Alummoottil

Last updated
Alummoottil
CountryIndia
Place of origin Alappuzha, Kerala
Founded1600s
Final headKochu Krishnan Channar
Estate(s)Alummoottil Meda in Muttom, Kerala
DissolutionEarly 1900s

Alummoottil is an Indian aristocratic Ezhava family (Tharavad) in Karthikapally Thaluk of Alappuzha district in Kerala. The family was at its financial peak during the seventeenth to twentieth centuries.

Contents

AP Udayabhanu's novel "Ente Kadha Illaymakal" suggests that by the early 1800s, the family was wealthier than the King of Travancore. [1]

History

The family's lineage is traced back to the early 1600s. During the 1700s, Alummoottil family was the supplier of cavalry regiments - mounted soldiers, lances, and war horses - to the Odanad Maharaja. [2] Alummootil members were also known for their expertise in Kalaripayattu martial art of Kerala. At its peak, the family used to administer 64 Kalaris (Kalaripayattu training centers), annually supplying 1000 infantrymen and 250 mounted-soldiers to the kingdom. Alummoottil Karanavars (chieftains) served as the Gurukkals (instructors) of these training centres.

The Alummoottil mansion in Alappuzha. Alummoottil Meda.jpg
The Alummoottil mansion in Alappuzha.

Alummoottil soldiers commanded infantry regiments and intelligence platoons within the Maharaja's army. This role briefly ended when King Marthanda Varma annexed the Kayamkulam kingdom to Travancore in 1746. [3] A few years after the annexation, Varma summoned the Alummoottil Karanavar and asked for the family's support. After negotiations, Alummoottil agreed to help the kingdom of Travancore if the former Kayamkulam Maharaja's life was spared and the dissolved military ranks of the Alummoottil family members were restored, conditions which Varma agreed to.

Following the fall of the Odanad kingdom, Alummoottil Karanavars started focusing on trade. By the 1750s, most of the spice trade between Europe and Southern Kerala flowed through the warehouses of Alummoottil. The family were one of the highest tax-payers within the Travancore kingdom. AP Udayabhanu's novel "Ente Kadha Illaymakal" suggests that by the early 1800s, the family was wealthier than the King of Travancore. [4] [5]

In the beginning of the 20th century, internal rifts and fissures started developing in the family, eventually leading to the assassination of Kochu Kunju Channar in March 1921, the second-last Karanavar of the Alummoottil family. [6] [7] [8] The main accused, AP Shreedharan Channar (nephew of Kochu Kunju Channar), was executed in 1921 by the royal decree. [9] [10]

The last Karanavar of Alummoottil, Kochu Krishnan Channar, split the family properties among the descendants, in the 1940s, dissolving one of the wealthiest families in contemporary Kerala history. [11]

The Alummoottil Meda (mansion), the historical home of the family is located in Muttom, Kerala. [12] The property's courtyard (nalukettu) is over 425 years old and is one of the oldest such structures in Kerala. The mansion itself is 125 years old. [13] [14]

In the movies

The 1993 Indian Malayalam-language film Manichitrathazhu is loosely based on the murder of Kochu Kunju Channar. [15] [16] [17] The movie was remade in other languages, including the 2004 Kananda remake Apthamitra , 2005 Tamil remake Chandramukhi and the 2007 Hindi comedy-horror Bhool Bhulaiyaa. [18] [19] The Alummoottil Meda was featured in the film Rakhtasakshikal Sindabad.

This is the ornamental lock that inspired the movie Manichitrathazhu. Manichitrathazhu of Alummoottil.jpg
This is the ornamental lock that inspired the movie Manichitrathazhu.

Notable people

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alappuzha district</span> District in Kerala, India

Alappuzha district, is one of the 14 districts in the Indian state of Kerala. It was formed as Alleppey district on 17 August 1957, the name of the district being changed to Alappuzha in 1990. Alappuzha is the smallest district of Kerala. Alleppey town, the district headquarters, was renamed Alappuzha in 2012.

<i>Manichitrathazhu</i> 1994 film directed by Fazil

Manichitrathazhu is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language epic psychological horror film directed by Fazil, written by Madhu Muttam, and produced by Swargachitra Appachan. The film stars Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi and Shobana in addition to Nedumudi Venu, Innocent, Vinaya Prasad, K.P.A.C.Lalitha, Sridhar, K.B. Ganesh Kumar, Sudheesh, Thilakan and others in supporting roles. The story is inspired by a tragedy that happened in a Ezhava tharavad, the Alummoottil meda, located at Muttom, belonging to a central Travancore Channar family, in the 19th century. The writer of the film, Madhu K Panicker or Madhu Muttam, is a member of the Alummoottil Tharavad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Colachel</span> 1741 battle of the Travancore-Dutch War

The Battle of Colachel was fought on 10 August 1741 [O.S. 31 July 1741] between the Indian kingdom of Travancore and the Dutch East India Company. During the Travancore-Dutch War, King Marthanda Varma's (1729–1758) forces defeated the Dutch East India Company's forces led by Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy on 10 August 1741. The Dutch never recovered from the defeat and no longer posed a large colonial threat to India. Travancore won the war with the notable military service of the Travancore nair brigadeat the sea and seashore while Arumukhan pilla,Nanu Pilla, Chembaka Raman Pilla these three Nair commanders in chief of the army at the land.

