INTRODUCTION

PHYSICAL FEATURES OF EDAICODE

Name of the Town

Edaicode is a region of natural beauty and enrichment and it

derived its name from hills. This region is surrounded by a number of hills

namely Devicode, Kuttaicode, Anducode, Pacode, Methapancode,

Uttaramcode and Maruthancode. As this area is situated in the middle of all

the other hills, this area came to be named Edaicode1.

Location

Kanyakumari District is decorated with natural beauty. Hills and

valleys, Plains and low lying areas added additional beauty to the district.

Being a part of this region, naturally Edaicode also remains as a beauty spot.

Edaicode Town Panchayat comes under the jurisdiction of Melpuram

Panchayat Union. It is bounded by Pacode Panchayat on the west, river

Thamiraparani on the south, river Kothayar on the east and the hill on the

north.

Edai and code are the two Tamil and Malaya) im words respectively. Edai means middle and °de
means hill
 The South Travancore was under the control of the King Balarama

Varma (1798 - 1810). During his time, London Missionary Society was

founded in 1806 by Ringle Taube in Mylaudy, near Nagercoil. 15 Missionaries

not only spread Christianity but also introduced several social reforms. Many

people converted to Christianty. The new converts refused to perform the

age old customs and Oozhiyam services.16

After Balarama Varma, South Travancore was came under the control

of Rani Lekshmi Bai (1810-1815) By longstanding custom, the inferior class

of the population were forbidden to wear upper cloth. 17 Violation of this

custom was severely punished by the authorities. Col. Muntro was the then

Dewan of Trvancore. He issued an order in 1812 that the Christian women

had right to cover their bosoms as obtains among Christian in other countries.

But other people had no right to cover their bosom. Another social evil

Slavery also existed in South Travancore in its cruel form. So col. Muntro

advised Rani Lekshmi Bai to issue an order against slavery. Consequently

Rani issued a proclamation on December 5, 1812 for the prohibition of the

purchase and sale of slaves.19 But this act was not practiced by government

servants.

15
William Robinson, Ringle Taube. the Rishi. Letters and Journals. Sheffield, 1902. p.78.
16
Daniel. P.. op.cit.. p.ll
17
Nagam Aiya, V., The Travancore State Manual. Vol.1, Madras, 1989, p.525.
18
Political Consultations, vol.193, p.488 Order from Col. Samudaya Marumalarchiyum, Nagercoil.
1999, p.114.

10
 Gauri Parvati Bai (1815-1829) became the next ruler of South

Travancore. During her time, upper cloth revolts were took place in places

such as Kalkulam, Eraniel, vilavancode, Attoor etc. Though she was a

woman, she declared in 1829 that low class women had no right to wear

upper cloth and behaved she was second to none social suppression. So

upper
91

cloth revolution continued.

After Gauri Parvati Bai, Ramavarma Swati Tirunal (1829-1847)

became the ruler of South Travancore. His period is hailed as the golden age

of Travancore because of all round development. But he also suppressed the

low class people to the maximum level. He arrested Vaikunda Swamigal of

South Travancore, a socio-religious reformer due to his preaching. Vaikunda

Swamigal was detained for 110 days . During his time, missionaries under the

leadership of Charles Mead continued their work in South Travancore.

Charles Mead constructed number of schools for women. So he is considered

as the father of Female Education in Travancore.

Then Uttram Tirunal Marthandavarma (1847-1860) succeeded to the

throne of South Travancore. During his time, the upper cloth revolt reached

its climax. Agitations were took place such as Kalkulam, Vilavancode and

Agasteeswaram taluks. When the revolt became

z0
John A. Jacob, A History of the London Missionary Society in South Trvancore (1806-1959).
Nagercoil, 1990,p.68.
21
Rjayyan, K„ History of Tamil Nadu (1565-1982!.. Madurai, 1982, p.284.
Arunan Thamizhakathil Samooka Seethirutham-Iru Nuttandu Varalaru (Tamil), Madurai, 19()Q, p.29 23
Sreedhara Menon, A., Social and Cultural History of Kerala. New Delhi, 1979,p.298.
V,
widespread, the missionaries wrote letter to the Resident and the King

explained the inhuman treatments of high class people24. He issued

proclamation in 1859 to wear upper cloth for the low class women. 2"' Slavery

also existed in the society during his period in its most heinous forms.

Sustained efforts from the Resident and the Madras Government, he issued a

proclamation in 1865 that the emancipation of all the slaves26.

He was succeeded by Ayilyam Tirunal Rama Varma ( 1860-1880).

According to 1859 proclamation, Ezhavas and other sections had no rights to

wear upper cloth. The Christian missionaries fought against this evil and

submitted petition to Maharaja and to Government of Madras, Charles,

Trevelyan. The Governor of Madras and Mathy directed the king to take steps

to end such social evil was unlawful. This proclamation permitted the women

of Ezhavas and others had the right to cover the upper part of their body.28

Visakam Tirunal Maharaja ruled Travncore from 1880-1885. According

to the Proclamation of 1855, slaves were only freed from the clutches of high

class people. They had no right to access public courts, highways, and

officers. So people continued their agitation, to gain equal

Gladstone. J.W.. Protestant Christianity and peopIeMovements in Kerala. Trivandram. 19X4, 1984,p.90.
25
Proclamations from 1858 to 1874 A.D., Proclamation of 1859 A.D., kerala State Archives, Trivandram.
26
Cover File No.286, Proclamation of 1855, English Records, Kerala Secretariat, Trivandruni.
"7 Cover File No. 286, Proclamation of 1855, English Records, Kerala Secretariat, Trivandruni.
27
Political Proceeding 1859, Vol.11, pp.130-32. Memorial of the L.M.S Missionaries 18 July 1859, Tamil
Nadu Archives, Madras.
28
Neetu Vol.7,pp.210-211, Proclamation of 19 Mithunam 1040 M.E (1865 A.D), Central Archives,
Trivandram.

12
status in the society. Dewan Ramiengar also induced the king to issue an

order against this social evil. So Visakam Tirunal Maharaja issued a Circular

Order on 21 July 1884. It declared that the courts, offices, public highways

and market places were for the use of all classes of people without distinction

of caste or creed.29

When Srimulam Tirunal Maharaja ruled Travancore from 1885-1924.

In 1896, Swami Vivekananda visited Travancore. He was very much irritated

to see the barbarous practices in Trvancore in the name of caste and colour.

So he gave an apt name to Travancore as "Land of Lunatics" (Land of mad

people) . According to the Circular Order of 1884, the low class people got

only right to access public highways and courts. The low class children had

no right to got education in public schools without payment. They got

education only through the private schools like the missionary school. But the

low class people also wanted to study in public schools. So they continued

their agitation. This protest go the ears of the king.31 In 1904 by an order, king

Srimulam Tirunal extended the benefits of education to the backward and the

downtrodden people. He decided to bear the entire cost of the schools of the
«

poor and grant-in-aid code was introduced in the school of backward classes.3

Yesudas, R.N., The History of the London Missionary in Travancore ( 1806-1908). Trivandrum.
1980,p.l69.
30
Narayanan Thampi, A., Cencus of India 1941, Vol, 25, Trivandrum, 1942, p.32.
31
Ivy Peter and D. Peter, op.cit.,pp.30-31.
32
Travancore Gazetteer, Supplement 10, Aughst 1904, No.29, Vol.VIII, Educational Department,

13
 Regent Setulekshmi Bai (1924-1931) became the next ruler of South

Travancore. During her time also certain Communities were not allowed to

enter the temple premises and worship the deity. Because, the large majority

of the Hindu population were treated as outcastes in Travancore society. " So

Temple Entry Satyagrahas decided to meet the Regent in person and to

submit a memorial. So on 7th November 1924, one jatha reached Trivandrum

under M.E. Naidu, from Suchindram in south Travancore. The regent agreed

to consider their grievances favourably, but this was appeared unsatisfactory,

so they continued their agitation.34 In January 1926, Satayagraha campaign

was organized at Suchindrum for gaining the right of entry into the roads

around it for the low classes people. It was led by M.E. Naidu, it continued

for about one month and was withdrawn on receiving assurances from the

government.36 But the action of government was quite unsatisfactory. So the

agitation continued. In 1931, regent Setu Lekshmi Bai abdicated the throne in

favour of his son.

Sri Chitra Tirunal Balarama Varma (1931-1949) became the next and

last ruler of South Travancore. Due to the agitation of Travancore people to

enter the temples, he issued a Temple Entry Proclamation on November 12,

1936. He proclaimed that "henceforth.be, no restriction placed on

33
Ravmdran, T.K., Eight Furlongs of Freedom. New cielhi, 1976, p. 16
34
Daniel, D., op.cit..p.24.
35
File No. D.Dis 1475, 1927, Judicial P.O.E.R., Kerala Secretariat, Trivandrum.
36
Madaev Desai, The Epic of Travancore. Ahmedbad, 1937, pp.22-23.

14
any Hindu birth of religion entering and worshipping at the temples controlled

by us and our government. This proclamination of the Maharaja came as a

bomb shell in orthodox Hindu circles, but it gave a message of hope and good

cheer to the downtrodden and backward class people. Thus the agitation of

low class people to gain their right to worship Hindu temples were crowned

with success.

I July 1949, when the united state of Travancore and Cochin was

inaugurated, south Travancore a part of it. The people of Agasteeswaram,

Thovalai, Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluk, were predominantly Tamil

speaking. So they agitated for the merger of South Travancore area with

Madras State.38

The State Reorganisation Commission also recommended this.

Accordingly by the States Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956 and the

Kanyakumari District was formed on November 1, 1956, with the four taluks

viz., Agasteeswaram, Thovalai, Kalkulam, Vilavancode and • merged with

Tamil Nadu.

37 Sreedhara Menon, A., op.cit.,p.405

38 Ravindran, T.K., Kanyakumari District Gazetteers, Travancore, 1995, p.2.

15
 CHAPTER II ADMINISTRATION OF THE

PANCHAYAT

A panchayat is constituted for each village and town with effect from

such date as specified in the notification issued by the Inspector.' Every

panchayat is a body incorporated with the name of village or town.2 The total

number of panchayats is determined on the basis of the number of members'

which is subjected to function and change from time to time .3

Every panchayat is provided with an office and is to meet at least in

every month. The meeting will be called out by the President. In the case of

emergency, the President may convene a meeting by giving a short notice. In

all the meetings, the panchayat matters are opened by public discussion and

decided by the voting of the majority of the members present. In case of

equality of votes, the President has casting vote4. The minutes of the

1
Jayaranman, S.V., The Madras Panchayat Act. Vol.XXXV of 1958, Madras. 1967, pp.2-3
2
Ibid., p.24
3
Ibid.p.29
4
Shetty, H.B.N., Manual on Panchayat Administration, Madras, 1982, p. 19.

16
proceedings at every meeting are drawn up and entered in a book. It is to be

signed by the presiding officer.

