“A glimpse through the Culture of Wayanad” Cultural Heritage Map of Wayanad The culture of Wayanad, mainly, can be related to the tribal culture. This place is home to a huge population of Adivaasis or tribal people. Some of the main tribes that live here include Adiyars, Paniyas, Kurumas, Kattunaikar and Kadans along with a few other ones. Malayalam is the main language that is spoken here but there are other languages too due to cultural differences. These tribes are known for having a rich legacy of arts and crafts, dance, music, as well as handicrafts. Kolkali, Vattakali, Koodiyattam, Gadhika and Nellukuthu pattu are the main art forms of Wayanad. They also employ several organized farming methods and using herbal medicines for treating any illness, which has been gaining popularity from as past few years. A number of tribal folk performances take place between the months of February and May The Western Ghats serving as a huge barrier shielding Kerala from the rest of peninsular India, there have always been a small trickle of visitors transgressing this mountainous terrain. Relics and edicts found in various parts of Wayanad speak of an important pre historic era. Isolation further enhanced development of unique ways of life; traces of which survive intact amongst Wayanad’s tribe to this day. Passing through a period of Jain dominance, we come to the modern era wherein there are marked influences from prominent historic figures like Tipu Sulthan and the Pazhassi Raja. The eventual colonisation of the area by the British paved the way for organised agriculture which in turn led to large scale migration into the district. Each of these events, as well as several less known ones, have left their mark on the heritage of Wayanad. Wayanad has the largest population of aborigine people in Kerala. They belong to different distinctive tribes, of which the principal ones are Adiyar, Kurichyar, Paniyar, Kurumar and Kattunaikar. Many of the tribes are traditionally forest dwellers, and as such have perfected ways of living in harmony with nature. Some tribes are also proficient in techniques of organised farming. Of particular mention are their indigenous streams of holistic herbal medicine which is getting increasing attention in recent years. The Adivasis also have a rich legacy of arts and crafts. This includes music, dances, ornamentation and handicraft that draw inspiration from natural themes, motifs and material. Jain Temple This temple is one of the most important amongst a series of Jain ruins spread across the state of Kerala, testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it served as a Hindu shrine, an important for centre for commercial activity and eventually as a battery (ammunition store) for Tipu Sultan’s marching armies. Apart from the Sultan Bathery temple, there are other significant Jain remnants in Wayanad. The temples at Punchavayal and Puthenangadi are the best known of these. With their beautifully carved pillars now partly ruined, and the area rather derelict, these sites exude a peculiar aura of mystery. Edakkal Caves An interesting trek up to the Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you to the fascinating neolithic cave site of Edakkal. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide. With at least three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest thought to date back over 5000 years, it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history. An interesting attraction close by is a telescope installed by the DTPC a few feet from the caves that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding country Wayanad Heritage Museum Located in the town of Ambalavayal, this museum is home to an interesting collection of artifacts that shed light on the history, culture and heritage of the Wayanad region. These include headgear, weapons pottery, and objects associated with tribal life. A series of pictorial rock edicts referred to as Hero Stones, memorialise a bygone age of valiant warriors.Adjoining the museum is a small theatre where you can watch a multimedia presentation on Wayanad. Muniyara Excavations at various points around the foot of the Ambukuthi Hill have unearthed a distinctive series of ancient burial vaults commonly called Muniyaras. Remnants of Stone Age tools and pottery found within these cellars are now displayed at the Wayanad Heritage Museum. Abraham Benhur and family migrated to the wild and virgin fields of Wayanad in 1950. The hardy life led by the family steeled young Abraham to lead a life of struggle throughout his life, and the battles have been on different and varying fronts. He has been a leading socialist activist, a campaigner for farmer's uplift, filmmaker, poet, environmental activist and ethnographer. Benhur organized and motivated the coffee farmers of Wayanad, of whom he is one, to protest the provisions of the Coffee Act, which was a colonial legislation that shackled the farmer and enslaved him to the multinational corporations. Benhur is now actively involved with environmental education and conservation of nature. He and his friends have joined together to found Harita Sena (Green Army), aimed at promoting environmental awareness among students and youth. He is also an award-winning filmmaker. His educational documentary, Rabiya Chailikkunnu (Rabiya Moves), won the National Award for the best educational film in 1997. Nirmaya Karmanaa Sree, an hour-long documentary he made, deals with the role of students can play in nation-building. Uravu Uravu is an NGO that works in the area of indigenous sciences and technology. They run a successful bamboo crafts design and production centre along with a bamboo nursery. Uravu has a whole range of functional and decorative products created out of this wonderful material found so abundantly in Wayanad. You can view and shop for products at their sales outlets, one at Thrikkaipetta and another at Pookote Lake. Chain Tree This large Ficus tree, bound by a prominent chain is the source of a dramatic local legend. As the tale goes, an Adivasi youth named Karinthandan was instrumental in guiding a British Engineer through the difficult mountain terrain into Wayanad. Eager to take credit for the discovery, the engineer conveniently killed his guide, whose soul according to the legend constantly haunted subsequent travellers. It is further believed that a priest chained the troublesome spirit onto this tree. Pallikunnu Church Dedicated to the Lourdes Matha, Pallikkunnu Church was established in 1905 at the initiative of a French missionary Fr. Jeffrine. An interesting aspect of this church is that it has several rituals and practices similar to those prevalent in Hindu temples. The annual 2 week Perunnal festival in early February draws large throngs of devotees from other parts of Kerala, as well as outside. Korome Mosque This nearly 300 year old mosque is built in traditional Kerala style with extensive wood carvings. Originally built by local Nair gentry, Korome Mosque to this day is seen as a sterling example of communal amity. The annual Uroos festivities draws participants from all religions. Pazhassi Raja’s Tomb Pazhassi Raja, a scion of the Kottayam royal family was one of the earliest to strike the banner of revolt against British overlordship in this part of India. Taking refuge in the Wayanad hills, he resorted to classic techniques of guerrilla warfare against superior British forces. He remained successful for a remarkably long period until finally the English brought in heavy reinforcements from Madras and Bombay. This Lion of Kerala was downed in a ferocious encounter that took place at Mavilanthode in the last days of 1805. Pazhassi’s tomb marks the point where he was cremated. Agricultural University The Research Station, established in 1946 and taken over by the KAU in 1972, is spread over 87.03 hectares of fertile land with facilities such as office buildings, farm office, store rooms, tissue culture lab, fruits and vegetables processing unit, nursery and gardens, and model gardens of all horticulture crops. The station’s activities not only benefit the farming community in Wayanad, but also the farmers of adjoining districts – Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod - and the neighboring States like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. .