Achan (title)

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Achan is a title that was mainly in use by the male members of royal families in Kerala, India. They mainly belong to the Samantan Nair community (except the Cheruvalli Achans who were a subsect of the Nambidis who follow matrilineal traditions).

There were many Achan families who were historically significant in Kerala.

● The Paliath Achans , who were the Rajas of areas in Thrissur and North Paravur, were given rights as the hereditary prime ministers of the Maharajah of Cochin in the year 1632. [1] [2]

● The Mangat Achans of Calicut who were by tradition, prominent landlords and hereditary prime ministers under the Zamorin.

● The male members of the ruling family of Palakkad (Kombi Achan) also bore the title Achan. [3]

Meenachil Karthas who were members of a royal family, which ruled the kingdom of Meenachil from the 15th century AD until 1754 were given the title Njanachan by the cheraman perumals). [4]

Other Achans of Malabar included:

• Eranholi Achan of Thalassery

• Cheruvalli Achan who were also known as the Venganad Nampidi of Kollengode bore the title.

• Kalathil achan of Malabar. [5]

References

  1. "Weaving Chendamangalam | Craft Documentation & Research Kerala Handloom". 18 October 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  2. Vinai, Maya (2021). "Health and Healing: Retention of the Popularity of Ashtavaidya Tradition during the Colonial Regime". Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities. 13 (2). doi:10.21659/rupkatha.v13n2.06. S2CID   237251956.
  3. Kāṇippayyūr Śaṅkaran Nampūtirippāṭ in Aryanmarude Kudiyettam Vol III, Panchangam Press, Kunnamkulam, Kerala; See Chap. 4 Reprinted 2011
  4. "Meenachil Kartha's Palace | ആയിരം വർഷം ഭരിച്ച മീനച്ചിൽ കർത്താക്കന്മാരുടെ മഠം | Navy George | MV 1".
  5. "Mangat Achan – The Zamorin's Commander in Chief" . Retrieved 4 December 2024.