Panchayat meeting is meant for the administration of the panchayat. A

member of the panchayat who wishes to ask a question is asked to intimate

his intention in writing to the President by giving at least ten days notice. The

President is to decide the validity of the question as well as he can allow or

disallow it. Question allowed by President is entered in the Agenda paper for

a day and president answers every question so entered5. Every vacancy in the

office of president is to be reported to the election authority by the Vice

President in the case of village panchayat6. President

The President is elected by the persons whose names are found in the

electoral roll. According to the Act of 1958, a person stands for election as

president is not eligible to stand for election as a member. The term of office

of the president is five years'. Functions of the President

The president has to convene the meetings of the panchayat. He has full

access to the records of the panchyat and discharges all the duties of panchyat

imposed and exercises all the powers confesed on the President by

5
Personal Interview with Mrs.T.Elizabeth, former President of Edaicode Panchyat, 11.2.2011.
6
Shetty, H.B.N., op.cit.. p.29.
7
The Tamil Nadu Panchayat's Act, 1958, Published by he Governemnt of Tamil Nadu, Madras,
1991,pp.37-38.

17
the panchayat Act. He acts as the link between the panchayat and

government.

All the official correspondence between the panchayat and the

government are conducted through the president only . Vice - President

The vice -President is elected by the panchayat from among its

members in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed9.

Committees

The Edaicode Town Panchayat constitutes an appointment

Committee consists of the President elected from among all its elected ward

members. There shall be education committee and general purpose

committee.10 Bill Collector

Bill collector is engaged in the numbering house tax. Surinthran Tampy

is serving as Bill collector." Water supply Attender

Water supply Attender attends the works associated with the storage of

water in the high level tank and release of the same. He moves about to see

the position of public taps and storage tanks and takes care of

8
Shetty, H.B.N., Manual on pancahyat Administration, Madras, 1982, p.29
9
The Tamil Nadu Panchayat's Act, 1958, Published by the Governemnt of Tamil Nadu, Madras
1991, pp.37-38.
10
Staff Register, Edaicode Panchyat.
"Ibid.p.30

18
j them. He informs the leakage and damages of the pipelines to the panchayat

for immediate action. Functions and powers of Town Panchayat

The Town Panchayat takes care of the matters related to the

1
construction repair and maintenance of all panchayat roads .It includes all

public roads in the panchayat other than highways and state highways |

Bridges, Culverts roads and dams.13 The panchayat provides public J

maintenance of ponds and the supply of drinking water to the people of the

region from the most important works of the panchayat.14

Sreethran Nair has been functioning as the President of the Edaicode

Town Panchayat. From 2001 onwards construction of drainages, lighting of 5

public roads and public places, disposal of drainage water, cleaning of roads,

removal of rubbish heaps, formation and maintenance of ponds, supply of J-

drinking water, formation of new roads, borewells and library facilities were •

done by the Edaicode Town Panchayat successfully.15

tlbid.p.31
3
Tamil Nadu Panchayat Act, Madras, 1958, p.72 I
Jayaraman, S.V., op.cit.. p.101 /ibid. p.32

%
I
19
Thus, the panchayat is bounded by water on three sides and other side by a

hill2.

Extend of Area

The area of Tamilnadu is 130,058 sq.kms. Of this Kanyakumari

district occupies 1684 sq.kms., 1.29 per cent of the total extend of Tamil Nadu

. Edaicode covers an area Of 10.75 sq.km and is provided with 1725 houses.

Climate

The climate of a place depends on the atmospheric temperature,

pressure, wind, humidity cloud cover and precipitation4. Climate of Edaicode

on the whole is tropical. But the flow of the river Tamiraparani on the south

and the river Kothayar on the eastern side of the panchayat makes the climate

less tropical and more pleasant. The climate of this panchayat can be divided

into three seasons summer, winter and rainy season. Tamil Nadu lies near the

equator. The sun shines more or less vertically throughout the year. During

March, April and May the sun shine vertically over and hence it is summer for

this panchyat5. During the months of November, December, January and

February it is winter in this panchayat.

2
Edaicode Map of Edaicode Panchayt.
Interview with Advt. Asokavanan Chandra Senan, former President of Edaicode Town Panchayat,
Edaicode, 6-2-11
4
Nagam Aiya, V., Travancore State Manuel, Vol.1, New Delhi, 1906, p.66.
5
A Book on Geography, Holy Faith International (P) Ltd., Vidyasagar Goyal and Anand, 6.
Bahadur Shah Zafar Mar, New Delhi, 1972, p.46.

2
2006-2007 Plans Lakhs

1. Road maintenance 6.13

2. Drinking water scheme 1.27

2007-2008 Plans
1. Road maintenance 11.32
2. Drinking water scheme 3.85

2008-2009 Plans
1. Road maintenance 42.50
2. Street light 0.50
3. Drinking water scheme 12.28

2009-2010 Plans
1. Borewell and Mini Tank at Pallivilai 0.65
2. Borewell and Mini Tank at road side of Kudukachiviali and
Mylachivilai
3. Borewell and Mini Tank at in front of the Melpuram market 0.65
4. Borewell and Mini Tank at Muttachivilai 0.65
5. Borewell and Mini'Tank at Malamari.16 0.65
6. Borewell and pipe connection with motor at Government
Middle School, Malaicode. . 0.90
7. Bridge between Pilavilai and Neduvilai Road 1.45
8. A new water scheme from Ramavarman Chirai at Elanchirai 1.30
16
Thina Thanthi, Nagercoil, Thozhil Malar, 2005.
20
9. Joining the Mukootukal Majanlumoodu Pipeline and pump 0.45
wiring
10. Change the pipe line from karode old Borewell at Kannam
Chirai.17 0.45
Works from General Fund
1. Steps contructed in Paruthi pond 1.30

2. Drainage constructed at Sivankoil 2.90

3. Drainage constructed at Puthanchandai.'8 4.90

4. Cement foot path at Nellikalai 1.75 ■

5. Cement foot path at Malaicode .56

6. Drainage near old post office in the 12th ward 2.55

7. Small bridge at Kallampottai Channel 2.15

8. Wall built near S.S. Concrete Block Company 1.28

9. Metal maintenance at Kudukachivilai - Chemparuthivilai

Road up to Papathi River.19 1.25

Road Development Scheme

1. Metal maintenance to Panamkuzhi Chemparuthivilai Road 2.05

2. Maintenance to Punnathanam Muthapancode Road

«
3. Road maintenance Pilavilai Ahattu Konam Anducode

4. Tar maintenance Moovatukonam, Mottakalai road 6.40

5. Metal maintenance and Tar at Chemmankalai Pallipalai R.K 3.00

Centre

Ibid, p.35
Thina Thanthi, Nagercoil, Thozhil Malar, 2005, p. 130
Ibid, p.36
21
6. Cement concrete at Pattampa vilai Muthapamcode Road and
steps put at Mithapan Pond
7. Road maintenance Puthanchandai Madathuvilai Road
8. Maintenance of Sivankoil-Puthanchanthai Road
9. Road maintenance Elanchirai Muthevancode
10. Road maintenance and Tar mainatenance at Thanimoodu and
Putharankonam in 8 th Ward
11. Cement Concrete at Perumkulam and Padanthaparai Road.^

op.cit.,pp. 130-131.

22
 CHAPTER III

AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRY

Edaicode is essentially an agricultural tract and the population anchored

in agriculture and allied activities . This area presents large variations in its

physiographical make-up and climate conditions. There are no extremes of

temperature. The diverse soils in the area enables the possibility to raise

diverse crops - paddy, banana, tapioca, coconut , groundnut, rubber, mango ■

pulses and palmyrah.

In the Edaicode Town some animals are domesticated in most of the

houses. There are 2117 cows , 156 bulls, 1230 goats, 1890 dogs that are being

maintained by the people. About 950 cocks and 90 ducks are also these in the

panchayat. In the Edaicode Town Panchayat most of the people are engaged

in cultivation. For cultivation primitive wooden ploughs are used. There are

about 105 wooden ploughs«used in the fields for cultivation.2

Fifeenth Year cattle Census, Melpuram, 2000 pp.30-54.

2
Ibid.,p.56.

23
 It is also found that there are 1008 male cultivators and 450 female

cultivators in the panchayat. Male and female agricultural labourers

numbering 2005 and 500 respectively were also found in the region.'1 Canal

Irrigation

Water is essential even indispensable for cultivation. Water for

irrigation can be obtained mainly from the canals 4. Of all types of irrigation

systems, canal irrigation is the cheapest, easiest and most efficient.3 After

independence, the Government of India encourages the farmes to produce

more agricultural products.6 Irrigation Sources

The Neyyar Edathukarai Channel is opened for the cultivation in the

Edaicode Panchyat area also. The canal is being maintained from the Neyyar

Dam of Trivandrum District. It is to be noted that, due to the conflict of the

state government of Tamil Nadu and Kerala the water through canal not

flowing through this panchyat area . The farmers in this panchayat area are

suffering without sufficient water for cultivation. The government of Tamail I

Nadu and Kerala are trying to settle the problem through negotiations. Hand

pumps

Hand pumps are constructed in different places of Edaicode

3
Block Statistical Hand, Melpuram, 1994-1995, p.76.
4
Sundaram, K.P.M., Indian Economy. Madras, 1984, p. 14.
I Ibid, p. 115
I Ibid., p. 120
fBlack Statistical Hand Book, Melpuram, 1994 - 1995, p. 1-6.

24
 Town Panchayat by the Central Government. In the Edaicode Town f

Panchayat, 18 hand pumps were constructed. Hand pumps are installed in the

village of Auducode, Kalluppalam, Kuttaicode, Neduvilai, Philavilai,

Panavilai, Chirakkarai, Parakulam, Ambating kalai, Uttiramcode, Ilanchirai

and Sivan Koil. But the installation of hand pumps in all the needy places are

impossible. Therefore to make the matter more useful and less expensive over

head tanks were constructed. Over Head Tanks

Besides the hand pumps, 8 over head tanks were constructed to supply

water for this panchayat. These tanks can be found in the places of

Puthanchandai, Kalluppalam Kannety tank, Melpalai, Chemmankalai,

Kuttaicode, Anducode, Erattiarakkavilai and Thenguvilagam.10 I Ponds

Ponds Constructed at different places played a vital role in the matter of

drinking water and water for irrigation. In this region, the panchayat

undertook the construction and maintenance of ponds, according to the

availability of funds.1'

There are 16 ponds in the Edaicode Town Panchayat. These ponds can

I be found in the places of

8
Hand Pump Register of Edaicode Panchayat, V.P.Form No. 16B, 2001-02.
9
Master Register of Edaicode Panchayat, Edaicode, 2001-2002,
10
Panchayat, Over Head Register of Edaicode Town Panchayat.
11
Information Board, Melpuram, Block office, Melpuram.

25
 1. Pottakulam

2. Kavukulam

3. Thenguilakulam

4. Kadmpattu kulam

5. Muzichanikulam

6. Mekkarakulam

7. Muzamkattukulam

8. Perumkulam

9. Ambakulam

10.Parakadukulam 11

.Piluoothukulam

12.Kattukulam 13.

Thamirakulam

H.Pandaravilakulam

15.Machiraikulam 16.

Mangalakulam.'2 Wells

Canals, hand pumps and over head tanks constructed in this rgion
1 'X

could not do full justice to the task. Hence arose the necessity of wells.

There are 51 wells constructed in various places of this panchayat area

12
G.O.No. A2/5829/97 dated 20-5-2000
13
Register of Drinking Water well Edaicode Panchayat, p.7.

26
like Kannaty, Panchayat Wadai, Edaicode, Kurichikalai, Thenguvilagam,
iA

Puthuanchandai, Eanthikalai, Chommantalai and any other more places.

