The Story of My Family

This post is an abridged version from http://chakkamvelilkudumbam.org/, which is my family's website. Some grammatical errors have been corrected, and explanations added at a few places... and there are gaps that need to be filled..

All malayalam words are in italics. If you're not from Kerala, don't even try to understand what these words mean! They're mostly names of people or places, by the way.

Many of my ancestors were warriors and fought for their king as a clan. So I guess I kept that tradition alive! 
I'm including this post so that my daughter can read and understand this half of her family.

A Preface to the history of Chakkamvelil Family

In the Holy Bible, the New Testament commences with the genealogy from Abraham to Jesus Christ. Among the people of the Middle East including Jews, the influence of clans and races has always been very powerful. But this was not the case in India. Because of this, there are limited details available to us from government records and from the history of Malankara Church before the advent of the westerners.

The practice of keeping notes and diaries, and collecting records that are of historical value which would be of help in writing family history was rare in our communities. At a time when the use of paper was not common, the system of keeping records and deeds inscribed in palm leaves existed in ancient tharavadu(clans / families) but such records could not outlive time and they have all vanished. It is from invaluable family legends which are passed on from generation to generation through oral and written tradition that the ancient history of many families are reconstructed.But the case of Melukara Chakkamvelil family, there are concrete records which point to the fact that Chakkamvelil Tharakans belong to a great Nazrani family that came and settled in Melukara (Kozhencherry)

From the old records of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Kozhencherry, one of the ancient Churches in Malankara, this can be gathered. There are reference to Chakkamvelil Tharakans of Melukara in the Adamanakaranam chapters of  Pandalam Royal Palace. In the Travancore State Manual and in the chain of legends about Sabarimala too, references to Chakkamvelil Tharakans can be seen. Further references occur in Sabha Tharaka (Makaram 1083, P.141), Biography of Ayroor Achen (p.221) and the Souvenir publication of St. George Orthodox Church (1991). In the family history of Ayroor Ayyakavil it is stated:  In the early days there were no Christians in Melukara other than the members of Chakkamvelil family.

For more than about 500 years, the members of the family who lived in Melukara and Kozhencherry migrated to the different parts of Kerala and later to the different parts of the world. They lived in harmony with one another and used all opportunities to renew and strengthen the bond that existed among them through visits and correspondence. So in those days no need was felt to write a family history.

Under the influence of western culture and with the spread of English education in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Christian communities experienced a powerful renaissance. This influenced the renewal of family relationships. But in the wake of 1st World War the educated youngsters of the families migrated to the different states of India and to countries like Ceylon, Malaya and Singapore.

Those were days when facilities for travelling and communication were scarce, which made it difficult for them to live in close contact with their families. With the outbreak of the 2nd  World War, they scattered to different countries. As time passed and life went on without any mutual contact among members, the elders of family felt the need to search for the details of family members, to organize family gatherings and also to compile a history of the family.

The Purpose of Writing the Family History

This book is meant exclusively for the members of the Chakkamvelil family, so that they can understand the history of their family. For an interesting reading, it was necessary to include some incidents from history and their background. The editorial board has been very particular not to include anything unreal or exaggerated in this narration and care has been taken to give a truthful presentation of the past.

St. Thomas in Kerala

According to the history, St. Thomas, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ, along with the Jewish businessman Haban landed in Kodungallur harbour in A.D 52. At present this place is known as Chavakadu and is situated in the district of Thrissur.

There are records which indicate that during the reign of Tiberius Caesar following a battle that broke out in Palastine, some Jews migrated to Kerala. There are people who hold the view that even the visit of St.Thomas to Kerala was in search of the Jews who had settled here. St. Thomas who landed in Kodungallur harbour, spoke the gospel first to the Jews who were living in and around Kodungallur and then to the caste Hindus following the apostolic convention. The people, who were impressed by the exhortation and miracles of the divine personality, accepted Christianity. They were members of four reputed Brahmin families, Kalli, Kaliyankal, Pakalomattom and Sankarapuri. When it was known that they had embraced Christianity, other Namboothiri families found it disagreeable and they excommunicated the four families. The newly converted Christian Namboothiris who were originally priests in the Hindu temple started to conduct the Christian form of worship in the temple and later this temple was used as a church.

