Svetlanacnc at 02:05, 25 February 2026

2026-02-25T02:05:12Z

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{{More citations needed|date=May 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Chengara
| settlement_type = Village
| image_skyline = Chengara Junction.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption = A view of Chengara Junction
| nickname =
| pushpin_map =
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kerala, India
| coordinates = {{coord|9|15|10|N|76|50|52|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = India
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Pathanamthitta district|Pathanamthitta]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| leader_title = Panchayat Member
| leader_name = Joyce Abraham
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 =
| area_rank =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total =
| population_as_of =
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank =
| population_demonym =
| demographics_type1 =
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 689664
| area_code = 0468
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| registration_plate = KL-83
| footnotes =
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[English language|English]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = Nearest city
| blank2_info_sec1 = Konni, Pathanamthitta
| blank3_name_sec1 = Literacy
| blank3_info_sec1 = 99%
| blank4_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank4_info_sec1 = Pathanamthitta
}}

'''Chengara''' is a small village located in the [[Pathanamthitta district]] of [[Kerala]], [[India]]. It is known for its natural environment, hills, and climate. Chengara is surrounded on three sides by [[Harrisons Malayalam|Harrisons Malayalam Ltd]], a [[Natural rubber|rubber]] plantation company.

Chengara is located approximately {{convert|10|km|abbr=on}} from the district headquarters, {{convert|110|km|abbr=on}} from [[Kochi]], and just over {{convert|100|km|abbr=on}} from [[Thiruvananthapuram]], the state capital. The nearest towns to Chengara are [[Konni, Kerala|Konni]] and [[Pathanamthitta]], both about {{convert|6|and|10|km|abbr=on}} away. [[Government Medical College, Konni]]<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/cm-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-medical-college-in-konni/article4264994.ece | title=CM to lay foundation stone for Medical College in Konni | date=2 January 2013 | newspaper=The Hindu | accessdate=6 June 2018 }}</ref> is {{convert|3|km|abbr=on}} from the village.

== Climate ==
The village experiences a [[tropical climate]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mindat.org |url=https://www.mindat.org/feature-11452642.html |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=www.mindat.org}}</ref> with three distinct seasons: a humid [[summer]], a [[monsoon]], and a moderate [[winter]]. April is typically the warmest month, around 35 °C during the day. Heavy thunderstorms often occur in May, during which humidity remains high. The monsoon season lasts from June to August, with the heaviest rainfall in June and July. June is generally the wettest month of the year, which often exceeding 600 mm.<ref>{{Cite web |title=www.teamchengara.net |url=https://teamchengara.weebly.com/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=www.teamchengara.net}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
Chengara has a population of just over 1,500. The [[Literacy|literacy rate]] of the village is 99%.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}

== Education ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2025}}

The Government Co-operative Society Lower Primary (G.C.S.L.P.) school is the only school in Chengara. The school, owned by the Chengara Service Co-operative Society Ltd., covers standards I-V. The nearest higher secondary school is St. George Vocational Higher Secondary School in [[Attachakkal]]. Students from Chengara also attend schools in nearby towns such as [[Pathanamthitta]] and [[Kozhencherry]]. For technical courses, students attend institutes around Pathanamthitta.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

== Economy ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2025}}
The economy of Chengara is primarily based on [[agriculture]]. Rubber plantations are a major source of income for the local population. Chengara is a significant [[Natural rubber|rubber]]-producing area in Kerala, benefiting from its hilly terrain, high humidity, and rainfall. Other major crops cultivated include [[cocoa bean|cocoa]], [[coconut]], [[tapioca]], and [[black pepper|pepper]]. A large number of villagers are [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|non-residents]].{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

