Marutha, India

Etymology

There is no place name named MARUTHA, but commonly calling an area 'MARUTHA' which includes different place names such as Mundappoty, Kettungal, School Kunnu, Chakkappadam, Kanjirathingal, Vendekumpoty, Vengapadam, Mathalappara, Maruthakkadavu, ....etc. Marutha is a part of Vazhikkadavu Panchayath and is known for its gold deposits along the banks of river Maruthappuzha. Maruthappuzha originates as two streams from Devala and Pandalur and joins near Marutha (Randupuzhamukku). Manchakkoodu is the ending point up to which bus service is available. Some buses ends their service up to Chakkappadam (buses keep the name Maruthakkadavu to attract the passengers to Marutha, continuing same name before opening the Marutha bridge). Chakkappadam is the city center in which all villagers are depending as a common meeting point up to which available things like social services, Govt. services and others. Main educational institute in the village is GHS Govt. High School at School Kunnu. Postal pin code is 679333.

Nearby towns are Palemad, Vazhikkadavu, Edakkara & Nilambur.

Demographics

The population of Marutha is dominated by Muslims (80%), Hindus (mostly Thiyya) and Christians. Many Maruthites are highly educated and are in service to the nation as government servants.

Culture

Marutha village is a predominantly Muslim populated area. Hindus exist in comparatively smaller numbers. So the culture of the locality is based upon Muslim traditions. Duff Muttu, Kolkali and Aravanamuttu are common folk arts of this locality. There are many libraries attached to mosques giving a rich source of Islamic studies. Most of the books are written in Arabi-Malayalam which is a version of the Malayalam language written in Arabic script. People gather in mosques for the evening prayer and continue to sit there after the prayers discussing social and cultural issues. Business and family issues are also sorted out during these evening meetings. The Hindu minority of this area keeps their rich traditions by celebrating various festivals in their temples. Hindu rituals are done here with a regular devotion like other parts of Kerala.

Naxalite threat

In November, 2016, three naxalites were killed near Karulai in an encounter with Kerala police. Naxalite leader Kappu Devaraj from Andhra Pradesh is included in the list of killed in the incident. Villages like Mundakkadavu, Kalkullam and Uchakkulam near Karulai are threatened by Naxalite attacks. Naxalites visit the locality regularly and ask for food and shelter from the tribals. The police are also combing the area regularly but have not arrested any naxalites. On 27 September 2016, there was firing between the Maoists and the Kerala police in this area and no one was injured in this incident.

Transportation

Marutha village connects to other parts of India through Nilambur town. State Highway No.28 starts from Nilambur and connects to Ooty, Mysore and Bangalore through Highways.12,29 and 181. National highway No.66 passes through Ramanattukara and the northern stretch connects to Goa and Mumbai. The southern stretch connects to Cochin and Trivandrum. State. The nearest airport is at Kozhikode. The nearest major railway station is at Feroke.