Socio-cultural Processes and Livelihood Patterns at Tirurangadi - CDS

one or two features of the observations were significant. One was the existence of an area
near Kadalundi River, between Thenhippalam and Vallikkunnu, called Irumpothunkal. It
is believed that the area yielded iron ore sufficient to meet the requirements of the local
blacksmiths. The perseverance of this tradition seems to be significant. Wells dug in this
area and the nearby Paruthikkad very often meet with hard black soil which is very
difficult to break, and invariably, water is found underneath this hard area. This soil is
supposed to have iron content, and so are the reddish black soils in the thiruttimmal area
in Vallikkunnu. Land use studies of the area, record that the northern part of the region,
including Vallikkunnu and Thenhippalam as having iron ores. The presence of a number
of blacksmiths in the area might also testify to use of the iron ore from the area, although
the practice does not survive today.
There have been reports of the discovery of black, hardened wood under the surface
which is discovered while a well is dug. Remains of a large tree were discovered while
digging a canal near Kalanthurutti, and reports of similar discoveries have been made in
Nannambra, Tirurangadi and along Kadalundi River as well as the challi regions. Another
interesting case is that of well very close to the coast supplying fresh water in Ariyallur
area, called Mudiya Kinar. The water in the well was supposed to have medicinal
properties, and was used by the people. The stories woven around the well merit another
discussion, but the presence of fresh water, in whatever form in the coast is interesting.
Significance of such reports is not known, but it appears that geological processes were at
work in the low-lying regions particularly in the area around Kadalundi River and the
coastal sea erosion, withdrawal of the sea from some parts, the river changing its course,
and ongoing processes of siltation and sedimentation leading to changes in the
topography of the land are some of the most obvious.
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