Karoor
Grama Panchayat

This region was under the control of the Vadakkumkur dynasty during the 18th century and became part of the government administration following independence. In 1953, the seven *karas* (local divisions)—Anthinad, Payappar, Ponad, Nechipuzhoor, Edanad, Kudakkachira, and Valavoor—were amalgamated to form the Grama Panchayat. The Panchayat comprises areas from the Lalam and Vallichira villages; specifically, Edanad, Kudakkachira, Valavoor, and Anthinad fall under Lalam village.

 Long ago, a family known as 'Karoor' resided in the Ponad area. Their homestead was named 'Karoorkara,' and subsequently, the church and school established on the property also came to be known by the name 'Karoor.' Following the formation of a Grama Panchayat through the efforts of the local residents, the panchayat itself was named 'Karoor.'

 The localities incorporated into this panchayat possess certain distinctive characteristics. One such locality came to be known as 'Antheenad,' signifying a well-known territorial boundary. 'Ponad' is said to be a locality that Brahmins vacated due to social pressures. A place that generously provided drinking water—specifically spiced buttermilk—to wayfarers is known as 'Vellappura.'

The area where the ancestral pond of the Valliyil Kaimals—who were local chieftains—was situated came to be known as Vallichira. A conflict arose between two branches of the Pullamplavil Kaimal family, who held administrative authority over the Kollichira Temple; following this, one faction relocated to a place called Thuruvaloor, near Aluva.The area came to be known as 'Thiruvaloor' because Lord Shiva was worshipped and invoked there before being brought back and consecrated in the temple; this name later evolved into 'Valavoor'. 

The area where *kudukkal* (small vessels or containers) carried by the flow from the eastern hills during the monsoon season used to accumulate later came to be known as Kudakkachira. This region boasts an ancient cultural heritage; the local temples date back approximately a thousand years, and festivals were celebrated there on a grand scale.With the spread of Christianity, Christians also came to reside here. The Paingulam Church, which dates back approximately 400 years, was the first to be established; other churches were founded subsequently.

 A culture of religious harmony and mutual cooperation had long existed here. The State Congress was active in the region during the freedom struggle. Key figures who provided leadership included Kadambukattil Kuttappan, Chackochan Kadankavil, K.T. Thomas Mailadoor, Joseph Kuzhikulam, Joseph Chembochottil, C.A. Chacko Makkil Thadathil, Augustine, and Ozhukayil Kunju. The influence of the Renaissance movement is evident here as well. Narayanan Namboothiri of Thundathil Illam set an exemplary precedent by opening the Nechippuzhoor Chirakkarakavu Temple to Harijans for worship. Subsequently, other temples followed this example.

 Formal education was initiated in 1910. As a first step, a vernacular school was established at Antinad. Subsequently, in 1916, primary schools were established at Valavoor, Kudakkachira, Vallichira, Privithanam, and Edanad. St. Michael's School, Pravithanam, was established in 1946; the NVNSS School, Edanad, in 1954; and St. Joseph's School, Kudakkachira, in 1981. Agricultural produce—such as dried ginger, black pepper, turmeric, and copra—was transported via head-loads and bullock carts to the river crossings at Pala and Cherpunkal to facilitate trade with Alappuzha.

Prominent merchant Unnikkunnel Pothan Varkey used to transport and market goods in Alappuzha and Palakkad. Kathakali performances were staged in Hindu households, while *Chavittu Nadakam* was presented during celebratory occasions—such as weddings—in traditional Christian homes. This region was at the forefront of artistic and cultural activities in ancient times.

  The Ramakrishna Ashram, which operated in Idanad, provided education—including to Harijan children—following the traditional *Gurukula* system. A culture associated with marginalized communities was preserved at an ancient temple in Nechippuzhoor, situated next to a forest grove spanning approximately one acre that still exists today. The rituals here continue to be observed in their truly ancient forms.