The Migration of Christians to South Kerala

As a result of the missionary work by St. Thomas in Palayur, a trade centre and the centre of Brahmins, a large number of Malayali Brahmins embraced Christianity. But there were some Brahmins who were adamant about their religion. It is said that they cursed the place and that the place came to be known as the Sapakad (Cursed land), which is the present Chavakad.

But for different reasons it became necessary for Christians to move from Palayur and nearby places to the southern regions. In the book, Mar Thoma Christians by Bernad Thoma Kathanar (pub.1916), it is written that the people migrated from early Christian centres like Kodungallur and Palayur and settled in Kaduthuruthi, Aruvithara and Kuravilangad and that they established churches in these places. Among these people there were members of noted families like Kalli, Kaliyangal, Sankarapuri and Pakalomattom.

The first branch of Kalli, (Palli) family, Panamkuzhakal was formed and other branches also originated subsequently. With the passing of decades, the descendants of this family settled in different parts of Kerala. In the olden days the great Nazranis were well versed in archery and trading. Even the priestly class was proficient in martial arts and they used to provide training to youngsters. Some of the priests were experts in ancient medical systems and they used to treat people free of cost. There are many references to Panamkuzhakal Achens in this respect in history books.

Nilakkal Chayal Church

St. Thomas established seven Churches in Kerala in Palayur, Kodungallur, Kottakkavu, Kokkamangalam, Kollam, Niranam and Nilakkal. All these places were great centres of trade in those days. Nilakkal continued to be an ancient Christian Centre and also a trade centre till the 14th century. But the Chera-Chola wars that lasted for more than 110 years, the constant attacks of enemies and the threat caused by the maravar thugs led by Fakhrudin and Poligar caused the decay of Nilakkal. At a time when the existence of the church was under threat, for performing priestly services and protecting the church, a group of Christians soldiers under the leadership of a priest who belonged to the Kuravilangad Panamkuzhakal branch went to Nilakkal and lived there. For a long time the Church continued to exist because of their vigilance. But the frequent and unexpected attacks of wild animals and the plundering raids of marauders resulted in the destruction of the church and the flight of the people. These people fled to neighbouring places like Kanjirappally, Aruvithara, Ranny, Chengannur, Koyipuram, Mallappally, Kodasanadu, Kozhencherry and Kadambanad. But the priest who belonged to Panamkuzhakkal branch returned home to Kuravilangadu with his family.

The Karthas of Ranni

The Nilakkal region, situated 36 miles south west of Ranny was under the nominal over lordship of the ruler of Kayamkulam. Ranny and the places nearby were under the over lordship of the King of Pandalam. This wild forest region was also inhabited by robbers and thugs. The King of Pandalam often sent his soldiers to drive away the robbers.

But the attack from Pandyadesham were constant and the king realized that sending soldiers from time to time would not be sufficient to exterminate such violent criminals. So he brought some warriors and skilful archers from Pandyadesam to Ranni and made them live there. These men effectively suppressed the thugs. The King of Pandalam gave the descendants of these brave defenders the guardianship and responsibility over Ranni. The origin of Ranni Karthas who became famous as administrators in later years happened in this manner. There was a time when they ruled over Kozhencherry.

Ayroor Kovilans

Parusurama had given the right to look after and administer the temple to a group of people named Kovilans. These satellite Kshatriyas had their own provincial dominance in many places within the boundaries of the Thekkumkoor province. Some of them lived on the river banks of Ayroor-Cherukolpuzha. At a period in history the rulers of Pandalam entrusted them with the administrative responsibility of this region.

