Valluvanad was an independent chiefdom in present-day central Kerala that held power from the early 12th century to the end of the 18th century. Prior to that, and since the late 10th century, Valluvanad existed as an autonomous chiefdom within the kingdom of the Chera Perumals.[1][2] The disintegration of the Chera Perumal kingdom in early 12th century led to the independence of the various autonomous chiefdoms of the kingdom, Valluvanad being one of them.
The earliest mention of the term "Valluvanad" as a political entity, from the 9th and early 10th century, are references to a region within the Ay kingdom in the south Kerala, then a vassal to the Pandya kingdom.[3] It is possible that the new chiefdom in central Kerala (within the kingdom of the Chera Perumals) derives its origin from this eponymous subdivision in south Kerala.[1] Valluvanad was ruled by a Samanthan Nair clan known as Vellodis, similar to the Eradis of neighbouring Eranad and Nedungadis of Nedunganad. The rulers of Valluvanad were known by the title Valluvakonathiri/Vellattiri.[4][5]
The chiefdom was disestablished in 1793 with the British East India Company taking over its management directly, and the hereditary ruling family settling for a pension arrangement.
Rajasekhara (or Rayaran/Irayira Chekaran or Irayiravar[2])
Rajasekhara and his son Vellan Kumaran (inscription)
Irayaran Chattan, the utaiyavar of Valluvanatu, in Jewish Copper Plates (1000 CE)
Headquarters
The headquarters of Valluvanad was Angadipuram, a suburb of present day Perinthalmanna, which is now famous for its Thirumandhamkunnu Temple. The guardian deity of the Valluvanad royal family was Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavati at Thirumandhamkunnu Temple [9]:93.
Family origin
The house/dynasty that had hereditary control over the region (in the north) was known as the Arangottu Swaroopam, possibly because the original home of the family was at Arangode (Arangottukara) along Bharathappuzha river near present-day Shoranur [1]:186. Another possible location for the original home of the family is in the present Kuruva-Makkaraparamba area[citation needed]. There is an Arangottu Siva temple as well there. Kuruva was a part of Valluvanad kingdom while Arangottukara was a part of Nedunganad kingdom. Kuruva is situated near Mankada, where the Kovilakam of Valluvanad royal family known as Mankada Kovilakam exists. Kadampuzha, and Tirunavaya are also located near Kuruva.
History
An entity in south Kerala
The Huzur Office Copper Plates (865 CE) (also known as the Parthivapuram plates) mention Valluvanad as a region within the Ay kingdom.[10]Eraniel in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu is also stated as being within this region. The plates refer to Karunandadakan (having the title of "Sree Vallabhan") and the establishment of the temple at Parthivasekharapuram (Shri Parthasarathy Temple at Parthivapuram in the Kanyakumari district).
Inscriptions at the Shiva temple at Thiruvotriyur (late 10th century) describing the life of Vellan Kumaran states that he is from a place called "Nandikkarai Puttur" (present-day Thirunandikkara), and is the son of the Valluvanad chieftain ('valabha rashtra natha') Rajasekhara.[11] Vellan Kumaran is described as a commander in the Chola army in the famous Battle of Takkolam (948-49 CE) and considered a close confidante of Chola prince Rajaditya.
A district in Central Kerala within the Chera Perumal kingdom
Valluvanad was one of the chiefdoms within the kingdom of the Chera Perumals (until the 12th century).[1][2] The chieftain of Valluvanad, the nadu-udayavar, claimed authority through kinship and descent.[2] The Hundred, the military organisation of the chiefdom, was the "aru-nurruvar" (the Six Hundred).[2] The Vellattiri chieftain (the udayavar) initially exercised suzerain rights over a large portion of central Kerala.[2] A 10th century Chera inscription from Irinjalakuda temple, declaring its protection by the Six Hundred of Valluvanad, shows either the southern extent of the border (or influence) of the chiefdom.[12]
Some scholars state that the Valluvanad in northern Kerala, ruled by hereditary chieftains, was possibly organised in the beginning of the 10th century with a chieftain or general from Valluvanad in the south Kerala nominated as hereditary chieftain so that the name of Valluvanad was also transplanted there.[1][2]
Rayiran Chathan, the chieftain (the udayavar) of Valluvanad, is mentioned as a witness in the Jewish copper plates of Cochin (c.1000) issued by the Chera Perumal.
