Kasaragod district
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Kasaragod (Malayalam:കാസര്ഗോഡ് ജില്ല) is one of the districts of the Indian state of Kerala. Kasaragod district was organised as a separate district on 24 May 1985. It is the northernmost district of Kerala.
Overview
To its south lies Kannur District and to the north the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka state. All along its west it is walled by the Western Ghats while along the east the Arabian Sea borders it. The district, covering an area of around 1992 km², has a population (2001 census) of 1,203,342 and has two taluks, namely, Kasaragod and Hosdurg both being municipalities as well; seventy-five villages; thirty-nine panchayats. The district is further sub-divided into four administrative segments called development blocks, namely, Manjeshwar, Kasaragod, Kanhangad, and Nileshwar. Like other districts of Kerala, Kasaragod district too has a high literacy rate, around 85.17%. The Malayalam spoken here has influences from Tulu, Kannada, Urdu and Konkani. People from southern Kerala generally find it difficult to understand the Malayalam spoken here. Kasaragod district has Arabian sea to the west and Western ghats to the east.
In ancient times, Kasaragod was known by Arabs by the name Harkwillia.[1]Many Arab travellers who visited Kerala between 9th and 14th century visited Kasaragod , which was an important trade centre then.Duarte Borbosa, the Portuguese traveler who visited Kumbla, near Kasaragod in 1514, recorded rice being exported for coir to Maldives.[2]Dr.Francis Buccanan, who was the family doctor of Arthur Wellesley, visited Kasaragod in 1800.[3]In his travelogue, he recorded information on places like Athiraparambu, Kavvai, Nileshwaram, Bekal, Chandragiri and Manjeshwaram.[4]
History
Kasaragod was once a part of the Tuluva kingdom.Then, there were 64 Malayalam and 64 Tulu villages in this part.[5]When the Vijayanagara empire attacked Kasaragod, it was ruled by the Kolathiri Raja who had Nileshwaram as his capital. During the decline of the Vijayanagara empire, the administration of this area vested with Ikkery Naiks.[6]At the onset of collapse of the Vijayanagara empire, Vengappa Naik declared indepenance to Ikkery. Kumbla, Chandragiri and Bekal are considered to be the chain of forts constructed by Shivappa Naik.[7]In 1763, Hyder Ali conquered Bedanoor (Bidnur), the capital of the Ikkery Naiks. His son Tippu Sultan conquered the whole of Malabar. As per the Sreerangapattanam Treaty of 1792, Tippu surrendered Malabar, except Tulunadu (Canara) to the British. The British got Tulunadu only after the death of Tippu Sultan.[8]
Geography
Kasaragod was organised as a separate district, on [9] district is the northern most district of state of kerala
Kasaragod is located at 12°30′N 75°00′E / 12.5°N 75.0°E.[10] It has an average elevation of 19 metres (62 feet).
The landscape is dominated by the characteristic coconut palms accompanying rolling hills and streams flowing into the sea. The landscape is dotted with tiled-roof buildings, topped with the famous kasaragod tiles made with the local hard red clay and typically walled with laterite blocks. Older houses are commonly found with elaborate wood-work.
Kasaragod district consists of two taluks viz, [Kasaragod] and Hosdurg (Kanhangad).
Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[11] Kasaragod had a population of 12,03342. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Kasaragod has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 76%. In Kasaragod, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age. The main languages are Malayalam, Tulu, and Kannada. Besides these languages, Konkani and Marathi, Hindi, Urdu are also spoken here. The Malayalam spoken here has influences from Tulu, Kannada, and Konkani; and Tulu spoken here is influenced by Malayalam.
