Mutholy
Grama Panchayat

Mutholy is the historical birthplace of the ancient rulers known as the Meenachil Karthas. Its name is traditionally interpreted to mean an area with pearl-like olive trees, a source where pearls were found, or a well where pearls originated. The region came to be known as Meenachil after its first king, Sri Veera Damodara Simharu, constructed a temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi. In early times, the Meenachil River—then known as the Kavanar—served as the primary highway for water transport, carrying spices and black pepper to Alappuzha in cargo boats and fostering rich trade relations with foreigners and North Indians. Before being conquered by the Travancore Maharaja Marthanda Varma in 1751, the kingdom was governed through local assemblies called Nattukkootams and their heads, the Millakkarans. The area...