Irikkur
Grama Panchayat

Historical records reveal the existence of Irikkur, a small town situated in the Chirakkal Taluk of the Malabar district—part of the erstwhile Madras State. Later, it became an integral part of the Taliparamba Taluk within the Kannur district of Kerala. At one time, the present-day Irikkur Panchayat served as the geographical boundary separating the Kottayam Taluk from the Chirakkal Taluk. It is said that the name 'Irikkur' evolved from the terms *Irukarakkar* (meaning 'people living on both banks' of the Valapattanam River) and subsequently *Irukara Oorukkar*; over time, through the natural cadence of oral speech, these expressions were shortened to 'Irikkur'. Stone inscriptions found near Nilamuttam stand as evidence that Irikkur held a place in history as early as 1323 AD. Irikkur was a highly significant and ancient industrial hub in the highland region. The availability of water transport facilities fostered trade growth and prosperity. It is a historical fact that the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of the local people—combined with the flow of the Valapattanam River through the area—helped nurture the world-renowned timber industry centered in Valapattanam. The region was home to 59 Muslim *tharavads* (ancestral families), about nine upper-caste families, and numerous families from lower-caste communities. Irikkur also served as a key administrative center for the British. A high school was established here in 1962. The well at 'Aivar Chal'—located in present-day Peruvalathuparamba and known locally as 'Ayithattu'—stands as evidence of the peculiar forms of punishment that existed in those times; it was here that executions by hanging were carried out. 'Ordeals by fire' were conducted to ascertain the truth; these tests took place in a specially prepared fire pit situated in a secluded area. That locality is still known today as 'Theekkuzhichakkeri'. Electricity first reached the area in 1955, and the Block Office was established in 1962. Historical records indicate that spices such as black pepper, dried ginger, and cardamom were exported from Irikkur, which was a major commercial hub in the Malabar region. Landholdings in Irikkur and its surrounding areas were largely controlled by prominent landlords (*janmis*) such as the Kalyat Yajamans, Karikkattidam Nayanar, and Chedacheriyidam Valappinakathu. Paddy cultivation in the low-lying fields and *Poonam* cultivation (shifting cultivation) on the uplands were the primary agricultural activities; crops such as pigeon pea (*tuvara*), little millet (*chama*), and foxtail millet (*thina*) were produced through *Poonam* farming. Currently, the educational infrastructure in the panchayat comprises one government higher secondary school and one government high school; four aided Lower Primary (LP) schools and two aided Upper Primary (UP) schools; and one unaided high school and one unaided UP school. This region, with a population that is 88 percent Muslim, stands as an exemplary model of religious harmony. In this beautiful small town situated along the banks of the Valapattanam River, the Nilamuttam Mosque and the Mamanikunnu Mahadevi Temple stand side by side. The Nilamuttam Mosque is a sacred site for Muslims and a place revered by people of other faiths as well; one can find ancient *Maqbaras* (shrines) and stone inscriptions there that bear witness to its antiquity. The Mamanikunnu Mahadevi Temple is located adjacent to Nilamuttam, along the Iritty-Taliparamba State Highway. It is believed to be one of the 108 Durga temples consecrated by Parashurama. The *Kunnummal Maqam* houses the final resting place of Sayyid Abdul Qadeem—a Sufi saint who arrived from Buner in Afghanistan—and his family; the locals affectionately refer to this revered figure as 'Kunnummal Valiyuppappa'. In addition to these, the area is home to 17 mosques (including five *Juma-at* mosques), 12 *madrassas*, a church, and an orphanage where 150 destitute and orphaned individuals receive their education.