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{{Short description|Independent chiefdom in present-day central Kerala}}
'''Walluvanad'''(Malayalam:വള്ളുവനാട്) was an erstwhile princely state in present state of ] in ] extending from the Nila River (]) in the south to the Panthaloor Mala in the North. On the west, it was bounded by the Sea at ] and on the east by Attapadi Hills.
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}}{{Infobox country
| native_name = Valluvanad
| conventional_long_name = Kingdom of Valluvanad
| common_name = Valluvanad
| capital = ], ], ], ], ]
| government_type = ]
| year_start = 1124
| year_end = 1793
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| image_map = Tthirumandhamkunnu Temple.jpg
| image_map_alt =
| image_map_caption = Thirumandhamkunnu Temple
| symbol =
| national_anthem =
| common_languages = ].
| religion =
| leader1 =
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'''Valluvanad''' was an independent chiefdom in present-day central ] 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 ].<ref name=":1">{{cite book|last1=Narayanan|first1=M.G.S.|author-link1=M. G. S. Narayanan|title=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)|date=2013|publisher=CosmoBooks|location=Thrissur|isbn=9788188765072}}</ref><ref name=":0">Ganesh, K. N. (2009). Historical Geography of Natu in South India with Special Reference to Kerala. Indian Historical Review, 36(1), 3–21.</ref> 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.
== Capital ==


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.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Rao|first1=Gopinatha|url=https://tamildigitallibrary.in/admin/assets/book/TVA_BOK_0013423_Travancore_Archaeological_series.pdf|title=Travancore Archaeological Series|date=1910|publisher=Madras Methodist Publishing House|page=5}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":1" /> Valluvanad was ruled by a ] clan known as Vellodis, similar to the ]s of neighbouring ] and ]s of ]. The rulers of Valluvanad were known by the title ''Valluvakonathiri''/''Vellattiri''.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Kerala (India)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZjRuAAAAMAAJ|title=Kerala District Gazetteers|last2=Menon|first2=A. Sreedhara|date=1986|publisher=Superintendent of Government Presses,University of Michigan|pages=224|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Schneider|first1=David Murray|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lfdvTbfilYAC|title=Matrilineal Kinship|last2=Gough|first2=Kathleen|date=1961|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-02529-5|pages=307|language=en}}</ref>
The capital of the erstwhile Waluvanad was at the present day town of ], which is now famous for its ] Temple. During the British period, the capital was moved to ], a few km from Angadipuram.


The geographical bounds of Valluvanad are hard to assess from available sources, and did vary significantly in time. It has been generally described as the region between the knolls of ] (a hill that separates old ] Taluk from Valluvanad Taluk, located in ]-] area) and the seashore of ].<ref>S. Rajendu - History of Valluvanad - from pre-historic times to A.D. 1792, Malayalam, Perintalmanna, 2012</ref> The country covered the ] basin in the south to the Pandalur Hills in the north. On the west, it was bounded by the ] at the ] ] and on the east by ]. In the 12th century, Valluvanad had parts of present-day ] (]-]-]-] area), ] (]-]-] areas), ] (]-]-]-] areas), and ] Taluks within it, with Ponnani port providing the main access to the sea. At that time a larger part of the basins of ] and ] were ruled by ''Valluvakonathiri''. In its maximal extend, its northern boundary was Thrikkulam at ] in ] Taluk and southern border was ] near ]. A larger portion of what is presently called ] region was originally under the Kingdom of Valluvanad before the conquest of ]. In early medieval period, ''Valluvakonathiri'' conquered a larger portion of ''Nedunganad'' (]-]-]-] area), which was under the rule of ''Nedungathirippad''. However Nedunganad was annexed by the ] in 15th century CE. The ] near ] belongs to Valluvanad Royal family.
== The State ==


The chiefdom was disestablished in 1793 with the ] taking over its management directly, and the hereditary ruling family settling for a pension arrangement.
Walluvanad Rajavamsam is considered to be of very ancient lineage. 'Unnu Neeli Sandesam' and 'Unni Yadi Charithram' contain a mention of Vallabha Kshiti (Home of Vallabha), which, by all indications, is likely to be Walluvanad. There is a belief that Walluvanad Kings are descendants of a ] prince "Sreevallabha". He moved the entire family from Srevilliputhur in north Tamilnadu to the area around the Nila River about the year AD 300. The eldest person in the family is called ''Sree Vallabhan'' or ''Valluvakonathiri''. In most records, the hierarchy was called ''Arangot Swaroopam''.


== Variations of the name ==
The four branches of this family, namely Aripra, Ayiranazhi, Kadannamanna and Mankada are now in Mankada panchayat, ] taluk, ] district.


