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The following is a list of characters from Marthandavarma , the 1891 historical novel by C. V. Raman Pillai. It also includes references to personalities from legends, history, and real life.
Marthanda Varma is also referred to as Yuvarajavu (Prince). He is depicted as a young man, aged between 20 and 25 years, with a heroic appearance. As the rightful heir to the throne following the reign of King Rama Varma, he is known for his generosity, even towards conspirators, and his reluctance to impose harsh punishments, as advised by Ramayyan. To escape his attackers, he often adopts disguises. He holds Subhadra's words in high regard, which leads him to release Kudamon Pillai from detention upon ascending the throne.
Ananthapadmanabhan adopts various disguises, including Shamsudeen, the Dweller of Kasi, Mad Channan, the Beggar, and the Diglot, to assist Marthanda Varma in evading his enemies. He is portrayed as a 22-year-old youth, skilled in disguise and adept in combat. He is the son of Thirumukhathu Pillai from a relationship following his father's marriage to Kudaman Pillai's maternal niece, making him the younger half-brother of Subhadra.
Ananthapadmanabhan is in love with Parukutty of Chembakassery. Although he is attacked and left for dead in the Panchavan forest, he is rescued by Pathan merchants. After his recovery, he disguises himself as Shamsudeen and later as a mad Channan to rescue Marthanda Varma from Mangoikkal and assists Hakkim in aiding the prince. Additionally, he introduces Mangoikkal Kuruppu to the Pathan merchants and helps him learn the Hindustani language.
Subhadra, also known as Chembakam Akka, is the daughter of Thirumukhathu Pillai and Kudamon Pillai's maternal niece. She is the half-sister of Ananthapadmanabhan.
Subhadra is portrayed as a 25-year-old woman, known for her fairy-like beauty. She was married to a relative of Kudamon Pillai, but their marriage ended after six months due to allegations of a relationship between her and Padmanabhan Thambi.
Fierce and determined, Subhadra seeks revenge against those who ruined her marital life. She plays a key role in helping Marthanda Varma escape from the conspirators' schemes. Ultimately, she is killed by Kudamon Pillai.
Padmanabhan Thambi, also referred to as Shri Rayi Padmanabhan Thambi, Pappu Thambi, or simply Thambi, is the elder son of King Rama Varma.
Thambi is portrayed as a well-built man with a fair complexion, known for his fondness for wearing ornaments. He has a strong desire for beautiful women and is involved in relationships with Sivakami and a paramour from Ezhamkudi (Seventh House).
Ambitious and power-hungry, Thambi aspires to ascend the throne after his father's reign. He also harbours desires for Subhadra and Parukutty.
Sundarayyan, also known as Pulamadan, is a 40-year-old man, born to a Brahmin from Madurai and a Marava woman. He is married to the niece of Kalakkutty.
Sundarayyan is portrayed as the chief conspirator, orchestrating plans to secure Thambi's succession to the throne. He also arranges a marriage proposal between Thambi and Parukutty. His schemes come to an end when he is killed by Beram Khan at Manakkadu.
Parukutty, also known as Parvathi Amma, Parvathi Pillai, or Thankam, is the daughter of Karthyayani Amma and Ugran Kazhakkoottathu Pillai.
Parukutty is depicted as a 16-year-old girl, notable for her considerable height, slim figure, and fair complexion, resembling the Magnolia champaca flower. She is well-versed in Mathematics, Amarakosha , and Sidharoopa. Additionally, she possesses an exceptional talent for reciting the Ramayana in her melodious voice.
She is deeply in love with Ananthapadmanabhan. However, Padmanabhan Thambi also desires a relationship with her.
The maternal nephew of a householder, who is a relative of Kudamon Pillai, marries Subhadra. However, he separates from her after believing false rumours about her relationships with other men, particularly Padmanabhan Thambi.
Later, he converts to Islam, adopts the name Beeram Khan, and marries Fathima. When he discovers Ananthapadmanabhan in the Panchavan forest, he is moved by the latter's resemblance to his first wife, Subhadra, and arranges for his care.
He eventually kills Sundarayyan, holding him responsible for the schemes that led to his separation from Subhadra.
A skilled fighter, swordsman, and lancer, he is a devoted loyalist of Padmanabhan Thambi. He ambushes Ananthapadmanabhan in the Panchavan forest and makes multiple attempts to assassinate Marthanda Varma—at Charottu Palace, Mangoikkal House, and on the route to the prince's palace.
During a confrontation, Ananthapadmanabhan slices off one of his ears. Ultimately, he meets his end at the hands of Ananthapadmanabhan in the dungeon of Sree Pandarathu House.
Mangoikkal Kurup, also known as Iraviperuman Kandan Kumaran Kurup, is the head of the Mangoikkal family.
