Socio-Cultural History
The legendary Udayamangalam progressively evolved into Odayothu, Othothu, and eventually became Uduma. Uduma Panchayat comprises the villages of Uduma, Bara, and Kottikulam (formerly Pallikkara 2). The socio-cultural history of Uduma is not distinct from that of Kerala, particularly North Malabar. However, a prominent difference lies in its deep connection with Bekal Fort and the Ikkeri Dynasty.
North Malabar was generally known as Kolathunadu. The rule of the Kolathiris extended across Uduma. Bekkalam was the headquarters of Moonnamkoor, a branch of the Kolathiri royal lineage; this Bekkalam later became Bekal. Although the construction of Bekal Fort is attributed to Shivappa Nayaka, one of the Ikkeri kings, it is reasonable to infer that a major structure existed there beforehand, which Shivappa Nayaka subsequently reinforced or expanded.
The Cheriyakkar, known as 'Sherigaru', who arrived from Tulu Nadu alongside the Ikkeri kings to guard Bekal Fort, are still present in large numbers in Uduma today. Originally arriving as fortress guards, they eventually became the owners of the lands granted to them as wages. Until twenty years ago, the majority of the land in Kottikulam village was held by this community.
Another prominent community consisted of Hanafi Muslims. Arriving during the military campaigns of Tipu Sultan (the Tiger of Mysore) as soldiers and followers, this group still resides in Pallikkara village. These Hanafi Muslims, who speak Hindustani as their mother tongue, maintain their unique cultural identity to this day.
The class structure of Uduma was exceptionally complex. Land ownership and wealth exerted a greater influence than the caste system. Most of the land was under the control of Devaswoms (temple trusts), reflecting clear Brahmin dominance. Such Brahmin families (Illams) still exist in Uduma today, along with prominent Nair chieftain families of that era. Other caste groups were generally landless agricultural laborers or engaged in various traditional occupations, with little access to educational or cultural advancement.
At the time, temples and mosques served as the sole cultural institutions. While Kathakali was popular among the upper castes, the entertainment of the lower castes consisted of Kolkali and Poorakkali. Untouchability was also prevalent during this period. The influence of Kannada, Tulu, and Hindustani remains evident in the local language today.
The modern history of Uduma began with the National Movement. The wave of the freedom struggle that swept across India and Kerala resonated in Uduma as well. In 1889, the Basel Mission Christian Group, headquartered in Mangalore, established a school in Bekal. A school founded in 1923 as a village school (kudippallikkoodam) in Uduma also educated many people. The Uduma Islamia School was another educational institution established around the same period. Among those who pioneered the activities of the Indian National Congress in Uduma, Razaak Master was a prominent figure, with K. Mahin Master also being one of the early activists.
