THE PEOPLE

The people of this district have, as in the case in other parts of the state, a distinctiveness in personal appearance, marked by fairness of complexion, regularity of features, clean habiths and a simple life. Though at present the percentage of literacy is low when compared to that of other districts, the passion of the people for eduaction and learning is growing.

The major religious group are Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Brahmins, Nairs, Ambalavasies, Thiyyas and Kammalas are the major divisions of the Hindu Community. Thiyyas in the northern parts of the district are known as Belichappad. The sub-divisions of Nair community are Nambiar, Menon, Kurup, etc. Kammalas are artisans like Thattan (gold smith), Perumkollan (black smith) and Asaris (carpenters). Bramins consist of Bhat, Punichitaya, Kukkillaya, Ballullaya, Kadambulithaya, Kakunnaya, etc.

Christians are settled mainly in the eastern hilly areas. They are in the early settlers from the southern parts of Kerala. The first group of Christian settles came to Rajapuram n 1943. The main Christian settlements are Thomapuram, Palavayal, Vellarikundu, Cherupuzha, Bandadka, Pulingom, Kozhichal, Karibedkom, Malom, Balal, Kanhiradkom, Kadumeni, Malakkallu, Panathady and Cheemeni. These hilly terrains are converted into rich plantations.

The Muslims are very pious and they follow rigid religious customs. The purdha system is observed more strictly here by Muslim women than in any other parts of the State.

Cherumas, Mavilas, Parayas, etc, are the scheduled castes. They are mainly agricultural labourers. The scheduled tribes consist of Koragars of Kasaragod taluk, Marattis of Hosdurg and Kasaragod taluks and Adiyans of Eravas.

The cosmopolitan outlook and character of the people in the district are because of the contact they had with the trade missions that used to visit this place years back. The Hindus, the Muslims and the Christians live side by side, each influencing and getting influenced by the culture of the other. Communal harmony and religious tolerance are ther noteworthy characteristics of hte people. Though the people speak different languages, there is no barrier on the cultural unity. Mosques, temples and Churches stad side by side as symbols of communal harmony.