== Politics ==
The major political parties in Chengara are the [[Indian National Congress]] (INC) and the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]] (CPI[M]). [[K. U. Jenish Kumar|K.U. Jenish Kumar]] (CPI[M]) was the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the {{abbr|M.L.A.|member of the legislative assembly}} of [[Konni, Kerala|Konni]], which includes Chengara, as of 2019. [[Anto Antony]] is the Member of Parliament (MP) for the [[Pathanamthitta]] constituency, which includes the Chengara area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chengara, Konni Panchayat, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India |url=https://www.keralatourism.org/routes-locations/chengara/id/2377 |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=Kerala Tourism |language=en}}</ref> Chengara belongs to the Konni ''[[gram panchayat]]'' (village council). The current ''panchayat'' member for Chengara is N. N. Rajappan of INC.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} [[Chengara Surendran]], MP ([[Communist Party of India]]), is also a native of Chengara.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Members/memberbioprofile.aspx?mpsno=3849&lastls=14|title=Members : Lok Sabha}}</ref> Chengara Surendran (born 31 January 1968) was a member of the [[14th Lok Sabha]] of India, representing the [[Adoor]] constituency of Kerala. He is a member of the Communist Party of India (CPI).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Members/memberbioprofile.aspx?mpsno=3849&lastls=14|title=Members : Lok Sabha}}</ref>

Traditionally, Chengara has been an INC stronghold.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} Kerala Congress also has a presence in the village. Abraham Vazhayil (District Secretary, Kerala Congress (M); Chairman, UDF Konni Constituency) is another native of Chengara. Despite a long political tradition, there has been no significant conflict among the different political parties in the village.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}

==Culture==
=== Religion ===
[[File:Bethel Marthoma Church, Chengara1.jpg|thumb|[[Bethel Marthoma Church]], Chengara]]The people of Chengara follow various religions, with [[Christianity]] and [[Hinduism]] being the most prominent. Churches in the village include [[Bethel Marthoma Church, Chengara|Bethel Marthoma Church]], St. George Orthodox Church Chengara (also known as Chengara Pally, established in 1979),<ref>{{cite web|title=Chengara Pally|url=http://chengarapally.com/}}</ref> St. Patrick's Malankara Catholic Church, Bethel Brethren Assembly, and Pentecost Church (IPC). The Hindu temple in the village is Chengara [[Parvati|Shiva Parvati]] Temple.

Bethel Marthoma Church organizes an annual Chengara Convention in January. Bethel Marthoma Church, Chengara, belongs to the Ranni-Nilackal Diocese of the [[Saint Thomas Christians|Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church]].

'''St. George Orthodox Church, Chengara'''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chengara Pally {{!}} St George Orthodox church chengara {{!}} Chengara church, Pathanamthitta.|url=http://chengarapally.com/|access-date=2020-06-12|website=chengarapally.com}}</ref> ('''Chengara''' '''Pally'''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chengara Pally {{!}} St George Orthodox church chengara {{!}} Chengara church, Pathanamthitta.|url=http://chengarapally.com/|access-date=2020-06-12|website=chengarapally.com}}</ref> '''or ചെങ്ങറ പള്ളി''') is an ancient church in Chengara, also known as Chengara Pally. It serves as the headquarters of the Thumpamon Diocese of the [[Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church]].

=== Feast of St. George===
The Feast of St. George, the patron saint of St. George Orthodox Church, is celebrated annually from May 1 to 5.

== Sports ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2025}}
[[Cricket]] is the most popular sport in the village. An annual cricket tournament is held during the midsummer vacation. Other popular sports include [[association football|football]], [[volleyball]], and [[badminton]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

== Notable locations ==
Orakuzhi is a small [[waterfall]] located near the Kizhakkupuram border of the village.

Meemooti Thodu is another waterfall in Chengara, considered dangerous due to its high drop over rock. The possibility of damming the stream was explored but deemed unfeasible.

Harrison's Malayalam Rubber Plantation covers a significant area in Chengara, stretching over {{convert|3000|acre}}. It is crisscrossed with unpaved service roads suitable for bullocks or trucks.

Chemmani Rubber Plantation covers {{convert|300|acre}} in Chengara.

== Infrastructure ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2025}}

=== Communication ===
Several mobile service providers operate in the village, including [[BSNL]], [[Bharti Airtel|Airtel]], [[Vodafone Idea]], and [[Jio]].{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} The village has a cable network providing [[Malayalam]] channels and major channels in other languages.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

=== Transportation ===
Both [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation]] (KSRTC) and private buses connect Chengara with nearby towns.