Other references to Valluvanad
Irayira Chekaran of Valluvanad was involved in a temple resolution to take over the village of Taviranur and bring it under the village of Sukapuram (Edappal) (inscription).[2][13]
Irayiravar, the Valluvanad chief, is seen in three temple transaction-related inscriptions from Avattiputhur/Avittathur (near Kodungallur) - an example of the chief performing regulatory functions outside his chiefdom.[2]
When a market centre was established at Irinjalakkuda (namely "Bhaskarapuram"), the protection of the area was given to the "aru-nurruvar" of Valluvanad (inscription dated to the close of the 10th century).[14][2][12] - an example of the Hundred Organisation performing regulatory functions outside the chiefdom.[2]
Independent chiefdom
With the fall of the Chera Perumal kingdom around the 12th century, the various autonomous chiefdoms became independent.[1] A Valluvanad ruler is mentioned as a witness in the Viraraghava Copper Plates from 1225.
The Brahmins of Sukapuram were supporters of Valluvanad.[14]
Zamorin's encroachments
After the fall of Chera Perumal kingdom in the 12th century, the right to preside over the Tirunavaya Mamankam festival (as the 'Rakshapurusha') passed on to the Vellattiri (according to local traditions). When the zamorin (the samoothiri) of Calicut became a major force in Kerala, they made inroads into Valluvanad and even usurped the right to preside over the Mamankam [9]:91. The zamorin eventually extended his kingdom as east as Nilambur and as deep as Venkattakota (now called Kottakkal)[9]:121.
Ever since, the Vellattiri used to send groups of suicide warriors (known as the Chavers) to kill the king of Calicut during the Mamankam and the Thaippuyam festivals and recover the long-lost right.[15]
According to historians, "...the caver of Valluvanatu died fighting to avenge the death or defeat of their master and died fighting regularly at Tirunavaya for a long period. It means that the caver died fighting at Tirunavaya even after many generations. Thus it takes the form of blood feud..."[15]
Brahmin Raja of Tirumanasseri ceded Ponnani to the zamorin as the price for his protection from Valluvanad and Perumpatappu (Cochin) [9]:101-102.
Tradition says that the zamorin, despair for success at Tirunavaya, sought divine help by propitiating the Tirumandhamkunnu Bhagavati [9]:101-102.
Malappuram, on the road between Calicut and Vellattiri's headquarters, was entrusted by the zamorin a member of Varakkal Paranampi's family (Malappuram Paranampi) [9]:101-102. Nilambur was placed under Taccharakkavu Eralan, and Vallappanattukara under Tarakkal Eroma Menon (the commander of Chunganad) and Manjeri under the Karanappad [9]:101-102.
Kariyur Mussad (the Brahmin minister and general of Vellattiri) was captured and put to death at Pataparamba and his lands (the Tens Kalams and Pantalur) were occupied [9]:101-102.
Mysore's Invasion
The country marked as "Valluvanad Proper" in the Company records was the sole remaining territory under the control of the Valluvanad "Raja" (chieftain) at the time of the Mysorean invasion of Kerala. The chieftain and his family fled to Travancore.[7]
According to the ancient laws of Kerala, many Nair chiefs and Nairs were liable to follow the Valluvanad chieftain in battles. These chiefs were allowed hold their land without paying revenue or tribute to the chieftain. Mysore rulers destroyed this custom.[7]
Grants were made of the lands to the temples, and to the Brahmins, all which lands were by the sultans brought to account in the revenue (the lands were taken from the Brahmins)[7]
At the time of the Mysore conquest the following amsams (of the 1887 Valluvanad and Ernad taluks, the Valluvanad Proper) remained to Vellattiri[7]
By the treaty of Seringapatam (1792), Tipu Sultan ceded half of his territories, including Malabar, to the English East India Company. The Valluvanad Raja, back from exile in Travancore (where the family was since c. 1788), requested the holding of the territories he laid claim to ("Millattoor, Angarypooram, Vanarcaddo, Kaapil"; and "the three districts of Congaad, Manoor and Edratura formerly belonging to Palgautcherry") as a manager for the company. This was granted as per the agreement, valid for one year, between the Raja (or through his representative Kariat Moosa) and company representatives William G. Farmer Esq. and Major Alexander Dow, concluded at Kozhikode on 30 July 1792.[16][17] The Raja undertook to pay a sum of Rs. 38,410.20 to the company within the year (later increased to Rs. 41,594.20[17]:76). The agreement also mandated revenue collection from all minor landholders who, prior to Tipu's rule, only contributed to war efforts. The agreement, in essence, sought to continue revenue collection as per the reforms Tipu had made. Appointment of ministers or other employees in government, or employees engaged in revenue collection, had to be with the consent of the company. The agreement also stipulated that only the company's merchants had the right to procure pepper grown in Valluvanad. A detachment of sepoys would also be stationed at Angadipuram.[17]
In May 1793 the Joint Commissioners dismissed the Raja and assumed direct management of the country. Inability to preserve the peace of the district (primarily owing to Mappila uprisings prevalent in the region) and shortfall in revenue collections were cited as the main reasons[17]:206. Dispute over the management of the three districts formerly belonging to Palgautcherry (Palakkad) had led to the withdrawal of Raja's authority of those districts even earlier[17]:76. A pension agreement was then settled on between the Raja and the company.
