Manipuram

Manipuram is a quaint junction town in the Koduvally municipality of Kozhikode district, Kerala. It serves as a confluence point where roads from Koduvally, Omassery, Thamarassery, and Kareetiparambu intersect. The town is traversed by Kerala State Highway 68, which links the historic locales of Kappad and Adivaram.

Cherupuzha River meanders through Manipuram, and a notable bridge, known as the Manipuram Bridge, crosses it on SH 68. This bridge is a key feature of the town’s infrastructure.

Manipuram has a predominantly Muslim population, with a prominent mosque located along the main road. However, there is also a significant Hindu community residing in the town.

A highlight of Manipuram is the Makkattu Illam, a 200-year-old cultural center. This historic structure played a crucial role during the Malabar Rebellion of 1921. During this period, when rebels attempted to attack Makkattu Illam, a member of the Muslim community provided refuge to the Nambuthiri (a member of the Hindu community) residing there, thereby saving his life. The Illam is surrounded by a sacred grove, an ecological treasure often associated with temples, and was also used as a British military camp during the rebellion. Today, Makkattu Illam is a popular location for Malayalam film shoots.

Politically, Manipuram is primarily influenced by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). The town also functions as a commercial hub, attracting shoppers from the surrounding areas.