Irinjalakuda

Irinjalakuda is a municipal town in Thrissur district, Kerala, India. It is the headquarters of
Irinjalakuda Revenue Division and Mukundapuram Taluk. After Thrissur, this town has most number of administrative, law-enforcement and judicial offices in the district. The place is well-known for Koodalmanikyam Temple and the Thachudaya Kaimals http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/articlearc.asp?aid=113418§ion=asia who had princely status until 1971.http://clr.kerala.gov.in/pdf/actsrules/KOODALMANICKAM_DEVASWOM_ACT.pdf

Etymology

The name Irinjalakuda has been derived from "Iru" and "Chaal", meaning two streams. According to another legend, the origin of the name Irinjalakuda came from 'Irinjalikoodal'. 'Koodal' simply means merge, merging of two rivers. So it shows that Irinjalakuda may have gradually developed, from 'Irinjalikoodal', that derived from 'Inangikoodal', means merge. At present there is no river in Irinjalakuda, only the myth of river.

Irinjalakuda can be derived from 'iru njyaala koda' ( ഇരുഞാലകൊട) i.e., donation of two worlds, which is what Mahabali is said to have done in the story of the Vaamanaavataaram.

Mythological history and legends

According to Hindu mythology, Irinjalakuda was created by sage Parasurama. According to Keralolpatthi, out of the 64 gramas (villages) established in Kerala (Out of these 32 Malayala Gramas & half Thulu grama viz. Manjeswaram are in the present Kerala and 31 1/2 Thulu gramas in the coastal Karnataka.), Irinjalakuda was the head of some of them. Irinjalakuda was one of the most prominent among these Gramas (village societies). Boundaries of this grama extends up to Aloor in the east and Kakkathuruthi in the west and later extended to Koodapuzha in the east. Like the other Gramas this 'Grama' also followed Sankara Smruthi (a modified form of the 'Chathurvarnia' system of society with some Kerala model variations which lay upon caste system based on the 'Manusmruthi').

Another legend suggests that the origin of the name Irinjalakuda were traditionally associated as, "Irunnu Salayil Koodai", and "Virinja Alu Kuda". There is a huge Banyan tree still standing in the centre of the Irinjalakuda spreading the branches to the sky like an umbrella.

The Thachudaya Kaimal is a spiritual dignitary of Kerala Hindus and the temporal ruler of the Koodalmanikyam Temple and its Estates. The line goes back into antiquity and is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. The Arms of the Kaimal and that of the temple bear the insignia of a coiled conch-shell with the words 'Manikkam Keralar'. With the 26th amendment of the Indian constitution in 1971, the Princely order in India was abolished and the Thachudaya Kaimals lost their position in the temple and its estates. It is now managed by a Trust managed by the District Collector although a vestige of former power lies in his being the chief trustee of the temple.
The Devaswom was allotted land to accommodate institutions such as the Christ College, and for public use to facilitate development activities in the region. Much land that belonged to Koodalmanikyam was subjected to encroachment.

History

In 1762, Maharaja Kingdom of Cochin formed Mukundapuram taluk by adding Mapranam nadu and parts of Nandilathu nadu to Mukundapuram nadu (Muriyanadu). In the last decade of the 18th Century, the last Naduvazhi Nambiar of Mukundapuram nadu (Murija nadu) died and Sakthan Thampuran confiscated all the powers and properties of Mukundapuram Nambiar and Mapranam Nambiar. Sakthan Thampuran divided old Mukundapuram Taluk into six Properties viz. 1) Thazhekkad 2) Areepalam, 3) Mukundapuram (Nadavarambu) 4) Mapranam 5) Palathungal (Nandikkara) 6) Pudukkad for administrative and revenue purposes. Five more proverties were added to Mukundapuram Taluk afterwards: Kodassery (Chalakudy), Thirumukkulam (Kuzhur)), Koratty (Adur), Pathinettarayalam (Edavilangu) and Malayattur. Tipu Sultan's Army was based at Thazhekkad Proverty of Mukundapuram Taluk on 24 December 1789 to attack the Nedumkotta which is situated in the middle of Kochi Kingdom and was known as Travancore lines and attacked KonurKottavathil in January 1790.