Systems of Agriculture

Three systems of agriculture are followed in the country. Viz.. the

Nanjaned System, the Kuttanadu System and the Nilamkrishi.13 Nilamkrishi

The cultivated lands scattered among the low hills and slopes occupying

the space between the lakes and the ghats are termed 'Elas' in the south and

'viruppu' in the north. The cultivation begins in the middle of April, seed

being sown by the end of the month or early in May. The crop matures in

about four months and the harvest occurring in September. Immediately after

the harvest the land is prepared for a second crop. The area used for

Nilamkrishi in this panchayat is 350 sq.hectare.i6

Every block in India is entrusted with the task of contributing its due

share to the cause of Green Revolution in India. To promote agriculture in the

area, government has sanctioned loan for agriculture in every block. The

Melpuram block provides loan for working capital.18 Period of repayment will

be five years from the date of advance provided that not less than 30 percent

of the loan is repaid at the end of the third year. The loan will be free
14
Ibid.121
15
Ibid., p. 122.
16
General Information Edaicode Town Panchayat,.
17
Sundaram, K.P.M., op.ciUp.l 10
18
Report of Block Development Office File No. 75, Melpuram. 1985. p.5.
of interest for the first two years and interest at the rate 2 '^per cent will be

changed on the accounts remaining unpaid at the end of second year.

However the state has appointed an agricultural extension officer in every

block.19

The agricultural extension officer conducts soil tests in every village

and studies the problem of the village cultivators.

In the year 2000-2001, 175 samples were collected in every village of

Edaicode Town Panchayat and thoroughly studied the problems.21 In the light of

the studies, suggestions were given for the use of few techniques and

improved methods of agriculture in the region. He is also in charge of

sanctioning loans to the cultivators for buying fertilizers, seeds and

implements.

INDUSTRY

Hollow Bricks Industry

Olden days most of the Edaicode Town Panchayat building were

constructed by bricks and mud. But rich people in the society constructed those

house made up of wood called " Nirai Veedu". Now a days most of the people

are constructing their houses with Hollow Bricks. Also Hollow Bricks are

being supplied to different districts and states. That is a reason for the

19
Mathur, J.S., Economic Thought of Gnadhiji, Bomba, p.7?.
20
Ibid.p.l28
21
Soil Sample Register of Melpuram Agriculture Extension Centre, Melpuram 1998-99, pp. 1-10.
22
Ibid., p. 129.

28
establishment of Hollow Bricks industry in the Edaicode Town Panchayat. In

the construction of modern building Hollow Bricks are largely used.2'"

Employment Opportunities

The employment opportunities of the people of this village are not so

bright. For men and women Hollow Bricks industry and Cashew Industries

are the source of shelter . In this Panchayat, industrialists are provided with

sheep labour for men and women each Hollow Bricks Industry employees

labours numbering from 10 to 20.24 On the other hand, each cashew industry

employees labours numbering from 200 to 250. A labour in the Hallow

Industries is getting Rs.150 per days as his daily wage. A woman labour in

the cashew industry is getting Rs. 60 per days as daily wage.'

Demerits

Even though these industries are essential to the mankind it has some

demerits also. The small land-holders who raised paddy, coconut, tapioca,

banana and other vegetables for their existence, self employed are reuced

jobless and suffer a lot for means of subsistence. In addition to this the

cashew industries produce air pollution to this area.

Cashew Industries •
Cultivation

Cashew is a perennial fruit tree grown 'in the tropical and sub
tropical tracks. The cashew tree, a native of South America was J
introduced into India by the Portuguese who planted the first saplings in the

Interview with Selva Raj, labour, Melpuram 3-1-2011. Interview

with Mr.S.Christudhas, farmer, Kuttaicode,15-12-2010.
Rainfall
Rainfall in this panchayat area is regular when compared with so many

other panchayats of the district. It receives maximum rainfall in the month of

June and least amount of rainfall in the month of January 6. The scorch sun of

March seldom makes the area water thirsty 7. However the distribution of

rainfall throughout the year has vital role to make on the agricultural

operations of Edaicode panchayat. Alluvial soil and Red soil are found in this

panchyat.

The soil and climate of the region favour production of great variety of

crops such as paddy, banana, fruit crops, vegetables, rubber, coconut, pepper.
o

ginger and timber . Due to sufficient rain from south-west monsoon and

north-east monsoon, trees like teak, bamboo, manji grow well.9

In this Panchayat, mammals like cows, goats and buffaloes are found

very common. Milk giving animals are maintainted by the people in their

houses and so milk and#milk product are known to them from very early

times. However, their economic poverty does not permit them to make the

6
Nagam Aiya, V.. op.cit., p.66.
7
Ibid..p,15
8
Nilkan Perumal,A.,A Hindu Reformation. Madras, 1939, p.8
9
Ibid.,p.l6.

3
west coast during the 16th century to check the soil erosion.26 This crop has now

become an important money earning crop of our country. The major cashew

producers in the world are India, Brazil, Tanzania, Mosambique, Kenya and

other African countries. The total world production in 1947-48 was 7600

tonnes and it reached the maximum of 3,50,000 tonnes I 1987-88.27 in

Cashew is the third commercially important crop in international trade.

It provides employment opportunities for more than 2.8 lakhs workers in 550

processing factories.

Socio-Economic Condition of the Sample women Workers in the Cashew

Industry

The socio-economic condition of women labourers depend on the social

factors such as religion, caste, educational level, family income, marital status

and economic factors like family income, size of the family, number of

earners, expenditure of the family, level of borrowings and also on the level
* • 29

: or savings. Features

of Cashew

The cashew industry has numerous noteworthy features. The

^most important among them are,

z
° Vigneshwara, V., "Cashew Problem and Prospectus", Yojana. June 1998,pp 16-30.
27
Ibid, p. 132
I8 Ibid, p. 133
*9 Veena kumari, " Socio-Economic Status of Women in India", Southern Economist. August 1, 1998, pp.'3-6

30
 1. It is labour-intersive and women constitute nearly 75 percent of the

workforce.

2. Not being machinery- intensive, most of the cashew units come in the

tiny sector.

3. It uses a horticultural produce as raw materials.

4. It does not require expensive technical know how for shelling and

processing.

5. It does not require electric power for most of its basic operations.

6. It is an important foreign exchange earner.

7. It does not generate any waste.

8. It is located mostly in rural and back ward areas.30

Advantages of Cashew Industry

There are some important advantage in the cashew nut processing

industry of Kanyakuamri district. The important advantages of cashew

findustry are as follows:

11. In Kanyakumari district mainly in rural and backward areas, the cashew

industry helps to remove poverty by generating rural income. 2. The

cashewunt factories provide gainful employment opportunities to rural

women in Kanyakumari district.

Besvaraj Banakar and M.C. Snakar, "Cashew Production and Export", Yojana, November 15,
S94. Ibid, p. 134
31
3. Cashew kernel is one of the export-oriented commodities. It increases the

income and welfare of the people of kanyakumari District.

Working Condition

Owing to the shortage of raw-nut factories have not been able to work

throughout the year and therefore more than a lakh of employees in the

cashew factories remain unemployed for a part of the year. In 1973 for

instance the cashew factories worked only for 196 days.33 These private

industries some of them even without a single factory used to obtain not only

the bulk of the important raw nuts through dubious means but also the lion

share of the indigenous cashew production in the absence of any kind of

control on the shortage or distribution of their raw nut produce with in the

country.34

Quite a few of them have been carrying on clandestine processing in

unregistered factories and thereby denying their workers legitimate conditions

of work and statutory benefits.35 Exports

India exports cashew nuts to the American zone European zone and «

West Asian zone. In the initial years of over exports U.S. A was the major

Menon, Cashew Profile of Agro industry, 1972", Yojana, August 1.

Personal Interview with Mr. Babu Oommen, 12-1-2011.
Resscote Krishna Pillai, "Cashew the king of Nuts", Yojana. Vol.18, November 1, 1974, p.l 7

32
 importer and followed by European community. " India has always been in

the single largest supplier of cashew to the European Community. The major

cashew producing factory in India are Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,

Orissa, Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. ' Edaicode is also

producing cashews in a large level.

Cashew is the second largest foreign exchange earning plantation crop

next to tea in India . There are 10 cashew industries in Edaicode Town

Panchyat. They offer job opportunities to 100 workers. They are located in the

places of Puthanchanthai, Mulluvilai, Ambating kalai, Kudukkachivilai,

Mangalai, Chemmankalai and Eanthikalai.39 Village Bee Keeping Industry

In this village honey bee industry, furniture industry, candle industries

and the stitching of cloth are started to create full time and part-time

employment opportuinities.40 Honey Bee Keeping Industry

Honey Bee keeping is one of the best sources of income for the people of

the Edaicode town panchayat. It has been established in this area for the last 25

years. It is to be honoured that a member of Edaicode Town Panchayat named

Mr. G. Edison, a bee keeper Manalkalai who gathered 15 Kgs of honey from

Vigneswara, V., " Cashew Problems and Prospectus", Yojana, June 16-30, 1990, p.28.
37
Beasvaraj Bankar and H.G. Sankara Murthy, "Cashew Production and Export - A Review'. Yojana
November 15, 1994, p.23.
38
Ibid, p. 136
39
Licence Demand Register of Edaicode Panchyat 200K?002, pp.1-2
40
Murugamalai, Industrial Co-operative Village Industrie;;. Madras, 1980, p. 10.
33
a single bee hive . It was an achievement on these days. That achievement
is
A1
n ther person in this district. Small scale

o Industries in Edaicode

t 1. Suriya Hollow Bricks, Chemmankalai

It is owned by Mr. S. Christudhas. It was started in the year

b 1999. It is established in an area of around one acre. The raw materials

r are obtained from Kaliyal.42 There are 10 workers working in this

o industry. The machines were installed from a company in Coimbatore.43

2. Matha Hollow Bricks - Moovattukonam

k
It is owned by Mr. R. Christudhas. It was started in the year
e
2004.
n
It is one of the reputed Hollow Bricks Industry in this area and they have

been supplying Hollow Bricks to the neighbouring States. There are 10

b
workers employed in this industry. The daily wage per candidate is 125.44
y
3. S.M. Hollow Bricks Industry, Edaicode

It is located very near to the Edaicode Panchayat office. It is

a
owned by Mr. C. Manonmani. It was established in the year 2004. The
n
raw materials are obtained from kaliyal and Kulasekaram. It is noted that
y
machine was installed from a company in Coimbatore.45 Cashew

Industry
o
There are about ten cashew industries in the Edaicode Town
41
Personal interview with the Mrs. S. Stanly Bai,Lbour, edaicode 20-12-2010.
42
Interview with Mr. S. Christudhas, Industriallist, Chemmankalai, 15-01-2011.
43
Interview with Mr. C.Rajan, Labour, Chemmankalai, 15-01-2011.
44
Interview with Mr. R. Christudhas, Industrialist, Moovattukonam, 15-01 -2011.
45
Interview with Mr. C. Manonmanilndustnalist, Edaicode, 15-01-2011.
34
Panchayat. They export cashew to America, Africa and other European

countries. The raw materials are imported from South Asian countries and it

is processed in these industries and exported to those countries.46

1. Alphonsa Cashew Industries, Kudukkachicvilai

It is owned by Mr. Babu Ooman. It was, started in the year 2001.

