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Sultan Bathery
Town in Kerala, India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Sulthan Bathery is the largest city and a municipality in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Sultan Bathery taluk and is the most populous and commercially active urban center in the district. Strategically located near the borders of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the city plays a key role in regional connectivity and trade.
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Historically known as Ganapathivattom, the town was renamed following the military campaigns of Tipu Sultan, who is believed to have used a local Jain temple as a battery (ammunition store), leading to the name "Sultan’s Battery," later anglicized to Sultan Bathery. A fort built during this period once stood in the area, remnants of which remain today.
Sultan Bathery is noted for its urban cleanliness, organized layout, and greenery, earning it the nickname "Clean city and Garden City of Wayanad.It also functions as the district’s primary commercial and shopping hub, with bustling markets offering spices, handicrafts, textiles, and agricultural products.
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Etymology
The modern town was part of Kidanganad village, so-called because of the presence of the Kidangan tribe.[1] During the invasion of Malabar by Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan, the town was used by the Mysore army as the storeroom or battery for its ammunition and used a 13th-century Ganapathi Temple located here as a battery.[2][3] Thus the town known as "Sultan's Battery" in British records later got to be called as "Sultan Bathery".
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History
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The recorded history of Sultan Bathery, commensurate with that of Wayanad, begins in the 10th century. In 930 AD, Emperor Erayappa of the Ganga dynasty led his troops to what would later become the district in the south-west of Mysore and, after conquering it, called it Bayalnad, meaning the land of swamps.[citation needed] After Erayappa died, his sons Rachamalla and Battunga fought each other for the new kingdom of their father's legacy. Rachamalla was killed and Battunga became the undisputed ruler of Bayalnad.[citation needed]
In the 12th century AD, the Gangas were dethroned by the Kadamba dynasty of North Canara.[4] In 1104 AD, Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala invaded Bayalnad followed by the Vijayanagara dynasty in the 16th century. In 1610 AD, Udaiyar Raja Wadiyar of Mysore drove out Vijayanagara and became the ruler of Bayalnad and the Nilgiris. When Wayanad was under Hyder Ali's rule, the ghat road from Vythiri to Thamarassery was constructed.[5] Later, the British rulers developed this route into Carter Road.[6]
British rule began at the start of the 19th century after the East India Company seized Wayanad from the hands of Pazhassi Raja and administered the district until it was superseded by the British Raj in 1858. Until 1947, Wayanad was under the rule of the Malabar collector. History has it that Wayanad has a rich folk culture that gave way to the British domination of Wayanad. The British named the village Sultan's Battery, which in later history means the Sultan's Armory.[citation needed]
The Edakkal Caves have evidence of the existence of a Neolithic civilisation in Wayanad. According to H. S. Graeme, the Thalassery Sub-Collector T. H. Balan was the first to start a revenue settlement in Wayanad.[citation needed] For administrative convenience, the area was divided into Munnadu, Muthoornadu, Ilangkornadu, Nallurnadu, Edanashankur, Poronnur, Kurumbala, Wayanad, Nambikkoli and Ganapathivattam (Ganapati). The importance and relevance of Ganapati has been mentioned often in the reports. History records that Sultan Bathery later became the place of Ganapati on the roadside during the battle of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.[citation needed]
Ganapati grew as the medieval cities flourished, the four-way street, the main highway, and the center of worship. In 1934, the Kidanganad Panchayat was established. From the administration of the Malabar District Board, Ganapati became the administrative centre of the Kidanganad panchayat. The Niluppuzha Panchayat was formed in 1968 by the division of Kidanganad Panchayat, Nenmeni Panchayat in 1974 and Sultanbathery Panchayat in 1968.[citation needed]
New places of worship and educational institutions have emerged in different parts of the panchayat with the support of Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities. The Ganapati Temple, the Jain Temple and the Malankara Mosque are examples of the ancient history of Sultan Bathery.[citation needed] There is evidence that Sultan Bathery and other parts of Wayanad had been in contact through Tamil, Karnataka and Kodagu villages since medieval times.[citation needed]
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Geography
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Location
Sultan Bathery is located at 11.67°N 76.28°E,[7] on the Kozhikode–Kollegal National Highway (NH 766) 97 kilometers from Kozhikode. It is 114 km from Mysore[8] and about 100 km from Ooty (Udagamandalam). It is also connected with Nilambur. It has an average elevation of 907 m (2,976 ft).[citation needed]
Climate
Sultan Bathery has a humid climate. The mean average rainfall in this area is 2,322 mm. Lakkidi, Vythiri and Meppadi are the high rainfall areas in Wayanad. The annual rainfall in these areas ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 mm. High-velocity winds are common during the southwest monsoon season and dry winds blow in March and April. High altitude regions experience severe cold. In Wayanad (Ambalavayal) the mean maximum and minimum temperature for the last five years[when?] were 29 °C and 18 °C respectively. This place experiences high relative humidity, which can rise to 95 per cent during the southwest monsoon period. Generally the year is classified into four seasons, namely, the cold weather (December–February), hot weather (March–May), southwest monsoon (June–September), and northeast monsoon (October–November) seasons.
