Kumily
Grama Panchayat

Local History of Kumily

Kumily is one of the oldest agricultural regions in the High Range area of Kerala. In ancient times, the area was covered by dense forests, and people from Tamil Nadu used to visit the region for hunting and collecting forest resources. It is believed that indigenous tribal communities lived in these forests on a shifting basis.

Later, when the British established tea plantations across the High Ranges and rubber plantations in Mundakayam, Kumily became a resting point for laborers who walked from Tamil Nadu seeking employment, as well as for pilgrims traveling to Sabarimala. During the same period, settlements began to emerge in areas such as Chenkara, Aanakkuzhy, Murikkady, and Chottupara. The settlers in these regions are considered the first permanent inhabitants of the Kumily area.

With the commencement of the Mullaperiyar Dam construction in 1886, more people migrated to Kumily, leading to the development of settlements in Thekkady. Historical accounts mention that Maharajas frequently visited the region. It is said that Aankoor Nainar Ravuthar of Cumbum supplied milk to the royal palace, and in appreciation, the Maharaja granted him tax-free land for cattle grazing. The gifted land extended over 498 acres across various parts of present-day Peermade Taluk.

During those times, diseases such as malaria, cholera, smallpox, and plague were common causes of death. Elders recall that a traditional remedy for malaria involved swallowing antlion larvae wrapped in jaggery. In 1942, the government operated a fumigation facility (smoke house) at the present-day bus stand area (then known as Chowka) where travelers arriving from Tamil Nadu were treated as a preventive health measure.

Origin of the Name "Kumily"

Two popular explanations exist regarding the origin of the name "Kumily."

The first suggests that the area was once marshy, and water bubbled up from underground. People referred to the place where these bubbles appeared as "Kumili," eventually becoming "Kumily."

The second story relates to a woman named "Kumuli" who had reportedly come from Tamil Nadu and died near the present bus stand. People visiting the area would say they were going to see "Kumuli," and over time the name evolved into "Kumily."

Settlement History

The earliest settlement in the Panchayat began in Thekkady. Agriculture is believed to have first started in the paddy fields northwest of Kulathupalam. However, cardamom cultivation existed even before this period and was primarily considered a forest produce.

Between 1944 and 1947, large-scale migration took place across most areas of Kumily except Amaravathi. Under the government's "Grow More Food" program, forest lands in Pampavalley—now Ward 13 of Kumily Panchayat and located about 126 kilometers away—were cleared and allocated for cultivation. Farmers paid a levy fixed at five paras of paddy per acre.

The influence of Aankoor landlords and Mankombu Swamis introduced a feudal landholding system in the region. By 1952, landlords had begun collecting rent from settlers through coercive methods, often without issuing receipts. Settlers were not even permitted to construct houses on the land they cultivated.

The Land Reforms Act implemented by the Government of Kerala transformed the lives of hundreds of farmers in the Panchayat. Cultivators and tenant farmers who had worked on lands owned by landlords and religious institutions became legal owners of the land they cultivated.

The tribal population of Kumily mainly consists of the Mannan and Paliyan communities, residing in the tribal settlement of Ward 3. Their ancestors are believed to have migrated from Madurai district in Tamil Nadu. Traditional weapons such as bows and arrows, slings, and hunting tools were used by these communities. Historical accounts suggest that they migrated to Kumily through Gudalur with the assistance of the Poonjar rulers after leaving Madurai.

Development History

About seventy years ago, bus services powered by producer gas operated between Palayam in Tamil Nadu and Kuttikkanam. The K.K. Road became fully motorable in 1914.

Postal services began functioning around 1935, with the first post office located in Thekkady. Historical government records indicate that Kumily was once part of Changanassery Taluk and Nedumkunnam division.

A Village Office (Pattikacheri) was established in 1890, also headquartered in Thekkady.

As migration increased, religious institutions of various communities emerged. Among the oldest places of worship are:

• Lourdes Church
• Sree Mahaganapathy Temple
• Bhadrakali Temple
• Kumily Shamsul Islam Juma Masjid

The Amaravathi Service Cooperative Bank, established in 1962 as a mutual aid cooperative for farmers, became the first cooperative institution in Kumily.

Agricultural History

As one of the earliest settlement regions in the High Ranges, Kumily witnessed remarkable agricultural growth during the twentieth century.

Cardamom, a valuable cash crop, had already been cultivated before large-scale settlement began. Farmers primarily depended on the market at Vandiperiyar for trade. Tapioca produced in the region was exported to Tamil Nadu.

Kumily Town evolved into the principal marketing center for agricultural products. However, smaller markets also emerged in Chenkara, Vellaramkunnu, Onnam Mile, Amaravathi, and Spring Valley.

From the early 1940s, migrant farmers adopted animal husbandry as a supplementary occupation. Indigenous cattle with low milk yields were allowed to graze freely in open areas. Buffaloes, goats, and poultry were also reared, though in relatively small numbers.

Cultural History

Located adjacent to Tamil Nadu, Kumily's culture reflects the hard work, traditions, and lifestyle of farming communities who transformed the land into a prosperous agricultural region.

One of the earliest cultural expressions may have been the "Maattaal Paattu" (work-sharing songs) sung by settlers while participating in cooperative labor activities. Historical records also mention royal songs performed to welcome visiting Maharajas, as well as hunting songs and dances of tribal communities.

The foundation of Kumily's modern cultural development was laid around four to five decades ago. The first rural library in Kumily was established through the initiative of Achuthan Master, a progressive thinker, committed Gandhian, and respected intellectual. This library played a significant role in promoting literacy, social awareness, and cultural growth in the region.