Palai

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PALA

City

PALA

Coordinates:

9.7N 76.70ECoordinates:

Country

India

State

Kerala

District

Kottayam

9.7N 76.70E

Government
Municipal Chairperson

Kuriakose Padavan

Area
Total

15.93 km2(6.15 sq mi)

Elevation

56.7 m (186.0 ft)

Population (2012)
Total

22,056[1]

Density

1,375/km2(3,560/sq mi)

Languages
Official

Malayalam, English

Time zone

IST (UTC+5:30)

PIN

686574 , 686575

Telephone code

9148 22

Vehicle registration

KL 35

Nearest city

Kottayam

Official Website

Official Site

Pala (Malayalam: , also written as Palai), is a municipal town 28 km east of Kottayam in the Indian state ofKerala, spread over an area of 15.93 km2. It is
situated 173 km North from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, on the banks of the Meenachil River and is the headquarters of the Meenachil Taluk and the Pala
Revenue Division. It is the one of the main gateways to the southern high ranges of Western Ghats. Pala connects to highranges
throughThodupuzha and Kanjirappally taluks.
Contents
[hide]

1 Etymology

2 History

2.1 Early settlements

3 Geography and climate

4 Religious places
o

4.1 Churches

4.2 Temples

5 Trade links
o

5.1 Meenachil River

5.2 Palai Central Bank

5.3 KISCO BANK

6 Healthcare, hospitals

7 Closest cities, towns and villages

o

7.1 Cities

7.2 Towns

7.3 Villages

8 Culture and people

9 Cuisine

10 Notable Persons
o

10.1 Social Activist

10.2 Politics

10.2.1 Head of State

10.2.2 Governor/Minister/Legislator

10.3 Literature & Education

10.4 Sports

10.5 Commerce & Industry

10.6 Movies

10.7 Science

11 Journalist

12 Education
o

12.1 Colleges

12.2 Schools

12.3 Teacher Training Institute

12.4 Industrial Training Institute

13 Pala Municipal Stadium

14 Coaching Centers in Pala

o

14.1 Civil Service Institute Pala

14.2 Brilliant Study Centre Pala

14.3 Mohans Institute of Corporate Studies [MICS] Pala

14.4 Lumen Study Centre: St. Thomas College Palai

14.5 Talent Academy Pala

14.6 Thoppans' Swimming Academy

14.7 Pala Jumps Academy

15 Demographics

16 A Rare Social Model

17 Records and Achievements

18 Pala Related Websites

19 See also

20 References

Etymology[edit]
There are various versions regarding the origin of the place name. According to one, early Christian settlers from Kottayam (near Chavakad in
today's Thrissurdistrict), who settled down in Meenachil on the other side of the Meenachil River, named the place as Pala - a shortened form of Palayoor. Another
view is that the name was derived from Palathu families, the prominent early settlers of the region. Another version is that Pala gets its name from Palazhi (Ksheera
Sagara), the mythological Ocean of milk from which nectar was churned out. But there are no supportive explanation why or how this place is connected with the
Puranic ocean of milk.

History[edit]
Pala was part of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore, and was ruled by the "Travancore Rajas" for a long time.before the annexation to Travancore The local
chieftains were "Meenachil Karthas". The first royal Kartha families were known as Njavakattu Karthas. They had a title called "Damodara Simhar" and they were
rulers of a small kingdom called "Meenachil" which is today's Palai (Kottayam district),they were related to the ancient Pandya race and believed to have some
Rajput connection also their "kula Devatha" is "Ambadevi".
They ruled Meenachil taluk and were instrumental in promoting the Christian settlement in this place. Later they were defeated by the Travancore army of Dharma
Raja (successor of Marthanda Varma) and their kingdom was annexed to Travancore (the ruling king committed suicide). All their male folks including boys were
slaughtered. However, the ladies were spared. Also, the Travancore king gave them pension. The family had a successor only after a very long gap due to this
genocide by the Travancore forces.

Early settlements[edit]

Rubber Trees in a Plantation

Early settlements in the region date back to 1000 AD. Christian settlers came to the area very early, probably at the invitation of the local rulers. According to reliable
historical sources The first four Christian families are considered to be Tharayil(Tharayil Mappila)Koottumkal (brother of Tharayil
Mappila) Erakonni & Vayalakombil.[2] They were engaged mainly in agriculture and trade. It is believed that Pala market was established around 1736 on the banks of
Meenachil River by Christian settlers on the land allotted by Meenachil Karthas, who were the local rulers.

