History of Grama Panchayat
Mokeri was once famous for its waterlogged paddy fields. It is believed that the name “Mokeri” originated from the Tamil word “Eri,” meaning a waterbody or lake, through the gradual transformation of the words “Mukhayeri” or “Mukhyayeri.”
Some people consider Mokeri to be the birthplace of renowned poets such as Poonam Namboodiri and Cherusseri Namboodiri. Even before the spread of modern education and literature, highly educated individuals and prominent personalities like Diwan Bahadur E. K. Krishnan lived here. C. V. Devan Nair, who later became the President of Singapore, was also connected with the Koorara Illam family.
Renowned physicians, social reformers, and literary figures made significant contributions to the cultural growth of Mokeri. Place names such as Vallangad, Koorara, and Kadepram have historical significance. Trade groups from Kodagu (Coorg) frequently conducted business here, contributing to the economic development of the region. Personalities like K. M. Krishnan Master and K. Mokeri left a lasting impact in the social, political, and literary fields.
The activities of the Atmavidya Sangham, along with libraries and reading rooms, brought major social transformations to the community. Guru Sannidhi, temples, churches, and Theyyam shrines form an important part of Mokeri’s spiritual heritage. During the 1950s, drama troupes and cultural activities made Koorara well known. Traditional art forms such as Poorakkali, Kolkali, and Kalaripayattu still represent the rich cultural heritage of Mokeri today.