Vatakara also spelled Vadakara (formerly Badagara) is a Municipality in the state of Kerala, India. Vatakara is located between the cities of Kannur and Kozhikode in the Indian state of Kerala. It covers an area of 23.33 square kilometers and is bordered by the towns of Mahé to the north and Payyoli to the south. Vatakara serves as the headquarters of the Vatakara taluk, which is made up of 22 panchayats (local self-governments). The Pincode of Vatakara is 673101. During the rule of the Kolathiris and Zamorins, the region was known as Kadathanadu. During the British Raj, it was part of the North Malabar region of the Madras state. The historic Lokanarkavu temple, known for its association with the Vadakkan Pattukal (ballads of North Malabar), is located in Vatakara. A new species of tardigrade (water bear) found on the Vadakara coast has been named Stygarctus keralensis after the state of Kerala.
Vadakara State assembly constituency is one of the 140 state legislative assembly constituencies in Kerala state in southern India. It is also one of the 7 state legislative assembly constituencies included in the Vatakara Lok Sabha constituency. As of the 2021 assembly election, the current MLA is K.K Rema of the Revolutionary Marxist Party of India.
Table of Contents
- Vatakara Geography
- Vatakara History
- What Are the Ways to Reach Vatakara?
- Vadakara Population
- Famous Places in Vatakara
- Frequently Asked Questions
Vatakara Geography
Vatakara is a town located in the Indian state of Kerala at latitude 11.60°N and longitude 75.58°E, with an average elevation of 15 meters (49 feet). It is situated about 49 kilometers to the north of Kozhikode City and 44 kilometers to the south of Kannur City, and is adjacent to the town of Mahé. The town is located on the banks of a river called the Kuttiady or the Kottakkal river. Its location on the north bank of the river led to the town being called Vadakkekara, which was later shortened to Vatakara. To the east, Vatakara borders the Wayanad district along the Western Ghats, and to the west, it is bordered by the Arabian Sea, like many other towns in Kerala. The Kuttiyadi river flows into the sea to the south of Vatakara, creating small islands and sandbars near the river mouth.
Vatakara History
The region of Kolathunadu, in the early medieval period, was divided into 10 independent principalities, known as Kadathanadu (Vadakara), Randathara or Poyanad (Dharmadom), Kottayam (Thalassery), Nileshwaram, and Iruvazhinadu (Panoor, Kurumbranad, etc.), each ruled by separate royal chieftains due to internal conflicts. The Nileshwaram dynasty, located in the northernmost part of the Kolathiri dominion, had relationships with both the Kolathunadu and the Zamorin of Calicut.
Vatakara was the capital of a historical region called Kurumba Nadu, which was home to the Kurumbar people. During the pre-British era, a significant portion of the current Vatakara taluk, including the area that is now part of the Vatakara municipality, was ruled by a chieftain as a vassal of the Kolathiri kingdom. The rest of the taluk was initially part of the Polathiri kingdom and later ruled by the Zamorins of Calicut. It is believed that the boundary between these kingdoms was in the region of Vatakara known as Puduppanam, with the river called the Moonsad serving as a geographical boundary. The Kadathanad dynasty was established when a member of the Polathiri royal family was forced to flee to Kolathunadu after a failed battle with the Zamorins, settled in the region, and married a princess from the Kolathiri kingdom.
Vatakara became an important trade center in the region during the early 18th century, exporting agricultural products such as coffee, pepper, and coconut. Along with smaller nearby ports like Chombal, Muttungal, and Kottakkal, Vatakara (also known as Badagara) emerged as a major trade center, rivaling those at Cannanore, Tellicherri, and Calicut. The Kadathanad rulers, who benefited from a strong sea trade, established a strong naval force that became known as the “Lord of the Seas,” as it was the most powerful naval force from the Malayalam-speaking region. This thriving economy allowed them to build a strong naval force.
One important factor in the rise of Vatakara as a trade center was the rise and fall of the Kunjali Marakkars of Kottakkal. During the 16th century CE, the Kunjali Marakkars were the admirals of the Zamorin’s naval fleet and were known for their bravery and sea battle tactics. They established their stronghold in Kottakkal and built a fort there. The last Marakkar, Kunjali IV, was defeated at the beginning of the 17th century by the combined forces of the Zamorin, with whom he had fallen out, and the Portuguese, who resented the interference of Kunjali and his followers in their trade routes. The fort was completely destroyed by a bombardment from the sea, but the Marakkars’ knowledge of ship handling and tactics continued to be passed down in the community of seafarers in this area of Vatakara. This knowledge later allowed the ruler of Kadathanad to establish his supremacy at sea and to enforce a “pass” system for trade ships.