The Attachakkal–Malayalapuzha road and Attachakkal–Kumplampoika road pass through Chengara. This route offers the easiest access from [[Konni, Kerala|Konni]] to places such as [[Vadasserikara]] and [[Ranni, Kerala|Ranni]]. It can also be used as a [[Sabarimala]] route.

Chengara Junction is situated on the Attachakkal–Chengara–Kumplampoika road, which connects the villages of Attachakkal, Chengara, Puthukulam, and Kumplampoika. The road originates at Attachakal junction and ends at Kumplampoika, covering a total distance of {{convert|13.4|km|abbr=on}}.

The nearest [[Train station|railway station]]s are [[Chengannur]], {{convert|34|km|abbr=on}} away, and [[Thiruvalla]], which is around {{convert|41|km|abbr=on}} away. The nearest airport is [[Thiruvananthapuram International Airport]], about {{convert|100|km|abbr=on}} from Chengara. The [[Cochin International Airport]] is around {{convert|124|km|abbr=on}} from Chengara.

=== Institutions ===
Various institutions located in Chengara include:
*Chengara Service Co-operative Society
*Chengara Pravasi Association
*Chengara Post Office
*Olive Mart supermarket
*Ration shop Chengara

== Tribal agitations ==
{{Main|Chengara struggle|l1=Chengara Struggle}}

[[File:Chengara samaram.jpg|thumb|Tribal on strike]]

The village is frequently mentioned in the media due to a land struggle, popularly known as "Chengara Samaram," which took place on a rubber plantation, {{convert|3|km|abbr=on}} outside the village. Led by Laha Gopalan, the Sadu Jana Vimochana Samara Vedi (SJVSV) agitation began on August 4, 2007, when hundreds of Vedi workers encroached upon the Kumbazha Estate of Harrison Malayalam Limited. They demanded {{convert|5|acre}} of land for farming and {{currency|50,000|INR|linked=yes}} towards initial farming expenses for each landless family among them. They pitched tents on the occupied land and began tapping the rubber trees for their livelihood. Gopalan claimed that {{convert|200|ha|abbr=on|order=flip}} of land at Chengara were under SJVSV occupation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/27/stories/2011052759391100.htm |title=The Hindu : Kerala News : Chengara agitators to meet Chandy in bid to end struggle |website=www.hindu.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110601022259/http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/27/stories/2011052759391100.htm |archive-date=1 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

During the agitation, notable figures including Medha Patkar, Arundhati Roy, Govindacharya, and V.M. Sudheeran visited and expressed solidarity with the local families. However, the struggle reportedly created a negative image of Chengara. The previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government identified {{convert|831.03|acre}} of land in 10 districts for distribution among the 1,495 eligible landless people as part of the "Chengara Package." Of the 1,495 identified families, 38 belonged to the [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Tribes]] category and 1,227 to the Scheduled Castes. However, many people declined the allotted land, finding it unsuitable for habitation and farming. Vedi leader Laha Gopalan maintained that there was no question of vacating the land until all landless families at Chengara were allotted land suitable for farming and habitation. Some families have constructed permanent dwellings and started cultivation on the encroached land. The Vedi has also established a library and school on the occupied land.
<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2012-08-05|title=Chengara agitation historic: Metropolitan|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/chengara-agitation-historic-metropolitan/article3730292.ece|access-date=2021-02-28|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>{{update inline|date=June 2020}}

== See also ==
* [[Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church]]
*[[Bethel Marthoma Church]]
*[[Pathanamthitta]]
*[[Konni, India|Konni, Kerala]]
*[[Kumbazha]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* http://teamchengara.weebly.com/
* http://chengarapally.com/

{{Commons category|Chengara}}
{{Pathanamthitta district}}

[[Category:Villages in Pathanamthitta district]]

Chengara - Revision history

Svetlanacnc at 02:05, 25 February 2026