvi was completely destroyed, after which the kings shifted their attention towards Tenkasi–Kuttalam.

The Kollam–Tirunelveli railway line, one of the earliest railway routes in Kerala, passes through this Panchayat. The largest tunnel on this railway line is located at Aryankavu. The tunnel, constructed by cutting through the mountain for a distance of about one kilometre, has approximately two-thirds of its length within the Kerala border.

Aryankavu is also associated with an important forestry achievement. The first teak plantation in the world established by planting teak saplings in a systematic manner is said to have been created here. Known as the Bordillon Plot, this teak plantation is located in Ward 9 of Aryankavu.

This naturally beautiful region, surrounded by forests on all four sides, suffered severe damage during the heavy rains and landslides that occurred in October and November 1992. Much of the agricultural land lost its fertility, and the natural beauty of the region was badly affected. The landslide resulted in the deaths of eleven people, destroyed many houses, and damaged roads and bridges. Following the landslide, the region became isolated from the surrounding areas.

The Achankovil and Aryankavu temples, Palaruvi tourist centre, the railway tunnel, and the Bordillon Plot continue to attract many visitors. To provide hospitality and rest facilities for tourists visiting the area, a wayside rest centre operated by KTDC has been established.