 A glimpse of Kerala in those days

The term Keralam was given to the state on the 1st of November 1956 with the birth of the state. Kerala was formed by the unification of the Travancore, Cochin states and Malabar. Before the Travancore and Cochin states were fully established, there had established a number of small states like Venad, Ilayadathu Swaroopam Desinganad, Kayamkulam, Chempakassery, Thekkumkoor, Vadakkumkoor, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kolathunadu etc. and each native state was ruled over by a king. Kozhencherry and nearby places were under the rule of Thekumkoor king. His territory spread from mount Illickal which is located east of Sabarimala to the lake Vembanad on the west and from Kaipattoor  Kadavu in the south to Kanarikkunnu in the north. Though the reigning capital of the Thekkumkoor kingdom was Changanassery, the administrative responsibility vested with the King of Pandalam. But the king entrusted taxation and law and order responsibilities with the Ezhumattoor Thampurans. Eventually, the powers of the Thampurans waned and the law order situation and the collection of taxes were in a state of chaos.

Traditional beliefs about the roots of Chakkamvelil family

The king of Thekkumkoor came to know about the Nazrani warriors from the Kovilans and from Vadakkamkoor. He authorized a group including the Kovilans to bring some Christian families from Kuravilangad for defending the country and also for establishing centres of trade. Since the great Nazranis were very proficient in the field of trade and also the art of fighting, the rulers encouraged Nazrani settlements. Not only the King of Thekkumkoor, but the rulers of other states were also interested in inviting Nazranis to their provinces. Both the Vadakkumkoor and Thekkumkoor states were on friendly terms with each other. It was in such a situation that in response to written invitation sent from the Thumkoor King, through messengers that Christian families, which included the Panamughal branch at Kuravilangad with the warrior brothers Mathu and Potha and their arms bearers set out  along with the Kovilans. When they reached the border of Thekkumkoor, they had an audience with the Thekkumkoor king. Impressed by their physical stature and skills in warrior-ship, the king decided to appoint Mathu, the elder brother as his own personal aide. He asked Mathu to remain there and permitted the rest to proceed on their way. But Mathu assured the king that he would return to Changanassery after accompanying his brother and the rest of the group to ensure that they would get proper accommodation and living conditions. The king accepted this arrangement and let him go with his people.

In accordance with the wishes of the rulers of Pandalam and Thekkumkoor, the people accompanying Mathu found proper accommodation in different places from Ezhumattoor to Kozhencherry. After that, Mathu, his brother Potha, with their families and their arms, bearers arrived at the area controlled by the Ayroor Kovilans.

Chakkamvelil family at Melukara

The Kovilans gave them land at Ayroor, But later as suggested by the Pandalam king, they were given the land on the shore of the river Pampa, stretching from the Parackal plot owned by Chempakassery madom to the Chakkamvelil plot. The land was given tax free to them and they were given all the rights and facilities which were given exclusively to the nobility by the king's orders. In these days only upper caste people were given the privilege to live on the banks of rivers. For the first time a Nazrani family was settling on the river banks in Melukara. The people of the locality welcomed this whole heartedly. The ones who came from Kuravilangad as arms bearers also settled close to them.

In those days, east of the Kozhencherry market, now known as Karippathanath ferry was a great centre of trade and commerce. This was the only big market between Kozhencherry and Ranni. This place, located on land across the sandy banks of the river where the Cherukolpuzha Hindu religious convention is held now was known as Puthenpeedika. At a time when there were no roads or motor vehicles, hill products from the eastern sector like Pala and Kanjirappalli were transported along the river Pampa in boats. In addition to commercial boats, there were also boats for travelling. so one could always see a line of boats moving along the Pampa. Spies and enemies too came by boats frequently. The boats that aroused suspicion were checked thoroughly and a sum of money was exacted from them as tax.