The region became a separate kingdom around 1750, when the then-chieftain took the title of Kadathanad Rajah. During this time, there are records of frequent conflicts between Kadathanad and the ruler of Kottayam, as well as with the foreign colonial powers of the British (based in Thalassery) and the French (based in Mahé).
According to legend, Vatakara is the birthplace of Unniyarcha, Aromal Chekavar, and Thacholi Othenan, the heroes of the Vadakkanpattu (ballads of North Malabar). The Thacholi family home, Thacholi Tharavadu, is still preserved, and the anniversary of Thacholi Othenan’s birth is celebrated at the Thacholi Manikkothu Kavu temple.
There are several notable temples in the Vatakara area, including the Lokanarkavu and Kottakkal Bhagavathi Temple, which is the second richest temple in North Malabar. The Kalari Ullathil Temple is also located near the town of Vatakara. The martial art Kalaripayattu originated in Vatakara.
What Are the Ways to Reach Vatakara?
The town of Vatakara is accessible by train, air, and road. The Vatakara Railway Station is one of India’s model railway stations, connected to all major cities, and is one of the top stations in north Kerala, after Calicut and Kannur. The nearest airport is the Kannur International Airport, about 48 kilometers away, and the Calicut International Airport is about 60 kilometers away.
The National Highway 66 (NH66) passes through Vatakara, connecting it to Kozhikode to the south (45 kilometers), Kannur (44 kilometers), and Mangalore (188 kilometers) to the north. A preliminary survey is being conducted to consider the construction of a National Highway to connect Vatakara to Bangalore through Nadapuram.
Vatakara is about 65 kilometers from Mananthavady by bus, and traveling by bus is one of the ways to reach Mananthavady in Wayanad. Vatakara is also about 55 kilometers from Perambra via Thamarassery and 83 kilometers from Kalpetta.
By tripup kerala – tripup kerala, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Vadakara Population
Vadakara is a municipality in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. The city of Vadakara is divided into 44 wards, and elections are held every 5 years to choose representatives for these wards. According to a Census India report from 2011, the Vadakara Municipality has a population of 75,295, with 35,531 males and 39,764 females. The population of children aged 0-6 is 7823, which is 10.39% of the total population of Vadakara. The female sex ratio in Vadakara is 1119, which is higher than the state average of 1084, and the child sex ratio is 952, which is lower than the state average of 964. The literacy rate in Vadakara is 94.88%, which is higher than the state average of 94.00%. The male literacy rate is 97.12% and the female literacy rate is 92.91%. The Vadakara Municipality is responsible for providing basic amenities such as water and sewerage to over 15,787 houses within its jurisdiction, and it is also authorized to build roads and impose taxes on properties within its limits.
Famous Places in Vatakara
Sargaalaya Crafts Village
Sargaalaya is a 20-acre arts and crafts village located in Iringal, Koyilandy, Kerala, India. It was established in 2011 by the Kerala Tourism Department at a cost of approximately 15 crores. The Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) was awarded a contract to manage the village for a decade. The village features over 60 stalls selling various ethnic crafts and also houses a Crafts Design and Technology development center, which offers training in traditional handicraft techniques. The Kerala State Tourism award ceremony is also held at Sargaalaya.
Lokanarkavu Temple
The Lokanarkavu temple is located in Memunda, which is about 5 km from Vadakara. It has a strong connection to the legends and folklore of Vadakkanpattu, and it is believed that the hero of Kadathanadu, Thacholi Othenan, was a devoted follower of the temple’s goddess, Lokanarkavilamma, who is an embodiment of Durga. The temple also has three rock-cut caves that are adorned with intricate murals and carvings. Every year, a festival called Pooram, which celebrates Durga, is held at the temple during the months of March and April. In addition, there are two other temples located near the Lokanarkavu temple that are dedicated to the worship of Vishnu and Shiva.
