In the 14th
and 15th centuries, during the regime of the Kolathiri Rajas,
Thaliparamba was renowned all over Kerala as a seat of leaning,
enlightenment and culture.
In the
early days, the Eshuthu pallies under the Ezhuthachan or village school
master, provided facilities to pupils to acquire elementary education.
After undergoing the preliminary course of study in these institutions,
the children were sent to the kalaries for acquiring training in
gymnastics and in the use of arms and then they were sent to study
Sanskrit in Vedic schools under well trained teachers. This district had
in the past, its share of such kalaries and Vedic schools. The art,
kalarippayattu, is particularly associated with this district.
The
beginning of western education in the district may be traced back to the
middle of the 16th century. The first English school,, known as the
Basel German Mission English School, was started on 1st March 1856
at Thalassery. The Brennen School at Thalassery, the nucleus of the
present Govt. Brennen College, was started in 1862 with the generous
donation made by Mr. Brennen, Master Attendant at Thalassery.