Geography and climate[edit]

Located at 9.7N 76.7E, Pala is 56.7 meters above MSL. Nearby towns are Kottayam, Ponkunnam, Erattupetta,Thodupuzha and Changanassery.
Transportation Pala is on the Main Eastern Highway (Muvattupuzha - Pathanamthitta- Punalur Road / SH - 08). The state highway 'SH-32' (Ettumanoor to Poonjar)
also passes through Pala. Atpresent nearest railway station of Pala is Kottayam which is 28 km away. Pala Railway station is santioned through the construction
started Angamaily- Sabarimala new railway line.
[3][4]

Religious places[edit]
Churches[edit]

Bharananganam Church

St.Mary's Shrine(Jubilee Shrine) also Known as Pala Kurishupally a shrine located at the centre of the Pala town, acts as the landmark of the town. St. Thomas SyroMalabar Catholic Cathedral, Pala and St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Lalam are two of the main Syrian Catholic churches in Pala.
A famous pilgrim centre nearby is the Alphonsa Church at Bharananganam, where the mortal remains of St. Alphonsa of India are kept. Adjacent to it is St. Mary's
Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of Bharananganam which was founded in 1002. St. George's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Aruvithura is also a famous pilgrim
centre. Another Christian pilgrim centre near Pala is the St. Augustine's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church at Ramapuram, where the mortal remains of the
BlessedThevarparampil Kunjachan are kept. Monastery of Mutholy was founded by Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara.

St.Thomas Church at Arunapuram is one of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church which has the largest number of convents in Pala Diocese.Two main colleges of Pala
comes under the area of this church.
Though Pala has been a traditional stronghold of the Syro Malabar Catholic Christians, who are generally very conservative in faith and beliefs, the town has, of late
witnessed the emergence of a few Evangelical/ Pentecostal churches in and around the region. Few Latin Catholic churches can also be seen in the place. The other
denominations of the Syrian Christians are largely absent in Pala.

Temples[edit]
There are 11 temples in Pala Municipality. Among them Lalam Mahadeva Temple is among the most famous and is called Dakshina Kasi (Kasi of South)[citation needed].
Lalam Mahadeva Temple is situated at the heart of Pala town on the bank of Lalam River. Kadappattor Mahadeva Temple which is situated on the bank of Meenachil
River is the most famous Hindu temple in this region. Kizhathadiyoor Puthiyakavu Devi Temple, Chembittambalam Kizhathadiyoor Thrukkayil Mahadeva Temple,
Murikkumpuzha Devi Temple, Idayattu Bala Ganapathy Temple, Narasimha Swami Temple, Vellappattu Sree Vana Durga Bhagavathy Temple, Thattarakathu
Bhagavathy Temple, Ooraasala Subrahmanya Swami Temple and Anakkulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Kochidappady Sree Shanmugha swami Temple,Payappar sree
dhrma shatha teemple payappar, are the other temples situated within the boundaries of Pala Municipality.

Trade links[edit]

Pepper - the King of Spices - on a Pepper Vine

Pala had trade links Tamil Nadu, and even countries in the Middle East. A jungle route to Gudalloor in Tamil Nadu, through the dense forests in the High Ranges, is
believed to have brought a significant number of Vellalas and Chettiars during theMiddle Ages. During the early 1900s Pala became famous for its spice market. A
particular brand of pepper called "PalaPepper" was quoted in the London market in the early 1900s. Once rubber took a firm root in Central Kerala, Pala became a
rubber market.
A road linking Athirampuzha to Erattupetta through Pala was established in 1868. Pala was linked to Thodupuzha by road in 1893. Motor vehicles appeared in Pala
in the early 1900s. The first bus service was started in 1908 by a public company by name Meenachil Motor Association which was the 3rd registered company
in Travancore.
Pala became a Municipality in 1949.

Meenachil River[edit]
The Meenachil River flows through the taluks of Meenachil, Vaikom and Kottayam. It is formed by several streams originating from the Western
Ghats in Idukkidistrict. At Erattupeetta, Poonjar River also joins it, takes a sharp turn and flows towards the west. At Kondur, it is joined by the Chittar and at Lalam
it receives the Payuapparathodu and flows in a south- west direction till it reaches Kottayam. Here, it branches into several streams before emptying into
the Vembanad Lake. The important towns in the basin are Pala, Poonjar, Ettumanoor and Kottayam.

