History of Upputhara Grama Panchayat

When examining the history of Upputhara Grama Panchayat, it can be seen that until the beginning of the twentieth century, the area was largely an uninhabited forest region. At the beginning of the twentieth century, particularly after the First World War, severe food shortages and the prevailing social conditions encouraged people to migrate in search of new places to settle.

The first families to arrive in this region were mainly from Meenachil Taluk in Kottayam district. They obtained permission from the Travancore Government to establish tea plantations in the area. Thus, Upputhara became one of the earliest systematically settled regions in the High Ranges.

After the 1930s, the farmers who migrated to the region primarily focused on the cultivation of coffee and pepper. Over time, significant changes took place in the agricultural practices of the area. In addition to tea, crops such as pepper, coffee, cardamom, banana, and tapioca became important agricultural products.

As the region developed, Upputhara gradually emerged as an important commercial centre in the High Ranges. The Catholic community played a significant role in the social life of the area. The migrant farmers took the initiative in establishing new churches and educational institutions, making valuable contributions to the social and cultural development of the region.

Over the years, Upputhara grew into an important commercial centre in the High Ranges. Although the development of nearby towns such as Kattappana affected the importance of Upputhara to some extent, the region continues to retain its own distinct identity.