Religion and worship
In ancient times, the region was home to the native tribes of Chettiars, Paniyar, Kurumar and Urali Nayakkar. Although there are many ethnic groups among the people, their main occupation is agriculture. The panchayath has 26 temples, 15 churches and 15 mosques. Sultan Bathery has a Jain temple that is about 2,000 years old. The center, which is in the possession of the Department of Archeology, has no festivals other than temple rituals. The festival at Sultan Bathery Mariamman Kovil is one of the festivals celebrated here. It is considered to be the national festival of Bathery. Similar festivals are celebrated in the Bathery Mahaganapathi Temple, Kuppadi Devi Temple and Karivallikkunnu Temple.[10]
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Notable landmarks
- Saint Mary Orthodox Cathedral and Pilgrim Centre is the oldest church in Sultan Bathery, established in 1944. The church has the holy relics of three saints and is the headquarters of Sultan Bathery Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church the administrative head of the 48 orthodox parishes in the area.[11] There is also the Nirmalagiri Aramana where the diocesan metropolitan resides in Poomala.[12]
- Edakkal caves are located 10 km from Sultan Bathery and are noted for anthropological research. The caves are two natural rock formations believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock.[citation needed]
- Sultan Bathery Jain Temple is one of the prominent Jain temples in Kerala, believed to have been built in the 13th century. This Mahavir stone temple at Kidanganad in Sultan Bathery is also known as Digambara Jain Temple and Kidanganad Basti. The temple architecture, inscriptions and drawings on the pillars and walls are strongly influenced by the architectural style of the Vijayanagara dynasty. An inscription on one of the pillars depicts Dharnendra Bandanam, in the form of a coiled snake.[citation needed]
- Krishnagiri Stadium is a cricket stadium located in Krishnagiri village in Wayanad. It holds up to 20,000 people and at 2,100 feet above sea level is the highest-altitude stadium used exclusively for cricket.[13]
- Thovarimala Ezhuthupara
- Wayanad Heritage Museum, Ambalavayal
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary houses a wide range of mammals, birds and other fauna. The mammals include elephants, tigers, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild dogs, bison, deer, and bears. More than 200 species of birds, including peacocks, babblers, cuckoos, owls, woodpeckers and jungle fowl, and 45 species of reptiles like monitor lizard and a variety of snakes and tortoises reside there.[citation needed]
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Education
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Sultan Bathery, a major town in Wayanad district, Kerala, is a key educational center in the region, with a range of schools, colleges, and vocational institutions offering diverse academic programs.
Schools
St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School, Sultan Bathery
Established in 1977, this private, co-educational institution is affiliated with the Kerala State Education Board. It is recognized as the first certified English-medium school in Wayanad and offers classes from Grade 1 to 12. The school features computer-aided learning, a library, and sports facilities.
St. Mary's College Higher Secondary School, Kuppadi
An aided, co-educational institution affiliated with the Kerala State Education Board, managed by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. It provides education for Grades 8 to 12 and emphasizes academic excellence.
Government High School, Kuppadi
One of the oldest government schools in the region, it is co-educational and affiliated with the Kerala State Education Board. The school offers classes from Grade 5 to 10 and promotes co-curricular engagement.
Ideal English School, Sultan Bathery
A private, co-educational CBSE-affiliated school offering education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. It focuses on modern teaching methodologies and overall student development, supported by modern infrastructure.
McLeod's English School, Sultan Bathery
A CBSE-affiliated private school offering a balanced curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 12. The school emphasizes strong foundational learning and a nurturing environment.
Green Hills Public School, Moolankavu
Located near Sultan Bathery, this private CBSE school is known for its serene campus and emphasis on academics and extracurricular activities. It serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
WMO English School, Sultan Bathery
Managed by the Wayanad Muslim Orphanage, this CBSE-affiliated school provides Kindergarten to Grade 12 education, focusing on academic excellence and moral education. The school supports underprivileged students through scholarships.