Palai Central Bank[edit]

Pala dominated the banking and financial scene of Kerala for over three decades (192760) through Palai Central Bank. Started in 1927 by Joseph Augusti
Kayalackakom, it grew up to become the largest business enterprise of Kerala, and the 17th largest among the 94 scheduled commercial banks in India. The daring
initiatives of this small-town-bank included the opening of a branch in India's new capital New Delhi in 1932, the first Bank to open a branch in the newly built city.
During the 3-decade period of its dominant presence, the Bank played a major role in the growth of Pala town too, including using its influence to bring the
Municipality, Catholic Diocese, St Thomas College and other institutions to Pala, beating the claims of some of the other bigger and older towns nearby.
The Bank was liquidated in 1960 on the orders of Kerala High Court in response to a petition made by the Reserve Bank of India(RBI). In the published history of
RBI[5] a 27-page appendix (Appendix C: The Palai Central Bank) extensively covers the history of the Bank. In it Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru is quoted as
saying that RBI made a "mistake" in closing down the Palai Central Bank.

KISCO BANK[edit]
Kizhathadiyoor Service Co-operative bank Ltd no.1955 is one of the largest banking institutions in the co-operative sector,in the state of Kerala.The bank had its
humble beginning in the year 1934 with a share capital base of RS.125/- contributed by 18 members.The noble object behind the formation of the society was to
improve the economic and social status of the society members and formulate and implement schemes to encourage thrift,self help and cooperation among members.
The bank is the largest co-operative banking in the Meenachil Taluk of the district of Kottayam. The bank has core banking, atm, net banking, telebanking foreigh
exchange, neft/rtgs facilities. Kisco bank presently diversified its area of operation and deals with neethi medical shops, diagonostic centres, ambulance services, ultra
scan, ct scan, dialysis centres, mamaogram, dental units, x ray facilities furniture marts, fish market, agro shops, kisco milk, farm tourism, paliative care units, blood
doners forum, working women's hostel, saphalam 55+, farmers club etc. The bank is headed by Adv.George C Kappen who recently received the award for the Best
Cooperative bank in Kerala.

Healthcare, hospitals[edit]

Govt. General Hospital, Pala

Marian medical center, Arunapuram

Cherupushpam Trust Hospital, Pala

Carmel Hospital, Pala

Closest cities, towns and villages[edit]

Neighbouring cities & towns
Destinations from Pala
Koothattukulam

Thodupuzha

Moolamattam

Vaikom

Palai

Vagamon

Kottayam

Ponkunnam

Erattupetta

Cities[edit]

Kottayam (25 km southwest)

Kochi (65 km northwest)

Thrissur (112 km north)

Kollam (120 km Southwest)

Thiruvananthapuram (173 km south)

Kozhikode (240 km North West)

Madurai (223 km South East)

Coimbatore (235 km North East)

Towns[edit]

Ettumanoor (18 km southwest)

Vaikom (47 km northwest)

Changanassery (45 km southwest)

Erattupetta (13 km east)

Poonjar (17 km east)

Kanjirappally (30 km southeast)

Ponkunnam (21 km southeast)

Thodupuzha (28 km north)

Neeloor, Kottayam, 16 km northeast

Koothattukulam (24 km north)

Ramapuram, 12 km north

Piravom(40 km northwest)

Muvattupuzha (45 km northwest)

Pandalam (74 km southwest)

Paravur (134 km Southwest)

Villages[edit]

Anthinad, 6; KM North

Mevada, 7;km west

Kanattupara, 2 km north

Palayam, 9;km

Padinjattinkara, 8;km

Panthathala, 2 km north west

Payappar, 3 km north

Puliyannoor, 3 km west

Meenachil, 4 km south

Anthinadu, 5 km north

Bharananganam, 5 km east

Peringulam, 22 km east

Cherpunkal, 5 km west

Kudakkachira, 10 km north

Mattakkara, 15 km west

Melukavu, 12 km east

Pravithanam, 5 km north

Narianganam, 12 km

Vallichira, 5 km west

Kollappally, 7 km north

Poovarany, 7 km west

Valavoor, 7 km north

Amparanirappel, 9 km east

Ezhacherry, 8 km

Kezhuvamkulam, 8 km west

Edamattom, 6 km southeast

Kidangoor, 10 km west

Koodalloor, 14 km

Nelliyani, 03 km

Kadappoor, 14 km

Kodumpidy, 10 km north

Kozhuvanal, 10 km west

Paika 9.5 km south

Elamgulam, 16 km south

Panamattom, 16.5 km south

Kurumannu, 13 km north

Neeloor, 16 km NE

Pizhaku, 13 km north

Vayala, 14 km

Amanakara, 15 km north

Kuravilangad, 15 km NW

Edamaruk, 15 km east

Manathoor, 15 km north

Kurinji, 16 km north

Teekoy, 16 km

Kuninji, 18 km north

Thalanadu, 20 km

Moonnilavu, 22 km east

Pathampuzha, 22 km east

Marangattupally, 10 km NW

Monippally, 18 km NW

Palackattumala, 7 km NW

Andoor, 9 km NW

Valavoor, 7 km north

Kadaplamattom, 11 km

Methiri, 16 km north

Culture and people[edit]