He provides shelter to Marthanda Varma and Parameswaran Pillai while they are escaping from Velu Kurup. Additionally, he arranges for reinforcements, deploying his nephews to support Marthanda Varma.
Parameswaran Pillai is the attendant and a close companion of Prince Marthanda Varma. After Marthanda Varma ascends the throne, he is promoted to the position of the king's personal manager.
Shri Raman Thambi is the younger son of King Rama Varma. He commands the Marava forces from Nanjinadu.
Thirumukhathu Pillai is a minister of the kingdom. He is the father of Subhadra and Ananthapadmanabhan.
Chulliyil Chadachi Marthandan Pillai is a skilled archer who serves Thirumukhathu Pillai but aligns himself with the Ettuveettil Pillais.
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Lineage-graph-notes
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Marthanda Varma, who is distinctively known as Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, ascended to the throne of Venad in 1729, and thereafter expanded the kingdom to form the state of Travancore. [2] At the age of one, he lost his parents among whom, his father was a Kilimanoor Koithampuran who, died of severe fever and his mother was adapted to Venad royal family during the period of Umayamma Rani from Kolathunadu. [3] The novel does not give any explicit references to the hereditary roots of Marthanda Varma. In the novel, he refers king Rama Varma as his maternal uncle and refers Kilimanoor Koithampuran, who sacrificed his life for saving the little prince Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma from the plans of Ramanamadathil Pillai, as elder brother. [4]
Thambi duo or Thambimar or Thambi brothers refers to the two sons of king Rama Varma. In the royal edicts, Mathilakam Records, [A] the sons of king Rama Varma are mentioned as Kunchu Thambi and Ilaya Thambi [B] for elder and younger brothers respectively; also mentioned that, they had a paterfamilias named Kumara Pillai. [6] P. Shangoony Menon stated their names as Papu Thambi and Raman Thambi in the History of Travancore from the Earliest Times, whereas in The Sketch of Progress of Travancore, Dewan Nanoo Pillai stated that they were commonly known as Coonju Thambimar and their names are Pulpu Thumbi and Raman Thambi. [7] In the folk songs and ballads the elder one is mentioned as Valiya Thambi and younger one is Kunju Thambi, and also mentions that their mother's name as Abhirami or Kittanathalamma [C] and they have a younger sister named Kochumani Thanka or Kochu Madamma. [8] In the novel the elder brother is Pappu Thambi alias Padmanabhan Thambi, whereas the younger brother is Raman Thambi. In the biography of author, C. V. Raman Pillai, it is mentioned that the caretaker of the author in his childhood, Kesavan Thambi Karyakkar had two sons named Padmanabhan Thambi and Raman Thambi, with whom author had grown up. [9] The novel mentions about Padmanabhan Thambi's mother as deceased during the timeline of the novel and did not link her to Raman Thambi, about whom Padmanabhan Thambi raises the concern of being upset, if he is to claim the throne through lineal descent system implying that Raman Thambi is equally eligible like him for the throne as possibly born to a different mother.
Ananthapadmanabhan was a warrior and expert in martial arts who played a pivotal role in defending the plans of conspirators against Marthanda Varma. According to Prof. N. Krishna Pillai and Prof. Anandakkuttan Nair, Ananthapadmanabhan served in the Travancore forces somewhere after Kollavarsham 904 (Gregorian Calendar: 1729) and he was awarded with royal properties in Kollavarsham 920 (1745), where as according to Dr. A. P. Ibrahim Kunju the award happened in 1748. [10] He was born as Ananthan Perumal to Thanumalaya Perumal and Lakshmi Devi in Sanror clan, and was affectionately addressed as Padmanabhan by his maternal uncle. [11] In the novel, the author did not affirm the caste of Ananthapadmanabhan, by not providing any details of his mother and he is not been referred as a Pillai or Nair throughout the novel, even though he is described as the son of Thirumukhathu Pillai. The name of character's love interest in the novel, Parukkutty alias Parvathi Amma is in reminiscence of the name of real life of spouse of Ananthan, Parvathi Ammal. [12] The character is being referred as Ananthapadmanabha Pillai in the ballads [D] about Thambi brothers and referred as Ananthan in other ballads such as Aṉantan Pāṭṭŭ and Ōṭṭan Katai. [13] In the novel, alter ego of the character named Shamsudeen dwells with the Pathans at Manacaud. The author of the novel, C. V. Raman Pillai happened to go for an expedition to Hyderabad following a heatbreak due to unfulfilled love. In Hyderabad, the author was staying with some Muslim people and was suggested to marry a Muslim lady after getting converted to Islam. The characterization of Shamsudeen is in resemblance with the experiences of the author. [14]
Rama Varma was the ruler of Venad during Kollavarsham 899-903. He is a descendant of Kolathunadu kingdom, from where he was adopted to Travancore royal family during the period of Umayamma Rani. [15] He was adopted along with Unni Kerala Varma and other two ladies, among whom one became the mother of Marthanda Varma. [16] P. Shangoony Menon and V. Nagam Aiya state that the four members were provided from Kolathunadu to Travancore family on the request of Umayamma Rani. T. K. Velu Pillai states that they were adopted by Ravi Varma in Kollavarsham 863. [17] Rama Varma is the father of Thambimar and he succeeded his brother and ascend to the throne of Venad in Kollavarsham 899. According to T. K. Velu Pillai, Rama Varma was a weak ruler and his reign led to the disorganization of political life in Travancore. [18] He died due to short illness in 1729. [19] In the novel he is presented as bedridden due to illness and dies during the story.
Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma also known as Dharmaraja ascend to the throne of Travancore in Kollavarsham 933 succeeding Marthanda Varma. He was born in Kollavarsham 899 as the son of a Kilimanoor Thampuran and Attingal Queen, who was adopted as a princess to Travancore royal family from Kolathunadu during the period of Ravi Varma. [20] The novel presents only in his childhood age.
Senior Queen of Attingal, who was the mother of Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma. [21] She was adopted to Travancore royal family from Kolathunadu kingdom in Kollavarsham 893 during the period of king Ravi Varma. She gave birth to Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma from the alliance with a lord of Kilmanoor in Kollavarsham 899. [22] In the novel, she is being referred as an unnamed royal mother only along with her son, Rama Varma.
Kilimanoor Thampurans are the lords of Kilimanoor house, which is situated north to the Thriruvananthapuram. According to V. Nagam Aiya, the house of Kilimanoor has been loyally and honorably connected with Travancore royal family, as the male members of family are chosen for alliance with the queens of Travancore. [23] In the novel two lords of Kilimanoor are mentioned; one referred as Kilimanoor Kerala Varma and another as Kilimanoor Koithampuran among whom, former is the one who sacrifices his life in defending against the plans to endanger the little prince Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma and the mother, whereas the latter one guards the little prince and mother during the attempt to coup d'état by Thambi brothers and Ettuveettil Pillai's at Thiruvananthapuram.
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Lineage-graph-notes:
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Ettuveettil Pillais or Ettuveettil Pillamar refers to the chiefs of eight noble Nair families in the yesteryear Venad (Travancore). [24] They were one of the main groups who conspired against the accession of Marthanda Varma. [25] In the royal edicts, one of the Ettuveetiil Pillais mentioned in the novel, Kudamon Pillai is referred to in one of the groups [E] of conspirators prevailed against Marthanda Varma. [6] According to Dr. P. Venugopalan, Ettuveettil Pillais mentioned in the novel are based on the verses from Sree Veera Marthandavarmacharitham Aattakatha, which was published during 1883–1884 by P. Govinda Pillai. [26] In the novel except for Thirumadathil Pillai, all other titles of Ettuveettil Pillais are in reminiscence of the references made in the verses, an extract from which is also given as an epigraph to the eleventh chapter of the novel. [27] P. Shangoony Menon stated the eight titles [F] of Ettuveettil Pillais. [28] V. Nagam Aiya states that their titles are the names of the villages [G] they headed and not their family names. [29] According to P. Shangunny Menon, Madambies or Madampimar, the petty chiefs who were confederates of Ettuveettil Pillais, by whom the former group were influenced to become a powerful combination with the latter group. [30] In the Malayalam translation of History of Travancore from the Earliest Times, C. K. Kareem claims that Ettuveettil Pillais were gradually grown as Madambies, even though it conflicts with the source material. [31] Dewan Nanoo Pillai refers that Madampimars and Ettuveettil Pillais were the hereditary enemies of Marthanda Varma. [32] T. K. Velu Pillai claims that Ettuveettil Pillais are mistaken for the Madathil Pillais, who were entrusted to manage the properties of six madams or areas; and that the chiefs or leaders were Ettuveettil Madambimar and not Ettuveettil Pillamar. He also claims that Kulathur Pillai and Kazhakkoottathu Pillai were mentioned as Pillais of six houses including the name of a Tamilian in the royal edicts, even though there are no such explicit informations in the referred royal edicts, Mathilakam Records – M. Doc. CXXX. [33] Dr. Ibrahim Kunju cites the references of conspiracy by Pillais in Letters to Tellicherry, [H] the British records. [34] In the novel, Ettuveettil Pillais play as main supporters of Padmanabhan Thambi by framing and executing lethal plans against Marthanda Varma, and one of the Pillais, Kudamon Pillai is killed by Ananthapadmanabhan.
