A tale of betrayal and sacrifice: A gripping episode from the hills of Wayanad, Kerala

History is replete with stories of the strong silencing the weak. Dig deeper and you will find the tales of betrayal that have carved the fate of regions. One such tale is that of Karinthandan, the tribal chieftain whose wisdom and courage altered the course of Wayanad’s history.

In a time when the British sought to carve new paths through the land, Karinthandan, trusting the British, shared his knowledge of the way to Wayanad and the creation of the Thamarassery Ghat — a route that would forever change the rhythm of life in the region.

It is believed that the British orchestrated the murder of the Paniya Tribe’s beloved chieftain, stealing his legacy and erasing his name from the annals of time. A tale of deceit that still reverberates in the mountain winds, of a hero whose story was drowned by the tides of conquest.

The documentary, 'Mountain Shadows', seeks to bring forth the forgotten echoes of Karinthandan's life—a life that paved the way for Wayanad’s fortunes. His story is not just one of a lost hero but a beacon of resilience.

To this day, the small temple and the Chain Tree dedicated to him stand as silent sentinels, reminding us of the deep respect and undying love the people of Wayanad hold for their hero Karinthandan.