Palai is one of the main Christian cultural centers in Kerala. Population of Palai is predominantly Saint Thomas Christians who trace their origins to the evangelistic
activity of Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century.

Cuisine[edit]
Pesaha Appam
Kappa Erachi (Beef & Cassava)

Appam and Stew is a favorite breakfast dish of Syrian Christians. Appams, kallappams, orvellayappams are rice flour pancakes which have soft, thick white spongy
centres and crisp, lace-like edges.[6]
Stews are prepared by gently simmering meat, potatoes and onions in a creamy white sauce flavoured with black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, green chillies, lime juice,
shallots and coconut milk. Meat used is either chicken,mutton, duck or beef.[6] Cassava is a mojor staple food of the region which is often ate with "Meen
Mulakittathu" or "Meen vevichathu" (fish in fiery red chilly sauce).[6]
Pesaha Appam is the rice bread made by the Saint Thomas Christians to be served on Maundy Thursday night.[7] Traditionally, Pesaha Appam is served in a
ceremonial manner on Maundy Thursday night in Syrian Christian households. The head of the family cuts the appam, dips it in paalukurukku (syrup) or Pesaha Pal
(made of coconut milk), and serves it to the other family members. [7]
Syrian Christian beef ularthiathu is a beef dish cooked with spices. Other dishes include Piralan (chicken stir-fries), Meat Thoran (dry curry with shredded coconut),
sardine and duck curries, and Meen molee (spicy stewed fish).[6]

Appam with Stew

Syrian Christian beef fry

Pidiyum Kozhiyum (Chicken with Soft Rice cake)

Fish Curry

Kozhukkatta (Sweet Rice Balls)

Karimeen (Green chromide) Fry

Notable Persons[edit]
Social Activist[edit]

Fr. Abel Periapuram, Founder of Kalabhavan.

James Cherian Maruthukunnel, District Governor, Lions Clubs International (198889).

Politics[edit]
Major political leaders who were from Palai :
Head of State[edit]

K. R. Narayanan, President of India (19972002), Vice-President of India (199297).

Governor/Minister/Legislator[edit]
[In reverse chronological order]

M J Varkey (Vakkachen) Mattathil,[8] Member of Indian Parliament - Rajya Sabha (19982004).

N M Joseph, Minister of Forests, Kerala State (198791)

M M Jacob,[9] Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha (198687), Union Minister (198793), State Governor of Meghalaya (19952007).

Kidangoor Gopalakrishna Pillai,[10] General Secretary of NSS (1967 onwards) and Indian High-Commissioner to Singapore (1992 onwards).

P.K. VasudevanNair, Chief Minister of Kerala State

K M Chandy,[11] State Governor (198289), President of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee.

K M Mani, Member of Kerala Legislative Assembly (1965 onwards) and Minister of Kerala State (different terms during 1977 - incumbent).

T A Thomman, Minister of Home, Kerala State (196465)

Cherian J Kappen,[12] Freedom Fighter,Member of Indian Parliament - Lok Sabha (196267). Municipal Chairman, D.C.C president

George Thomas Kottukapally,[13] Member of Indian Parliament - Lok Sabha (195762), U.N. Delegate.

R V Thomas,[14] President (Speaker) of Travancore State Legislative Assembly (194749).

Ulahannan Ulahannan Vadakkan,[15] Member of Sree Moolam Popular Assembly of Travancore State (192231).

Dr P J Thomas,[16][17] Member of Madras Legislative Council, 193742 and Member of Indian Parliament - Rajya Sabha 1957-62.

J Thomas Kayalackakom,[15] Member of Sree Moolam Popular Assembly of Travancore State (192231).

Literature & Education[edit]

Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar: Author of "Varthamana Pusthakam", the first travelogue in an Indian language.

Ramapurathu Warrier - Poet (Kuchelavritham).