Tourist attractions
Kasaragod is the one of the most beautiful districts in Kerela state with 11 rivers (out of a total of 44 rivers in Kerala), forts, beaches, hills and backwaters. Bekal Fort is the biggest fort in Kerala which is 14 km from Kanhangad and 11 km from Kasaragod town. The nearest railway station is Pallikere railway station, now Bekal Fort railway station and the nearest airport is Mangalore airport. Ranipuram - A number of grassy hills near by the Panathady town and linked to Kanhangad by Kanhangad-Panathur state highway. Kottencheri hills - They are near Talakaveri, the starting point of the Kaveri river. It is 35 km from Kanhangad town. Other tourist attractions are the Chandragiri Fort, Anandashramam, Malik Deenar Masjid, Valiyaparamba backwater and Kareem forest park - the only man made forest in the Kerala. The forest park is located at Parappa near Nileshwar.Kerala government has planned to set up a IT park in Kasaragod.Park will be constructed in 100acres revenue land in Cheemeni which is estimated to bring 50,000 IT jobs. Chedekal
Flora and Fauna
Kasaragod district is very rich in vegetation. Natural vegetation, except in some coastal regions, consists of different types of forests. But, in spite of generally favorable climatic conditions, vegetation is not uniform. In restricted regions, with their own micro climate or special edaphic features, plant formations assume different characters. Thus, plant communities, ranging from psammophytes and mangroves to evergreen forests are seen in this district.
The coastal region is a comparatively narrow zone, characterized by secondary soil which is rather lose and sandy. The sterile sandy tract supports only a poor vegetation of the psammophyte type. Plants are few and mostly prostrate. Erect species are small and short. Owing to very poor water holding capacity of the soil, these plants are provided with special xerophytic adaptations. Another conspicuous feature of this area is the mangrove vegetation, found at the estuaries of rivers and backwaters, and often extending to the interior along their banks. Human interference has much changed the vegetation of the coastal region.
A major part of the district comes under midland region with numerous hills and dales and it presents an undulating surface gradually ascending and merging into the slopes of Western Ghats. Soil is secondary and lateritic with underlying rock of laterite or disintegrated gneiss. Typical flora of this area is deciduous forest consisting of a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees. Undergrowth consists of a variety of annuals and perennials.
The mountains are a continuation of the midland region, gradually ascending to the main ridge of the Western Ghats. Soil in the western slopes is a ferruginous red, sandy loam. Vegetation over the whole area is of the forest type. Irregular distribution of teak, localized areas of bamboo dominance, change of good quality forest into open grass lands, etc are characteristic.
Ranipuram Wildlife santuary / National park (Proposed)
Yes, Kasaragod has an answer to the Global warming. The proposed Ranipuram Wildlife santcuary / National park of Kanhangad forest range consists of various flora and fauna which are endemic to the Western Ghats and a yet to studied biodiversity hotspot. It merges with the Talacauvery wildlife sanctuary. Ranipuram hill station which falls in Panathady reserve forest is an ideal area to notify as as a wild life sanctuary/National park. The evergreen and shola forest seen only here in this district. Elephants, leapaards, deer, wild dogs, wild boars, macaques, jungle cats, Leapard cats slender loris, porcupines, malabar giant squirrels, malabar civet cat and rare butterflies and medicinal plants are found in these forest.
Most of these highly endangered animals are killed by people due to lack of conservational awareness or to protect their crops. Ranipuram wild life sanctuary will be in contigous to Talacauvery wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. For this purpose, the nearby reserve forests such as Panathady, eleri, malom and parappa can be encompassed to an area of 80 sq.km of forest. If it is declared as a wild life sanctuary, it will enhance the tourism industry of this district along with Ranipuram hill station/Biodiversity park. Declaring it as a wildlife sanctuary is the only way to protect this Westernghat biodiversity hotspot and to ensure its survival for future generation.
Poaching of wild boar, porcupine, hares, deers and even monkeys for their meat taking place mostly in the night time. It is never reported outside and unaccessable due to hilly and remote area. Many quarries seen along the fringe area. Sadly, the Tigers are not seen here because of lack of their prey, mainly deers which are illegaly poached by local people. Frequent visits of elephants from the nearby reserve forest suggests that it once was an elephant migratory route. Encroachment of the forest is the biggest threat. Take action now before it too late. It can be successfully converted without any rehabilation process as in the case of malabar wildlife sanctuary of kozhikode district.
The proposed Munnamkadavu Irrigation project may create a fresh water and later wetland ecosystem to home for wild crocodile, otter, endangered fish and other water birds. It will be the northern most wild life sanctuary of Kerala after Aralam wildlife sanctuary. It is also an integral part of Brahmagiri biosphere.