State Details
Some details and characteristics of Valluvanad kingdom/principality (northern).
Tavalis in the senior lineage of Valluvanad - the House of Arangottu
Aripra tavali
Mankata tavali
Katannamanna tavali
Ayiranali tavali
Junior lineage of Valluvanad - the Vallotis (Vellodis)
Royal titles (Sthanis)
The eldest five male sthanis (the designates), in order of seniority (eldest male member in the matrilineal system), were titled as:
Valluvakkonathiri – eldest sthani and supreme leader
Vellalpad
Thacharalpad
Edathralpad
Kolathur Thampuran
Padinjarekkara Thampuran – nominated by Vellattiri (the thampuram had rights over some landed property and privileges).
all five were eligible for malikhana
Thampurattis
The eldest two female members were titled as (both were eligible for malikhana)
Kulathur Thampuratti – the eldest thampuratti of the family
Kadanna Mootha Thampuratti – the next eldest thampuratti
Apart from this, the eldest female members of each kovilakam have their own rights and privileges.
Government
Karuvayoor Moosad – the Brahmin chief minister of Vellattiri.
Kunnathattil Madambil Nair (Mannarghat Nair) – the chieftain (desavazhi) who looked after the affairs of the eastern boundary and hilly areas of Vellattiri.
Chondathil Mannadiar (Puthumana Panicker)
Nair of Kavada
Other dignitaries consisted of 14 swaroopis, which included
The Amsoms included in Walluvanad Taluk was classified into four divisions- Vellatiri (Walluvanad proper), Walluvanad, Nedunganad, and Kavalappara. There were 64 Amsoms in the Taluk.[7] The Taluk was created in 1860–61. The headquarters of Valluvanad Taluk was Perinthalmanna, which is located threekm (1.9mi) away from its main suburb Angadipuram.[7] Until 1860's Nedunganad (Pattambi-Ottapalam-Cherpulassery are south of River Thuthapuzha), which was the original land of Nedungathirippad, was a separate Taluk, and was considered as the ruling area of the Zamorin of Calicut.[7] Nedunganad was added to Valluvanad Taluk only in 1860's.[7] Valluvanad Taluk was one of the two Taluk added in the Malappuram Revenue Division of Malabar District.[7] The other Taluk in Malappuram Division was Eranad.[7]
1. Vellatiri (Walluvanad Proper)
Vellatiri (Walluvanad Proper) was the sole remaining territory of the Walluvanad Raja (Valluvakonathiri), who had once ruled majority of the South Malabar. A major part of Ernad Taluk was under Walluvanad before the expansion of the Ernad in 13th-14th centuries. Some of the Amsoms in this division was part of the Ernad Taluk.[7] It consisted of the following 26 Amsoms:
The Amsoms in this division was comparatively later acquisition by the Zamorin in the territory of the Walluvanad Raja.[7] It consisted of the following 7 Amsoms:
Nedunganad had been under the Zamorin for some time. After the disintegration of Perumals of Mahodayapuram, Nedunganad became independent. It was ruled by Nedungadis. Later it came under the Zamorin's kingdom.[7] It consisted of the following 27 Amsoms:
1 2 3 4 5 6 Narayanan, M.G.S. (2013). Perumāḷs of Kerala: Brahmin oligarchy and ritual monarchy: political and social conditions of Kerala under the Cēra Perumāḷs of Makōtai (c. AD 800-AD 1124). Thrissur: CosmoBooks. ISBN9788188765072.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Ganesh, K. N. (2009). Historical Geography of Natu in South India with Special Reference to Kerala. Indian Historical Review, 36(1), 3–21.
Malappuram, is one of the 14 districts in the Indian state of Kerala, with a coastline of 70 km (43 mi). It is the most populous district of Kerala, which is home to around 13% of the total population of the state. The district was formed on 16 June 1969, spanning an area of about 3,554 km2 (1,372 sq mi). It is the third-largest district of Kerala by area, as well as the largest district in the state, bounded by Western Ghats and Arabian Sea to either side. The district is divided into seven Taluks: Eranad, Kondotty, Nilambur, Perinthalmanna, Ponnani, Tirur, and Tirurangadi.