Mahakavi Kattakayam Cherian Mappillai (18591936) - Author of Sri Yesu Vijayam (1926) & Editor of Vijnaana Rathnaakaram (1913)

Mahakavi Pala Narayanan Nair, poet, teacher, most celebrated work 'keralam valarunnu'

Mahakavi Pravithanam PM Devasia, poet

Lalithambika Antharjanam, novelist

B. Sandhya IPS, writer and police officer.

Paul Zacharia, writer & columnist

Santhosh Pala, new generation poet

Ezhacherry Ramachandran, poet

Bishop Sebastian Vayalil, Founder of St. Thomas College

Cyriac Thomas, former Vice Chancellor

Dr. K. L Sebastain (Kizhakkayil) Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize For Science & Techknology

Sports[edit]

Col. G.V. Raja - Foremost Sports Promoter.

M D Valsamma, Athletics - Asian Games Gold Medalist.

(C.V. Sunny),Basketball-Former Indian Captain.

Mani C. Kappan International Volleyball Player

Wilson Cherian International Swimmer

Commerce & Industry[edit]

C R Kesavan Vaidyar - Pioneer Medicinal Soap Maker.

Joseph Augusti Kayalackakom (18841968) - Founder Managing Director of Palai Central Bank.

Jacob Cherian Maruthukunnel - Pioneer in Banking, Motor Transport, Deep sea Fishing

Movies[edit]

Mani C. Kappan (Director,Producer,Actor)

Bhadran, Movie Director

Miss Kumari, late Malayalam actress

Suvarna Mathew Actress

Ponnamma Babu Actress

Pala Thankam Actress

Mia George (Gimi George)Actress

Asin Thottumkal Actress

Rimi Tomy Singer

Listin Stephen, Film producer

Chali Pala, Actor

Remya Nikhil,TV Anchor,Dancer,Model

Albichan Adhikaram Film Editor, Short Film Director

Science[edit]

Dr. A.M.Michael, Former Director of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi and also Vice Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University. Dr.
Michael is the 1st Indian Agricultural Engineer, graduating from the Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Allahabad.
Jom Michael Koottumkal, son of Thomas k Michael is know for his works and research in aerodynamics,aerospace and avionics...

Journalist[edit]

Jose Panachippuram, Associate Editor, Malayala Manorama daily

Eby J Jose Editor, Gulf Life Magazine

Robin Jose Editor, Palanews.com News Portal

Ebin Babu is known for best journals and photography.

Education[edit]
Colleges in Pala are affiliated to the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Educational institutes here are hubs of sports excellence. Famous
internationalvolleyball player Jimmy George was an alumnus of St. Thomas College. Olympian Shiny Wilson is an alumnus of Alphonsa College. Many institutions
are run under the management of the Diocese of Pala.

Colleges[edit]
1. St. Thomas College, Palai
2. Alphonsa College, Pala
3. Henry Baker College, Melukavu
4. Deva Matha College, Kuravilangad
5. Government Polytechnic College, Pala
6. BVM Holy Cross College, Cherpunkal
7. Co-operative Engineering College, Kidnangoor
8. College of engineering Poonjar
9. St. Joseph's College of Engineering and Technology, Pala
10. Mar Sleeba Nursing School, Cherpunkal
11. St. Joseph's College of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Pala
12. Mar Augusthinose college, Ramapuram
13. St. George College, Aruvithura
Proposed:Indian Institute of Information Technology,Indian Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Mar Sleeba Medical College

Schools[edit]
1. St.Josph's HS Kudakkachira {Kerala Board}
2. St. Augustine's HSS, Ramapuram (Kerala Board)
3. Chavara CMI International School, Ramapuram (ICSE&ISC)
4. Government HSS, Pala (Kerala Board)
5. St. Thomas HSS, Pala (Kerala Board)
6. St. Mary's HSS, Pala (Kerala Board)
7. St. Thomas HS, Marangattupilly (Kerala Board)
8. St. Antonys's HSS, Mutholy (Kerala Board)
9. Holy Cross HSS, Cherpunkal (Kerala Board)
10. Alphonsa Residential School Bharanganam (ICSE)
11. St. Vincent HSS, Pala (ICSE)
12. Chavara Junior College (CBSE)
13. St. J.N.HSS, Kozhuvanal (Kerala Board)
14. St.Sebastins Hsaa Kadanad {Kerala Board}
15. St.Joseph's HS Manathoor, Pizhaku {Kerala Board}
16. Labour India Gurukulam public school [cbse]
17. St. Antony's HSS, Plassanal (Kerala Board)
18. St. Mary's HSS, Kidangoor

