History of Chain Tree
The history of Chain Tree is associated with a local tribal called Karinthandan, who was killed by the British after taking his help to discover the routes through the ghat.
During the colonial era, Wayanad didn't have any developed roads. Due to the heavy rainfalls it receive, this place was blessed with a lot of thick rain forests. Only the local tribals were aware of the paths through the forests.
Karinthandan - the legend
Karinthandan belonged to Paniyas (an Adivasi/tribal community) in Wayanad, who lived between 1700 - 1750 AD. It is believed that he is the person who found out the Wayanad Ghat route during British period. Being the local chieftain of Adivaram region, he knew every nook and corner of the hillocks in the region.
Once the British Viceroy announced a reward to those who find a way fromThamarassery to Wayanad and help to build a new road across the churam. A British engineer took the help of Karinthandan to explore the paths through the dense forests. After discovering the unknown routes, to take credits for the discovery of this beautiful place, the engineer took him to the peak of a mountain and shot him dead there.
The British developed roads through the forests of Wayanad and started exploiting the resources in the area. But the soul of Karinthandan started haunting the passengers. A lot of accidents happened during 1890 and 1900. It was believed that it was Karinthandan's soul that caused the accidents.
In addition to the attacks from the wild animals, people had to worry about the ghost of Karinthandan. A pandit (priest) was called to study the cause of the problems. According to the priest, the travellers are being haunted by the ghost of Karinthandan. After a lot of efforts, the priest managed to chain the ghost to a Ficus tree, which is now known as "Chain Tree of Wayanad".
Karinthandan belonged to Paniyas (an Adivasi/tribal community) in Wayanad, who lived between 1700 - 1750 AD. It is believed that he is the person who found out the Wayanad Ghat route during British period. Being the local chieftain of Adivaram region, he knew every nook and corner of the hillocks in the region.
Once the British Viceroy announced a reward to those who find a way fromThamarassery to Wayanad and help to build a new road across the churam. A British engineer took the help of Karinthandan to explore the paths through the dense forests. After discovering the unknown routes, to take credits for the discovery of this beautiful place, the engineer took him to the peak of a mountain and shot him dead there.
The British developed roads through the forests of Wayanad and started exploiting the resources in the area. But the soul of Karinthandan started haunting the passengers. A lot of accidents happened during 1890 and 1900. It was believed that it was Karinthandan's soul that caused the accidents.
In addition to the attacks from the wild animals, people had to worry about the ghost of Karinthandan. A pandit (priest) was called to study the cause of the problems. According to the priest, the travellers are being haunted by the ghost of Karinthandan. After a lot of efforts, the priest managed to chain the ghost to a Ficus tree, which is now known as "Chain Tree of Wayanad".
The tree has grown up and is about 25 feet tall now, giving good shade all over the place. It is said that the chain bound on the tree is growing along with the tree. A small temple (named "Changala Muneeswaran Kovil") has been built adjacent to the tree. The deity of the temple is none other than the adivasi cheiftain who was killed by the English engineer.
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