Edakkara
Edakkara is a town located in Malappuram district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is an emerging commercial hub, and one of the busiest towns in Nilambur Taluk. Location Edakkara is located near Nilambur, Malappuram District, in the State of Kerala. The town is an emerging hub in East Eranad region within the Nilambur Taluk and Malappuram district. The town faces mountainous areas to its east, and is geographically bordered by two rivers. Nomenclature The name of the town is said to have derived from the Malayalam word Edathavalam (ഇടത്താവളം). It means a brief stay in the course of a long journey. During the period of British colonization of India, the town was sought as a 'place to rest' amidst their sojourn from Kozhikode to Ooty and vice versa. According to some locals, the place is believed to have got its name from its geographical location between two rivers: Chaliyar and Punnapuzha. History The history of Edakkra is intertwined with the history of Nilambur Kovilakam. Their land was divided into 18 Cherikkals (similar to today's ward system). Edakkara Panchayat was in the East cherikkal. That time people were forest dwellers; they were Malamuthar, Cholanaykkar, Malanaykkar, Aranadar, Paniyar, Kuruvar. Their main source of income was the forest itself. Muslims migrated to Edakkara for cutting trees and to collect bamboos from the forest. At about the same time Nair and Thiyya Communities migrated to Edakkara for agriculture. People who migrated to Edakkara followed the rules and regulations of Thamburan (Ruler of the Nilambur) of Nilambur Kovilakam in spite of the religious and cultural differences. An increase in agricultural production brought other professionals to this land. They were blacksmiths, carpenters and workers for land cultivation. In 1920, Edakkara became a migrator's heaven. Government Higher Secondary School was established in 1946, which later became one of the best Government Schools in Malappuram. After India's Independence, people started to migrate here from Travancore. Instead of Police Station, a police outpost was formed in May–June 1964. The inception of Post Office in the region was in 1940. The Navodaya library still plays a pivotal role in Edakkara culture which was started in 1957. Edakkara Village was formed during 1963–1964. Health centre, Registration office and Electricity office became a reality in 1981. A Lower Primary School which started in 1963, later went on to become a big private institution with several courses still functioning well by the name of Sree Vivekanada in Palemad. 1963 is the memorable year of Edakkara Panchayat because of its first election. Savior Master became the first President. Vazhikkadavu Panchayat was formed by dividing Edakkara Panchayat in 1969. In 1978 it was divided again to form Moothedam Panchayat. Population As of 2020, the population of Edakkara is 44068. The male and female populations are 20912 and 23156 respectively. The area of village is about 91.88 square kilometer. Suburbs of Edakkara Karimpuzha, Valuvassery and Chungathara Palunda, Musliyarangady and Palathingal Marutha, Thannikadavu & Narokkavu Palad and Nellikuth Moothedam, Palankara Palemad, Karunechi, Aranadampadam, Samkaramkulam Kaukad,