Chathenkary

Chathenkary
Village
Chathenkary
Aerial view of St. Paul's Marthoma Church
Chathenkary Location in Kerala, India
Coordinates: 9°23′11.5″N76°31′42.7″E / 9.386528°N 76.528528°E / 9.386528; 76.528528
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Pathanamthitta
Highest elevation	1.5 m (4.9 ft)
Lowest elevation	−1 m (−3.3 ft)
Population  (2011)
• Total	2,802
Languages
• Official	Malayalam, English
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	689112
Vehicle registration	KL-27
Nearest city	Thiruvalla
Lok Sabha constituency	Pathanamthitta
Vidhan Sabha constituency	Thiruvalla

Chathenkary is a village in the Peringara gram panchayat in the Thiruvalla taluk of the Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. ^[1]

Chathenkary is rural village part of the Upper Kuttanad geographical area. Chathenkary is located 1.7 kilometres west of Peringara and 6 km west of Thiruvalla.It lies within the unique ecosystem of Kuttanad, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala" due to its vast paddy fields and intricate network of backwaters.

The origin of the name "Chathenkary" (or similar village names in Kerala, India) is likely rooted in the local Malayalam language, cultural traditions, or historical influences.

The prefix "Chathen"might derive from "Chathan" (ചാത്തൻ), a term referring to a local deity, spirit, or ancestral figure in Kerala's folk traditions. Many villages in Kerala are named after deities or spiritual entities.

The suffix *"-kary"* could come from *"kari"* (കരി), meaning "land" or "shore" in Malayalam.This suffix is common in place names in the Kuttanad region, where Chathenkary is located.

Demographics

Chathenkary had a population of 2,802 as per the 2011 Census of India, comprising 1,366 males and 1,436 females across 742 households. With a high literacy rate of 97.66% (males 98.5%, females 96.9%) and a sex ratio of 1,051 females per 1,000 males, the village reflects Kerala's strong educational and gender balance trends. Approximately 8.25% of the population (231 individuals) were children aged 0–6 years, indicating a declining birth rate. Predominantly Christian, Chathenkary's economy relies on agriculture, particularly paddy farming, with significant out-migration to urban centers and Gulf countries. Recent estimates suggest a population dip to ~2,600–2,700 by 2025, aligning with Pathanamthitta's negative growth trend (-3.12% decadal, 2001–2011), driven by low fertility and emigration.

Challenges and Opportunities

Environmental Issues

Flooding, salinity intrusion, and climate change threaten Kuttanad’s below-sea-level farms, impacting Chathenkary’s livelihoods. Rising water levels and unpredictable weather test the resilience of its agrarian base.

Economic Prospects

Beyond farming, fishing and small businesses supplement income. The village’s scenic backwaters and cultural heritage hold potential for eco-tourism, offering a sustainable boost if developed responsibly.

Culture and Religion

Chathenkary is home to a vibrant cultural and religious life, reflective of Kerala's diverse traditions. The village hosts several places of worship, including:

St Paul's Mar Thoma Church

A significant Christian worship center in the village, serving the Mar Thoma Syrian Church community. ^[2]

Chathenkary Sri Bhagavathi Temple

A local Hindu temple dedicated to a deity, reflecting the village's spiritual heritage.

St. Mary's Malankara Catholic Church

Located in nearby Alumthuruthy, approximately 0.91 miles from Chathenkary, catering to the Malankara Catholic community.

Sharon Fellowship church

A Pentecostal church serving the local Christian population.

Schools

• Govt LP School
• Govt New LP School
• SNDP High School, Chathenkary

Politics

The Communist Party of India (Marxist), Kerala Congress (M) and Indian National Congress are the major political parties in this area.

Hospitals

• Community Health Centre, Chathenkary
• Manak Hospital, Chathenkary mukku

Notable people

• Mammen Mathai

Transport

Bus

Private bus available from Chathenkary junction to other parts of Kerala.

Railway

Thiruvalla railway station is near station to Chathenkary.

Air

Cochin International Airport Nedumbassery is 115 km away from Chathenkary.

References

1. Census India 2011: Pathanamthitta
2. "St Paul's Mar Thoma Church, Chathenkary".