Lokanarkavu and Kalarippayattu
The annual festival at the Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple includes the Mandala Utsavam, which takes place in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November-December), and the Pooram, which occurs in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April). During this festival, a unique folk dance called Poorakkali is performed, which is similar to the martial art Kalarippayattu. The temple also has a strong connection to the legendary hero Thacholi Othenan, and many Kalarippayattu artists visit the temple to seek the deity’s blessings before their debut performances.
Payamkuttimala Temple
The Muthappan temple at Memunda is overseen by the Kerala Government’s tourism department. In 2018, there were plans to modernize the area around the temple. The temple follows the Theyyam form of worship.
Payamkuttimala ECO tourisum
Payamkuttimala, located in the Kozhikode district, offers a panoramic view of Vadakara and its surroundings. It is located from Panikkotti on the Vadakara-Tiruvallur road, and many travelers come to the hill station to watch the sunrise and sunset and see the Arabian Sea. Located about 2,000 feet above sea level, the small hill also has a Muthappan Madapura and dead laterite rocks.
Chendamangalam Temple
The Chennamangalam temple is a very old temple located in Kerala, and it is one of the few temples in the region that has a Dhwaja Pratishtha, which is a sacred flagpole. The temple is situated about 2 km from the town of Vatakara, near Chorode. The primary deities worshipped at the temple are Shiva and Ayyappan. The temple is similar in nature to the Sabarimala temple, and it has served as an alternative destination for pilgrims when access to Sabarimala has been disrupted, such as when a fire occurred.
Kozhukkannur Neyyamruth Madom
The Kozhukkannur Neyyamruth Madom is located in Purameri. During the Kottiyoor festival, the madom serves as the starting point for a procession in which offerings of Neyamruthu (ghee) are carried on foot to the Kottiyoor temple.
Other temples in the area include the Kizhakkedathu temple, the Sivapuram Sree Mahadeva Kshethram, the Arathil Bhagavathi Kottakkal temple, the Thuneri Sree Vettakkorumakan Kshethram, the Ponmeri Shiva temple, the Kalleri Kuttichathan temple, the Kaliyampalli temple, and the Nagath Sri Muchilottu Bhagavathi temple.
Thacholi Othenan
Thacholi Othenan, also known as Thacholi Meppayil Kunjhu Othenan, Mepayil Tacholi Manikoth Kovilakathu Kunji Othena Kurup, or Udayana Kurup of Thacholi Manikoth House, was a legendary hero who is believed to have lived in the 16th century in the North Malabar region of Kerala, India. He is celebrated in the Vadakkan Pattukal, which are ballads from North Malabar. Thacholi Othenan’s son, Thacholi Ambadi, was also a renowned expert in martial arts.
Kunjali Marakkar Memorial
The Marakkar fort was located on the southern bank of the Moorad river, about 46 km south of Kozhikode, in an area that is now called Kottakkal. There is a building in Kottakkal that was once owned by Kunjali Marakkar and now serves as a small museum, displaying collections of ancient weapons such as swords, cannonballs, and knives. Kunjali Marakkar, also known as Kunhali Marakkar, was the title given to the Muslim naval chief of the Inscriptions on the Kunjali Marakkar Memorial at Kottakkal, Vatakara.
Vatakara Sandbanks
The Sandbanks recreation area is located on a peninsula that is bordered by the Moorad river on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, about 3 km south of the town of Vatakara. The Sandbanks Bungalow, which was constructed in 1946 by Mr Wilfred Vincent Reilly, is located on the peninsula. The area is owned by Aditya Birla Management Corporation Ltd and is managed by the Vadakara Municipality. A coastal police station is currently being built on the peninsula.
Theyyam
Theyyam, also known as Thirayattam, is a ritual performance art form that celebrates the cultural heritage of North Malabar, particularly the ancient Kolathunad region. It portrays deities and cultural heroes such as Shiva bhutaganas and Kali, and the performances are based on ancient stories. The language used in the performances is “Tottam pattu,” a primitive form of Malayalam, and the performances often show the influence of Buddhism. Theyyam is usually held from October to May each year, and the performers typically wear red costumes. The origins of Theyyam can be traced back to the Sangam literature of 500 CE, where it is mentioned as Velan. It is believed to have developed from a tribal ritual art that was influenced by Buddhism and the revival of Hinduism by the Brahmins. In North Malabar, this art form is known as “Kaliyattom” north of Pazhayangadi Puzha, Kannur, as “Theyyam” south of the river, and as “Tirayattom” around Vadakara (Kadathanadu).
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
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