When new Chalakudy taluk was formed in 2013 by bifurcating Mukundapuram taluk, it lost more than 50% of its territory.

Culture

Irinjalakuda has a rich cultural history associated with the UNESCO- recognised classical dance form Koodiyattam.
Natanakairali - Research Training and Performing Centre for Traditional Arts, Irinjalakuda, is a prominent institution that imparts training on this ancient art form. Government-aided Unnayi Warrier Smaraka Kalanilayam near Koodalmanikyam temple trains artistes on Kathakali. The town also has other institutions that give training on classical dance forms and theatre arts. Walden Pond House is another cultural space in the town where artists and movie makers gather for workshops and movie shoots.

Entertainment

There are a number of good cinema halls in the town. JK Cinemas with two screens (Located in Kizhuthani), Chembakassery Movies with three screens and MAS Movies with two screens are the major theatres in the town. Besides this, the town often hosts various cultural programmes organised by socio-cultural organisations.

Population

Demographics

India census, Irinjalakuda had a population of 28,741. With the amalgamation of Porathissery Panchayath with the municipality, the total population has crossed 50,000. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Irinjalakuda has an average literacy rate of 96% which is much higher than the national average of 74.65%. While male literacy stands at 97.12%, female literacy is 94.56%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Religion

Its St. Thomas Cathedral is the episcopal see of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Irinjalakuda (Chaldean = Syro-Oriental Rite).

Before the arrival of Tipu Sulthan to Mukundapuram Taluk in December 1789 the headquarters of Padruado Archbishops of Cranganore (Kodungallur) of Nazranis (Padruado faction of Syro Malabar Catholic Church ) was at Pookkatt (Aripalam). (See Varthamanapusthakam of Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar, Gobernador and ArchaDeacon of late eighteenth century). Sakthan Thampuran brought four Christian families for improving commerce and trade to the place known as ‘Chanthappura’. When they struck gold in this field, more of this community migrated from Kombara chantha and settled in the area and now it became one of the strongholds of this community. Besides Hindu and Christian communities this area consists of Muslims.
Karukulangara Narasimhaswamy Temple, Irinjalakuda, north west side, about 1.5 km from the Irinjalakuda municipal bus stand, a famous and oldest temple of Irinjalakuda

Celebrities

The famous actor Innocent was born here. Innocent is an Indian film actor best known for his work in Malayalam films who later went on to become Member of Parliament for Chalakudy (Lok Sabha constituency).

Tovino Thomas, is an Indian actor, model, and film producer who is active in Malayalam films was born here.

A prominent Kerala mathematician-astronomer Madhava (Mādhava) who founded the Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics was from (Irinjalappilly, Aloor) Sangamagrama (Saṅgamagrāma), a town in medieval Kerala believed to be the town of Irinjalakuda. Nagapattinam Chandrashekhara Vasanthakokilam a carnatic singer and actress, was born as Kamakshi in Irinjalakkuda, Cochin State of British India, the present Kerala.

The late football player and Olympian O Chandrasekhar Menon was born here.

Famous Actress Anupama Parameshwaran, who is well known in the Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada film industries, was also belongs from here.

Governance

Irinjalakuda is governed by Irinjalakuda Municipality. The municipality was formed on 8 February 1936 with an area of 11.24 square kilometres.
K.I. Varunny was the first municipal chairman and the municipality was divided into 22 electoral wards. Now, the Municipality has 41 wards.

Irinjalakuda is the headquarters of the Mukundapuram Taluk and is a Grade-I municipality. Irinjalakuda Revenue Division was formed in May 2018. It is headed by a Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO). The office is situated in the Mini Civil Station Annexe building. The revenue division comprises Mukundapuram, Chalakudy and Kodungallur taluks.

As the second-most important administrative town in the district, Irinjalakuda houses a large number of government offices, most of them situated at the mini civil station and its annexe buildings near Porathissery.

Irinjalakuda Courts & Judicial Offices

* Additional District and Sessions Court/ Motor Accident Claims Tribunal
* Family Court
* Fast Track Special Court (POCSO cases)
* Principal Sub Court/Principal Assistant Sessions Court
* Additional Sub Court/Additional Assistant Sessions Court
* Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-1
* Principal Munsif Court/Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-2
* Additional Munsif Court/Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-3
* Taluk Legal Services Committee
* Mediation Sub Centre
* Office of the Additional Public Prosecutor cum Government Pleader

A new judicial complex is under construction near the civil station to house all judicial offices in the town.

