Malappuram District - General Information |
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Malappuram
(literally, a land a tops hills) is situated 50 kms south-east of Kozhikode,
bounded by the Nilgiri Hills
in the east, the Arabian sea in the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts
in the south. Malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through
it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathappuzha. The temples and mosques of this district are well known for their spectacular festivals. Along with historic moments and diverse natural attractions, a range of cultural and ritual art forms add to its value as a destination worth visiting.
Malappuram is a hilly terraced tract. The innumerable streams that meander these hills reach the coconut fringed and picturesque sea coast. In many places, these streams are linked with backwaters which facilitate a network of inland waterways. The midland region is fertile with thick coconut groves while the hilly tract has dense forests and extensive teak plantations apart being the source of innumerable streams and rivers.
Chaliyar or Beyore river, one of the major rivers of the State, takes its origin from Elembileri hills of Waynad taluk.
Kadalundi river, also known as Karimpuzha or Oravanpurampuzha, originates from the Silent Valley reserve forests at an elevation of 1219 metres above the sea level. This river forms a part of the west coast navigation system from Palathigal in the south to Mannur in the north. It has a length of 130 metres with a catchment area of 1114 sq. km.
Purapparamba, a small river of 8 Km., originates from the tail end of Purapparamba cut. It flows in the western direction and crosses the Madras - Mangalore railway line between Tanur and Parappanangadi station. The canoli canal connects this river with other rivers in the district.
Sea - Coast of the district extends to 70 Km with a minor port at Ponnani. The Port is tidal since it is very shallow, most of the vessels have to be anchored out in the sea. There are large number of fishing centres on this coast line.
There are no major backwaters in this district. The Veliyancode lake situated 5 km South-east of Ponnani, opens to the sea at Veliyancode. A regulator is installed there to prevent the influence of salt water in to the lake. Maniyar kayal, Valancherry Kayal and Maravancherry kayal, all in ponnani taluk, are the other minor backwaters in the district.
The district, at present comprises 6 taluks
and 14 Development Blocks. It has 5 towns and 135 inhabited villages. The urban population of the district as percentage of total population,
in the census years 1981 and 1991 is indicated below. It also shows the
sex ratio (Females per 1000 Males) and density (population per sq. km.)in
Urban population of the district in relation to the State
The revival of the Malayalam stage was initiated by the late
P.S.Varier, the founder of Arya Vaidya Sala. It was under his patronage
that the Parama Siva Vilasam Dramatic Company was started in Kottakkal
to promote Malayalam drama, at a time when only Tamil drama club had their
sway. A permanent hall to stage Malayalam dramas, was built at Kottakkal.
Later, this dramatic club was renamed as P.S.V.Natysangham here Kathakali
is the main programme now. A Kathakali School is also run by the Natysanghom. Kolkali, Daff Muttu and Aravana Muttu of Muslim community are important folk art forms of the district. Chavittukali or Chermakkali is another ancient folk art of Malappuram. The living exponent of Sopana Sangetha, Nheralath Rama Poduval, hails from Angadipuram. The district has a good network of libraries. The Kerala Grandhasala Sanghom is very active here. Under the Library Council, there are 332 affiliated libraries, 140 in Ernad, 86 in Tirur, 66 in Perintalamanna and 40 in Ponnani taluks. Under the district Library Council, 4 taluks Library Unions are functioning. |
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