1. Formation and Background:Block Panchayats came into existence as part of strengthening decentralized planning and the Panchayati Raj system in Kerala. With the formation of Irikkur Block Panchayat, the coordination and development of Gram Panchayats in this area accelerated. Currently, hilly and regional panchayats including Irikkur, Padiyoor-Kalliad, Ulikkal, Eruveshi, Payyavoor, Malappattam, Kuttiattoor, and Mayyil (which may vary according to redelimitation across different periods) fall under its jurisdiction.

2. Geographical Importance and Trade History:This region is situated on the banks of the Irikkur River (a tributary of the Valapattanam River). In the past, agricultural produce such as pepper, ginger, cashew, and rubber from the hilly regions was exported abroad via Valapattanam through water transport along the Irikkur River. Therefore, Irikkur has been recorded in history as a major trade center.

3. Migration History:The history of most of the hilly areas under the Irikkur Block is deeply linked to the Travancore migration. In the 1940s and 1950s, farmers migrated to these hilly regions from Central Travancore (from parts of Kottayam and Idukki) seeking a livelihood. Through hard work, they fought against wild animals and diseases, transforming this region into the fertile agricultural belt it is today.

4. Cultural Heritage:This is a region where Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities live in great harmony. The ancient churches and temples here are symbols of this communal harmony.
The Kavus (sacred groves) and temples here are also major centers for Northern Malabar's native art forms, such as Theyyam and Thira.
 

5. Modern Development:Agriculture remains the main source of income for the people here. However, today Irikkur Block Panchayat has been able to make great strides in the fields of education and health. Large-scale development activities are being carried out under this block by ensuring digitalization and transparency in local governance systems.

Historical Background

Ancient History:nscriptions recovered from near a place called 'Nilamuttam' serve as proof that Irikkur had gained a place in history even before 1323 AD.

Boundaries of Native Kingdoms: The Irikkur River was the geographical boundary of the old Kottayam Kingdom, which was under the rule of Pazhassi Raja. Later, this region was also part of the rule of the Kolathunadu (Kolathiri) Kings.

British Rule: Irikkur was a very prominent 'Firka' in Madras State. It was one of the main administrative hubs of the British in Malabar. Evidence of this is the Sub-Registrar Office established here by the British in 1896. In the past, most of these regions were under the Kalliad Thazhath Veedu feudal landlord (Janmi) family.

Social and Political History

This is a land that witnessed strong struggles against British rule and the feudal landlord system. In the 1930s, large-scale mobilizations took place here under the leadership of peasant movements. Due to the strong presence of peasant-communist struggles, Irikkur Firka was also known in political history as the "Red Firka". It became an integral part of Kerala with the formation of Kerala State in 1956.

Tourism:

Hilly tourist destinations such as Paithalmala, Palakkayam Thattu, and Kanjirakolly, which fall within the Irikkur Block / Assembly constituency limits, are major tourism hubs in Kannur district today. Additionally, the historically famous Mamanam Mahadevi Temple and Nilamuttam Makham stand as symbols of the cultural harmony of this region.