Kanjirappally is a taluk and town in Kottayam district, in the state of Kerala, India. Rubber (Latex) plantations are a major source of income for the local population. The place has a large population of Catholic Christians of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.
Kanjirappally has a sizable Muslim population as well. The Muslims are Thulakkars or Muslims from Tamil Nadu migrated to various parts of Travancore especially through the eastern High Ranges to towns nearer to high ranges. While in northern districts especially from Ernakulam towards north, the Moslem population are natives converted to Islam also called Mappilas.
There are a lot of Tamil Vellalars here also. A beautiful temple Ganapathy Koil built in granite, stands as a testimony to the early Tamil influence in religion and culture. There is also indications that Tamil rulers of Kanjirappally levied tax on live stock or Pothimadu to supplement income to another temple Bhagavathi Shri Madura Meenakshi.
The town is famous on other parts of Kerala for its rich Catholic culture. Most of the areas are hilly. Rubber estates are covering most parts. Tamil workers are employed in various works. The towns of Irattupetta, Thodupuzha, Ponkunnam and Kanjirappally are crowded with these workers and native Tamil immigrants.
Education
St. DOMINIC'S COLLEGE
St. Dominic's college was started in 1965 under the management of St. Dominic's Forane Church, Kanjirapally. Kuriakose Anekatt was the first principal. St. Dominic's College was the first institution which made higher education possible in Kanjirapally. Thanks to this famous institution the level of education among the students of this region has risen considerably. The Madona Institute of Electronics was another Technical institution started by St. Dominic's Church in 1977. It was handed over to the Vincentian Congregation free of cost in 1983.
