Pallichal
Grama Panchayat

History and Cultural Legacy of Pallichal Panchayat
The Pallichal Panchayat, located near Mookunnimala and Vellayani Lake, has an inseparable connection with Travancore history. The place name 'Pallichal' holds significant importance in the historical records of the erstwhile kingdom. Venganur, another major part of the Panchayat, is rich in historical remnants.

Connections to Travancore Royalty and Feudalism
Ettuveetil Pillamar: The region was a feudal society controlled by the families and lineage of the Ettuveetil Pillamar (Pillais of the Eight Houses), particularly the Pallichal Pillai and Venganur Pillai, who were key players in the succession disputes (Makkathayam-Marumakkathayam) of Travancore.

Marthanda Varma: It is said that Marthanda Varma, while fleeing from the Pillamar, once took refuge in the Bhagavathinada Temple.

The region was characterized by the oppressive local rule of these families involving violence and executions.

Origin of the Name ('Pallichal') and Buddhist Influence
Historically, the area, including modern Pallichal, was a major center for Buddhist monks. Vembannoor Sastha Temple area and Pallichal were important hermitages for them.

The Buddhist monasteries were known as 'Pallikal' (literally 'schools' or 'temples'). Legend suggests that the word 'Pallikal' gradually evolved into 'Pallichal'.

The current Vembannoor Sastham Temple is believed to be established on the site of a former Buddhist hermitage.

Religious Harmony and Festivals
The majority of the population in the Panchayat is Hindu.

Major celebrations include the festivals at temples like Poonkode Mulluvila Temple, Sastha Temple (Ward 3), Chuttikkott Mudippura, and Vedivachankovil Bhoothamma Temple.

The Vedivazhipadu (firework offering) at the Vedivachankovil Temple is so significant that it is believed to have led to the renaming of the place (formerly known as Aloommoodu).

The locals around the Villamkode Temple (known as Villukuruppanmar) traditionally crafted the ceremonial bows for the Arattu procession of the Travancore Maharajas.

The ancient Bhagavathinada Temple, the single Shiva temple (Keleswaram), a Muslim Orphanage, and Christian churches significantly influence the cultural life of the people.

Governance and Socio-Economic History
Before the formation of the Pallichal Village Union, the region comprised eight administrative units called desams (including Thengarathalakkal, Ayaniyarathalakkal, etc.).

Kuttan Pillai was the first president when the Village Union was established.

In 1952, when the Panchayat administrative body was formed, staff from the Village Union were transferred.

Under the leadership of Pallichal Sadasivan, the Panchayat constructed its own building (now the Cultural Center and Panchayat Library).

Livelihood and Cooperative Movement
The main source of livelihood for most residents is agriculture, although the handloom sector is also important.

Many handloom cooperatives, some decades old, are still active, with the Poonkode Handloom Cooperative Society (established about 67 years ago) being the oldest.

The Thittavelikara Gramodharana Sangham (registered in 1943) was the Panchayat's first multi-purpose cooperative society.

The region's cooperative banking history dates back to 1960 with the establishment of the Pallichal Village Bank, which evolved into the Pallichal Service Cooperative Society in 1961, and finally became a Farmers' Bank in 1984.

Education and Infrastructure
Kudipallikoodams (traditional schools) hold a special place in the educational history, with the one in Peringottukonam being the most prominent.

The Thiruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari National Highway is an evolution of the historic Travancore Royal Road (Rajapatha).

Despite being included in the Indian Railway map in 1976, the development of the Nemom Railway Station (located within the Panchayat) remains incomplete.

Naruvaumoodu, Pravachambalam, Pallichal, Thannivila, Vedivachankovil, and Punnamoodu are the main rural centers. The text notes that despite the proximity to the state capital (Thiruvananthapuram), development is yet to fully reach these areas.