There are 130 workers working in this industry. It exported cashew to

America. The cashewnuts are imported from Africa. The name of cashew

industry is Alphonsa Cashew Industry. The company register number is

10808/A6/2001. The weekly wage per condition is 325.47

2. Prasanthi Cashew Industries in Kangode

The company was started in 1989. It is owned by Mr. Mohanan About

82 workers male and female working in the industry. The weekly wage per
worker is 325. The name of the cashew industry is Prasanthi Cashew Industry
in Kangode. The raw materials imported from Africa and Andhra. It exported
cashew to America.
3. Excellent company in Chemmankalai

The company was started in 1968. It is owned by Mr. Soma Sundaram.

There are workers working in female 150 and male 7. The working of the total

members is 157. The«weekly wage per worker is 300. The name of the ]

company is Excellent Company in Chemmankalai.49

Interview with Mr. B. Selvadhas, Industrialist, Edaicode 20.01-2007 Interview with

Mr. Babu Ooman , Industrialist, Kudukkachivilai, 22-01-2007 Interview with Mr.
Mohanan, Industrialist, Kangode 23-01-2007. Interview with Mr. Soma Sundaram,
Industrialist, Chemmankalai. 20-01-2007.

35
 It is the oldest company in Edaicode Town Panchayat. The raw materials

imported from Africa, Orissa, Thansania, Andhra and Karaikudy. It exported

cashew to America.50 Furniture Industry

Furniture industry is owned by Mr. Narayanan at Therianvilai in

Edaicode. The industry started to function on 05-11-2003. There are 4

workers in this industry and products like chairs, tables, doors and windows

are manufactured.51 Tailoring

Tailoring is the best example of self-employment. This industry was

started in the year 1990 at Kurichikalai and owned by Mrs. Rahini. Rahini is a

stitching teacher. 15 ladies are working in this institute. One can stich fi ve

blouses in a day. Flower Vase Industry

Flower Vase Industry was started on 15 July 1995 at Ammanchanv llai.

Flower vase industry is owned by Mrs. Latha. There are 5 workers in this

industry and produces like Archandy thread flower, Archandy thread flower

vase, woolen star, woolen frock, woolen cap, door curtain, marriage bhogai are

manufactured.53

ou
Interview with Mr. B.Selvadhas, Industrialist, Edaicode, 24-01-2011.
51
Interview with Mr. Narayanan, Industrialist Edaicode , 10-02-2011
52
Interview with Mrs. Rahini, Tailor Kurichikalai, 11.02-2011.
"interview with Mrs. Lath, Industrilaist Ammanchanvilai, 14-12-2010.

36
Candle Stick Enterprises Industry

Candle stick small scale industry was started on 18-06-2001 at

kalluppalam. It is owned by Mrs. Rosely. There are 12 workers working in

this industry. This industry manufactures all types of candle pockets for fancy

store and merchandise shop.

Cottage and small scale industries are found in the Edaicode Panchayat.

However, these industries enable the people to see the socio-economic

development of the families. The industrial activities of the panchayat area

are likely to develop more and more in the coming days.54

l
An interview with Mrs. rosely, Kalluppalam, 11.12.2010.

37
 CHAPTER IV

EDUCATION AND RELIGION

EDUCATION

Travancore had a traditional educational system to provide primary,

secondary and higher education facilities. Within the framework of this

system, there existed the Veda pada salai and Kudi Pallikudam to provide the

education to the people. The teachers of the schools were known as 'Azans',

The pupils in the village school were taught reading, writing and arithmatics. 2

Due to the internal troubles the village school slowly disappeared. The

Brahmin and Nair Aristocracy had a little vedic school. At this time the

British infiltration to the Travancore administration started. 3 This led to the

caste domination in administration and education which in turn caused the

disappearance of village education system and promoted the increase of

illiteracy.4

Sreedhara Menon,N., Cultural Heritage of Kerala. Trivandrum, 1996, p. 192.

2
Ibid, p.137
3
Agur, CM., Church History of Travancore, Madras, 1903, p. 115.
4
Ibid.p.l38

38
 Illiteracy posed a serious problem throughtout Travancore at that time.

The ill-fated condition existed in the region motivated the Christian

missionaries to start their multifarious activities in almost all the villages of

South Travancore.5

Rani Lekshmi Bai, Rani Parvathi Bai, and the Resident Col. Munro

gave great encouragement to the Christian missionaries in the educational

enterprises.6

In 1817, Rani Gauri Parvathi Bai with the assistance of her Diwan Col.

Munro introduced a system of free and compulsory education under State

control.

During the time Srimulam Tirunal, important changes were introduced'

in the field of education. The history of education during the region of this

Maharaja may be divided into five periods.8

In our country Mahatma Gandhi, Father of nation, launched a system of

education called basic education9. According to him education means literacy.

According to Article 45 of the Indian Constitution, the State should be

active to provide free, and compulsory education for all children upto the age

of 14 . Based on the article, Melpuram Block prepared plans for

5
Agur, CM., op.cit., p.110.
6
Naga Samy, R., Missionary Work in South India .New Delhi, 1956, p.31.
7
Sreedhara Menon, A., op.cit., p. 198.
Velupillai, T.K. Travancore State Menual, Vol. II, Trivandram, 1996, p.673. ' Homles,
J.K.Mahatma Gandhi, Political Saint and Unaimed Prophet, Bombay 1973, p. 115 10 Setaved.
M.C.. The Indian Constitution. New Delhi. 1957, p. 175.

39
 same a regular item of their daily food10. Edaicode Town Panchayat area is

noted for different types of fauna. This is due to the low temperature and

frequent rainfall.11

Soils

The soils of.Edaicode are broadly classified into three groups red soil,

black soil and alluvial soil. Iron oxide in the soil is responsible for the

characteristic red colour of bricks and excess of it gives them a bluish black

colour. Alluvial soil or rich soil is fit for the growth of big plants and tree

items . Black soil promotes the growth of nursery plants and vegetable
14
items.

Population

The total population of Edaicode according to the Census of 1991 was

45860. The male population was 23320 and female was 22540. The

Brahmins, Nairs, Nadars, Ezhavars, Mudaliyars, Fishermen, Pulayas and

Paravas are the different communities .15 The Brahmins are very few in

numbers. They are temple priests and religious observances. The Nadars are

the majority community in Edaicode.16 The Parayas and Pulayas are the

'"Statistical Report of Edaicode, 1995, p.9.

"Yesudhason, V.,Subjective History of South Travancore Manuscript, Travancore, 1952 p.l
12
Manjunath, B.L., The Wealth of India. New Delhi, 1948, p. 172.
I3
Ibid.p.l7
14
Ibid.p.l8
15
List of communities Classified as Backward Classes and denoted Communities, Madras, 1994, p.3
'"Ibid.p.19

4
 the development of primary education in the area in 1961." The fourth Five

Year plan aimed at starting a Lower Primary School in every village with the

population of 600 and Upper Primary School in the case of population of

800 or more than that of it.12

It is to be noted that there are 3 Higher Secondary Schools, 3 High

Schools, 6 Middle Schools, 7 Primary Schools and 4 Matriculation Schools in

the Edaicode Panchayat. Out of which 8 are governemt schools and the

remaining are private schools.13 1. Government Primary School,

Therianvilai

The Government Primary School at Therianvilai in Edaicode was

started in 1909. From 2011 onwards Thiru. Selvamony is working as the

Headmaster of the school and there are about 75 students studying in the
1A

school. Due to the mushroom growth of Matriculation Schools, the

enrolement of students in this school came down. Alpha Matriculation

School, Edaicode

The Alpha Matriculation School was started in 1992. It was

founded by T. Christudas who is the Correspondent of the school. In the

beginning there were only LKG classes. But total students from classes up to

10th standard were 240. There are at present 17 staff members

"Report of Ministry of Education, Madras, 1996, p. 128

12
Krishnan, S., Tamil Education (Tamil), Madras, 1973, p.45
13
Election file
14
Interview with Thiru. Selvamony, Headmaster Therianvilai, 13-1 -2011.
40
and Mr. Kappen Johnson is the Principal of the school. English is the main
■

and Tamil and Malayalam also taught in the school. As per the government

rule, Hindi also taught upto 8th standard.13 Motto of the School

Moulding character and aspiring to excellence is the motto of the school.

Co-curricular Activities

Co-curricular activities also given importance during childrens day

(November 14), Independence day (August 15) and school Anniversary. In

these days essay, competition, music competition and quiz programme are

conducted to motivate the students.16 School Assembly

On every Monday, Wednesday and Friday school assembly is

conducted. In which people stickpart so that the leadership qualities may be

developed. On special occasion, chief guests-are also invited to address the

Assembly.17 2. Governemnet L.M.S Middle School, Malaicode

The Government L.M.S Middle School was started on 13.10.1982.

From 2006 onward Mr. Manoharan is working as the Headmaster of the

School. There are 5 teachers and about 150 students in the school.

15
Interview with Mr. Kappen Johnson, Pricipal, edaicode 10.02.2007
16
Minute book of Alpha Matriculation School.
17
Ibid.p.l38
i8
Interview with Mr.Manoharan , Headmaster, Malaicode, 10-02-2011

41
SE MM

Government Sanmugha Vilasam Middle School, Malaicode

 The Government Sanmugha Vilasam Middle School at Malaicode was

established in 1952. Mrs. Vanaja is working as the Headmaster of the

school. There are 28 students and 2 teachers in this school. The classes start

at 10.00 a.m. and end at 4.00.p.m19 Primary School Mottakalai

The primary School at Mottakalai was started as a private school by |

Sahadevan Nair in 1972 and it was upgraded into Middle School in 1977 and

high school in 1980. It was upgraded into Higher Secondary School in 1987.

It has 350 students and 25 staffs.It has science, history, commerce, electorical

groups. It has Tamil, Malayalam and English medium. The Headmaster of the

Primary School is T. Sasidaran Nair and T.K.Padmakumari Amma are the

Headmaster and Headministress of the school and Higher Secondary School

respectively. Higher Secondary School, Kalluppalam

This school was started in 1979 in 1979 by Sahadevan Nair with 42

students and 4 teachers as a Primary School. It was upgraded into High

school in 1981 and Higher Secondary school in 1986. T. Suseela Devi is the

Headmistress of the Primary School.and K. Vijayakumar is the

18
Interview with Mr.Manoharan, Headmaster, Malaicode 10.02.2007 .
19
Interview with Mrs. Vanaja, Headmaster, Malaicodel 0.02.2007.
Interview Mr. T. Sasidharan Nair, Headmaster, Mottakalai 11.02.2007
42
Headmaster of the Higher Secondary School. A present there are 400 students
■

and 28 teachers at present in this school. The N.C.C. and Scout have been

started in this school. It has Tamil, Malayalam and English mediums.' Under

this school, there is a Pre KG school. It has 25 students and two teachers. Pre

KG School, Ikeya Nagar

Ikeya Nagar Pre KG school is started on 2.6.2005 at 10.00 with Tamil

Thai Song. Classes start 10 a.m. every day. Students are admitted upto 26 th

June. Rs.15 collected for Entrance fees. Monthly fees is Rs.30 per students.""

For healthy body good attention is given to physical education. Special

lessons like flower, garden, homes, season-fruits, vegetables., Birds, Zoo,

trees, Sea, fish are given to the students.

