Eranad refers to the erstwhile province in the midland area of Malabar, consisting ofMalappuram and nearby regions such as Anakkayam, Manjeri, Kondotty, etc. Ernad had two capitals during various times, Nediyiruppu, in Kondotty under Chera rule, and Kottappadi, in Malappuram under Zamorin rule. Present-day Ernad taluk headquarters is at Manjeri.
History
Eranad, was originally a province in the Chera Kingdom ruled by a clan known as the Eradis. Their provincial capital was at Nediyiruppu, near present-day Kondotty. The ruler of the Eralanadu was known as the Eralanadu Utaiyavar, Elar-thiri or Nediyiruppu Mooppan or Mooppil Nayar. Manavepala Manaviyan, a governor of the Eralanadu, signs himself in the famous Jewish Copper Plate. The Syrian Copper Plate is also signed by the Eralanadu ruler. After the fall of the Cheras, the region became an independent political entity. Later, the Eradis expanded their kingdom to the west and moved their capital to Calicut while setting up a regional capital at Kottappadi, Malappuram with Paranambi as the chieftain. The Eradis came to be known as the "Kings of the Oceans" in later times. The Ernad taluk existed during British Colonial rule in India and was a part of the Malabar District within the Madras Presidency. In the first decade after Independence, large-scale changes in the territorial jurisdiction of this region took place with the formation of new taluks. On 1 January 1957 Tirur Taluk was formed, by absorbing portions of Eranad and Ponnani taluks. Two more taluks, namely Tirurangadi taluk and Nilambur taluk, were formed later by bifurcating Tirur Taluk and Eranad taluk.
Ernad or Eranad tehsil is a predominantly Muslim area. Hindus are found in comparatively small numbers; so the culture of the locality is based upon Muslim traditions. Duff Muttu, Kolkali, and Aravanamuttu are common folk arts of this locality. There are many libraries attached to mosques, providing a rich source for Islamic studies. Some of the books there are written in Arabi-Malayalam, which is a version of the Malayalam language written in Arabic script. People gather in mosques for the evening prayer and continue to sit there afterward discussing socio-cultural issues. Business and family issues are also sorted out during these evening meetings. The Hindu minority of this area keep their rich traditions by celebrating various festivals in their temples. Hindu rituals are done here with a regular devotion just as in other parts of Kerala.
Transportation
The Ernad area connects with other parts of India through highway NH966. Multiple state highways connect the region with other parts of the district as well as the rest of the state. The nearest airport is at Karipur. The nearest major railway station is at Tirur.