Flora: Evergreen monsoon forest, shola, orchids, medicinal plants,grass lands etc
Mammals: about 24 species mainly Elephants, wild bison, Leopard, wild dogs, mongoose, pangoline,, Jungle cats, Malabar giant squirrels, Flying squirrels, fox, porcupine, bonnet macaques, Langur, Leapard cats, Deer, wild boar, slender loris, hares, squirrels, bats etc..
Birds: About 200 species mainly Great Indian horn bill, Paradise flying catcher, green barbet, peacock, trogon, wood pigeon, malabar grey horn bill, white bellied tree pie, heart spotted wood pecker etc...
Reptiles: King cobra, kraits, viper, rat snakes, Indian cobras, green whip snakes, monitor lizards etc..
Amphibians: About 19 species, Thousands of insects and spiders
About 100 species of butterflies including sword tail, forest nymph, malabar bird wing etc...
Reintroduction Project of Nilgiri Tahr in Ranipuram
Another dream Project for district is the Reintroduction of endangered Nilgir Tahr here in Ranipuram biodiversty park. Nilgiri Tahr was once found all over the western Ghat of kasaragod now locally extinct. Population of this wild goat increased in southern part of the state, especially Eravikulam National park. so Relocation of some of the Nilgiri Tahrs in Ranipuram can be done with help of Kerala Forest Department, District Tourism Promotion council, and Wildlife Institute of India. This may lead to a Tremendous progress in Tourism in the district and also enhance the biodiversity of Ranipuram. Grassy hill slopes with vegetation, shola forests, cool climate are Ideal for relocation of Nilgiri tahr here in Ranipuram.
National Movement
Kasaragod played a prominent role in the National Movement for the freedom of the country. 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 prominent freedom fighters.
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.
Places of Worship
Adoor temple
Forty five km east of Kasaragod town, Adoor is noted for its ancient Siva Temple, believed to have been founded by Arjuna. The temple, which is known as Sri Mahalingeshwara temple, is situated in picturesque surroundings on the southern bank of the river Payaswini.
The Makara Samkramam is a very important festival day in the temple when a Sahasra Kumbha Abhishekam with feeding of a large number of people takes place. According to tradition, the day coincides with the anniversary of the day on which a harijan spotted the Sivalingam. The annual Jatra or festival of the temple starts with Dhwaja Arohanam (hoisting of the temple flag) on the 27th of Kumbham (February, March) and concludes with the Avabhritha Snanam (holy dip) in the water of the Payaswini on the fourth of Meenam (April) every year.
Ajanur Madiyan Kulom temple
In Ajanur village is situated the famous Madiyan Kulom temple. It is about five km from Kanhangad. The main deity of the temple is Bhadrakali; but there are also other deities like Kshetrapalan, Bhagavathi and Bhairavan. A peculiarity 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).
Ananthapuram
At a distance of about five km from Kumbla is the Ananthapuram Temple which is said to be the ‘Moolasthanam’ of the Ananthapadmanabha Swami (Sri PadmanabhaSwami Temple) of Thiruvananthapuram. Local tradition has it that Ananthapadmanabha of Thiruvananthapuram had settled down here originally. Anantheswara temple
The fame of Manjeshwaram lies in the famous Srimad Anantheswara Temple owned by the Gowda Saraswath community. Itttracts pilgrims from all over India, particularly from the region lying between Kanyakumari and Goa. The annual car Festival of the temple is on the sixth Lunar Day of the bright half of the Margashira month, usually between the third week of November and the third week of December. It is also called the Shashti Festival as the final day celebration takes place on the Skanda Shashti day , a day sacred to Subrahmanya. In the outer round of the temple, there is a flower garden named Anantha Nandana Vana.
Bela church
About 11 km from Kumbla on the Kumbla-Badiadka road, is the Mother Dolorus Church of Bela. This Gothic style Roman Catholic church which is under the Mangalapuram Diocese, has celebrated its centenary recently.The Christian church at Kasaragod has also celebrated its centenary recently. The St. Thomas Church at Chittarikal is another famous one. The eastern parts of the district about in a number of small and big churches.
