Anjarakandy
Grama Panchayat

History of the Grama Panchayat

Anjarakandy Grama Panchayat is one of the prominent local self-government institutions in Thalassery Block of Kannur District. Located approximately 19 kilometres southeast of Kannur city, the panchayat covers an area of 15.36 square kilometres. It is bordered by Koodali, Munderi, Keezhallur, Chembilode, Peralassery, and Vengad Grama Panchayats.

The region is home to one of the largest cinnamon estates in Asia, established by the East India Company in 1767. Initially, the estate was used for the cultivation of spices and plantation crops such as pepper, coffee, and sandalwood. Later, cinnamon cultivation became its major focus. The name “Anjarakandy” is traditionally associated with the purchase of five large estates and an additional half estate, giving rise to the name Anjara Kandi.

Murdoch Brown, who came to oversee the plantation, constructed a beautiful bungalow in the English architectural style. In 1800, a battle was fought here between Pazhassi Raja and the British. Although Pazhassi Raja captured the estate, it was later recaptured by the East India Company.

Anjarakandy also has an important place in the history of land administration and record keeping. The region witnessed the commencement of land surveys and systematic record preservation, and the first Sub-Registrar Office in Kerala was established here.

Today, Kannur Medical College also functions within the premises of this historic estate.

The Anjarakandy River originates in the Wayanad hills and flows through the region before dividing into two branches at Dharmadam and eventually reaching the Arabian Sea.