Māmānkam or Māmāngam was a duodecennial medieval fair held on the bank, and on the dry river-bed, of Pērār at Tirunāvāya, southern India. The temple associated with the festival was Nava Mukunda Temple in Tirunavaya. It seems to have begun as a temple festival, analogous to the Kumbha Melas at Ujjaini, Prayaga, Haridwar and Kumbakonam.
Kottakkal is a municipal town in Malappuram district in Kerala, southern India having 32 wards. it is a part of Malappuram metropolitan area and a growing city in Kerala. The town is best known for the Arya Vaidya Sala, one of the top Ayurvedic health centres of the world. Kottakkal is also a major growing commercial, educational, and healthcare hub in South Malabar. The town lies on Mumbai–Kanyakumari National Highway 66.
Azhvanchery Thamprakkal or Azhvanchery Samrāṭ is the title of the senior-most male member of the Nambudiri Brahmin feudal lords of Azhvanchery Mana in Athavanad, Kerala, South India. They had the right over Guruvayur, and were the titular head of all Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala. The Lord of Azhvanchery based at Athavanad and the Lord of Kalpakanchery based at neighbouring Kalpakanchery were usually present at the coronation of a new Zamorin of Kozhikode. Kalpakanchery Thamprakkals were related to the Nambudiris of Panniyoor while Azhvanchery Thamprakkals to those of Chowwara.
Malabar District, also known as Malayalam District, was an administrative district on the southwestern Malabar Coast of Bombay Presidency (1792-1800) and Madras Presidency (1800-1947) in British India, and independent India's Madras State (1947-1956). It was the most populous and the third-largest district in the erstwhile Madras State. The British district included the present-day districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Chavakad Taluk and parts of Kodungallur Taluk of Thrissur district, and Fort Kochi area of Ernakulam district in the northern and central parts of present Kerala state, the Lakshadweep Islands, and a major portion of the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu. The detached settlements of Tangasseri and Anchuthengu, which were British colonies within the kingdom of Travancore in southern Kerala, also formed part of Malabar District until 1927. Malayalam was the administrative as well as the most spoken lingua franca of Malabar District during British Rule. Jeseri, a distinct dialect of Malayalam, was spoken in the Laccadive Islands. Malabar District merged with the erstwhile state of Travancore-Cochin (1950-1956) to form Kerala according to the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. On the same day, the present Kasaragod district of South Canara District was also attached to Malabar, and the Laccadive & Minicoy Islands of Malabar were reorganised to form a new Union Territory. Malabar was trifurcated to form the districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, and Palakkad, on 1 January 1957.
Mannarkkad, formerly known as Mannarghat, is a municipal town in Palakkad district of the Indian state of Kerala. The Silent Valley National Park and the Attappadi Reserve Forest are located in Mannarkkad Taluk. Mannarkkad is situated 36 km away from district headquarters Palakkad on National Highway 966.
Cherpulassery is a town and municipality in the Palakkad district, of Kerala, India. Cherpulassery is often called the Sabarimala of Malabar as the famous Ayyappankavu temple is located here. The Puthanalakkal Bhagavathi temple and the Kalavela and Pooram associated with it is one of the largest festivals in the region. The town is located about 43 km (27 mi) west of the district headquarters at Palakkad on State Highway 53. Cherpulassery is known among the football enthusiasts all across the state thanks to the football team AL Madeena, Cherpulassery.
Mankada is a hillside village in the Malappuram district of Kerala state. It is located 15 km (9.3 mi) from Malappuram and is part of the Malappuram parliament constituency. The municipal town of Perinthalmanna is just 10 km (6.2 mi) away. Also, the municipal towns of Manjeri and Malappuram are just 15 km (9.3 mi) away. Mankada Kadannamanna Kovilakam was the seat of ruling family of the erstwhile Kingdom of Valluvanad.
The Samoothiri was the hereditary Nair monarch and ruler of the Kingdom of Kozhikode (Calicut) in the South Malabar region of India. Originating from the former feudal kingdom of Nediyiruppu Swaroopam, the Samoothiri and his vassal kings from Nilambur Kovilakam established Calicut as one of the most important trading ports on the southwest coast of India. The 147th Samoothiri Raja, Sree Manavedan Raja, who was married to Bharathy Thamburatty from Nilambur Kovilakam, became the last Zamorin in the dynasty's 682 year history to hold power over the Guruvayur Temple. At the peak of their reign, his ancestors ruled over a region extending from Kozhikode Kollam (Kollam) to the forested borders of Panthalayini Kollam (Koyilandy). The Zamorins belonged to the Eradi caste of the Samantan Nair community of colonial Kerala.
