The history of Cherpunkal is intimately tied to the Meenachil River and the spread of Christianity in central Kerala. According to local tradition, the region has been a focal point for the St. Thomas Christians for over a millennium.
* **Founding of the Church:** The historical anchor of the village is the Mar Sleeva Forane Church, which local records and tradition suggest was established around 1096 AD. The church's founding is often associated with the generosity of local Hindu rulers who granted land for its construction, reflecting the region's long history of religious harmony. * **Economic Development:** In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Cherpunkal transitioned from subsistence farming and spice trading to commercial agriculture. The introduction of natural rubber to the Kottayam district transformed the local economy, bringing unprecedented prosperity to village landowners. * **Modern Era:** In the latter half of the 20th century, Cherpunkal experienced a cultural and economic shift driven by the Gulf Boom. Significant emigration to the Middle East, Europe, and North America led to an influx of remittances, which dramatically improved local infrastructure, housing, and access to higher education.