Bhavan's Vidya Mandir, Vidyanagar
Affiliated with CBSE, this private co-educational institution is part of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan network. It integrates Indian culture and values into academics and offers various extracurricular activities.
Nirmala Matha Public School, Kuppadi
A CBSE-affiliated institution managed by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, offering education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. It emphasizes character building and holistic education with modern infrastructure.
Sarvajana Government Vocational Higher Secondary School, Sultan Bathery
A government-run school affiliated with the Kerala State Education Board. It offers vocational courses for students in Grades 11 and 12, along with regular academics, aiming to develop practical job-oriented skills.
Colleges
St. Mary's College, Sultan Bathery
Established in 1965 by Rev. Fr. Mathai Nooranal of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, it was the first higher education college in Wayanad. Located in Kuppadi hills, the college operates on a 32-acre campus and offers 11 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate programs, along with four research centers. It is affiliated with the University of Calicut.
Don Bosco College, Sultan Bathery
This self-financing arts and science college is managed by the Salesians of Don Bosco and affiliated with the University of Calicut. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Alphonsa Arts and Science College
Situated on Ooty Road, this college offers undergraduate programs in multiple disciplines. It is affiliated with the University of Calicut and known for its focus on quality education.
Mar Baselios College of Education
A teacher education college run by the Catholic Diocese of Bathery. It offers two-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and Diploma in Education (D.Ed./TTC) programs. The institution is self-financed and focuses on training future educators.
Vocational and Technical Institutions
Aitecc ITI
An Industrial Training Institute offering technical courses designed to develop industry-relevant skills among students. It plays a role in supporting youth employment through vocational education.
Government ITI, Sultan Bathery
Provides vocational training in multiple trades. This government institute enhances employability among students through practical training programs.
Government Polytechnic College, Sultan Bathery
Offers diploma-level education in engineering and applied sciences. It serves students pursuing careers in technical and industrial fields.
Government Polytechnic College, Meenangadi
Located nearby, this institution provides specialized diploma programs in various engineering disciplines.
Government Polytechnic College, Dwaraka, Mananthavady
Another polytechnic institution in Wayanad district, offering diploma courses in technical streams to students from the northern regions, including Sultan Bathery.
Vinayaka College of Nursing
This institution provides nursing education aligned with the healthcare industry’s needs. It offers programs that prepare students for careers in clinical and community health services.
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Transport
Sultan Bathery has very good road connectivity with south Indian states. The major road is NH 766 which connects to Mysore, Bangalore and Kozhikode, two state highways connected to Ooty and Coimbatore and a state highway connected to Mangalore, Kannur, Thalassery and Kasaragod. Sultan Bathery is the biggest transport hub of Wayanad district. It is located near the border with the Karnataka state.[citation needed]
There is a major Kerala Transport Depot in Sultan Bathery. Most of the long-distance buses to Kozhikode, Ooty and Bangalore start from this depot. The town also has two smaller bus stations for local travellers. The Periya ghat road connects Mananthavady to Kannur and Thalassery. The Thamarassery mountain road connects Calicut with Kalpetta. The Kuttiady mountain road connects Vatakara with Kalpetta and Mananthavady. The Palchuram mountain road connects Kannur and Iritty with Mananthavady. The road from Nilambur to Ooty is also connected to Wayanad through the village of Meppadi.[14]
The nearest railway stations are at Mysore and Calicut. The nearest airports are at Mysore, Calicut and Kannur.[citation needed]
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Politics
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The Sultan Bathery assembly constituency is part of the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. Its member of parliament is Priyanka Gandhi of the Indian National Congress (INC) party,[15] and the MLA is I. C. Balakrishnan (INC).
The Sultan Bathery Municipality has been governed by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) since 2015.
- Chairperson: TK Ramesh (Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))
- Vice Chairperson: Elsy Paulose (CPI(M))
Since its establishment in 1962, the Bathery panchayat (council) has mainly been held by the INC-led United Democratic Front (UDF). P. C. Ahmed Haji of the Indian Union Muslim League was the first president and held office for three decades. The LDF was in power for only eight months in 2005 with the help of the Democratic Indira Congress (Kerala) party. The president was CK Sahadevan who later became the first chairman when it was converted to a municipality in 2015.[citation needed]
Municipality Chairperson
Source: [citation needed]
Members of Legislative Assembly
Source:[16]
Municipality Vice Chairperson
Source: [citation needed]
Grama Panchayat President
Source: [citation needed]
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Municipality
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Notable residents
- Basil Joseph, director and Actor in the Malayalam film industry[18]
See also
References
External links
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