Kandonthar Jail, also known as Mathamangalam Detention Camp, near Pilatara, Payyanur in Kannur District, is one of the monuments that lead visitors to the historical memories of Kerala's freedom struggle. The British used this as a transit point to detent the freedom fighters arrested from hilly regions.
It was customary to keep the captured people here if they could not cross the Vannathipuzha and reach Payyanur before nightfall. Those who took part in the freedom struggle and farmers' agitation were imprisoned and brutally tortured here. It was also used by the British as a temporary cell during the Quit India Movement of 1942. The British had started registrar offices all over Malabar for political, judicial and military purposes. As part of this, when the office started here in 1911, this building was built with a lock-up room, office and veranda nearby. The building, which was in a dilapidated condition, was renovated and opened to the public on June 9, 2018.
In 2021, the Regional History Museum was opened behind the jail, which reveals the political and cultural history of this land. This is the first history museum in India to be set up at the panchayat level. The story of the village of Kandonthar and many objects that evoke memories of ancient life await visitors at this museum. We can find here the history of the region from the Mooshakavamsa period to modern times, traditional medicine knowledge of the region, etc. in the form of short descriptions and pictures. This museum reminds visitors about the local mythology contained in Theyyam, Poorakkali, Marathukali, Ativedan and Onathar. The times of untouchability and exploitation and the protests that arose against them are depicted here. The educational, artistic and cultural legacies of Kandonthar, as well as those who have made a mark in its cultural and social history, are introduced here to the new generation. Chanthappura, which was the old trade centre of Kadannappalli, the exchange of goods that came there in canoes and the early trade can be seen closely through sketches. The big china jar, earthen jar, earthen pot, Kindi, Thirippukallu, stone pot, wooden trowel, cane basket, flower basket, chimney lamp, jewellery box, Palathoppi, kaalpetti, lime pot, wooden plough and many other utensils alien to the new generation can be seen here with the support of modern technologies.
Visiting Time: 9.00-5.00
Holidays: Monday, National Holidays
Address: Regional History Museum, Kandonthar, Mathamangalam, Kannur
