Nestled on the southern coast of India, the tropical state of Kerala is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich traditions. However, beneath the surface lies a tragic reality: the vanishing villages of Kerala. These once-thriving communities are disappearing at an alarming rate as modernisation and development sweep through the region. With the loss of ancient practices, customs, and cultural heritage, the impact on traditional communities and their way of life have been devastating.
In this article, we delve into the challenges facing these disappearing villages of Kerala, the struggle to maintain a sustainable livelihood, and the urgent need for their preservation. Join us as we uncover the heartbreaking tale of disappearing traditions and communities in the heart of India’s tropical paradise.
Over the past few decades, many villages in Kerala have witnessed a steady decline in population as people have migrated to cities in search of better opportunities. This has led to the abandonment of houses, temples, and other community assets, leading to the gradual disappearance of these villages.
Factors such as the lack of employment opportunities, poor infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare facilities are some of the reasons behind this migration. Moreover, changing social dynamics and the emergence of new lifestyles have also contributed to the decline of traditional village life.
The impact of this phenomenon is far-reaching. It not only affects the socio-economic fabric of these villages but also poses a threat to the unique cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems of Kerala. Additionally, it can lead to increased pressure on urban areas, leading to further urbanisation and environmental degradation.
Here are some of the disappearing villages of Kerala that are facing the threat of depopulation:
Kuttanad
Kuttanad is a region in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, also known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”. It is a low-lying area consisting of a network of canals and backwaters that are fed by the rivers flowing from the Western Ghats. Kuttanad is known for its unique farming practices, where paddy cultivation is done below sea level.
However, Kuttanad is one of the regions in Kerala that is facing depopulation. The area has been facing a range of environmental and social challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, and the decline of agriculture. The salinity intrusion into the backwaters has affected the paddy fields, leading to a decline in the yield of rice crops. The lack of basic amenities and healthcare facilities has also led to many families leaving the region in search of better opportunities in nearby towns and cities.
Chembra
Chembra is a small village in the Wayanad district known for its beautiful tea plantations and scenic landscapes. However, due to the lack of infrastructure and basic amenities, many families have left the village in search of better opportunities. It is one among the disappearing villages of Kerala.
Aranmula
Aranmula is a village in the Pathanamthitta district known for its traditional crafts, including the famous Aranmula Kannadi (metal mirrors). However, due to the decline of the craft industry and the lack of employment opportunities, many young people have left the village.
Perumatty
Perumatty is a village in the Thrissur district known for its handloom industry. However, due to the competition from machine-made fabrics and the lack of support for the handloom sector, many weavers have abandoned the village, leading to a decline in the industry.
Pallichal
Pallichal is a village in the Thiruvananthapuram district known for its serene beaches and picturesque landscapes. However, due to the lack of basic amenities and employment opportunities, many families have left the village, leading to a decline in the local economy.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a popular tourist destination in the Kottayam district, known for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. However, due to the saturation of the tourism industry and the high cost of living, many local residents have left the village in search of other opportunities.
Kakkadampoyil
Kakkadampoyil is a village in the Kozhikode district known for its scenic waterfalls and natural beauty. However, due to the lack of infrastructure and limited access to education and healthcare facilities, many families have left the village in search of better living conditions.
Kothamangalam
Kothamangalam is a town in the Ernakulam district known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. However, due to the increasing urbanisation and the decline of the agriculture sector, many families have left the town in search of better employment opportunities in nearby cities.
Vellinezhi
Vellinezhi is a village in the Palakkad district known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional art forms. However, due to the lack of support for the arts and the decline of agriculture, many families have left the village in search of other opportunities.
Veliyannur
Veliyannur is a village in the Thrissur district known for its handloom industry and historical significance. However, due to the competition from machine-made fabrics and the lack of support for the handloom sector, many weavers have left the village, leading to a decline in the industry.
Kaithapoyil
Kaithapoyil is a village in the Wayanad district known for its tea plantations and natural beauty. However, due to the increasing use of pesticides and the lack of infrastructure, many families have left the village, leading to a decline in the tea industry.
Vilangad
Vilangad is a village in the Malappuram district known for its natural beauty and historical significance. However, due to the lack of employment opportunities and the increasing urbanisation, many families have left the village, leading to a decline in the local economy.
Edamalakkudy
Edamalakkudy is a remote tribal village located in the Idukki district of Kerala. The village is known for its rich biodiversity and traditional way of life. However, due to the lack of basic amenities such as roads and healthcare facilities, many families have left the village in search of better living conditions.
Kavalam
Kavalam is a village in the Alappuzha district known for its traditional art forms and cultural heritage. However, due to the decline of the art industry and the lack of infrastructure, many families have left the village in search of better opportunities.
Pullu
Pullu is a village in the Kasaragod district known for its cashew plantations and scenic beauty. However, due to the decline of the cashew industry and the lack of basic amenities, many families have left the village in search of healthier living conditions.
Elappara
Elappara is a village in the Idukki district known for its natural beauty and historical significance. However, due to the decline of the agriculture sector and the lack of employment opportunities, many families have left the village in search of other prospects.
Malom
Malom is a village located in the Palakkad district of Kerala. The village is known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife, including the Silent Valley National Park. However, due to the lack of basic amenities such as healthcare facilities, schools, and transportation, many families have left the village in search of better opportunities in nearby towns and cities.
Meenangadi
Meenangadi is a village in the Wayanad district known for its scenic beauty and traditional way of life. However, due to the decline of agriculture and the lack of alternative livelihood opportunities, many families have left the village in search of jobs, living quarters, and new scenarios.
Mararikulam
Mararikulam is a coastal village in the Alappuzha district known for its beautiful beaches and fishing industry. However, due to the decline of the fishing industry and the lack of basic amenities, many families have left the village in search of better opportunities.
Pullancheri
Pullancheri is a village in the Malappuram district known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. However, due to the lack of basic amenities and the decline of agriculture, many families, not given much choice, have left the village in search of better opportunities and lives.
Steps Taken By The Kerala Government
The government has taken several initiatives to address the challenges faced by the disappearing villages of Kerala. Some of the key steps taken by the government are:
In A Nutshell
The disappearing villages of Kerala represent a tragic tale of the loss of ancient traditions, customs, and cultural heritage. The impact of modernisation and development on these traditional communities has been devastating, with the loss of livelihoods and the erosion of their unique way of life.
However, it is heartening to see that the Kerala government is taking steps to address these challenges. The initiatives taken by the government, such as sustainable tourism, conservation of cultural heritage, agricultural programs, infrastructure development, and skill development, are all positive steps towards preserving the vanishing villages of Kerala.
However, it is important to note that there is still a long way to go in preserving these villages and their cultures. The government’s initiatives must be sustained and scaled up to make a meaningful impact. Additionally, there is a need for greater awareness and support from society as a whole to promote the importance of preserving these vanishing communities.
Ultimately, the fate of the disappearing villages of Kerala is in our hands. By making a collective effort to preserve these unique traditions and cultures, we can ensure that they continue to thrive for generations to come.