In the basic of lessons story, song, play, exercise also given. Quarterly,

Half yearly and Annual Exam, also conducted in Tamil, English,

Mathematics, Drawing Social Studies. At end of the school year competitions

also conducted. Winners got prize in the annual day function. Thus the school

runs smoothly.24

21
Interview with Mr.K.Vijayakumar, Headmaster, Kallupalam 11.02.2011.
22
An Interview with Mrs. Rosely, Headmistress, Ikeya Nagar 10.1.2011.
23
Annual Reports on Pre KG school, Ikeya Nagar 2005-2006.
24
Ibid, p.137.

43
RELIGION

The people of Edaicode town panchayat can be divided into two

religious groups. They at re Hindus and Christians. Christianity spread in the

region due to the tremendous work of the London Misionary Society. Rev.

Ringle Taube, the first Protestant Missionary came to Mylaudy on 25 April

1806 and founded the first protestant church at Mylaudy in Travancore.26

India is a land of many caste, colours , religions and creed. The

Kanyakumari district is also a multi religious region. In this district one can see

Hindus, Christians and Muslim living in the same street. This shows the

integrity of all the religions. In this Panchayat, Muslim population is very low.

Whereas the inter society is found divided between Hinduism and Chritianity.

In this Panchayat area, Hindus and Christians are in the same ratio. Temples

Sree Mahadevar Temple

Sree Mahadevar Temple at Kalluppalam is one of the oldest temples in

this panchayat. It is situated in the southern part of this panchayat. The

I

temple is about 100 years old. It is called the Sivan Koil of Edaicode. At

Present, the temple has an area of 83 cents of land Mr. Shaji Kumar is the

25
John A. Jacob, History of the London Missionary Society in South Travancor, 1806-1956
Nagercoil, 1956,p.31.
26
Ibid., p.140
27
Report of Mr. Vikraman the Secretary of the Temple 10.02.2006

44
President and Mr. Vikraman is the Secretary of this temple."" Every year, the

followers are used to celebrate 10 days celebration in the event of Sivaratri".29

Sree Padrakali Amman Temple at Puthanchanthai

Sree Padrakali Amman Temple is about 75 years old. It was called Sri

Mutharaman temple of Puthanchanthai. The temple has an area of 40 cents.

Later, it was named after Sri Padrakali Amman Temple for about 68 years the

year ended with 'puppadai' with 'ponkalai'. But it is not so far the last 8 years. 3

Kurinjeri Sri Dharma Sastha Temple at Chirakkarai

The temple is more than 150 years old. The pooja is conducted by

Parameswaroo, Kattanattu mata. Pooja is performed at the beginning of every

32

year.

Churches

The people in this panchayat is divided into two religious groups. They

are Hindus and Christians. The Christianity spread in this region only after

the establishment of the work of London Missionary Society. Salvation

Army Church, Chemmankalai

The Salvation Army was founded by General William Booth. The

mission service was launched in 107 countries all over the world. It
28
Ibid. p. 141
29
Ibid. p. 142
30
An interview with Madaswami, Puthenchanthai 27.1.2011,
31
Ibid.p.143.
32
Ibid. p. 144.

45
Stepped in India on 10 September 1882. In Tamil Nadu, this missionary

work was connected at Attaikulam.34 It was started by Johnson of London. In

1893 the Salvation Army Church was established at Sreekionam by Jyakodi .

C.S.I. Madathuvilai church

On the first Sunday of November 1954, worship service was

started at the Resident of Mr. Samuvel(Late). Rev. Amirtham gave all the

support for the progress of the church. Home Missionary Society Secretary

and Rev. Veda Raj, gave sincere cooperation and Mr. Gnana Sheelamony was

appointed as the Church worker of the congregation. Then the worship service

was conducted in Taj shed. With the efforts of Mr. Samuvel, Mr. Lauy

Peccanar, Mr.SJanaparanam, Mr.S.Devadhas, Mr. Paul Raj, and Mr.

Amburose a church building was constructed.

The present Church building is situated in the 20 cents donated by Lavy

Dekker in the year 1958 and this church building was dedicated by I.R.H.

Gnanadhason in the year 14.05.1961. In the year 1970 the church was

promoted Pastorate. Because of the prayer and support of the people, the

church is growing by the raise of god.36

" Interview with Priest Salvation Army Church, Chemmaukalai, 3-2-2011.

34
Frekediar S.A. Paul, Hundred Years History of the Salvation Army in Tamil Nadu. Tirunelveli.
1994, p.56.
35
Interview withT.V. JayaRaj, Attaikulam, 04.12.2011.
36
Interview with I. Brabudhaas, Christal Raj, Madathuvilai 07.1.2011.

46
C.S.I.Chirakkarai Church

The Chirakarai church celebrated its 91st Chruch Day on 4th December

2005. It is noteworthy that the first worship was conducted in the year 1914 at

the house of Mr. Gunamudian. He was appointed as the first worker by Rev.

sathianathan Later, the worship was conducted in a thatched shed near the

house of Mr. Gunamudian and a school was started over there. This was a

good opening for continued evangelisation. It is praiseworthy to note that 10

cents of land was donated by the family of Kanjirathuvilagam to construct a

church during the year 1916. The Church was upgraded as a Pastorate on

26.07.1953 when Rev. J. Amirtham was the first pastor.37

Subsequently, the church grew from strength to strength to become a

District on 6.6.1989. In view of the growing congregation, the church has

been provided with an Assistant to the District Minister, which is another sign

of its development.38 C.S.I. Malaicode Chruch

C.S.L Malaicode was started by Rev. John Jacob in 1850. It is a

member of Kanyakumari C.S.I Diocese and it comes under Kuttaicode

C.S.I.District Chruch. The church completed its 154 years.39 Church

Committee

The Chruch has 216 families and 814 general members. The

37
Report the 91 th Annual function, Chirakarai 04.12.2005
38
Interview withThiru. Gnanaaparanam, Kuttaicode 10.C2.2011.
39
Annual Report of 154th C.S.I. Churc hMalaicode.

47
Church committee consists of eight members. The church Pastor and the

committee members run the church in a successful way and calmly.40 Church

Ministries

The Study morning services, Sunday Schools and afternoon Young

Boys Prayer fellowship, Women fellowship, Wednesday prayer, Friday

prayer and House meeting at Saturday are conducted regularly. Every first

week, the committee divided into eight and visited the Church houses and

pray for them. Everyone submitted those who got offerings.41 This year

Sundays schools students participated the District Rally Function and got first

prize. To achieve it, Pastor committee and the teachers worked very much.

Branch churches

Pathukani Chruch, Edaicode new Church, Anducode church, Pilavilai

church are come under the Malaicode Pastorate Chruch.42 Locos English

Medium School

The Church has started and managed a English school called Locos.

Eventhough backward in finance it is run in a good position . Economic

development

Though it is a backward area it develops its economic condition also

by the blessing of God and helps the Church people43

40
An interview with R. Raja Mony, Anducode 10.02.2011.
41
Ibid.p.145
42
An Interview with Mr. E. Herbert Sam, Pathukani 3.1.2011
43
Minute Book, 02.12.1990, p. 14.

48
Helps to Poor

The Church issued Notebooks to the poor students At the Christmas

function, clothes are given to poor people and rice to the poor people. It gives

pensions to the poor, disable people under disabled plan 4 Ikeya Nager

Uyirtha Andavar Aalayam - Ammanchan vilai

The Chruch has 15 committee members, pastor is the President, Vice

President is Mr. Thasian, Secretary is Mrs. Rosile, Treasurer is Mr. Joseph. 4th

Sunday of every month they conducted general Board meeting. They decide

every plans in this meeting.45 Activities

Sunday School also run in a good manner. Young Christmas fellowship'

also started. Village Development Board also reconstructed. To the basic

development of the people, it started small savings R.D. etc. Education helps

also issued to the poor students. Surveys conducted in every Anbium X.C.S

Child fellowship also conducted.46 Priest

The priest of the church works for the development of church anbium

programmes, house visiting, Sundays school and village development board.

He united all people together and runs equally.47

Ibid, p. 146
Annual Report of Ikeya Nagar Andavar Aalayam, Ammanchanvilai2004-2005.
Ibid.p.147
Ibid.p.148
49
downtrodden castes. The Scheduled Caste population of Edaicode was 1709

out of them 777 were male and 932 were female17.

Language

Tamil and Malayalam are the main languages in Edaicode. Tamil is the

language of the majority people. However, a large number of people speaks

Malayalam. Because this area was a part of Travancore - Cochin State before

195618' Religion

The prominent religions of Edaicode are the Christianity and Hinduism.

The islam and other religions are not found in the area. Life style

Life style of people varies from family to family and community to

■ 1 Q a

community . In a similar way their house style also varies according to the

wealth and occupation of the occupants. It is said that the houses are noted for

the people's simplicity and modernity in life. Most of the old houses were

built of mud and burnt bricks. The flooring of the houses were done with cow

dung but cement paste is used by the rich.21 The less earned people built their

houses with cheap materials and roofed with coconut leaves or the leaves of

the palm trees.22

17
Census Report of Edaicode Town Panchayat, Edaicode, 1991, p. 1
18
Ibid.p.20
19
Mishra, B.B., The Indian Middle Classess. London, 1961, p.128.
20
Ibid.p.22
21
Swaminathan, A., History of Tamil Nadu, Madras, 1982,pp.71-74,
22
Samuel Mateer, Native Life in Travancore, London, 1883, p.239.
5
Helps to poor

Notebooks are given to the poor students. Giving helps to the poor

patients. 10 per cent of total income of the Chruch is allotted to the poor.48

Finance

The total income in 2005-2010 was Rs. 66683.35. Bank balance was

Rs. 348119.35. Expensive was Rs. 30904 and balance was Rs. 1110.85.49

Training

X.C.S primary training, district wise training, Sunday school training,

Block Meeting Training and V.B.S training.50

Thus it runs in a good way and offerings also collected very much.

48
Interview with Mrs. Rosely, Anducode 02.02.2011
49
Interview with Mr. Neasmony, Edaicode, 25.02.2011,
50
Interview with Miss. Anita Sumi, Chemmankalai 07.01.2011.

50
 m

CHAPTER V

FINANCE OF THE PANCHAYAT

Finance is very important in every one's life. It is true in the case of

panchayat also. It got finance from the sources of house tax, library cess,

professional tax, stamp tax, magisterial fines, fees for D and 0 trade licenses,

building licenses and layout approval. . Licenses under T.N places of public

Resort Act 1888 levied and collected by the panchayat union and assigned to

the respective village panchayats.2

Beyond the above said assigned revenues there are some Government

Grants also. They are house tax matching grant, hand pumps and power

pumps maintenance grant, streetlight maintenance grant for panchayat.

From 1997-98 onwards each village panchayat are getting a grant based

on the recommendation of the State Finance Commission (SFC) which is a

3 '
major grant.

' G.O. No.92, ABSTRACT, RURAL DEVELOPMENT (C. 1,1) DEPARTMENT, 25.11.2006. p.5.
2
Ibid. p. 149.
3
Ibid.p.l52
51
Income and Expenditure
-The following particulars show the income and
expenditure strategy of

Edaicode Town Panchayat. In 1993-94 the panchayat had an income of

Rs.2,53,990.20 and the expenditure was Rs. 1.98,101.90.4 In the year 1994-95

total income was Rs.4.79,110.00 and expenditure Rs.4,46,160. In the year

1995-96 there was an income of Rs.3.48,777 and expenditure stood

Rs.3,11,663. In the year 1996-97 income went upto Rs.3,64,174 and

expenditure was Rs.3,31,266.

