Wayanad belongs to Karnataka

Is Wayanad belongs to Karnataka?

The geological position of Wayanad is not in line with the rest of Kerala. That is why my attention turns to this topic and a larger number of Kannada speaking communities around me in my childhood.  Even in Tribal languages in Wayanad, Kannada has more influence and resemblance than Malayalam. I think more studies and research is needed on this topic.

According to the ancient history of Wayanad, other than native Tribes, Jains are the first group who migrated to Wayanad. The Kannada speaking people in Wayanad are known as Jains, they belong to the Digambara sect and they are called Gowadas. Around the medieval period Saiva religion became a strong hold in Karnataka and the frequent attacks from Salva religion to Jain lead to the migration of Jains to Kerala and especially to Wayanad.
These names of wayanadan villages are Kannada names and it shows the influence of the Karnataka in Wayanad. All these Kannada names are the fool-proof evidence to justify the existence of Jainism this area and its influence from 12th centuary.Hoysala kings were the rulers of Kamataka'in the 12th century and Wayanad was a part of Karnataka. At that time Wayanad was known as Bailnad. The rulers of Hoysala Dynasty were Jains till Vishnuvardha. Around the medivial period Saiva religion became a strong hold in Karnataka and the frequent attacks from Salva religion to Jain lead to the migration of Jains to Kerala and especially to Wayanad.

Jainism was in its peak in Wayanad during the days of Hoysala Dynasty. Hoysala kings promoted Jainism and they sent many missionaries to the different parts to spread Jainism. There are many proofs, which justify the existence of Jainism in Wayanad. The history tells us that the Bathery Jain temple was built 800 years ago.

Earlier this temple was known as Kidangad Basti and the older name of Battery was Hennaredu Bedhi (twelve streets). These two names are Kannada names and it shows the influence of the Karnataka Jains. Some other similar place names are: Bennagode (Venniyode), Palagonthu (Palukunnu), Muthangadi (Puthangadi), and Hosengadi (Mananthavady). All these Kannada names are the fool-proof evidence to justify the existence of Jains in Wayanad.

It is believed that the wall inscriptions in Edakkal Caves (the oldest historical monument in Wayanad) are closely related to Jainism. The Swastik mark, the mark of the seventh Tirthankara, Suparswa Natha, has been engraved on the wall. The Chandrabimbamark, the mark of the eighth Tirthankara, Chandra Natha, also can be seen on the wall of the cave. The other inscriptions on the wall are the Hoysala kings'. The former Hoysalas were Jains.

In the thirteenth century, Jainism was in its peak in Wayanad. By the end of the eighteenth century the religion became too weak because of the increasing influence of the Hindu religion and the invasion of Saiva - Vaishnava religions. In this period many Jain temples were destroyed and some of them were possessed by Hindus. The relics of these ruined temples can be seen in Bathery, Puthangadi and Poothadi.

At present Wayanad is considered to be one of the important Jain centres. In Wayanad the main Jain centers are: Mananthavady, Panamaram, Anjukunnu, Varadoor, Kalpetta and Kaniyambatta

The migrated Jains first came to Panamaram on the banks of Kabani river. From there the Jain groups spread to the different parts of Wayanad. These Jains were basical1y farmers. Digging and ploughing were against their belief. So as to keep their belief they introduced eco-farming in Wayanad.  Hoysala kings promoted Jainism and they sent many missionaries to the different parts to spread Jainism.Some other similar place names with Kannada origin are given below.

 All of the place names sounds resemblance or influence of   Kannada.   I believe this the roots form is different from other names of places in plais of Kerala. But remember, Wayanad has a thriving activity of life in that era when most of the Present middle land in Kerala was covered by forest and without population.

Hennaredu Bidhi (twelve streets) Bathery.
Hosengadi ( Ondayangadi,Mananthavady).
Bennagode (Venniyode),
Palagonthu (Palukunnu),
Muthangadi (Puthangadi),
Dhottappan kulam -Dodappan Kulam,-
BAaradhoor-Varadoor,
Kolagappara Ambalavayal
Kanniya Betta, Kaniyampetta -
Kalpetta -Kalbetta ,
Hanjukonthu (Anjukunnu)
Arapatta,
Echome,
Beenachi,
Kollur,
Thaloor,Madhoor
Bavali
Muthanga -Muthangadi
Meenagadi,
Banasura, Brahmagiri. (Names of Hills)
Koottamunda
Varambatta
Bellure- Valliyoor- Valliyoorkavu( a temple of historic and social significance).

Vellamunda
Peruvaka
Ambukuthy
Nalloornad
Cherukattoor
Payyampally
Koilery
Puthiyidam
Aarattuthara
Thavinjal
Ozhakkody
Anjukunnu;
Kallumottamkunnu
Kakkanchirakunnu
Kappumkunnu
Vilakkupadamkunnu
Kacherikunnu
Panamaram
Tharuvana
Karingari
Paliyana
Kommayad
Ellumannam
Kallody (The word Kallody is derived from malayalam words kallu ( means stone ) and ody ( means run ). The combined word Kallody means running stone.Earlier this place was a forested area. The merchants from Calicut to Mananthavady town through Kuttyadi hill pass were attacked by the thieves from this area. To escape from attack, they used to carry stones with them and ran as fastly as possible. They used to pelt stones to defend from the thieves. Hence the name Kallody.
The land is divided into EDAVAKA and EDACHANA "desam". The disciple of the great Pazhassi Raja, Edachena Kunkan, belongs to this area


Balad(Valat)
Trissilery
Chundale
Edavaka
Kabanigiri
Kavumannam
Thariyode

Kidanganad
Kottebadi- Kottappadi
Kuppadi
Kuppadithara
Vaduvanchal
Muppainad
NAADBAYAL (Nadavayal)
Payyampally
Periya
Poothadi
Porunnanore
Pulpalli
Lakkidi,
Tharuvana
Thavinhal
Thirunelly
Thondernad
Trikaibetta-Thrikkaipatta
Thrissilery
Kommayad
Vellamunda
Vengappally

 AS we hear everyday these names in daily life ,we may miss the influence of Kannada in them. Try to compare these names to names of typical villages of Karnataka, or speak to a kannada speaking person.You may get some clues.