19. NSS HSS Kdangoor

20. St.Michael's H.S. Pravithanam
21. S. V NSS HS Edanad
22. S.K.V.U.P.S, Kurinji
23. S.K.V.Govt.L.P.S, Kurinji
24. St. Josephs UPS Kannadiyurumpu
25. N.S.S.AIDED UPS,Kidangoor South
26. Govt UP School Anthinad

Teacher Training Institute[edit]

1. St. Thomas Teacher Training College, Pala
2. St. Thomas TTI

Industrial Training Institute[edit]

Cherian J Kappen memorial ITI

Pala Municipal Stadium[edit]

Cherian J Kappen Memorial Stadium

Coaching Centers in Pala[edit]

Civil Service Institute Pala[edit]

The Civil Service Institute was founded in January, 1998, sponsored jointly by the Archdiocese of Changanacherry and the dioceses of Palai and Kanjirappally as a part of the Interdiocesan Centre for Human Resources Development.The CSIPs achievement as a centre for career development is reflected in the number of students who passed the examination from
the institute. The number of students who secured civil services from the instituted is partial in depicting the role of CSIP as a centre for career development of learning. There may be
hundreds of candidates of the institute who secured better placements in government services and other institutions. Simultaneously, large number of college going students who have
undergone part-time training in the institute gets entry into higher education courses. The institutes achievements in the field of civil services examination is illustrated under roll of
honour.

Brilliant Study Centre Pala[edit]

Brilliant Study Centre, the numero uno among the innumerable entrance coaching centers in the state, was established in 1984 and eversince its inception it has been providing excellen
coaching for medical and Engineering Entrance Examination

Mohans Institute of Corporate Studies [MICS] Pala [edit]

Mohans Institute of Corporate Studies (MICS)visualises quality education for Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Company Secretaryship (CS) courses by giving professional approach t
the course. The classes being handled by experienced Company Secretaries and Chartered Accountants, MICS has been successfully producing many young professionals in Kerala.

Lumen Study Centre: St. Thomas College Palai[edit]

An excellent coaching Center for medical and Engineering Entrance Examination run by St. Thomas College Management

Talent Academy Pala[edit]

Talent Academy provides outstanding classes and extensive preparation techniques, which help the aspirants to achieve top ranks in AIEEE, JEE-IIT Kerala state medical/Engineering
examinations

Thoppans' Swimming Academy[edit]

Thoppans' Swimming Academy is an academy for swimming owned and operated by Thoppil brothers.

Pala Jumps Academy[edit]

Demographics[edit]

As of 2001 India census,[18] Pala had a population of 22,640. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Pala has an average literacy rate of 98%, higher than the national
average of 73%: male literacy is 98.5%, and female literacy is 97.8%, still much lower than the state average. This is thought to be because of the plantation industry influence despite
having large number of schools. In Pala, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

A Rare Social Model[edit]

Although Palai is very much associated with rubber cultivation, the widespread cultivation of rubber started here only around the middle of 20th century. But Palai was into agriculture
decades - or even centuries - before that. Until rubber came, farming in Palai was of the composite type, i.e. all crops were inter-planted in all fields by everyone. Typically, all fields ha
several tiers of plants. Big trees like Coconut, Jackfruit, Mango etc. were there at the upper-most level, followed by other plants of medium height that supported pepper vines. Then the
banana plants were there, followed by tubers like tapioca, yam, sweet potato etc. These were staple items then. Further, there were the home-grown vegetables like lady's
fingers, eggplant, different varieties of gourd etc. Finally, at the ground level, there were the shrub-like plants like ginger, turmeric etc. This form of composite cultivation, though
required hard work throughout the year, was a self-supporting one.

Another feature of Palai is that the place was colonized centuries ago by people migrating from the plains in search of land, and with the hope of making a living - if not a fortune - by
'taming' the land. It was a sort of "wild west". Many among the new migrants perished in the hostile environment, but those who survived became well off. Also, there were no "landles
labor" that was common in other parts of Kerala. There was a practice called "Kilachupaathy" (ploughed half) - also called "Vechupaathy" (kept half) - in which owners of large tracts o
undeveloped land gave land to those willing to develop it, who in turn are allowed to keep half the land as their own after developing it, and only the other half need to be returned to th
original owner. As a result of this novel practice, everyone was the owner of a small parcel of land that he cultivated himself. On the one hand, the cultivation of tapioca and other tuber
crops saved the people from poverty and famines that affected other places, while on the other, the dispersed land holding helped to reduce disparities in income levels. A unique type o
egalitarian social set up therefore emerged. This also prevented extremist ideologies from making inroads into Palai.