In the year 1997-98 income rose to Rs.5,81,474.90 and expenditure

increased to Rs.7,67,110.00. In the year 1998-99 the panchayat income of

944983.50 and expenditure of Rs.855074. This income for the 1999-2000 was

981393.50 and expenditure was 1067247. In the year 2000-2001 to income

13,0103.13 expenditure of 1293340. In the year 2001-2002 income from

house tax was Rs.88.032, professional tax Rs.52,116, water. Accounts

maintained in the Panchayat

Under the revised system of maintenance of village panchayat accounts

each village panchayat is proposed to have 3 bank accounts.

1. Town Panchayat Fund Account

2. Town Panchayat Earmarked Grants Accounts

4
Cash Book, V.P. from No, 11, Cash Book ( Panchavat fund) at Edaicode Town Panchayat for the
year 2005-2006

52
 3. Town Panchayat Scheme Fund Account.

These accounts may be permitted to be opened in a branch of any co-

operative bank, any branch of regional rural banks, post-office savings bank

or nationalized bank.6 There should be a separate cash book for each of these

three accounts. All the accounts should be jointly operated by the President

and Vice-President: In exceptional cases, where there is adverse relationship

between the President and the Vice-President, the panchayat may pass a

resolution to authorize any other member other than Vice-President to jointly

operate the account along with the President. Prior approval of inspector of

panchayat shall be obtained for this. i) Panchayat Fund Account

The following are the receipts that will go into it's account.

Taxes

1. House tax

2. Professional tax

Fees

1. Fees for bus stand, car stand etc.,

2. Private conservancy charges and cess pool fees

3. Fees on markets etc.

CO.. No.92, Report on Rationalization of Village Account, Rural Development Department,

25.11.2006, p.3
6
Ibid,p.l51
7
Ibid, p. 152
Fines panc
hayat
All fines and penalties levied by or on behalf of the village .
Beyond this, miscellaneous revenues, assigned revenues, government

grants and other revenues under section 1888 of the Tamil Nadu

Panchayat Act 1994, should be maintained in the account.8 ii)

Earmarked Grants Account

As a general rule, all grants in the form of "tied fund" should go

into the earmarked grants account.

The grants will be released by the collection directly to the

panchayats without outing the same through blocks.9 The land for

general exposes of Adi-Dravidar is an example for earmarked grants

account.10

The earmarked grants account will also be operated by the

President. Relevant vouchers registers and other should be maintained at

the Edaicode Town panchayat Office. The audit of this account will be

done by the designated. BDO and the panchayat officers. iii) Scheme F.

and Account

Funds an provided under, Centrally Sponsored Scheme like

J.V.V.J.. JAY, CRSP and any others scheme that may entrusted to the

panchayats from time to time will to into this account.

9
Ibid .p.153
10
Ibid .p.154
11
Ibid .p.155
12
Ibid, p.156

54
*■*-■----------------- --
Forms and Register

As per the manual of panchayat administration as many as 60

panchayat forms, called V.P forms have been prescribed to be maintained at

the panchayat level.12 These have now been revised into 31 forms listed

below.

1. V.P. Form No. 1 - House Tax Demand Notice

1. V.P. Form No. 2 - House Tax Receipt

1. V.P. Form No. 3 - Profession Tax Receipt

1. V.P. Form No. 4 - Taxes and Miscellaneous items

Collection Register

1. V.P. Form No. 5 - Cash book cup Fund Account

1. V.P. Form No. 6 - Register of Maintenance

1. V.P. Form No. 7 - Cash book (Scheme fund account)

1. V.P. Form No. 8 - Monthly Statement of Classified Receipts

and Expenditure or all the 3 accounts to be
sent to the Inspect or after the approval of the
Edaicode Town panchayat

Manual on Panchayat Administration, Part II. pp. 536-537

 PRIOR YEAR EXPENDITURE 2002-2003

Date BPV/JVRO Particulars i Amount

01.04.2002 EJV 001 Salary March 2002 42503
01.04.2002 EJV 002 Council Citting Fee March 2002 2850
01.04.2002 EJV 003 Power Charges March 2002 78682
01.04.2002 EJV 004 PF, SPF, FBF, GPF, HF, Gl March 2002 5620
01.04.2002 EJV 005 Salary March 2002 4495
04.07.2002 EJV 022 Salary 16.03.1997 to 31.03.2002 10868
14.11.2002 EJV 054 Group Insurance 1/1978 to 9/1999 12509 '
31.03.2003 EJV 044 Opening Balance of Library Cess deleted 37200
Total 194727

WARD-WARD POPULATION PARTICULARS

Sl.No. Ward No. Men Women Total

1 I 587 597 1184
2 II 698 637 1335
3 III 648 664 1312
4 IV 670 648 1318
5 V 660 732 1392
6 VI 551 578 1129
7 VII 577 545 1102
8 VIII 583 552 1136
9 IX 561 588 1149
10 X 694 694 1388
11 XI 608 598 1206
12 XII 597 609 1206
13 XIII 626 607 1233
14 XIV 677 655 1332
15 XV 657 646 1303
16 XVI ' 523 785 1308
17 XVI 601 652 1253
18 XVIII 640 597 1237
19 Total 11158 11384 22542

56
 EDAICODE TOWNPANCHAYAT

AF II SCHEDULE-D TO BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31.03.2003

Code No. Account Head Amount Rs.

3060 Post Office 306146
3061 SBI Vilavancode A/c No.l 1031051
3069 SBI Vilavancode A/c No. 11 128182
3069 SBI Vilavancode A/c No, 111 15708
3126 M.P fund IOB Puthanchandai A/c 42775
3127 M.L.A. fund IOB Puthanchandai A/c 98703
Total 1523862

EDAICODE TOWNPANCHAYAT AF II

SCHEDULE - D TO BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31.03.2003

Sl.No. Account Account Year wise Arrears Total Rs.

Code Head
02-03 01-02 1000- l 31-01
300
1 3003 Property 260843 108859 46902 53848 470452
Tax
2 3006 Profession 2000 1040 1370 28762 33172
tax
3 3010 License 2671 2671
other fee
4 3012 Lease
Arrear
5 Market 3150 52965 56115
6 Coconut 14539 14539
farm
Total I I 576949

Assistant Executive Engineer.

 EDAICODE TOWN PANCHAYAT FINANCIAL REPORT
OPENING BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2002
LIABILITY

As at Code Accounts head Schedules As at

31.03.2001 No. 31.03.2001
Rs.
1 2 3 4
4018 ' Security deposit 22
suppliers
4019 Deposit others 22
4044 Salaries payable 23
4013 Contribution from 24
the Government

4014 Grants from the 24 ! 100000

Government

RECOVERIES FROM STAFF SCHEDULE

4021 P.F Recoveries i 24
4025 S.P.F cum gratuity recoveries 24
4026 FBF/ group insurance ""24"
4033 Health fund 24

OUTSTANDINGS
4035 Income Tax deduction contractors 24 20379
4090 Provident Fund 24 140316
•
4090 JVVT 24
4090 SJSRY 24 76483

58
 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR

THE PERIOD

FROM 01.04.2002 TO 31.03.2003

ABSTRACT OF THE DAY BOOK

Code No. Accounts Head Receipts Payment

Rs. Rs. 1
i
Opening Balance |

1
3061 SBI Vilavancode A/c No. 1 25920
3069 SBI Vilavancode A/c No.l 1 65231
3069 SBI Vilavancode A/c No. 111 15708
3126 M.P funmd IOB Puthanchandai 131741

A/c No. 5870

3127 M.L.A fund IOB, Puthanchandai 98703
A/c No. 60335

4023 RD 5800
4025 SPF 740
4026 FBF 1220
4028 GPF 40788
4033 Health fund 36
3126 M.P fund IOB Puthanchandai 42775
A/c No. 5870

3127 M.L.A fund IOB, Puthanchandai 98703

i
A/c No. 60335
59
 Most of the houses built in

modern days have open terraces. They

are plastured and painted beautifully

and maintained gardens in front of the

houses. Sources of Information

For writing the dissertation " History of Edaicode" a consultation has

been made with the authorities concerned both Primary and Secondary data.

Primary Sources

The primary sources are government records, government gazetteers,

statistical reports, registers, administrative reports, school reports church

records and temple records. Secondary Sources

Secondary sources are published works and papers along with some

other second hand information.

The records of the voluntary organization are very much useful for this

dissertation. The panchayat minutes and annual reports of Edaicode

panchayat are very useful to analyse the development of the people in

different ways. The personal interviews are very much useful for writing this
<

thesis. A consultation has been made to refer the records of the religious

organisation and the social welfare organisation. All the available second

published works have been consulted properly to avoid subjectivity in the

consultation of the historical edifice.

 6

CHAPTER VI

SOCIAL WELFARE ACTIVITIES

There are two societies functioning for the sake of the Edaicode

panchayat people viz., Co-operative Society and Land Welfare Society.

These societies are functioning for the benefit of the people of Edaicode

town panchayat. Various Activities in Edaicode Town Panchayat

1. A Self-Help Group was started in the year 2004 to help the

needy-persons.1

2. A football club has been initiated by the native people of

Edaicode.2

3. Many of the primary and middle school students are

benefited by the noon meals scheme initiated by the Tamil

Nadu Government.

4. A milk society is run by the people of Edaicode

successfully for the last few years.

1
Interview with Rani, Labour, Edaicode 14.01.2011.
2
A Minute book Gatary Sports Club, 2001, p.2
3
Report of Government Health Scheme, Madras, 1987, p.21

60
5. Many of the people of the village rely in agriculture. They avail loan from

different banks, in particular the cooperative banks. Public Health Measure

Health measure are carried out mainly through Primary Health Centre

of Edaicode Town Panchayat.4 There are about 300 and odd out patients are

enrolled in the Prifnary Health Centre. Ayurveda treatment is also provided to

the needy persons. Eventhough, there is a Primary Health Centre, most of the

people of Edaicode Town Panchayat are relaying on the private Health

Centres.5 Sports and Arts Club

Sports and Arts Club place an important role in unifying in the society.

It creates healthy and fruitful character among the people. In this town

panchayat there are four Sports and Arts Club established for the betterment

of the society viz., Chemmankalai, Puthanchandai, Kalluppalam,

Ambatingkala.6 Mid-day Meals Scheme

Mid-day Meals Scheme was one of the measures adopted to create

awareness among the parents to send their children to school. Mid-day

4
Report of Central Health Scheme, Kanpur, 1982, p.l 1.
5
Ibid. p. 157
6
Minute Book of Galary Sports Club, Edaicode, 2001, p.2.
Bala, B., "Mid-day Meal Scheme and Education in Madurai Corporation", (an unpublished
M.Phil dissertation), Madurai, 1997, p.23.

61
Meals Scheme was first experimented by Sir. Thyagaraja Chetti.lS
However, of

the great beginning of the scheme was made on 1 November 1957 by Tami

the Kingmaker, leader, Karmaveerar Kamaraj, the then Chief Minister l

Nadu.

