[2] The popular view on the etymology is that the word is derived from "Maane Eytha Vady" (English: "The place where an arrow was shot at the deer").

This view is strengthened by the existence of a place called Ambukuthy, literally "the location where the arrow pierced", on the outskirts of the town.

According to an inscription found in Edakkal Cave, it appears that the Girivar tribe governed Wayanad in ancient times.

Various tribes such as the Paniyar, Mullakurumar, Ooralaikkurumar, Kattu Naikkar, Adiyan, and Kurichiyar have been present in different parts of Wayanad for centuries.

[5] The Paniyar, who were permanent settlers in the mountains, and the Kurumbar, known for their prominence in the Vettan dynasty, along with the Naga Makkal of Ooralaikkurumar and the Adiyan, descendants of Keeoruthiyan and Melorachavan, are noted for their significant cultural heritage.

[6] The Ooralaikkurumar, known for their skills in craftsmanship among the indigenous tribes, can be found in places like Tholpetty, Begur, Appapara, Panamaram, Kalpetta, Pulppally, and Mullanthara in Mananthavady.

Kurichiyars, who were companions of the Pazhassi Raja, provide clear evidence that the early inhabitants of Wayanad understood the use of the wheel from ancient times.

Wayanad is one of the few ancient centres in India where trees were carved into circular shapes, cut into wheels, and fitted onto axles to create vehicles.

According to the inscription found in Edakkal Cave, the Girivar tribe was the governing authority in Wayanad during ancient times.

[9] After the downfall of the Vettan rulers, the Kottayam Raja began governing Wayanad, having also seized the rights of the Parrayikkumithal Mādampi.

On March 18, 1792, the Treaty between the East India Company and Tipu Sultan transferred the sovereignty of Malabar to the British.

To preserve the memories of the battles and to store ammunition, the British also constructed a gunpowder magazine near Chuttakkadavu, which still stands today despite its weathered condition.

According to William Logan's Malabar Manual of 1887, Mananthavady had offices of the Deputy Collector, Police Inspector, Sub Registrar, and Sub Assistant Conservator, among others.

The tenant-landlord relationship, which existed in earlier times, was managed through a system of rent payment in paddy, which was equivalent to the seed required for cultivation.

The Mananthavady Panchayat consists of Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jains, and other groups, including Yadavs, Chettiyars, and Tamil Brahmins.

The onset of World War II led to food shortages, causing an influx of Christian families from Todupuzha, Muvattupuzha, and Palai into various parts of the Panchayat.

During Tipu Sultan's military campaign, the settlers of the Panchayat included families from the region and subsequent Muslim immigrants.

In 1946-47, there was a suspected plague outbreak, leading to the closure of Mananthavady town and the destruction of roofs of houses to eradicate rats.

[12] Another road permits access to Gonikoppal, Kodagu district, 60 km (37 mi) away via Kartikulam, Tholpetty forest, Kutta and Ponnampet.

[14] The monsoon season brings significant rainfall, which supports the region's lush greenery and agricultural activities.

[16] Valliyoor Kavu Temple: An important religious site known for its Dravidian architectural style and historical significance.