Valanchery is a major town and one of the 12 municipalities in Malappuram district, Kerala, India. It is one of the four municipalities in Tirur Taluk, besides Tirur, Kottakkal, and Tanur. It is situated about 40 kilometres (25 mi) southeast to Karipur International Airport and 25 kilometres (16 mi) southwards to the district headquarters, and forms a part of Malappuram metropolitan area. It is also one of the major commercial towns under the Malappuram urban agglomeration. Valanchery, which was a part of the erstwhile princely state of the Valluvanad in the early medieval period, had been under the direct control of the Zamorin of Calicut following the Tirunavaya war of 14th century CE. During British Raj, Valanchery was included in the Ponnani Taluk of erstwhile Malabar District. Vattapara accident zone is an accident zone near Valanchery. Valanchery is situated on National Highway 66.
The Kavalappara is an aristocratic Indian Nair family. In medieval Kerala, they served as part of the landed nobility and were sworn to the service of the rajas of the area, first that of Palghat and then later that of Cochin. Based at Kavalappara Desam in Karakkat, Valluvanada, their holdings extended to areas such as Kailiad and Panayur.
Angadippuram is a major suburb of Perinthalmanna town, in Malappuram District of Kerala. It was the capital of the powerful medieval kingdom of Valluvanad. Angadippuram is also known for Angadippuram Laterite, a notified go-heritage monument. Angadippuram is famous for its two temples, the Thirumandhamkunnu Temple and the Tali Mahadeva Temple. Kozhikode - Palakkad National Highway 966 passes through the town and Angadipuram Railway Station is one of the major railway station on the Nilambur - Shornur Line of Palakkad Division, Southern Railways. It is connected to major cities Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram through this line.
Perinthalmanna Taluk, formerly known as Walluvanad Taluk, comes under Perinthalmanna revenue division in Malappuram district of Kerala, India. Its headquarters is the town of Perinthalmanna. Perinthalmanna Taluk contains Perinthalmanna Municipality and 15 Gram panchayats. Most of the administrative offices are located in the Mini-Civil Station at Perinthalmanna.
Eranad also known as Ernad refers to the erstwhile province in the midland area of Malabar, consisting of Malappuram and nearby regions such as Anakkayam, Manjeri, Kondotty, Nilambur, etc. Currently Eranad Taluk is a Taluk in Malappuram district. Eranad was ruled by a Samanthan Nair clan known as Eradis, similar to the Vellodis of neighbouring Valluvanad and Nedungadis of Nedunganad. The rulers of Eranad were known by the title Eralppad/Eradi. They also used the title Thirumulpad.
Ponnani Taluk comes under Tirur revenue division in Malappuram district of Kerala, India. Its headquarters is the town of Ponnani. Ponnani Taluk contains Ponnani Municipality and nine gram panchayats. Most of the administrative offices are located in the Mini-Civil Station at Ponnani.
Tirur Taluk comes under Tirur revenue division in Malappuram district of Kerala, India. Its headquarters is the town of Tirur. Tirur Taluk contains four municipalities - Tanur, Tirur, Kottakkal, and Valanchery. Most of the administrative offices are located in the Mini-Civil Stations at Tirur, Kuttippuram, and Tanur. Most of the villages in present-day Tirur Taluk were parts of the medieval Kingdom of Tanur (Vettathunadu). The port of Tanur was an important port town in the southwestern coast of India during medieval period.
Perinthalmanna is a major town and municipality in Malappuram district, Kerala, India. It serves as the headquarters of the Perinthalmanna Taluk, and a block and a Revenue Division by the same name. It was formerly the headquarters of Valluvanad Taluk, which was one of the two Taluks in the Malappuram Revenue Division of the erstwhile Malabar District during the British Raj. The town is located 23 kilometres (14 mi) southwest to the city of Malappuram at the centre of the Kozhikode–Malappuram–Perinthalmanna–Palakkad National Highway 966.
The Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, was the kingdom of the Zamorin of Calicut, in the present-day Indian state of Kerala. Present-day Kozhikode is the second largest city in Kerala, as well as the headquarters of Kozhikode district.
Malappuram is one of the 14 districts in the South Indian state of Kerala. The district has a unique and eventful history starting from pre-historic times. During the early medieval period, the district was the home to two of the four major kingdoms that ruled Kerala. Perumpadappu was the original hometown of the Kingdom of Cochin, which is also known as Perumbadappu Swaroopam, and Nediyiruppu was the original hometown of the Zamorin of Calicut, which is also known as Nediyiruppu Swaroopam. Besides, the original headquarters of the Palakkad Rajas were also at Athavanad in the district.
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