Masinagudi

Masinagudi was at one time the capital of the kingdom of Wayanad. It is trusted that few groups relocated to the area to escape from Tippu Sultan's armed force. These people group incorporated the Okkiliyars, who were agriculturists; the Vokkaligas, a warrior group; the Kannadiya Naickers of Lingayath root, which contained for the most part infantry; the Siviars, for the most part palanquin bearers; the Besthas, which included anglers, palanquin bearers, lime burners and oven laborers; the Kurumbars, who were chiefly shepherds; and the Rauths, that made up the mounted force.

The general population carried their family gods alongside them. Legend has it that when the armed force surrounded them, these ious groups appealed to "Masiniamman" to protect them. After the general population crossed the Moyaar River, it overflowed, henceforth keeping the armed force from adequately seeking after them. This occurred around the present town of Masinagudi.