It was further developed by M.G.R. and K. Karunanidhi. In the

Edaicode Panchayat, the Mid-day Meal Scheme of Tamil Nadu

Government is functioning well. The Mid-day Meals Centre of this

panchayat is located at Edaicode. It was started on 2.6.1993. Each

Centre consists of three staff

10
members.

The Mid-day Meals Scheme of Kamaraj is an excellent measure to

make education a common man's affair. In this Panchayat it is a source of

help to the poorer parents to send their children to a home which is more

or less a day-care centre. Tamil Nadu Integrated Nutrition Project

Tamil Nadu Integrated Nutrition Project is located at Edaicode

Panchayat. It was inaugurated on 7 November 1993. It aims at the

welfare of the pregnant mothers and babies, prevention of contagious

diseases, development of sanitation and promotion of social welfare of

the panchayat.''

s
Ibid, p.158
9
Ibid., p.29.
10
Attendance Register of Mid-day Meal Centre, Edaicode.
11
Report of Child Welfare Organizer and Communit Nutrient workers and helpers.

62
Activities of the Nutritious Project

The trainees of the project check the body weight of the mothers and

babies and suggest medical treatment. They also impact civic education and

recommend vaccination.12

There are sixty three nutritious centres in the Melpuram Union. In the

Edaicode Panchayat five nutritious centres in the Melpuram Union. In the

Edaicode Panchayat five nutritious centres are established. These centres are

situated at Edaicode, Puthanchandai and Malaicode.

In these centes one mid-day meal teacher and one nutritious meal

teachers are appointed. At present there are 40 children taking nutritious food

in the Edaicode Centre.14 Importance

The functioning of the nutritious scheme helps the mother to give birth to

healthy children. The scheme prevent the child death and helps the handicapped

child to become a unhandicapped one.15 Through this scheme, wheat, ragi, soya,

roasted banyan gram and jaggery are provided for the pregnant ladiesand

feeding mothers. M\i\\i-\\\amm tafctefe 2$t also supplied to we&k mothers.

The quantity of nutritious meal given to people of various

2
The Register of the trainees of the Nutrition Meals Scheme, Edaicode.
i3
The Service Register of Nutritious Meals Scheme, Edaicode.
14
Attendance Register of Nutritious Meals Scheme, Edaicode.
15
Report of Tamil Nadu Integrated Nutritious Scheme, Taramani, Chennai, 1995, p.14.
"Tbid.p.160

63
stage are as follows. For the children of 6 to 24 months -50 gram, 25 to 36

months-100 gram, for pregnant ladies -100 gram and feeding mother-100
17

gram.

Development of Palmyrah Society

Samuel Amirtham, the former principal of the theological college at

Arasaradi, Madurai, the Director of World Theological College, former

Bishop of South Kerala Diocese formed a society for Palmyrah workers in

Kanyakumari district in 1975. The Head office is at Marthandam.

The society implement accident benefit scheme, self home for those

who are affected. The society joined with another Trust and done good to the

poor palmyrah society.19

They have started training centres at various places in Kanyakumari

district. Sales places were started in many places to sell palm sugar and other

things. The society also arranged sales market in and out of the country.
20

It

gives relief to the poor palmyrah workers.

Self-Help Groups (SHG)

Self-Help Groups have a better appreciation of the enterprise and

willingness of its individual members to undertake specific economic activities.

The ability of the member to bring for the personal savings and the

Stock Register of Nutritious Meal Scheme Centre, Edaicode. i8 Annual Report of the
Palmyrah Workers Development Society, Edaicode 1977-7! l 9 Ibid.p.l61. 20
Thina
Thanthi, Nagercoil Malar,-2005, p.l 31.
64
extend of external credit support received by the member of the group is

assessed. Self-Help Group is a small economically homogenius and cohensive

group of the rural poor voluntary coming together. In recent years such

voluntary agencies are working for the development of weaker sections

through social organization.21 The Banker extend credit to such groups

comprising the under privileged rural poor and assist them in promoting

savings and credit activities. The groups have been encouraged to practice.

Thrift and small savings collection that are done by individual members to

meet the consumption needs. Self-Help Group is small size. The maximum

number of member is 20. Characteristics of Self-Help Groups

Based on local requirements, Self-Help Groups have evolved their own

characteristics. They are:

1) Idential Interest

2) Social Heritage, Herogenity, affinity

3) Small size

4) Flexible and responsive

5) Transferency in'operations

6) Common fund contributions. Regular savings by members and

outside borrowings.

Swarna Jayanthi Grama Swarozgar Yojana Register at group formation, Edaicode Pnachayat.
Ibid.p.162

65
7) Intimate knowledge of members intrinsic needs and related to

market rates as per the decision of the group

7) Democratic functioning

8) Any activity supported - traditional and non-traditional production and

consumption

10) Collectoral consists of mutual confidence and trust

11) Simple documentation

12) Terms of credit decided by consenous in the group meeting."

13) Minimum external interventies (Non-Government organizations/Banks).

14) Repayment utmost sent per cent by pressure and group dynamics

15) Mutual discussions during meetings and collective leadership

16) Group solidarity, Self-Help awareness social and economic

empowerment.24

Functions of Self-Help Groups

Self-Help Groups are mostly inter used groups were numbers pool

savings and re-lend in the group on rotational basis. The group has a common

perception curtained improves towards collective action. Many such groups

formed around specific production activities, promote savings

Karmakar, K.G., "Need for SHG Formation", Rural Credit and Self-Help Groups.
Edaicode,pp.210-211 24 Ibid. p. 163

66
Among members and use the pooled resources to meet various credit needs of
25

members.

The functions are: i) The group members usually, create a

common fund by contributing

their small savings as a regular basis, ii) Groups involve a

flexible system of working and manage pooled

resources in a democratic way iii) Loan requests are considered

by groups in a periodic meetings and

compailing claims and limited resources are settled by consenous iv)

Loans are given mainly an trust with minimum documentation and

without any security.26 v) The loan amounts are small, frequently

for short duration and are

mainly for unconventional purposes, vi) The rates of interest

varies from group to group and the purpose of

loan. It is decided by the group the interest rate is normally higher

than that of the loans but lower than that of money lenders." vii) At

periodic meetings, besides collecting money social and economic

issue are also discussed Repayments defaults are rare due to group

pressure and ultimate knowledge of the end use of credit.

25
"Self-Help Groups Micro-Finance Organisation", Kurukshetra. Vol.52.No.4,2004.
26
Ibid .p. 164
27
Ibidp.l65
28
Ibid, p. 166

67
Criteria for the Selection of Self-Help Groups

i) The group should have successfully undertaken savings and credit

operations from its own resources ii) Democratic working of the

group is where in all members feel that

they have a say in the group iii) The group is maintaining proper

accounts or records iv) They should be genuine attempts to help each

other and work

together among the members v) The Self-Help Groups

members should preferably have

homogeneous background and interest.29

vi) The interest of the non-Government organizations of Self-Help

promoting institution concerned if any, in the groups is evident and the agency
is helping the Self-Help Groups by way of training and other support for
proper functioning.30 Benefits for Community and Village by Self-Help
Groups

i) Innaculation of the spirit of Self-Help and Teamspirit

ii) Higher social, capital achieve participation and collective for

development iii) Model effect, wjien other poor women begin to
form similar groups
seeing the success of the other Self-Help Group iv) Improved
health and family welfare, through better awareness.31

Potential linked Credit Plan 2003-2004, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.

30
Ibidp.l67
1
Krishnan, C.K., "Role of IRDP in Rural Development", Kurukshetra, vol.47, No.l. October 1998,
p.17
68
 v) Better education children and literacy due increased awareness

,vi) Knowledge of various welfare programmes of government and bank

in villages vii) Voicing and acting against social injustices and
violence against

women and children.32 viii) Women become vocal and gain

confidence ix) Economic development due to better economic status of

families x) Abolition of bounded labour and child labour through

better

economic status and increased awareness xi) Environment

consciousness and conservation of mutual resources xii) Communal

harmony and caste harmony

33
xiii) Eradication of evils of alcohol and dowry system

Self-Help Groups in Edaicode Panchayat

In Edaicode Panchayat there are more than hundred Self-Help Groups

are established.
In some groups, they buy coconut from the local people and sell them

in the market profitably and they collect the profit amount for the

development of the Self-Help Group. Some groups prepare masal powders

and sell in the shops. In short, the Self-Help Groups of this panchayat, strive

for the development of women.34

32
Ibid, p.168
'3 Perumal, N., "Plan to Enrol Disable Women in SHG", The new Indian Express, December 8,
2004
34
Swarna Jayanthi Gram Yohajana, Register at Group formation, Edaicode. Panchayat

69

y
at
 CHAPTER I

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF EDAICODE

Early History

History of Edaicode is the history of the largest unity of Travancore.

Travancore has a long history which can be traced from the Sangam age (the

first 2 centuries of Christian era). The Ays were the earliest rulers of

Edaicode, a part of South Travancore. They ruled the tract of the land that

existed between Tirunelveli and Trivandrum with Aykudi as its capital.1 The

Ays had a continuous history from the second century B.C to ninth century

A.D. Like the Chera, Chola, Pandyas, they also rose to prominence as a ruling

dynasty. The Sangam literature also refer some important Ay kings like Ays

Antiran, Titiyan Porunan«and Atiyan.2

But in due course, the kingdom became a buffer state between

the Pandya and Chera kingdoms. So the Pandyan kings were ever

1
Sivaraja Pillai, K.N., The Chronology of the Early Tamils. New Delhi, 1987, p.l 12.
2
Sreedhara Menon, Kerala District Gazetteers, Trivandrum, 1964, p.361.
7
 CONCLUSION

, Edaicode Town Panchayat has a unique place among the panchayats in

the Melpuram Union. After the attachment of Kanyakumari district to Tamil

Nadu, Edaicode Town Panchayat made salient roll. As the soil of this area is

fertile, cash crops like pepper, mbber, and tapioca are cultivated in most of

this town panchayat.

The land owners were the custodians of 'Pottys and 'Nairs'. Their

properties were distributed to different caste of people particularly from

Nadar, Nair and Hind Sambava. The education and irrigation facilities prevail

in this region were primitive in nature. Health and agriculture kept the

majority population to there life line.

The Primary Health Centre in Edaicode is very famous for the last ten

years to those people or in a position to stop their issues within two. The

Government of Tamil Nadu sanctioned an amount of Rs. 10 lakhs to the

development of this hospital for the betterment of this hospital.

As far this Edaicode panchayat is concerned, there is no water scarcity.

Most of the people getting water from wells and borwells. A large group of

people are taking interest in the cottage industries.

Cashew is the first largest foreign exchange earning plantation crops in

the Edaicode Town Panchayat. Job opportunities are given to hundreds of

people. Boys and Girls at the age of attending the school are found in the list

7()
of workers in these industries. The river Thamiraparani popularly known as

Moovattukanam flows on the eastern side of panchayat area.

There is no college in this locality. It is really a serious handicap. A

government bank (I.O.B), Post Office, Village Office and Kathar Office are

running in this village by the respective authorities.

Here I have submitted my findings for suggestion for the betterment of

the development of the Edaicode Town Panchayat.

The climate of this panchayat area and its flora and fauna do not differ

much from that of the other regions of this district and state.