Even now Palai is one of the few places where the rich are not addressed as "Muthalali" (rich man). Instead, the common form of addressing is "Chettan" (elder brother). Those younge

than you are simply called by their names, irrespective of their position, wealth or social standing. Only those in the bureaucracy or the professions are addressed by a polite "sir". One
reminded of the practice in Gujarat where all the elderly are addressed by even kids as simply "bhai" (elder brother) even if he happens to be the prime minister. The dominant presence
of Syrian Malabar Nasrani Christians here also would have played a role in bringing about this unique social set up in Palai.

Social change which swept the rest of Kerala naturally affected Palai also. In the second half the 20th century, as income from land got divided among the many children in each family
the more enterprising among them started the second wave of migration - this time to the high ranges in Idukki district and to the northernMalabar region of Kerala. Many of today's
residents in those regions confirm that their ancestors came from places in and around Palai. The 1960s saw another development. As education became common, many young boys and
girls from even middle-class families started going to Europe, USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand to work as Registered Nurses and other medical support staff. This brought great
prosperity to a section of population. This was followed by the so-called "Gulf Boom" in which, though late, even many from Palai also joined. As the price of rubber became erratic
there was massive influx into government jobs too. The 1990s saw children from every family trying to get a job, preferably an overseas job. The advent of the Information
Technology boom made the dreams of many come true.

Records and Achievements[edit]

Meenachil Taluk, of which Pala town is the headquarters, has the unique distinction of holding innumerable records. It is amazing that a rather remote Taluk located in the hilly inland
could achieve so much.
World Records:
1. The Christian parish that is home to the largest number of priests in the world Kozhuvanal Parish, Pala Diocese[19] (151 priests).
2. Promoter of one of the world's ten best Resort Hotels selected by the world's leading travel magazine Dominic Joseph Kuruvinakkunnel (Coconut Lagoon,Kumarakom of
Casino CGH Earth Group of Hotels[20]).
National Records:
1. India's only dalit President K R Narayanan (1997).
2. First Indian to become Economic Advisor to Government of India Dr P J Thomas[16][17] (1942).
3. India's first and only Taluk to produce one President/Vice-President, two State Governors, one State Chief Minister and one Ambassador K R Narayanan, K M Chandy,[21] M
M Jacob,[22] P K Vasudevan Nair & Kidangoor Gopalakrishna Pillai.[10]
4. Longest term as Finance Minister of a State in India K M Mani (7 years).
5. Longest term as State Governor in India M M Jacob[22] (12 years).
6. Highest number of Bishops from a Diocese in India Pala Diocese.[23]
7. The first travelogue in an Indian language "Varthamana Pusthakam" by Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar (eighteenth century).[24]
8. The first native Indian Roman Catholic (and the only Syro Malabar Catholic) Saint St. Alphonsa.[25]
9. Author of the first encyclopaedia in an Indian language Mathew M Kuzhively Syrian Malabar Nasrani.
10. First head of a Homoeo Medical Dept. of a State in India Dr K Z George[26] (1973).
11. First Bank to open a branch in India's capital New Delhi Palai Central Bank (1932).
12. Maker of India's largest selling medicinal toilet soap C R Kesavan Vaidyar (Chandrika Soap).[27]
State Records:
1. First and only President/Vice-President from Kerala K R Narayanan (1997/1992).
2. First Speaker of the State since Independence R V Thomas[14] (1948).
3. Longest continuous term as MLA of the State and Finance Minister who presented highest number of State Budgets K M Mani (MLA from 1965 onwards and 10 State
Budgets)
4. One of the first two from the State to be beatified by Catholic church St Alphonsa[25] (1986).
5. Promoter of the institution that was the largest in the State for over three decades Joseph Augusti Kayalackakom - Palai Central Bank (192760).
6. First and foremost sports promoter of the State Col. G.V. Raja.[28]
7. First company promoter of the State to make a public issue of shares of a plantation company J Thomas Kayalackakom - Mysore Plantations Ltd (1943).[29]
8. First person to run a Star Hotel in the State Dominic Joseph Kuruvinakkunnel - Malabar Hotel, Cochin (1962). [30]
9. First Liquor Baron of the State Joseph Michael Manarkattu (1980s). [31]
10. First Stock Broker's Firm in the State Kayalackakom Company (1946).[29]
11. First person from the State to dominate the multi-crore Forward Trade (Satta Bazar) in spices M O Devasia Mattathil (1970s).[32]
12. First lady athlete of Kerala to win Asian Games gold medal M D Valsamma (1982)
13. One of the first two women IPS officers from the State B. Sandhya IPS (1994).[33]
14. First MBA degree holder of Kerala K M George Kayalackakom - New York University[34] (1948).
15. First Christian Mahakavi and Editor of one of the oldest literary magazines in Malayalam Kattakayam Cherian Mappillai - Sreeyesu Vijayam (1926) &Vijnaana

