History of Block Panchayat

Pandalam Block Panchayat is one of the major local self-government institutions in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. Its headquarters is located at Kulanada. The growth and development of the Block Panchayat are closely associated with the social, cultural, and political history of the Pandalam region.

Historical Background

Historians believe that the areas comprising the present-day Pathanamthitta district were once under the rule of the Pandalam Royal Family. There is also a traditional belief that the Pandalam Royal Family had ancestral links with the Pandya dynasty of Tamil Nadu.

In 1812, during the reign of Rani Parvathi Bayi, the Kingdom of Pandalam was merged with the Kingdom of Travancore. The royal family, known as the Ayrur Swaroopam, maintained a close and inseparable association with Sabarimala and Lord Ayyappa. According to tradition, Lord Ayyappa was brought up in the Pandalam Palace. Even today, the sacred ornaments (Thiruvabharanam) used for the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage are preserved in the Pandalam Palace.

Formation of Pathanamthitta District

Pathanamthitta, the thirteenth revenue district of Kerala, was officially formed on 1 November 1982. The district was created by combining areas from the former districts of Alappuzha, Kollam, and Idukki.

Areas Included at the Time of Formation

  • 21 villages from Pathanamthitta Taluk of Kollam district
  • 9 villages from Kunnathur Taluk of Kollam district
  • Villages from Chengannur, Mavelikkara, and Thiruvalla Taluks of Alappuzha district
  • The Sabarimala region and parts of the northern Pamba Valley from Idukki district

As per the Government Order issued on 9 June 1983, the taluk boundaries of Pathanamthitta district were reorganized. Consequently, the five taluks of Adoor, Kozhencherry, Ranni, Mallappally, and Thiruvalla came into existence.

Administrative Development of the Pandalam Region

Following the reorganization of the district, several Block Panchayats were strengthened to ensure more effective implementation of rural development programmes. In this context, Pandalam Block Panchayat expanded its role as an intermediate-level local self-government institution, coordinating the activities of the Gram Panchayats in the region.

Kulanada and Pandalam Block Panchayat

The headquarters of Pandalam Block Panchayat is situated at Kulanada. Kulanada is a region of historical, agricultural, and educational significance. The administrative and developmental activities of the Block Panchayat are coordinated from this headquarters.

Major Functions of Pandalam Block Panchayat

  • Rural road development
  • Drinking water supply projects
  • Agricultural development programmes
  • Women's empowerment initiatives
  • Welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
  • Public health and healthcare programmes
  • Educational support programmes
  • VB-G RAM G