Irinjalakuda has a special sub jail, which is function ing near the civil station complex. A land tribunal to provide land deeds and to dispose of land transfer disputes is functioning at the civil station. The tribunal started functioning in 2019.

At present the chairperson of the municipality is Smt Sonia Giri. The MLA of the Irinjalakuda legislative constituency is Dr. R. Bindu. Irinjalakuda assembly constituency was a part of Mukundapuram (Lok Sabha constituency) till 2009 Lonappan Nambadan was the last Loksabha MP of Mukundapuram. From 2009, Irinjalakuda is now a part of Thrissur (Lok Sabha constituency).
The MP of Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency is T.N Prathapan

Important government offices

* Revenue Divisional Office (RDO) /Sub Divisional Magistrate Court (SDM) /Maintainance Tribunal
* Mukundapuram Taluk office
* District Education Office
* Rural District Treasury
* KSEB Circle & Division offices
* KSEB Transmission Division
* Excise Circle and Range offices
* Postal Division office
* Head Post Office and State Speedpost Centre
* Water Authority PH Division
* GST Assistant Commissioner's office
* Factories and Boilers office
* Central Excise and CGST Range office
* PWD Roads Subdivision
* PWD Buildings Subdivision
* PWD Special Buildings Section
* State Lottery Sub-office
* Land Tribunal office
* Koodal Manikyam Devaswam Board office
* Sub Registrar's office
* Cashew Workers Welfare Board Inspector office
* Headload Workers Welfare Board office
* Mukundapuram Sub Treasury
* Dairy Development office
* Labour office
* Sub Regional Transport office
* KSRTC Operating Centre
* Taluk Statistical office
* Taluk Industries office
* Taluk Welfare Office
* Assistant Registrar (General) & Assistant Director (Audit) of Cooperative Societies
* Assistant Director of Agriculture
* Agmark Laboratory
* Parasite Breeding Station
* Employees State Insurance Corporation
* Taluk Supply Office
* Minor Irrigation Sub Division
* BSNL Sub Division
* Legal Metrology
* Employment Exchange
* Irinjalakuda Block office
* Irinjalakuda, Manavalassery, Porathissery, Madayikkonam Village offices
* Veterinary Poly Clinic
* Sub-district Water Quality Testing Laboratory
* Government Textbook Depot

Besides, most nationalised banks, new generation private banks and old private-sector banks have branches in Irininjalakuda. Both South Indian Bank and Federal Bank have their regional offices here.

Police offices

* DYSP office
* Irinjalakuda Police Station
* Thrissur Rural Vanitha Police Station
* Thrissur Rural Cyber Crime Police Station
* Thrissur Rural Command and Control Centre
* Thrissur Rural Dog Squad
* Thrissur Rural District Forensic Science Laboratory

As part of shifting the Thrissur Rural police headquarters to Irinjalakuda, new buildings are being constructed at police station premises in Kattungachira

Transportation

Road

Irinjalakuda is located on State Highway 22 (Kerala), which links to major national highways NH 47 and NH 66 in the State. Two main roads State Highway 22 (Kerala) (Kodungallur-Shornur) Road and State Highway 61 (Kerala) (Potta-Moonupeedika) criss-crosses Irinjalakuda town.
KSRTC bus station is situated behind the Koodalmanikyam temple.

KSRTC operates services to state capital Trivandrum, Ernakulam/Kochi, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Munnar and Mananthavady. Besides, plenty of private buses are available from Irinjalakuda to various places within the district and towns in neighbouring districts. For those travelling from southern parts of the state, Chalakudy is the major roadhead to proceed towards Irinjalakuda. Private buses frequently ply between Chalakudy and Irinjalakuda. For travellers from northern Kerala, plenty of private buses are available from Thrissur Shakthan Thampuran private bus stand.