Odanad was a feudal state in late medieval Kerala. It was established in the 11th century, and disestablished in 1746 when it became part of Travancore after Venad King Marthanda Varma's northern expedition. The last king of Odanad was King Kotha Varma. At the time of its dissolution, it was composed of the present-day taluks of Mavelikkara, Karthikapally, Chenganur in the Alappuzha district and Karunagapally in the Kollam district. Pure Malayalam is spoken by Onattukara/kayamkulam peoples. Other name of onattukara is kayamkulam. In the 15th century, the capital of Odanad was moved from Kandiyoor-Muttom, Mavelikkara to Eruva and Krishnapuram, near Kayamkulam, which led to the state being called Kayamkulam. After this shift, Kayamkulam became the commercial centre of Odanad, while Mavelikkara remained its cultural centre. Odanad was controlled by Nair lords, among whom the ruler of Kayamkulam was the most prominent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Travancore–Dutch War</span>

The Travancore–Dutch War was a war between the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the Indian kingdom of Travancore, culminating in the Battle of Colachel in 1741. Travancore won the war with the notable military service of fishermen community at the sea and seashore while Ananthapadmanabhan nadar as commander in chief of the army at the land.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thekkumkur</span> Kingdom in Kerala from 1103 to 1750

The Kingdom of Thekkumkur was an independent kingdom in the southern part of Kerala in India from 1103 CE until 1750 CE. It was ruled by the Thekkumkur Royal Family. Thekkumkur lies between the Meenachil River and the Pamba River, from the Western Ghats to the Vembanad Kayal. Thekkumkur emerges as a result of administrative changes in the princely states at the end of the Chera Kulasekhara dynasty of Mahodayapuram. The literal meaning of the title is the southern regent and the attribute southern distinguished them from another kingdom known as Vadakkumkur which bordered it in the northern side. The royal household, Thekkumkur Kovilakam, were at Vennimala and Manikandapuram near Puthuppally, later it shifted to Neerazhi Palace at Puzhavathu of Changanassery and Thalilkotta at Thaliyanthanapuram (Kottayam).

Panicker was an honorary title conferred by the King of Travancore in Kerala to distinguished Hindu individuals. This title was given to prominent Nair, Syriac Orthodox Christians, Kaniyars and Ezhavas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oachira</span> Town in Kerala, India

Oachira or Ochira is an ancient temple town located 32 km away from Kollam city in Karunagappally taluk, Kollam district in Kerala, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T. K. Madhavan</span> Indian social reformer

T. K. Madhavan Alias Deshabhimani Madhavan, was an Indian social reformer, journalist and revolutionary, who was involved with the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam. He hailed from Kerala and led the struggle against Social discrimination which was known as Vaikom Satyagraha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker</span> Social reformer and warrior in Kerala (1825–1874)

Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker, also known as Kallisseril Velayudha Perumal, was a 19th-century social reformer and warrior, known for his fight against many social evils prevalent in the state of Kerala. He was born into an affluent Ezhava family known as Kallisseril, in the small independent province called Mangalam, near Haripad in Alappuzha district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sarkaradevi Temple</span> Bhadrakali Temple

Sarkaradevi Temple is one of the most important temples in South India. It is situated Chirayinkeezhu town in Thiruvananthapuram district. Tradition accords a remote antiquity to this temple. Its main deity is Bhadrakali. The Sarkaradevi Temple assumed a significant status for many reasons and rose to historical importance mainly with the introduction of the famous Kaliyoot festival by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the Travancore sovereign, in 1748. The Sarkaradevi Temple have some basic attachment with Nakramcode Devi Temple which located in Avanavanchery, Attingal.

Madhu Muttom is an Indian screenwriter from Kerala.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A. P. Udhayabhanu</span> Indian politician and writer

A. P. Udayabhanu was an Indian freedom fighter, politician, journalist, writer, and social activist from the state of Kerala.

Kayamkulam Kochunni was a heroic outlaw from Kayamkulam, who lived during the late 19th century. He was active in the Travancore area in the present-day Kerala, India. He is said to have stolen from the rich and given to the poor. Legends on his life are part of the folklore of Kerala. His stories are often associated with his friend and fellow outlaw Ithikkara Pakki. A shrine dedicated to Kochunni exist near Kozhencherry.

