Chuzhali

Chuzhali is a village in Kannur district in the Indian state of Kerala.The name of the village Chuzhali gradually became from the name of Chuzhali Bhagavathi, Actually this village was under the dynasty of "Chuzhali Nambiars" . In ancient times it was under "Chuzhali Swaroopam" and the boundary was till "Koorgu" in Karnataka. Karakkattedam was heading the Chuzhali Swaroopam having control over all other edams and vast ares of land. Temples spread over Payyavur, Eruvassi, Ellaringi, Chengalai, Irukkur and Kalyadu villages come under Chuzhali Swaroopam. As the kaleidoscope of history spread over a century tilted, set patterns of social set up gave way to new order. The existence of British rule brought great changes at the national level. Princely States gave way to States and the Union of India. The Kerala Land Reforms Act brought about drastic changes in the janmi (landlord)-kudiyan (tenant) relations. With the dawn of the Temple Entry Proclamation, an upsurge of social interaction began. The so-called underprivileged gained self-respect and self-confidence, paving way for a quantum leap forward. Nationalisation of forests also played a vital role in shaking the foundations of the hitherto unchallenged upper echelons of society. In many cases, landlords were turned into landless and vice-versa.

Once Karakkattedam had sway over vast acres of land. Records say that it had around 350,000 acres (1,400 km2) of land directly and another 150,000 acres (610 km2) indirectly, including devaswoms. Until 1960, Karakkattedam was considered to be one of the biggest landlords. During British period, Karakkattedam was entrusted with the powers to collect taxes. Both the Kerala Land Reforms Act and Nationalisation of forests affrected its edifice.

Main Nambiar families in this place are Padappayil, Palakkal, Edayath, and Arayakkil. In 'Malabar mannuel' William Logan mentioned Chuzhali as ideal place for gorilla war, since the main land of Chuzhali is surrounded by high altitude areas namely Kulathur, Thalakkulam, Edakkulm, and Kuunam. Chuzhali Nambiar was one of the commanders of Pazhashiraja's gorilla army. It is said that Pazhashiraja had visited Chuzhali during his struggle against British army. Chuzhali nambiar was caught by British army and was hung at Thalassery. Now Chuzhali is main vote bank of Communist Party Of India (Marxist).

Chuzhali Bhagavathi is a famous temple situated in the middle of the Chuzhali village. The annual festival of this temple takes place during March–April. This festival is treated by people of Chuzhali as their village festival. The main attractive place of village is Kulathur 3 km from Chuzhali main town Chalilvayal.