Azhikode
Grama Panchayat

Centuries ago, Arabs and traders from distant lands exported timber products and hill produce through the famous Azhikkal Port located along the Malabar coast. It is believed that the village got the name “Azhikode” from the term Azhi-pradesham, meaning a coastal estuary region. Another belief is that the nearby Kappakkadavu area, where small boats and traditional vessels docked, contributed to the origin of the name.

This village, once under the control of the old Chirakkal Kovilakam and local feudal rulers, mainly depended on an agrarian economy. Azhikode is also known as the land of many temples, sacred groves, ancient Theyyams, and traditional ritual performances (Thiras). In earlier times, the ownership of land in this Panchayat was largely held by Devaswoms, feudal landlords, the Chirakkal royal family, and the Arakkal Raja.

Although many traditional cultural practices and art forms declined with the arrival of British rule, these ancient traditions can still be witnessed during temple festivals and local ritual celebrations.

Local folklore speaks of Murikkancheri Kelu, a native of Azhikode, who served as a key warrior in the army of the Chirakkal Thampuran and protector of Madayi Fort. After conflicts with the ruler, he reportedly fought bravely against the army and attained martyrdom. It is also believed that the famous large pond (Vankulam) was constructed under his leadership.

During the early twentieth century, Ponnmathil Krishnaswami, a native of Azhikode, published newspapers from Palakkad against caste discrimination and superstitions. He is also believed to have inspired Vagbhatananda Swamikal to work from Azhikode. The activities of the Atmavidya Sangham created a major impact in the region, especially through movements against untouchability and idol worship.

M.T. Kumaran Master, a disciple of Vagbhatananda Guru, became well known across Kerala for spreading the ideals of the Atmavidya Sangham through speeches and literary gatherings. Swami Brahmavratan and the Anand Samajam movement also played notable roles in the Panchayat’s social reform activities.

At a time when untouchability was widely practiced, several brave reformers organized inter-community dining and public bathing in temple ponds, despite facing severe oppression. Pachha Krishnan Master’s initiative of organizing communal dining with Harijans created major public debate. Similarly, two young men from oppressed communities who were imprisoned for bathing in Mololamkulam became symbols of the social reform struggle.

Leaders such as P.K. Gopala Sharma of Azhikkal worked actively against social discrimination and helped ensure equal participation of marginalized communities in marriages, festivals, social life, and politics. Reformers like Ramunni Vaidyar, Kallen Kunhiraman, and Panayan Damu are also remembered for their contributions.

Political activists of that period organized peasant movements against feudalism and landlord domination. Much of the land was controlled by the Chirakkal and Arakkal royal families, Devaswoms, and feudal landlords. Leaders including P.V. Chathunayar, C. Gopalan Nambiar, P.V. Kunhiraman Master, and Kandanjattal Krishnan Nambiar played major roles in struggles demanding land rights for farmers and the abolition of exploitative tenancy systems under the leadership of leaders such as A. K. Gopalan.

Trade union activities also became strong in Azhikode during this period. P.V. Chathunayar was among the early trade union leaders, and P. Krishna Pillai had also visited Azhikode to guide union activities.

In the industrial sector, the transition from pit looms to handloom weaving marked an important transformation. A.K. Nair, often regarded as a pioneer of Kannur’s handloom industry, initiated several major enterprises centered in Azhikode and contributed significantly to the Panchayat’s development. He also became the first President of the Azhikode Panchayat, which was established in 1937 as the third Panchayat in Kannur district.

On 29 May 1953, the first elected governing body came into existence under the presidency of N. Krishnan.

Azhikode is also the birthplace of Sukumar Azhikode, the renowned orator and author who gained recognition not only in India but internationally.

The influence of India’s freedom struggle strongly resonated in Azhikode. Leaders such as P.M. Kunhiraman Nambiar played prominent roles in the local freedom movement. T.V. Ananthan, leader of the Sarvodaya movement, along with personalities like Makkuni Krishnan Nambiar, P.V. Kunhiraman Gurukkal, and Mavila Govindan Nambiar, also actively participated in the national movement.