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MUSLIMS
The Muslim migration took place around this time some and arrived through the mountain passes of Kumaly. But the greater number hailed from Puliyangudi and Thenkasi, in South Pandinad. They settled down in the typical Pilla pattern and wedged between the two Chetti settlements. For their worship they built the Pichapally Medu palli and later the Nainaru mosque, at the '24th mile' of the present K. K. Road
CHRISTIANS
The Christian colonisation of Kanjirapally had a profound impact on the history of commerce an agriculture in these parts. The Christian claims their roots from early settlements at Nilakkal or Chayal on the banks of river Pamba. There is a also a strong belief that the flourishing Christian community
there was founded by Apostle Thomas himself. The place was in the forest recesses far away from seats of power. Nilakkal became an important depot for spices like pepper, cardamom etc. and the Christians were engaged in this lucrative trade as procures and sorters. A Catholic diocese makes this an important Christian religious centre. The old church of the Christians in Kanjirapally, namely, "Pazhayapally" (meaning Old Church) was built in 1449, fifty years before Vasco de Gama set foot in India !
COMMERCIAL CENTRE
In the next 300 years, Kanjirapally steadily grew in size and prosperity while more immigrants came in, mainly Christians and Muslims. Under the enterprising traders, Kanjirapally became the leading trade centre between the East and the West as mentioned earlier. The Christians settlers cultivated paddy and other crops in hills and valleys after clearing virgin forests. Later on they were the acknowledged pioneers in the cultivation of huge plantations of rubber. The prosperity of this place centred around these natural rubber plantations which now dot the landscape. Many legendary families owe their prominence to this natural produce. The lifestyles and the ambience of Kanjirapally high life became the stuff of popular legends. But sadly this prosperity is on a downswing now due to the severe recession and declining need for natural rubber in industry
Kanjirapally is now the headquarters of a Taluk comprising Elikulam, Chirakadavu, Kootikal, Erumely, Kanjirappally, Manimala, Mundakayam and Parathodu Panchyaths. Earlier it covered a larger area stretching from Meenachil to the Pamba river enveloped mainly by vast virgin forests.
Melaruvi, Pichapally Medu, Koovapally Kurisumala, Karumpukayam (where boat races are conducted) Koodapuzha, the confluence of Manimalayar and Chittar are the recommended tourist spots for those who enjoy nature's beauty.
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