Geographical Significance of Palakkad District of Kerala State of South India
Area and Location
The present geographical area of Palakkad district is about 4,880 sq km covering 11.53% of Kerala State, is bounded by the districts of Malappuram in the north, Coimbatore in the east and Thrissur in the south and the west The latitudinal extent lies between 10o 21” and 11o14’N and longitudinal extent between 76o 02’ and 76o 54”4’E. Myths say that lord Parsurama created Vitharabhoo by splitting the unbroken mountain chain of the Western Ghat which comprises the present fault zone region – Palakkad gap. As a part of ancient Tamizhakam this region was known in different names and acted a prominent roles in ancient history. The heart of Vencatam is in Kollamkodu where the seat of Venkundradu or Venginadu and other kindom sites flourished. But the historical boundaries and the significance of the present Palakkad District have not always coincided with its present geographical boundary. A strict conformity to fix the geographical boundaries of ancient territories is not possible.
The Palakkad Gap, also known as Vidharabhoo, the rice bowl of Kerala, played an important role in the cultural geography of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This region was a major centre of the prehistoric, early historic and medieval period settlement, trade, migration and invasions. The region lies in the nodal position that connects the Cheranadu with the Kongunadu and the Pandyanadu of ancient Tamizhakam. Various streams of in-migration, and out-migration due to pull and push factors acted very much in shaping the ethnic and cultural patterns of the South India. This gap could have been one of the important entry points for domestic and foreign trade routes and various cultural and religious faiths such as Jainism, Buddhism, Saivism and Vaishnavism to Kerala. The geographical and archaeological evidence identified by Sanalkumar has shed light on the cultural and historical geography of this region.
Relief
The region can be broadly classified into Midland Region and High land region. The average height of the high land region extends upto 2500 m above mean sea level with several streams, waterfalls, natural rock shelters and forest products.
The low land region is a vast plain land with abrupt rocky plateaus and hillocks, ponds, lakes, ground water, minerals and vegetation is most favoured site for agriculture especially paddy cultivation and ideal spot for the growth of ancient civilization based on pastoral nomadism and subsistence
The Thenmala (Southern Mountain ). Vencatamala: The Thenmala region of the southern highland rises from the southern midland belt of about 32 km away from the Nilgiri hills and forms the southern boundary of Palakkad Gap. Kerala’s largest river Peraru/ Nila/ Barathapuzha originates from this ranges of western ghat that drain through the Palakkad gap with major two tributaries of the Gayathripuzha and Chitturpuzha/Amravatipuzha with strong cultural background. Thenmala extends like a steep wall of natural barrier running in east – west direction with over 1000 m in height with a sources region of several waterfalls and streams such as Setharugundu, Palakapandi, Ninnuthootti, Govindatheertham that flows through the Vencatamala of the Gayathripuzha valley was the major centre of ancient civilization, meditation and migration with caves, natural rock shelters, rich flora and fauna. Through these ancient trade routes four trekking routes can be promoted to develop eco and adventurous tourism.
TheSeetharukundu (Ikshumadi) stream (waterfall): This picturesque Seetharukundu originates from the Ikshumoola near the Gayathri srymgam of the Nalliampathy hill ranges forms a pool known as Seethakundam at the foothill. . Oral tradition says that the origin of the Seetharukundu is believed to have been created by Rama for the bathing of Sita of Ramayana during the course of their Vanavasa.
The Palakapandy waterfall/ stream: The Palakapandy stream(waterfall) originates from the high ranges of the Palakapandy estate in the Nelliyampathy hill ranges in the Anamalai and flows through the Thenmala valley. Oral tradition says that the word Palakapandy might have derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Palaka’ and ‘Pandy’ and means the ruler of the Pandy/ Pandyanadu.
The Ninnuthootti waterfall/stream: Ninnuthootti stream originates from the Nelliampathy hill ranges, falls steeply from the high altitude through the Thenmala Valley. The fall occupies almost a central position between the Seetharakundu and the Palakapandy waterfalls that lie about 3 km each respectively to the east and west of the Ninnuthootti.
2.3.1.e. The Govindatheertham: The source region of the Govindatheertham stream is the high ranges of the Govindamala or Perumalmala at an altitude of about 1000 m AMSLIt is reported that sage Kasyapa took tapa near the Govindatheertham water fall at an altitude of 750 m AMSL. Tradition considers the Theertham is equal to the waters of the Ganga in its sanctity and on Thypooyam, Sivarathri and Amavasi days a lot of pilgrims climb the Govindamala particularly from Tamil Nadu.
Climate: The area experience a semi tropical climate with a winter temperature ranges between 50 to 200 C in high land and mid land, whereas during summer season it may exceed 350 C. The average annual rainfall is about 3000 mm. The climate and soil conditions are most suitable for paddy and cereals cultivation.
Minerals: 1. Varieties of mineral deposits such as Hypersthenes granite rock, biotic granite-gneiss Archaean rock of quartz and feldspars, chormokite rock type, magnetic iron ore deposits, lime stone, residual laterites are found. The technology of Palaeolitic and Mesolithic stone tools of quartz, Neolithic stone tools and habitation sites of pillared halls, megalithic stone and urn burials, medieval period granite structures and sculptures suggests the usage of stone tool technology prevailed here between 1,00000 BC and till recently.
Vegetation and Animals: 1. The physiography and climate of Palakkad district has influenced the vegetal type of this region. The presence of tropical wet evergreen and tropical deciduous are the major forest types that covers about 30% of the area. Wild life sanctuary tourist spot Parambikulam, world famous ecologically sensitive bio diversity spot Silent Valley, Attapady and Nelliyampathi are the part of Palakkad district
. Medicinal plants and ceremonial offering plants such as somalatha for Vedic rituals, forest products such as honey and wax, spices such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and ginger had been attracted foreign traders from Europe and, Arabian countries even before 1000 B.C. Wild and domestic animals and birds are found. It was the ideal centre for the hunter and gatherers forest dwellers of ancient nomadic migrants from the Peninsular India.
Caste and Occupational Groups: Different ethnic and caste groups belonged to primitive megalithic occupational groups mentioned in Classical Tamil Sangam literatures still resides here. In hilly areas and foothill areas few tribals still lives with primitive culture. The evidences of the influence of caste system of Chathurvarna were also strongly prevailed. On different occasions from different area few of these caste groups reached here as a part of migration.
Languages: Before the origin of Malayalam language, Tamil and Sanskrit were major languages. People still uses Tamil, Kannada and Telungu languages. Sanskrit was also prevalent strongly among Brahmins before the British rule.
Religion and Culture: The earliest form of Dravidian worship, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism strongly prevailed here during and after the Early Historic period.
Customs and Traditions: The influence of the Dravidians culture can be well noticed in the customs, traditions rituals and habits of the people. People from Tamil Nadu still comes this area annually to the ancient shrines to pay homage for their clan dietary family.