Though the administrative responsibility was given to the Kovilans of Ayroor, the Karthas of Ranni would intervene every now and then. This area, which stretched to the east through the Pamba till Puthiacavu and Kuriannoor in the west was a check post. As brothers Mathu and Potha were given the responsibility first, they got the chance to send products to Changanassery, Purakkad, Kayamkulam and other places, to expand business. This led them to acquire properties and become immensely wealthy.

As had been directed by the native king at Changanassery, Mathu left all the properties and responsibilities with his brother and returned to Changanassery with his family. Later he was appointed the advisor in matters of trade to the king of Thekkumkoor. He settled at Kallarackal later. Even to this day, his descendants continue to live at Changanassery.

The First Church at Kozhencherry

In those days the people living in Ayroor included Christians who came from Korakeni, Kollam. These people along with Christians who lived at Mavelikara and Kozhencherry built a Church at the Vennipra hill on the banks of paddy fields behind the present Kozhencherry church and worship was held there. It is supposed that this was around 1599 AD. 

Taxation Responsibilities

The responsibility of keeping law and order and as well as taxation in Melukara and the territory from Kozhencherry to Kaipattoor was vested in the Ezhumattoor Thampurans. But as their descendants increased in strength, the king of Pandalam removed them from their position and their power was given over to the Ayroor Kovilans who belonged to the Kshatriya caste. The Kovilans thus came to wield the power over life and death and the right to imprison criminals. But the Kovilans found it difficulty to carry out the job all by themselves, especially in the paddy fields of Mezhuveli and Puloor. Certain settlers who were not submissive were not ready to give the share which was considered due to the kings. The settlers in these fields would torture and even murder the officers of the Pandalam king who went to exact the paddy. They would not let the fields be entrusted to other settlers either. Thekkumkoor Maharaja learnt from Kallarackal Mathu that Potha, his younger brother was capable of suppressing these criminals. On his advice the King of Pandalam ordered that Potha, who lived at Parackal may be given charge of law and order and taxation responsibilities which had been held by the Ayroor Kovilans in places like Ayroor, Melukara, Kozhencherry and Kaippattoor.

Potha and his men bravely confronted the criminals and set the scene for palace officials to exact all the arrears due to the king. With this, the law and order situation improved and there was no longer any difficulty in collecting taxes.

This won the acclaim of the native chiefs, the king of Pandalam and the Thekkumkoor king. The king of Thekkumkoor honoured Potha with the title Tharakan and awarded him a sword, shield and waist band. Some properties were also given to him as reward. These family heirlooms were kept secure in the Chakkamvelil Tharavadu, but were either lost or moved from there in the flood of Malayalam Era 1057 Edavom. In that flood many houses on the banks of the river Pamba were swept away, although the sword and shield were still kept in Kurumthottickal  house.

As suggested by the king, Mathu Tharakan had entrusted all his properties and assets to Pothu Tharakan and left, but the latter was inclined to live in Parackal. It was through this place that the sacred procession of Aranmula Partha Sarathy Temple passed and it was also close to the river. But this was a place which would get flooded from time to time. Another disadvantage was that in the summer season wild elephants and other animals used to come to the Parackal ferry for drinking water. On top of all this, a child of the family was trampled to death by an elephant. This led to family moving from Parackal to the Chakkamvelil plot, which was at a higher level. After this he came to be known as Parackal Tharakan and later as Chakkamvelil Tharakan. At present a different family lives there with the name Parackal.

More Christian families move to Kozhencherry

The king of Thekkumkoor, being convinced of the sincerity and industriousness of the Christians, decided to bring more Christians to his country. He authorized Kallarackal Mathu Tharakan who was his caretaker and later the chief of his army for this purpose. Accordingly along with his younger brother Potha Tharakan Chakkamvelil and some helpers, he fetched some more people belonging to Palliveettil Kuravilangad who were warriors with a strong physique. These men were given proper accommodation in Kozhencherry and the nearby places and they were entrusted with the duties of keeping law and order and collecting taxes.

