Local handlooms, products and dishes generally have a long documented history and legacy that precedes them and the same is the case with the famous Srivilliputhur Palkova. This renowned sweet from Tamil Nadu, made from cow milk and sugar, has even got a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai. A GI tag indicates that the product originates from a definite territory in India and possesses unique characteristics and quality.
Palkova production is concentrated in and around the municipality of Srivilliputtur in Virudhunagar district. Both small and large-scale private dairy organizations, along with individual entrepreneurs, contribute to the production of this sweet in the region. Due to its high demand, numerous food startups in the state have started offering palkova for sale online, categorizing it under “native sweets”.
The palkova is a product made by adding sugar to milk and distilling the milk. But if it is that simple, why is there a geographical tag for it? Why can’t it be made in other locations? When producers in Srivilliputtur were asked the same question, they said that it was the quality of milk in the city and the unique process that set it apart.
What sets this palkova apart is its exclusive use of milk sourced solely from cows raised in and around Srivilliputhur. Since Srivilliputhur is a town along the Western Ghats, agriculture is mostly the main occupation here, and the farmers feed their cattle on the rich grasses along the Western Ghats.
This practice guarantees a nutritious diet for the cattle, leading to high-quality milk production. The milk, known for its quality, is heated in a sturdy iron vessel over a wood stove. Cashew skins are used to provide heat, and the milk is boiled until it reaches a thick consistency, resulting in the preparation of palkova. However, in recent times, many manufacturers of the Srivilliputhur Palkova have ditched the traditional methods and opted for more modern methods like gas stoves.
The economy of Srivilliputhur thrives on the influx of numerous devotees, both local and from distant places, who visit the Andal temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. As a customary practice, when leaving the temple, devotees often purchase Srivilliputtur Palkova to take back with them. (Source: news18.com)
