Institutional History

Social History

William Logan, in his historic work Malabar Manual, written more than a century ago, describes Mampad, situated on the banks of the water-rich Chaliyar River, as a place where even during severe droughts, one could find relief in the shade of a camel’s back. This expression indicates that convenient water transport to Mampad was possible even during periods of severe drought.

Traditionally, Mampad was a land of paddy cultivation. Most of the remaining land was used for cashew cultivation. Mampad developed early as an important centre for supplying high-quality timber required for the Beypore port, a renowned centre of traditional boat building, and Kallai, one of Asia’s major timber trading centres. As a result, Mampad gradually became known as a prominent centre of the timber industry.

The popular saying in Eranad, “The wealthy man is from Mampad,” is believed to have originated from this historical association with the timber trade. As hundreds of timber workers and other skilled labourers became engaged in the industry, a local market and weekly bazaar developed in Mampad. The weekly market was held at a place called Chanthathodika, which is now part of Kunnummal market area.

The local Muslim community played an important role in the various activities associated with the timber industry. Timber from the Nilambur forests, which were famous for their valuable wood, and other forest resources were measured, assessed and officially marked at Kuzhikkayam, a place situated within the water boundary of Mampad. The Government Forest Check Post at Mampad Thana, now known as Mundemthodu Mukk Thana (M.M. Thana), was established in connection with these activities.

During the period of Tipu Sultan’s military campaigns, a delegation from the local Muslim community approached Tipu Sultan with a request for land to establish a place of worship. Tipu Sultan issued an official letter to the senior ruler of the Nilambur Kovilakam, instructing him to identify and provide suitable land for the construction of a mosque. The letter reflected Tipu Sultan’s foresight in ensuring the safety and continued existence of the mosque even after his departure from the region.

Following the instructions of the senior ruler of the Kovilakam, land near the river and close to Mampad market was granted to the Muslim community. A place of worship known as Cherupalli was subsequently constructed. It is regarded as the first mosque in Mampad.

Opposite Cherupalli stands the Mampad Valiya Jaram, where the remains of Sayyid Seethi Thangal, a member of the renowned Mampuram Thangal family, are buried.

The contributions of Sayyid Seethi Thangal to the development of Mampad were significant. His role in the establishment and development of several important institutions and projects, including M.E.S. Mampad College, one of the major educational institutions in Eranad, Mampad Yatheemkhana, Mampad Hospital, the existing drinking water supply project, colony houses at Pulikkalodi, the first Upper Primary School in the area, numerous public wells, ponds, roads and health centres, is widely remembered.

His daughters, Aminakkutty and Pathummakkutty, becoming among the first officially recognised women contractors in Kerala was also a significant milestone.

During the initial phase of the Malabar Rebellion of 1921, there was no significant disturbance in Mampad. The rational and constructive interventions of prominent personalities such as Musliyar Khan Sahib and Madhurakkariyan Beeraan Adhikari contributed to maintaining peace in the region. It is also noteworthy that the Muslims of this village came forward to protect the Nilambur Kovilakam and Naduvath Mana during that period.

Among the 35 people who lost their lives in the Wagon Tragedy was Illikkal Hydru, a native of Mampad who earned his livelihood through manual labour.

The ideas and activities of the Indian national movement and the Indian National Congress also began to influence Mampad. When members of the socialist group within the Indian National Congress later became associated with the formation of the Communist Party, similar political and social developments also took place in Mampad.

Eranjikkal Moyinkutty, known as the first communist from Mampad, was among the early activists. Others included Kadavath Seethikkutty, Pulikkal Mohammed, Cheerakuzhiyil Karuppan, Cheerakuzhiyil Kumaran, Sadakath, Pulikkalodi Abdurahiman and Madhurakkariyan Beeraan.

Cultural History

Mampad proudly remembers several distinguished personalities who made significant contributions to intellectual and cultural life. Among them were Qasiyarat Pookkoya Thangal, who was highly accomplished in astronomy; K.P.K. Thangal, who wrote numerous thought-provoking articles; and P. Kunjalan, popularly known as P.K. Mampad, who published articles on complex psychological subjects in simple Malayalam through periodicals.

Nilambur Ayisha, popularly known as Muthappatta Aishabi, who became the first Muslim woman in Kerala to enter the public theatre arena despite strong opposition from within her own community, was born, raised and introduced to the stage in Mampad.

Mampad once had a vibrant cultural tradition. Mappila songs filled its peaceful surroundings, while traditional singers participated in competitions and performed throughout wedding nights and other celebrations. Kolkali performances, accompanied by the rhythms of chenda and kuzhal, tribal Dudai Muttu, Harijan Chavittu performances, and colourful procession-based religious celebrations added richness to the cultural life of the region.

Traditional performances and cultural forms such as Pullanikkunjan, Haddad, Kaimuttu, Bainilam Karakali, Palisathattu and Padali were once important parts of the local cultural landscape, although many of these traditions have gradually disappeared.

Mampad has also produced writers who contributed creatively to periodicals and other publications, as well as spontaneous poets who amazed audiences by presenting everyday experiences with remarkable wit and agility. These diverse traditions and contributions form an important part of the cultural heritage of Mampad.

The Mampad Youths Association Library and Reading Room, established in 1959, was the first library in Mampad. The institution was established through the initiative of C.H. Hamsa Master, Sebastian Master, K.P.K. Thangal, K. Pokkutty, Ismail Kutty and P.M. Kutty, among others.

The Grama Panchayat also played an active role in the Total Literacy Campaign and succeeded in making a significant section of the previously illiterate population literate. These efforts became an important milestone in the social and educational development of Mampad.