Railways

The nearest railway station is the Irinjalakuda Railway Station which is about 8 km east of the town at Kallettumkara. Irinjalakuda Railway Station is managed by the Southern Railway of Indian Railways. A total of 39 trains, including superfast, express and passenger trains, have stop here. Thrissur railway station is the nearest major railhead with stop for all trains, which is just 22 km from Irinjalakuda.
Irinjalakuda Sorting (Railway Mail Services) also functions at Kallettumkara in the premises of post office. There are daily trains available from Irinjalakuda to Chennai, Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Vijayawada, Nagpur, Pune, Tirupati/Renigunta, Warangal and Salem.

Important trains that stop here include:

* Kanniyakumari-Bengaluru-Kanniyakumari Express

* Kanniyakumari-Pune Express

* Nagercoil-Mangaluru-Nagercoil Parasuram Express

* Alappuzha-Chennai-Alappuzha Superfast Express

* Ernakulam-Karaikal-Ernakulam Express

* Kochuveli-Gorakhpur-Kochuveli Raptisagar Superfast Express

* Kochuveli-Indore-Kochuveli Superfast Express

* Trivandrum-Guruvayur-Trivandrum Intercity Express

* Ernakulam-Kannur-Ernakulam Intercity Express

Nearest Airport

The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, which is 38 km away. The airport is well connected to all major airports in India and also connected to many foreign cities. Direct flights are available to Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata.

Healthcare

Irinjalakuda has several hospitals and health clinics. Most important among them are Government General Hospital (Tana), Irinjalakuda Cooperative Hospital (Nadavaramba), Lal Memorial Hospital (Mapranam), Sacred Heart Mission Hospital (Pullur), Government Ayurveda Hospital (AKP Junction) and Marina Hospital (Tana). Another prominent healthcare facility is the National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (NIPMR) at Kallettumakara.

Educational Organizations

Between the 14th and 16th Century, it was a center of learning. Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics which was believed to be founded here, made major contributions in Algebra, Arithmetic, Astronomy, Calculus, Geometry, Infinite Series and Linguistics.

Colleges
* Christ College, Irinjalakuda
* St. Joseph's College, Irinjalakuda
* Christ College of Engineering, Irinjalakuda
* Christ College of Physical Education, Irinjalakuda
*Tharananellur College of Arts and Science, Thanissery
*Universal College of Engineering, Vallivattom

''STATE''
* Don Bosco Higher Secondary School
*L. F. C. H. S. S., Irinjalakuda
*S. N. H. S. S., Irinjalakuda
*National Higher Secondary School
*St Mary's Higher Secondary School
*Govt Boys' Higher Secondary School
*Govt Girls' Higher Secondary School

''CBSE''
* Bhavan's Vidya Mandir, Irinjalakuda
* Santhinikethan Public School, Irinjalakuda

''ICSE''
*DON Bosco Central School (ICSE)
*Christ Vidya Nikethan

''Language institute''
*Perfect English Academy

Notable People

Irinjalakuda has been the home of many notable people, including
* Madhava of Sangamagrama (Sangamagrama believed to include parts of Irinjalakuda)
* Unnayi Warrier
* Innocent
* P. Jayachandran
* Dr. K. Radhakrishnan
*Anand
*Dr. James Pazhayatil
* Dr. M. Subhadra Nair
* Olympian Chandrasekharan
*N. C. Vasanthakokilam
* Dr. R. Bindu
*K. Rekha
* Tovino Thomas
*Idavela Babu
* Jijoy Rajagopal
* Govind Vasantha
* Anupama Parameswaran
* Sidin Sunny Vadukut
*K V Ramanathan Master (Children's story writer)

Industries

Irinjalakuda is a centre of agri-related industries. The town is home to Kerala Solvent Extractions Limited (KSE Limited), which is a prominent cattlefeed manufacturing company in south India. State-owned cattlefeed manufacturing company Kerala Feeds Limited is located at Kallettumkara, around 2km away from Irinjalakuda railway station and 9km away from Irinjalakuda town. Irinjalakuda has two coconut oil manufacturing companies namely KLF and KPL oil mills. The neighbourhood of Irinjalakuda is home to three cashew processing factories, located at Pullur, Muriyad and Aloor.The town and its neighbouring areas also host a number of bellmetal manufacturing units.

See also

* Avinissery
*Kodungallur
*Kallamkunnu
*Vallakkunnu

References

External links

Irinjalakuda Municipality : Official Website

News Portal of Irinjalakuda

{{Authority control

Cities and towns in Thrissur district