The education and irrigation facilities prevailed in the region were

primitive in nature and scarce in relation to their demand. Health and ■

sanitation of the area appeared very poor. The economy of the region mainly

based on agriculture kept the majority population below the poverty line. The .

endeavours of the private agencies including religious organizations could not

reach the entire section of the people.

The unsatisfied condition of the poor masses continued to be the same

till the merges of Kanyakumari district with Tamil Nadu. However, the

change in shape and status of the district in general and Edaicode panchayat in

particular began to take place with the state reorganization of 1 November

1956.

The Melpuram Block helped the people to make an improvement of the

traditional mode of agriculture. For the improvement of agriculture in the area

71
State has sanctioned loan for agriculture in every block. The agricultural loan

facilities help to save the peasants from the exploitation of village money

lenders. Co-operative Societies of varied nature within the control of the

block proved highly instrumental in developing the quality of thrift and

savings in the villages.

To generate better employment opportunities and raise the income and

standard of living people, these industries were started. Furniture industry.

Honey-bee keeping industry, candle industry, cashew industry and hollow

bricks industry are also flourishing in the Edaicode Town Panchayat area.

However the industrialists could not expand the area of their business due to

the shortage of funds. The financial help from the block is very meager.

Education as an elixir for many a social ailment is now found on the

path of progress. When education was selective and costly as well as caste

dominated affair the region appeared very backward in the field. Christian

Missionaries took the pioneering efforts in the field of education. The

Catholic and protestant churches devoted their major care towards the

education of this backward area. Rani Parvathi Bai of Travancore was a

patron of education. In me Edaicode Town Panchayat there are primary

schools and high schools run by the Government and private managements.

Social welfare measures are being undertaken in the Edaicode Town

Panchayat. The palmyrah workers development society is a pioneering

organization established for the welfare of the palmyrah tappers. Next the

72
Self-Help Group is a present concept of the government. The concept of

Self-Help Group is urged in every nook and corner in Edaicode Panchayat.

Finally in short period, the Self-Help Groups of the panchayat strive for the

development of women.

The Panchayat takes' active interest in the health measures of the area.

Though Melpuram block appointed lady health visitor and midwife in every

village, the primary health centre at Melpuram takes major care for the

welfare of the children. Nutritious food materials are given to prevent diseases

and children are vaccinated and inoculated at stated times.

The nutritious meals scheme has been a great venture in this panchayat

area. It is a humanitarian service stands beneficial to a large section of the

people of this panchayat. The nutritious food project of various agencies are

distributing the same among the needy under the strict supervision of

panchayat authorities. By and large the Edaicode Town Panchayat moves

towards the path of progress aiming at the attainment of self-sufficiency.

Although the panchayat enjoys the schemes launched by the

Government expect some more facilities to be arranged in this panchayat. The

people of this panchayat wish to have public telephone in their local area.

73
Suggestion and Recommendation

1. The ponds must be kept as ponds

2. Steps must be take to avail water through the Neyyar Idathukarai Canal.

3. Drastic step must be taken to make an awareness of AIDS

4. The government should face the cashew factories to abandon the

primitive method of cashew processing

5. The labour welfare officers should make frequent visit to the cashew

factories and see that women workers are provided with glows and mask

to protect their hands and lungs

6. It would be better if there is a Committee or an organization by the

government to guide the activities which are held among the cashew

industry owners on the basis of socio-economic factors

7. Government should provide employees insurance facilities to the

cashewnut women workers.

8. Weekly leave, medical leave and maternity leave should be granted with

wage.

9. Women labourers should be given awareness regarding their social and

economic levels and other related factors

10. Latest government and local authorities welfare policies can be

extended to these women workers to improve their future life.

74
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Primary Sources

The Tamil Nadu Panchayat's Act 1958, Madras

Report of the Ministry of Education, Madras, 1966.

Annual Report of the Palmyrah Workers Development Society, 1977-78.

Manual on Panchayat Administration, Madras, 1982.

Report of Central Health Scheme, Madras, 1987.

Census Report of Edaicode Panchayat, Edaicode, 1991.

Statistical Report of Edaicode, 1995.

Report of Tamil Nadu Integrated Nutritious Scheme, Taramani, Chennai, 1995

Fifteen year Cattle Census Report, Melpuram, 1994.

Secondary Sources

Agur, CM., Church History of Travancore, Madras, 1903.

i

Bala, B., Mid-day Meals Scheme and Education in Madurai Corporation,

Madurai, 1997.

/.)
Bala Subramanium, "Indian Cashew", Cashew Bulletin, New Delhi 1980.

Besvaraj Banakar, Cashew Production and Export, 1994,

Frekediar, S.A. Paul, Hundred Years History of the Salvation Army in Tamil

Nadu, Tirunelveli, 1994.

Homles, J.K., Mahatma Gandhi - Political Saint and Unaimed Prophet.

Bombay, 1973.

Isrel Lennin, M., Travancore State Congress, Travancore 1994.

Jayaraman, S.N., The Madras Panchayat Act, Madras, 1967.

Karmakar, K.G., Needs for SHG Formation.

Krishnan, S., Tamil Education, Madras, 1973.

Krishnan, C.K., Role of IRDP in Rural Development, Rural Shetra, 1998.

Majunath, B.L., The Wealth of India, New Delhi, 1948.

Mathus, J.S., Economic Thought of Gandhiji, Bombay, 1962.

Mishra, B.B., The India Middle Classes, London, 1961.

Naga Swamy, R., Missionary Work in South India, New Delhi, 1956.

Nilakanda Perumal, A., A H ndu Reformation, Madras, 1939.

Parameswara Pillai, History of Travancore, Thiruvanandhapuram, 1994.

76
1
Peru , Cashew the King of Nuts, 1974.

mal, Samuel Mateer, Native Life in Travancore, London, 1983.

N., Setavad, M., The Indian Constitution, New Delhi, 1957.

Plan Shetty, H.B.N., Manual on Panchayat Administration, Madras, 1982.

to Sundaram, K.P.M., Indian Economy, Madras, 1984.

Enrol Swaminathan, A., History of Tamil Nadu, Madras, 1982.

Disa Utratchithalaivarkal Payirchi, State, panchayat Administrational

ble Manual,

Wom Madras, 1989.

en in Vigneswara, V., "Cashew Problem and Prospectus", Yojana. 1990.

t
SHG Vellupillai, T.K., Travancore State Manual, Thiruvananthapuram,

\ 1996.

2004. Veena Kumari, Socio-Ecnomic Status of Women in India, 1998.

Rosk Yesudhasan, V., Subjective History of South Travancore Manuscript.

oto

Krish

na

Pillai
77
 ■

PREFACE

This dissertation entitled, History of Edaicode is an attempt to highlight

one of the methods adopted by the Government of India to enlightent the people

eradicating poverty and stagnation, disease and illiteracy, low standard of living

and various other pressing problems of rural India. It is a people's progrmme

with the active participation of the Government.

The endeavours of the Edaicode Town Panchayat among the village people of

Edicode are vivid and varied. Specific attempt has not so far been made to bring

out a comprehensive work on its achievement. Hence a purpose of this

dissertation is to highlight the continuous development of Edaicode Panchayat.

The origin of the Panchayat, its powers and function along with administration

and rural development measures are objectively lime lighted. I extend thanks to

'God' the Almighty.

I record my sincere thanks for our beloved principal, S.D.D.ROY,

M.Sc.,BEd., M.Phil.,Ph.D., for his patronage and special interests to provide

research facilities in the c ollege.

 ft

I express my heartfelt thanks to Dr. T.S. Emmanuel M.A., Ph.D., Reader and

Head of the Department of History, N.M Christian College, Marthandam, for his

valuable help and co-operation to complete this work.

I am extremely thankful to my teacher and guide Dr .Anlet Sobitha Bai,

M.A., B.Ed., M.Phil.,Ph.D., Associate Professor,

History Department. Nesamony Memorial Christian College, Marthandam, for

her help and guidance to make the venture a success. My thanks are due to the

members of the History Department and support in all possible ways.

I acknowledge my thanks to the President Mr. Sasidharan Nair and other

staff members of the Edaicode Panchyat office.

I remember with gratitude all my beloved ones who helped me in different

ways to make this venture a success.

 anxious to annex the Ay territories with their kingdom. To achieve their

mission, they carried their successive raids in the Nanjilanadu area. The

Pandyan kings such as Jayantavarman (645-670 A.D) and his son, Arikesri

Maravarman (670-700 A.D) got some victories over South Travancore

region .

During the region of Maravarman Rajasimha II (905 - 920) A.D the last

Pandyan ruler, South Travancore came under the control of Cholas. Parantaka

Chola I ( 907 - 955 A.D) annexed the Pandyan kingdom including the

Nanjilnad region with Chola Empire. 5 However the supremacy of the Chola

was established in South Travancore during the region of king Raja Raja I

(985-1016 A.D)6. Subsequently after the decline of the Cholas, South

Travancore came under the control of Venad kings.

During the accession of Venad kings, Travancore was divided

into number of principalities. This division is because of Chera, Chola, Pandya

conflicts and their Nairs . So Venad king Ramavarma Kulasekhara united and

consolidated Travancore under one umbrella. His kingdom extended form

Kollam to Kanyakumari . This successors ruled Travancore

 CONTENTS

*-
CHAPTER PAGE NO

INTRODUCTION 1

I T) HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF EDAICODE 7

^cH II |^j ADMINISTRATION OF THE PANCHAYAT 16

III I AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRY 23

IV EDUCATION AND RELIGION 38

V Q FINANCE OF THE PANCHAYAT 51

VI /• SOCIAL WELFARE ACTIVITIES 60

CONCLUSION 70

BIBLIOGRAPHY 75
/
for many centuries. In 1729, Marthandavarma came to power in Travancore

and started its modern history. Modern Travancore

Marthanda Varma ruled South Travancore from 1729-1758 . He is

considered as the maker of modern Travancore. Prior to Marthanda Varma,

Nairs were the janmis and the feudal lords during this time. They occupid

very high status in the socisty and enjoyed all the rights and privileges.9 But

Marthandavarma gave more importance to Brahmins.10 Thus he indirectly

suppressed the Nairs. Then he suppressed Ettuveetil Pilllamars. (Feudal

Lord's) and maintained peace and order in the society."

Marthanda Varma was succeeded by Karthikai Tirunal Rama Varma

(1758-1798). His generosity and devotion to duty won him the esteem and the

affection of people who called him as " Dharma Raja". . He divided the

whole kingdom into three viz., southern, central and western division.

South Travancore was included in the southern division. Each division

placed under the control of Sarvadhikaryakkar.'3 This officer must be a

Brahmin or a Nair. He had direct contact with the people and insists the
«

people to obey old barbarious customs. They collected more and more taxes

from the poeople1 .

9
Robin Jeffrey, The Decline of Nair Dominance : Society and Politics in Travancore. 1847-1908, London, 1975, p.S8
10
Fuller, C.J., The Nairs Today. London. 1976, p. 18
1
Shungoonv Memon. P., History of Travancore from Earlieast Times, New Delhi. 1985, pp. 123-124,
Parameswaran Pillai, N..A Conscise High School History of travancore, Tnvandrum, 1945, p.6
13
Daniel, D., Struggle for Responsible Governemnt in Travancore, New Delhi, 1954
14
Sreedhara Menon, A,op, cit. p.393.