The Sree Moolam Popular Assembly in the erstwhile state of Travancore was the first popularly elected legislature in the history of India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Krishnapuram Palace</span> Palace in South kerala

The Krishnapuram Palace is a palace and museum located in Kayamkulam near Alappuzha in Alappuzha district, Kerala in southwestern India. It was built in the 18th century by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the Travancore kingdom. It is built in the architectural style of Kerala with gabled roof, narrow corridor and dormer windows, near the Krishnaswamy Temple at Krishnapuram.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi</span> Maharani of Travancore

Maharani Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi (1916-2008) was the only sister of the last ruling Maharajah of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma and of his successor, Sree Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma. Under the matrilineal Marumakkathayam system of inheritance prevalent in the kingdom of Travancore, it was her children who were heirs to the throne. She therefore held a very special place in the Travancore court, superior to the Maharaja's wives, and was termed the Rani of Attingal in her own right. In 2013, her only surviving son duly succeeded his uncles as titular Maharaja of Travancore and is known as Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma.

<i>Kayamkulam Kochunni</i> (2018 film) 2018 film directed by Rosshan Andrrews

Kayamkulam Kochunni is a 2018 Indian Malayalam-language period action film directed by Rosshan Andrrews and written by Bobby & Sanjay. It is based on the life of Kayamkulam Kochunni, a famed highwayman who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor during the British Raj in the early 19th century Central Travancore. The film stars Mohanlal in an extended cameo along with Nivin Pauly in title role. It also stars Priya Anand, Sunny Wayne and Babu Antony in supporting roles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aditya Varma Manikandan</span> King of Thekkumkur

Aditya Varma Manikandan popularly known as Aditya Varman, was the last ruling Maharaja of the Princely State of Thekkumkur. He was the ruler until September 1749 when the king of Travancore Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma ousted him from Neerazi Palace at the Battle of Changanassery. Thekkumkur kings were known as Manikandan. The goddess was Cheruvally Bhagavathi in the space. The official residence of Sri Aditya Varma was Neerazi Palace.

<i>Pathonpatham Noottandu</i> 2022 Indian film

Pathonpatham Noottandu is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language action period drama film written and directed by Vinayan. Set in the 19th century Travancore, the story is based on the life of Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker, a warrior who fought against social injustices suffered by the lower caste. The film stars Siju Wilson in the lead role, alongside Kayadu Lohar, Anoop Menon, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sudev Nair, Vishnu Vinay, and Senthil Krishna in important supporting roles. The background score was composed by Santhosh Narayanan and songs were composed by M. Jayachandran.

References

  1. "നാഗവല്ലിയുടെ യഥാര്‍ഥ മാടമ്പിള്ളി ഹില്‍പാലസല്ല, അത് ഇവിടെയാണ്‌". ManoramaOnline (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  2. "Welcome to The Alummoottil Family's Home Page". alummoottil.com. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  3. "Welcome to The Alummoottil Family's Home Page". alummoottil.com. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  4. "നാഗവല്ലിയുടെ യഥാര്‍ഥ മാടമ്പിള്ളി ഹില്‍പാലസല്ല, അത് ഇവിടെയാണ്‌". ManoramaOnline (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  5. Osella, Filippo; Osella, Caroline (2000-12-20). Social Mobility In Kerala: Modernity and Identity in Conflict. Pluto Press. ISBN   978-0-7453-1693-2.
  6. "Alummootil Kochukunju Chanar". geni_family_tree. 1857. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  7. "Best CV takes a back seat - A car story tells why Shashi's ride is not so smooth". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  8. "'ശേഷം വഴിയെ'; ആലുംമൂട്ടില്‍ ചാന്നാര്‍ വധവും മാധ്യമ സഞ്ചാരങ്ങളും".
  9. Menon, Neelima (2018-12-24). ""It Will Be A Huge Flop". 20 Fascinating Facts About The Making Of Manichitrathazhu, In Fazil's Words". www.filmcompanion.in. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  10. "നാഗവല്ലിയുടെ പ്രേതഭവനമല്ല ഇത്, ചരിത്ര സംഭാവനകളും നൽകിയ മേട". Samayam Malayalam (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  11. "ആലൂമൂട്ടിൽ തറവാട്ടിലെ കൊലപാതകവും മണിച്ചിത്രത്താഴിന്റെ കഥാ പരിസരവും". ManoramaOnline. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  12. Sajeevgaruda (2021-02-14). "A trip to the location of Manichitrathazhu in search of mysteries". Garudacreations. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  13. "Alummoottil meda: haunted house that inspired movie 'Manichitrathazhu'". OnManorama. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  14. "'ആലുംമൂട്ടിൽമേട' എന്ന പ്രേതഭവനത്തിലേക്ക് ഒരു സന്ദർശനം". Tech Travel Eat. 2019-11-22. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  15. "Top horror movies in Malayalam". The Times of India. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  16. "മാടമ്പളളിയിലെ കാരണവര്‍ ഇന്നുമുണ്ട് ആലുമൂട്ടില്‍ കൊട്ടാരത്തില്‍".
  17. "Eerie, spooky and desolate: Haunted places in India".
  18. "Mollywood movies that ran for more than 300 days". The Times of India. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  19. "Eerie, spooky and desolate: Haunted places in India". Hindustan Times. 2021-12-12. Retrieved 2023-06-18.