Kumbla Sri Gopala Krishna temple
Two of the four sacred temples of Kumbla Seema are located in Kumbla and its suburbs. They are the Mujankavu Sri Parthasaradhi Temple and Kanipura (Kaniyara) Sri Gopalakrishna Temple. Kumbla is also called Kanipura (Kaniyara) after the latter temple.
The temple of Sri Parthasarathi of Mujankavu is situated in Ednad village, about four km east of Kumbla and about eight km north west of Madhur.
The Sri Gopalakrishna Temple, is situated in the heart of the town of Kumbla at the foot of an elevated hill which rises majestically in front of it, with the Kumbla river flanking it on the left (north). The colourful festival at Kumbla temple which lasts for five days every year, commences with the Dhwajaarohanam on the Makara Sankramana day. People in thousands from all over the region attend these festivities.
Madhur temple
At Madhur, eight km north east of Kasaragod, is the famous Madhur Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka temple. The imposing structure of the temple, with its turrets and gables and the copper plate roofing, rises majestically against the beautiful landscape of hills, paddy fields and gardens with the river Madhuvahini flowing leisurely in front of it.
The Madhur temple is a Siva temple with Srimad Anantheswara as its presiding deity. The Sivalingam of the temple is said to have been found by a harijan woman, Madharu.
A special festival associated with the Madhur temple is the Moodappa seva.The large figure of Maha Ganapathi is covered with appam. It requires enormous quantities of rice and lakhs of rupees for its conduct. The festival is conducted only periodically in view of the huge expenditure involved.It was celebrated in April 1962 after a lapse of about 160 years, and very recently in April 1992. The ceiling of the Namaskara Mantapam of the Madhur Temple has been decorated with beautiful figures of puranic heroes in wood carving. A closer examination of the wood carvings would disclose the various episodes of the Ramayana, beginning with the Putrakame-shtiyagam and ending with Seetha Swayamvaram.
The Mantapam in the interior of the temple building as well as the outside façade of the second and third storeys of the main building are also profuse with attractive and exquisite wood carvings.
Malik Dinar mosque
Kasaragod acquired over the years, 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 centre 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.
Narampady church
This is a Roman Catholic church on the Badiadka-Mulleria route, about 10 km from Badiadka. This is known as St. John Britto Church and this was established in 1939 Nellikkunnu mosque Uroos, celebrated in Nellikkunnu mosque, attracts people in thousands. The Nercha celebration, during the second half of November, lasts for one week.
Perne
Of the 18 temples of Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Perne is the northern most and the only one north of Payaswini Seema. It is five km east of Kumbla and near Ananthapuram Lake Temple, on the Kumbla-Badiadka route . The mass marriage at the time of Pooram festival in the month of Meenam, is a unique feature of this temple.
Temples of Kasaragod town
Kasaragod has a few important temples. Of these, the Mallikarjuna temple, situated near the taluk office, is the most important. The annual festival have falls in the month of March and it attracts huge crowds.
One of the most important temples of the Gowda Saraswathas in Kerala is the Venkatramana temple.The Sri Arya Karthyayani temple and the Sri Panduranga temple are also famous temples of the place.
Just on the eastern side of Pulikunnu by the Payaswini river, there is a temple belonging to the Thiyya community where thirty nine deities are worshipped. The main festival here, called Kaliyattam, falls in February/March. There is also the Palakunnu temple (near Malik Ibn Dinar mosque) akin to the Palakunnu Devasthanam of Udma. Bhagavathi temples, such as Theruvath Bhagawathi and Kadappuram Sri Kurumba temples, are spread all over the municipal area, worshipped by particular communities.
Trikkannad
This is a Siva temple on the sea shore, within one km. of the Bekal bridge. The place around Pandyan Kallu, a rock rising above the sea near the temple, is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers. Swimming in the sea is a popular sport here.
Palakunnu Bhagavathi Kshetram is one km. north of Trikkannad on the Kasaragod-Kanhangad road. The annual Bharani festival attracts thousands/