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HISTORY
Erattupetta is so called as it is the site of the confluence of two rivers. It had been called 'Erapoli' and 'Erapuzha' in the past. It was the main center of Trade and Commerce to the east of Kottayam. Traders were a group among the Hindus called 'Vellalachettikal' and they made use of both road and water transportation facilities.
There is no correct proof for the history to prove when did inhabitation look place. From our fathers and forefathers saying use comes to a rough conclusion that inhabitation look during 1st century. At the riverbanks of Meenachilar archaeologist has found the evidence of cultural and social matters. In this town there is a Christian church. When we study the book named “History of Aruvithura church” we know that St Thomas has visited here and during his time this church has came into being.
Former royal family came here at 11th century from Madura. This place, which was under the control Tekumkur king, transferred his power to the royal family of
Madura. For the stability of government they greeted sincere and able Muslim Nobles. There next generation are known by the name as “Khan”. There was fight between different religions. It was during this time the influence of Christian and Muslim missionaries came into being. As time passed by Christians in search of fertile land went to out skirts and Muslims went to river bays. At here there is an interesting legend about “Kulapurathu Bheeman”. There are also suitable evidence that there was business relation with Madura and Tamil Nad. As time passed by a special group of Muslim called “ Mettar” inhabited here. These all made Erattupetta a
Muslim majority area. Same by the name the origin of two rivers called Meenichil river start at here. There was a time when no roads and vehicles were present.
At this time Meenichil River was only method for transportation. The boats, which carry food items from western areas like Kottayam, Alapuzha come to “Mukada” (At the tributary) and take back other precious items from here. These are all still in the memory of our grand fathers and grand mothers. In the summer season the flow of water lowered. There was meeting at the bay. This place becomes business and political center. At this bay cultural and sports event, and fair took place. Great personalities like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Ashok Metha , V.P. Sing has visited here. Religious harmony is prevailing here.
The inhabitants of Erattupetta played a great role in freedom movement. During imperialism the sons of Erattupetta played a great role in 1930-1950. They were Pareetumettar, Thattaparambil Khan,Saithukutti… etc. Even though this area has centuries of tradition, up to 1st century this place was mot well developed. The first allopathic doctor came to here in 1936. His name was Dr. P.M. Mathai. This panchayat was first 3rd grade, then 2nd grade and last 1st grade. In 1973 this panchayat got special grade. Now Erattupetta is a good example for other developing panchayat. In 1984 private Bus stand and K.S.R.T.C. Bus stand came into being. The service of Sri P.C. George for the development of Erattupetta is beyond words.His works are commendable. N.E.S. Block, Sub Treasury, Vetinary hospital, telephone Exchange, Fire Station etc.. are good out standing example of Erattupetta.
This area was once raised to Municipality and then again to panchayat. It we examine the population of here this is the most populated panchayat of this area. At here 80 % of total population are Muslims. Today this place has disappeared the appearance of village. Today this village faces several problems. Road traffic is the best example and there is the scarcity of pure water. 40% populations are below poverty line. A traditional method to remove poverty is still prevailing. Measures should be taken for shelter, financial matters etc.
The national problems like unemployment, pollution faces this village too. Does our lost unity and sincerity be regained? Today nuclear family is common at here. Due to this social Bondage is lost. Now unity sincerity has become a past story.
This Erattupetta becomes the main market for all kinds of things produced in Poonjar Assembly Constituency . About 90% of the people of Erattupetta earn their livelihood through direct and indirect business activities. Erattupetta has growing to one of the main marketing centers in Kerala & Head Quarters of Poonjar Taluk. Erattupetta rests at the lap of the Western
Gates.
Erattupetta town rests calmly on the banks of Meenachil river. There are Four bridges across the river in the town.The Erattupetta- Ettumanoor road was established in 1868.Erattupetta is a transit point between various places of attraction like, Thekkady, Wild Life Sanctuary in the Western
Gates, Sabarimala the pilgrimage center, Vagamon and Munnar, the tea estates and Illickal a fabulous. treating center , Elaveezhapunchira, Kolahala Medu and Marmala Aruvi the maiden forest area full of springs. Pilgrimage centers - some of the famous like Aruvithura St.George church , Vazikadve Kurishumala & Bharanaganam. Town gets ago, with pilgrims during the Sabarimala season. The road from Erattupetta to Sabarimala is the most frequent. If you have never been to Vagamon, you certainly have missed something great, in God's Own Country.
It presents unlimited holidaying potential round the year, with a lull, of course, during the monsoon, It is an ideal tourist location surrounded by lush green tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales. The enchanting hill station within dense verdure will soon be one of India's foremost
Eco-tourist attractions. 20 Km from Erattupetta at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level, is a trekker's paradise.
Erattupetta is the marketing center on the eastern side of Kottayam. The population is 3380 per Sq. k.m. Erattupetta is the most populated panchayat in India. there are 4 state highways, 2 rivers, 4 bridges across. The river and the land is divided into Vadakekkara, Thekkekkara & Kizakekkara. About 90 % of the people earn their live hood on business activities. Many families have below 5 cents of lands. Erattupetta is divided into 12 wards. Most of the women are house wife's.
Erattupetta is the center of Poonjar Legislative Assembly. It is so called as it is the site of the confluence of two rivers. It had been called 'Erapoli' and 'Erapuzha' in the past. It was the main center of Trade and Commerce to the east of Kottayam. Traders were a group among the Hindus called 'Vellalachettikal' and they made use of both road and water transportation facilities.
People of all religion and creeds live at Erattupetta in harmony and co-operation - the majority being Muslims. People are mainly concerned with business. Many from this locality work abroad. All national and state parties have their own respective local units here. M.L.A. Mr.P.C.George also hails from Erattupetta.
During British imperialism Englishmen started estates system at areas like Teekoy, Vagmon and Thamil
entrance called Erattupetta -Kanjirappally eventually became roads. The first person who started bus transport was kunmail kutty. The first chief minister from this area for Tirukochi was A.J. John. Due to his constant effort Erattupetta - Peerumed state highway came into being. This area is a high range and because of this due to great effort of workers this road came to being. Due to the completion of this state highways Erattupetta become well known as "Gateway of Malanad ". |
