Early History
William Logan, the author of the Malabar Manual, posits that the Pallava dynasty of Kanchi potentially invaded Malabar during the 2nd or 3rd century. It is theorised that Palakkad, in modern times, might have been among their principal centres. Numerous indigenous dynasties from South India historically ventured into Malabar. This period saw the ascendancy of the Malabar Perumaks, with various potent regional leaders governing distinct areas.
Following the reign of the Perumaks, control of the Malabar region shifted to leaders such as Valluvakonathiri of Valluvanad, the King of Kollakode in Vengunadu, and King Sekharivarma of Palakkad — each leaving distinct imprints on the cultural and political landscape of the region.
Mysore Invasion & British Rule
In 1757, the Samuthiri king of Kozhikode's incursion into Palakkad led the local king to seek assistance from Hyder Ali of Mysore. The Samuthiri had to retreat from Malabar due to Hyder Ali's intervention. Subsequently, Hyder Ali conquered all Palakkad territories — including those held by the Samuthiri — bringing the once-independent kingdom of Palakkad under Mysore's dominion, a rule that passed to his son Tipu Sultan.
"The aftermath of the Third Mysore War saw the Treaty of Srirangapatna in 1792, which transferred the entire Malabar area, previously under Tipu's dominion, to British control — drawing Palakkad into the vast canvas of the Madras Presidency."
This led to the annexation of the Malabar region into the Madras Presidency, beginning a new chapter of colonial administration that would last until Independence in 1947.
Formation of Palakkad District
After India gained independence in 1947 and the formation of United Kerala in 1956, the linguistically compatible Malabar region, previously under the Madras Presidency, became part of Kerala. On January 1, 1957, the Palakkad district was formally established by merging Palakkad, Perinthalmanna, Ponnani, Ottappalam, Alathur, and Chittoor taluks.
On June 16, 1969, when the Malappuram district was carved out, Trithala Farka in the Ponnani taluk was incorporated into Palakkad. Most of the area was added to the Malappuram district, except the Chethalloor section. Mannarkkad became a new taluk in Palakkad district by amalgamating 19 villages from Karkidakamkunnu and Chethalloor.
Vadakkekkad, Punnayoor, and Punnayoorkulam villages in Trithala Farka were included in Chavakkad taluk (Thrissur district). Paruthur village in the Tirur taluk became part of the Ottapalam taluk. In 2013, the Ottapalam taluk was divided, with a new taluk having Pattambi as its headquarters.
Anju Vilakku — The Five-Headed Lamp (അഞ്ചുവിളക്ക്)
The "Anju Vilakku" — the Five-Headed Lamp — stands as one of Palakkad's most significant historical and cultural emblems. Erected in 1882, this five-branched lamp commemorates Sri Pulikkat S. Ratnavelu Chettiar, an eminent philanthropist and the pioneering Indian Vice Chairman of the Palakkad Municipality — a role that invited scepticism from the British-dominated council of the era.
Following the passing of Sri Ratnavelu Chettiar a year later, townsfolk erected a memorial without obtaining approval from the Chairman. This act met opposition from the municipal council, culminating in heated exchanges between collectors. Though V. R. Bradshaw, an officer of British origin, sided with the council, the Chettiar community expressed indignation and resistance. A European-style monument graced with the remarkable five-headed lamp was ultimately erected — the Governor of Madras, Sir George Stanley, extended personal recognition to the philanthropist's enduring legacy.
Presently, the Anju Vilakku monument remains a focal point for social and political processions in Palakkad town. It is illuminated on special occasions, and its maintenance is under the purview of the Vadakkunnatha Temple authorities.