Palakkad District - Demographics

Demographics

According to the 2011 census Palakkad district has a population of 2,810,892, roughly equal to the nation of Jamaica or the US state of Utah. This gives it a ranking of 138th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 627 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,620 /sq mi) . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 7.39%. Palakkad has a sex ratio of 1067 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 88.49%.

The main religion is Hinduism, with many castes represented: Namboothiri (Malayali Brahmin), Iyer, Nair (including Menons and Panickers), Pisharody (Malayali Vaishnavite ambalavasi), Hindu Vaisya Castes (Moothan, Guptan, Mannadiar and Tharakan), Ezhava, Ezhuthachan, Chettiar, Mudaliyars, Pathukudi as well as artisan communities such as Bronzesmiths (Moosari),carpenters (Asari), goldsmiths (Thattan), blacksmiths (Kollan) and potters (Kusavan). There are some tribal peoples living in the forest areas within the Palakkad district. Namboothiris are temple priests. Once upon a time they were highly influential landlords. A few Namboothiri families were also known for their knowledge in astrology and medicine.Nair's were traditionally the warrior caste. They are now actively involved in many professional fields within India and also abroad. The Late Sri M. G. Ramachandran who was a famous Tamil Actor and later the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, was from a Nair/Menon family (Maruthoor Menon Family). in Vadavannur at Palakkad district. Ezhavas and Ezhuthachans were mostly farmers, the educated among them are into all fields of work now.

Malayalam is widely spoken in the region as other parts of Kerala. As Palakkad district is very close to Tamil Nadu, a significant percentage of the population (nearly 25%) speak Tamil. There is also a significant community of Telugu speakers, descended from the members of an invading army who decided to settle in the area.

Tamil Brahmins of Palakkad (Palakkad Iyers) are people who settled in Palakkad district after migrating from the Tanjore district in the State of Tamil Nadu, at the invitation of Palakkad's ruler. They were settled in 96 villages called Agraharams in different parts of the district. They are basically priests. As part of their cultural heritage, they introduced Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance to the area. Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, Palghat Mani Iyer, and M. D. Ramanathan are some of the prominent local names in the field of Carnatic music.

The Tamil Brahmins of Palakkad migrated from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu centuries ago

Palakkad also has a Moothan community, who are followers of Hinduism and reside primarily in Moothanthara. They are believed to have come from the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu in historic times. They engage in business and commerce.

Muslims are in the majority in the areas bordering Malappuram district. Here almost every family has male relatives working in the Gulf region. Due to the remittances from these people, the area has improved economically in the recent years.

The earliest Christians in the district were from Thrissur, who settled at Melarcode around 1550 CE as traders of coconut oil and spices. Later on, Christians from Idukki and Kottayam districts migrated to Palakkad and made the hilly terrains of the district their homes.