It was in those days that the thatched chapel at Vennipra hill, Keezhukara was set on fire and destroyed by the Ayroor Kovilans. In the absence of a Church close by, the Christians who lived in Ayroor and the suburbs had to depend on the Churches at Maramon, Chengannor and Niranam for worship and rituals like christening and marriage. In the absence of facility of transportation along land, people had to resort to transportaion by water. The difficulty experienced by women while boarding and alighting from the boats and often their white clothes would get spoilt by the mud and dirty water. This was brought to the attention of Tharakan by his wife. Tharakan felt the need for a Church in Kozhencherry. He met some of the important persons of his time and together they discussed this issue. In the light of their discussions they decided to send a group of men to meet the king of Thekkumkoor and intimate him of their need.

The Delegates meet the King

It was in those days that the thatched chapel at Vennipra hill, Keezhukara was set on fire and destroyed by the Ayroor Kovilans. In the absence of a Church close by, the Christians who lived in Ayroor and the suburbs had to depend on the Churches at Maramon, Chengannor and Niranam for worship and rituals like christening and marriage. In the absence of facility of transportation along land, people had to resort to transportaion by water. The difficulty experienced by women while boarding and alighting from the boats and often their white clothes would get spoilt by the mud and dirty water. This was brought to the attention of Tharakan by his wife. Tharakan felt the need for a Church in Kozhencherry. He met some of the important persons of his time and together they discussed this issue. In the light of their discussions they decided to send a group of men to meet the king of Thekkumkoor and intimate him of their need.

Parackal ( Chakkamvelil) Tharakan, who was close to the King of Pandalam, the newly appointed military chief Mathu Tharakan and also the Kovilans of Ayroor, was authorized to carry out this task. The other delegates who were meeting the king were heads of four prominent families- Thevervelil valiaveedu from Kozhencherry, Theverthundiyil from Vanchithara, Venmany from Mallapuzhasseri and Parackal Chakkamvelil from Melukara. 

These family heads, in the presence of the king's military chief Kallarackal Mathu Tharakan met the king. After making the traditional offerings and obeisance they informed the king about their grievance. The magnanimous king arranged a compromise between the Kovilans and the Christians. He also gave the land where the old Church at Kozhencherry now stands, and which had been owned by Chengazhassery Illom to the Christians without any tax liability towards the king. Later, a Church was built here in the name of Virgin Mary. For immediate use a thatched chapel was built in the place where the cemetery near the old church stands. It was in 1774 AD (Malayalam era 950) that the old Church as we see today was built in the Persian style. At that time, the portico had not been constructed.

The Portico of the old church

The place where the Kozhencherry church stands today was once owned by the Chakkamvelil family. There was a rest house that belonged to the family. Since there was a threat of enemy attacks, all the six sons of the third son of Chakkamvelil Tharakan were made to live in this rest house. This was extended for the protection of the church. In the absence of another rest house, a portico for the Church was constructed. In the early days, only the elders of the Chakkamvelil family and their friends used this portico.

The plot was later inherited by the Mannureth branch. This plot is referred to as Mannureth Chakkamvelil plot in the old government records. The well used by the Mannureth family in the past is the one seen in the Churchyard even today. This plot was handed over to Mulamoottil Idikkula and later it was given to the church according to the old records of Kozhencherry Church. The old Mannureth family still survives in Kozhencherry and other places under the names Kulathinal, Korkat, Illathu Prambil, Kizhakke Prambil, Mannureth and Cheenkapurathu.

In the past prominent families who were associated with the construction of Churches were given Kaisthana privileges (connected with the administration of the church). Just as the local bodies connected with the temples had some administrative powers in the locality, in Churches, Kaisthanis weilded extensive authority, according to history books. The executive body of the Church had a say even in matters connected with the selection of episcopates.
From the days of the establishment of St.Thomas Mar Thoma Church at Kozhencherry, Chakkamvelil family was a Kaisthani family. In a biography of K.N. Daniel published by Rev. P.I.Mathai titled Aatmavrta Kathanam, it is said that the Chakkamvelil Tharakans who lived at Parackal had the Kaisthani privilege in the Kozhencherry Church. On the expiry of Cherian Tharakan, this place was inherited by his eldest son Koruthu Tharakan. Until the democratic system of election came into being, this practice continued and the first branch of the Chakkamvelil family, Kurumthottickal family continued to enjoy this right.