Rathnaakaram (1913).[35]
16. First person to introduce the Vanchippaattu branch of Malayalam poetry Ramapurathu Warrier - Kuchelavritham (18th century).[36]
17. First editor of a Malayalam Newspaper Nidhiry Mani Kathanar - Nasrani Deepika[37] (1887).
18. First bridge constructed by private individuals - Puzhakkara Bridge - 80 ft*16 ft (Constructed in 1998 by P.A Kuriakose and brothers John and Joseph, Puzhakkara family).
[Page10, 15 June 1998 Malayala Manorama Daily, Business Deepika 15-21, 1999].
19. First Queen of the Malayalam silver screen: Miss Kumari
20. First candle manufacturing company in Kerala:THE LITTLE FLOWER CANDLE WORKS PALAI Estd.1939 Mg.Prop.J Thomas Chavara Palai
21. An entrance coaching institution: Brilliant Study Centre

Pala Related Websites[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has
media related to Palai.
Wikivoyage has a travel
guide for Palai.

Website about Palai

See also[edit]

Meenachil

Meenachil River

Bharananganam

Mani C. Kappan

References[edit]
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2.

Jump up^ http://www.cathedralpala.in/history/

3.

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4.

Jump up^ http://wikimapia.org/#lat=9.7144927&lon=76.6848922&z=16&l=0&ifr=1&m=b

5.

Jump up^ RBI scripts

6.

^ Jump up to:a b c d Marks, Gil (2010), Encyclopedia of Jewish Food, John Wiley and sons

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^ Jump up to:a b Amprayil, Kuruvilla Cherian (16 March 2008). "Kerala Nazranee Pesaha Receipes". Nasrani Syrian Christians Network. Retrieved 22 August 2009.

8.

Jump up^ http://rajyasabha.nic.in/kiosk/whoswho/alpha_m12.htm

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10.

^ Jump up to:a b http://www.nairs.in/bio_g.html

11.

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12.

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13.

Jump up^ http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/lok02/state/02lskl.htm

14.

^ Jump up to:a b http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/ginfo_2_3.htm

15.

^ Jump up to:a b http://www.keralaassembly.org/history/popular.html

16.

^ Jump up to:a b http://www.palai.com/more.htm

17.

^ Jump up to:a b http://rajyasabha.nic.in/kiosk/whoswho/prev90t.htm

18.

Jump up^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06
16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.

19.

Jump up^ http://www.palaidiocese.com/Priest3.htm

20.

Jump up^ http://www.cghearth.com/coconut_lagoon_backwaters_2.htm

21.

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22.

^ Jump up to:a b http://rajyasabha.nic.in/kiosk/whoswho/prev90j.htm

23.

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24.

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25.

^ Jump up to:a b http://www.firponet.com/Francesco/Servants/Alphonsa/Fran_serv_Alphonsa_eng.htm

26.

Jump up^ http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_homeopathy/index.htm#achive

27.

Jump up^ http://www.blinkbits.com/en_wikifeeds/List_of_Ezhavas

28.

Jump up^ http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/sportsmain.htm

29.

^ Jump up to:a b http://www.surfindia.com/finance/madras-stock-exchange.html

30.

Jump up^ http://www.tajhotels.com/Leisure/Taj%20Malabar,COCHIN/default.htm

31.

Jump up^ http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_excise/excise_dept.htm

32.

Jump up^ http://www.karvycomtrade.com/educationSeries.asp

33.

Jump up^ "Women form 10 p.c. of local police force". The Hindu (Chennai, India). 25 July 2005.

34.

Jump up^ http://w4.stern.nyu.edu/alumni/networking.cfm?doc_id=2790

35.

Jump up^ http://cs.nyu.edu/kandathi/kattakayam.html

36.

Jump up^ http://www.malayali.com/writers.htm

37.

Jump up^ "Spiritualist with a vision". The Hindu (Chennai, India). 20 June 2004.
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