Arukkoottathil Pillais or Arukoottathil Pillamar refer to members of wealthy noble Nair families prevailed in the yesteryear Travancore. In the royal edicts, it is mentioned that, a set of six members of them are found among the conspirators during the period of Marthanda Varma. [35] In the novel, they are presented as a Thambi clan, Aruveettukar, who stood along with Thirumukhathu Pillai. [36]
Ramayyan or Rama Iyen, better known as Ramayyan Dalawa was the prime minister of Travancore during Kollavarsham 912-931, the period in which the most successful conquests under Marthanda Varma were accomplished. [37] He joined the Travancore ministerial service as a Kuṭṭi Paṭṭar (minor Brahmin assistant), later got promoted as under secretary (Rayasom) and then state secretary following the accession of Marthanda Varma, who made him Dalawa after the demise of Thanu Pillai. [38] In the novel, he is presented as a supporter and adviser to Marthanda Varma, whom he accompanies during the final coup by Thambi brothers. It is also mentioned in the novel that Ramayyan was promoted for Rayasom work by king Rama Varma.
Narayanayyan or Naraayana Iyen was the assistant of Ramayyan, while the latter was state secretary. [39] He assisted Ramanyyan in the deputation to explain and convince Azhagappa Mudaliyar regarding the accession tradition and respective stratum prevailed in Travancore. [40] In the novel he is presented as a royal servant under whom, the forces from Kilimanooor are arranged in support to Marthanda Varma.
Arumukham Pillai was the acting Dalawa of Venad during Kollavarsham 901-903, and became Dalawa after the accession of Marthanda Varma, to continue in his post till 909. [41] He was once detained by mercenary forces from Madurai due to incomplete payment of their arrears against their service as additional forces to Travancore. [42] The novel presents only his detention by Madurai forces at Boothapandi.
Mangottu Assan is the head of a family at Mancode and one of the masters of 108 Kalaries (martial arts schools) prevailed in Venad. [43] In the ballad Ōṭṭan Katai, it is mentioned that his house was burned down by Kunchukkoottam (men of Kunchu Thambi). [44] In the novel, he is presented as Mangoikkal Kuruppu whose house is burned down by the men of Padmanabhan Thambi, as Marthanda Varma took shelter there.
Valiya Sarwadhi Karyakkar is the title for administrative head of Travancore and Sarwadhi Karyakkar is the title for a district officer under Valiya Sarwadhi Karyakkar. During the period of king Rama Varma, Valiya Sarwadhi Karyakkar was under the direct orders of king. [23] In the novel, Valiya Sarwadhi Karyakkar is mentioned to have a wife who is on rest, post the delivery of a newborn, a daughter who is pregnant for ten months, and a niece who is ill. Sarwadhi Karyakkar in the novel is one of those people, who suspects about the actions of Marthanda Varma during the night in which, Shankarachar is killed.
According to Dr. P. Venugopalan, Chadachi Marthandan is mentioned in the legends as the one who becomes the supporter of Marthanda Varma, even though earlier he was with the conspirators. [45] Dr. N. Ajithkumar notes the references in the legends that the house of Chadachi Marthandan was located at Chulliyur. [46] In the novel he is presented as Chulliyil Chadachi Marthandan Pillai, who is a servant of Thirumukhathu Pillai and later take sides with the Ettuveettil Pillais.
Madurai forces are the mercenaries sent to Travancore as per the agreement of king Rama Varma and Madurai Nayaks of Thiruchirapalli in Kollavarsham 901. [47] T. K. Velu Pillai argues that, there could not be any such agreement, but agrees with detention of Arumukham Pillai by the mercenaries. [48] In the novel they are presented as camped at Boothapandi, where Dalawa Arumukham Pillai is kept under detention.
Subardra, one of the pivotal characters of the novel is based on the character of author's wife, Bhageerithi Amma. [49] The character of Thirumukhathu Pillai is based on the caretaker and patron of the author, Nangoikkal Kesavan Thambi, who was a Karyakkar (Administrative head of a Taluk) in Travancore. [50] In the novel, there is reference to an Arcot Nawab, who gifted Hakkim for the latter's medical excellence. There is also reference to a namboothiripad of Akavoor [I] family, and presented as famous for sorcery meant for protective measures against bad luck and danger. There is also a reference to an unnamed Sultan of Turkey, with whom the character of Ugran Kazhakkoottathu Pillai is being compared with. There is a reference to the look of members of Tiruvallā Pōṯimār (Brahmins of ten houses at Thiruvalla); with which the attire of prince Marthanda Varma at Charottu palace is being compared with.
The characters of Marthandavarma novel, Ananthapadmanabhan , Kochuvelu, Ilaya Tampuran, and Ramanamathil Pillai's unnamed son, continue to be characters in Dharmaraja novel as Valiyapadathalavan, Karthika Tirunnal Ramavarma or the title character, and Chanthrakaran respectively. In the sequel to the Dharmaraja novel, Ramarajabahadur, Chanthrakaran and Karthika Thirunnal Ramavarma continue as Manikyagaundan and the title character respectively.
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