Under the initiative taken by Vicar General Kovoor Achen an agreement was registered in the Kozhencherry Church in Dhanu 22 Malayalam era 1068, according to which the system of permanent position in the Kaishtana body came into an end. 

"The families of Melukara Kurumthottickal Mathu Cherian and Mallapuzhasseri Venmony Varkey Markose,  in spite of being Kaisthana families ---- are not to consider the key of the Melpoottu entrusted with them as part of their Kaisthanam and are to return it when they are asked to do so."

At the end of the legal case that originated following Malankara Naveekaranam the Mar Thoma Church had to surrender all its possessions other than the Churches at Kozhencherry, Maramon and Kottarakkara. It was Kurumthottickal Tharakan, the grandson of Chakkamvelil Tharakan who sowed the seeds of Naveekaranam in the Kozhencherry Church, which is one of the most prominent churches in Malankara, remarkable for its ancestry and also the number of families belonging to it.

Melukara and Cherukolpuzha, where History Sleeps

At the time when our ancestor Chakkamvelil Pothen Tharakan and family were living in the Parackal plot in Melukara, the course of the river was not the same as it is today. A branch of the Pamba between the aqueduct at the Vazhakkunnam and Cherukolpuzha deviated to the north making the present day paddy fields in Ayroor a vast watershed on its way to Kuriannoor. The term Cherukolpuzha originated in this manner. Half of the sandy banks where Cherukolpuzha Viswa Hindu Religious Convention is held now then lay on a high plane as part of Ayroor. This river bank is the place that Ayroor Kovilans lived. On the banks just opposite this Chakkamvelil Tharakan and family lived. (Melukara Parackal)

The market here, known as Melukara  Puthenpeedika, was a  trade centre of hill products, Certain parts of these shops, which were two-storeyed wooden buildings could be seen until 50 years ago. It was from here theat hill products brought from Pala and Kanjirappally were sent places like Purakad and Kollam, The market which existed at Kozhencherry in those days was in the place including Pullleli ground which is situated between St Thomas High School and Idathil School. When the British administrator Bellard opened the market (now called Bellard Market)  near the bridge at Kozhencherry, it was convenient to load the goods in the boats. From then on the old trade center came to be known as Pazhaya Theruvu. With this the importance of Puthen Peedika at Melukara declined and it gradually ceased to exist. Later it was even totally wiped out of the pages of history.

When Maharaja Marthanda Varma, the ruler of Venad attacked Kayamkulam in AD-1734 and 1746, the ruler of Kayamkulam requested the ruler of Pandalam to join him and fight against Marthanda Varma. The latter refused to do so but was willing to pay tribute to Marthanda Varma instead. In 1749, the army of Marthanda Varma and the army of Thekkumkoor clashed at Aranmula and a fierce battle followed. In the battle all the Christian soldiers at Kozhencherry joined and fought against the invader fiercely. But the Thekkumkoor army had to suffer defeat before the army led by Ramaihan Dalawa, the army chief of Marthanda Varma. It is believed that Ramaihan Dalawa even advanced up to Ayroor, the homeland of Kovilans who were in charge of the interim government. He is believed to have demolished the Kovilakom and other places. The king of Thekkumkoor sought refuge in the kingdom of Vadakkumkoor. The ruler of Pandalam, who had borrowed money to meet his share of the expenses of the war found it difficult to even pay the interest. Therefore he borrowed money from many individuals, pledging land and fields so that he could repay the loan. 

The first four branches of the original Chakkamvelil family

• Kurumthottickal

• Parolil

• Mannurethu

• Chakkamvelil