Kanjirappally (Malayalam: കാഞ്ഞിരപ്പള്ളി) is a taluk and a town in Kottayam district, in the state of Kerala, India. Rubber plantations are a major source of income for the local population. The place has a large population of Christians,Muslims and Hindus. The Christian colonization of Kanjirappally had a profound impact on the history of commerce and agriculture in these parts. The Christians cl
aim their roots from early settlements at Nilakkal or Chayal on the banks of river Pamba. There is also a strong belief that the flourishing Christian community here was founded by St. Thomas the Apostle himself. The place was in the forest recesses far away from seats of power. Nilakkal became an important depot for spices like pepper, cardamom etc. and the Christians were engaged in this lucrative trade as procures and sorters. The oldest church of the Christians in Kanjirappally, namely, "Pazhayapally" (meaning Old Church) in the name of St. Mary, was built in 1449, fifty years before Vasco de Gama set foot in India. Kanjirappally has a good Muslim population as well. The majority of Muslims are migrated from Tamil Nadu, especially through the eastern High Ranges to towns closer to high ranges. A number of mosques can be found of which Nainar Masjid or Valiya Pally is the biggest. There are also a large number of Tamil Vellalars here. A beautiful temple, Ganapathiyaar Kovil, built with granite stands as a testimony to the early Tamil influence in religion and culture. There are also indications that Tamil rulers of Kanjirappally levied tax on live stock or Pothimadu to supplement income to another temple avathi Shri Madura Meenakshi. Hindus were prominent in ancient times.