* Valluvanad - Valluvanadu - Valluvanatu - Valluvanat - Walluvanad - Walluvanatu.
* Swaroopam (Svarupam) - Arangottu (Aarangottu)
* Vellattiri - Vellatiri - Velatra - Velnatera


=== Official names ===
Among the male members the eldest ''sthani''<ref>designate</ref> is titled ''Valluvakonathiri'' and the rest four were "''Vellalpadu''", "''Thachalpadu''", "''Idatharapadu''" and "''Kulathur Thampuran''" respectively. Another ''sthani'' is nominated by ''Valluvakonathiri'' and is called "''Patinharakkara Thampuran''". He has rights over some landed property and privileges. The eldest ''Thampuratti''<ref>Female members of kerala royal houses </ref> of the family is called "Kulathur Thampuratty" and the next eldest is called "''Kadannamootha Thampuratty''".
These eldest five male members and eldest two female members are eligible for ''malikhan''<ref>A monthly remuneration to compensate for properties or rights taken over by the British.</ref> Apart from this, the eldest female members of each Kovilakom have their own rights and privileges.


* Official name of the kingdom - the Kingdom of Vellattiri<ref name="Logan" />
===Government===
* Official title of the Raja - Vallabha Raja (in the treaty with English)<ref name="Logan" />
Karuvayoor Moosad, was the Brahmin chief minister of ''Vellattiri'' <ref> A naming convention for walluvanad king similar to samoothiri(])</ref>.


=== Sanskrit name ===
Kunnathattil Madambil Nair (Mannarghat Nair) was the cheiftain (''desavazhi'') who looked after the affairs of the eastern boundary and hilly areas of Vellattiri. Chondathil Mannadiar (Puthumana Panicker) and Kavada Nair were other chiefs under him. Other dignitaries consisted of 14 ''swaroopies'', two Nairs, two Namboothiris, two persons of the royal house, four Panickers, Elampulakkad Achan, Kulathur warrier, Uppamkalathil Pisharody, Pathiramana Vellodi, Parakkatt Kakkoott, Mannarmala Nair and Cherukara Pisharody.
* Vallabhakshoni<ref>A. Shreedhara Menon, A Survey of Kerala History, DC Books, Kottayam (2007)</ref>


===History=== === Hereditary title ===


* Rajasekhara (or Rayaran/Irayira Chekaran or Irayiravar<ref name=":0" />)
Walluvanad has an ancient history going back to the days of the Second ] Empire. At one point of time the Valluokonathiri exercised sovereign powers over a considerable portion of South ].Walluvanad comprised the whole of the Perinthalmanna and ] taluks. And also parts of Ponnani, Tirur and Eranad taluks.
** Rajasekhara and his son Vellan Kumaran (inscription)
**Irayaran Chattan, the utaiyavar of Valluvanatu, in Jewish Copper Plates (1000 CE)


== Headquarters ==
When Zamorins(Samoothiri) of Calicut became a major force on the western coast, they captured a large portion of Walluvanad. Till then ''valluvakonathiri'' was the strongest of the kings and had the right of presiding over the '']'' Festival held once in 12 years at Thirunavaya. This right was usurped by Samoothiri, when he captured the town in the latter half of the 13th century.
The headquarters of Valluvanad was ], a suburb of present day ], which is now famous for its ]. The guardian deity of the Valluvanad royal family was Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavati at Thirumandhamkunnu Temple {{r|Ayyar|p=93}}.


=== Family origin ===
Ever since, the elite suicide squad called the ''Chaver Pada'', were despatched at every Mamankam by Walluvanad to kill the Samoothiri and take back its lost pride.
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 (]) along ] river near present-day Shoranur {{r|:1|p=186}}. Another possible location for the original home of the family is in the present ]-] area{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}}. There is an Arangottu Siva temple as well there. ] was a part of Valluvanad kingdom while ] was a part of ]. Kuruva is situated near ], where the Kovilakam of Valluvanad royal family known as ''Mankada Kovilakam'' exists. ], and ] are also located near Kuruva.


==History==
The houses in the captured areas would accept only ''Vellattiri'' as their legitimate king. Most of the ] houses and ''kalari'' <ref> Martial art training schools </ref> had ''kudippaka'' (blood feud) against the Zamorin and had lost their members in the wars against him. More deaths meant incitement to the blood feud and new recruits to the suicide squads. To counter the local unrests, the Zamorin followed a custom of 'implanting' Muslim families and the families of other commanders who had allegiance to him, in the captured areas of Malappuram.


=== An entity in south Kerala ===
The severe and frequent wars on Walluvanad by the Zamorin continued.Even after the loss of his ally Kochi Raja, ''Vellaattiri'' did not submit to Samoothiri.
The Huzur Office Copper Plates (865 CE) (also known as the Parthivapuram plates) mention Valluvanad as a region within the ].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rao |first1=Gopinatha |title=Travancore Archaeological Series |date=1910 |publisher=Madras Methodist Publishing House |page=5 |url=https://tamildigitallibrary.in/admin/assets/book/TVA_BOK_0013423_Travancore_Archaeological_series.pdf}}</ref> ] 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 ] 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.<ref>''Epigraphia Indica'' 27 (1947–48), no. 47: 292–304.</ref> Vellan Kumaran is described as a commander in the Chola army in the famous ] (948-49 CE) and considered a close confidante of Chola prince Rajaditya.
By now all that was left to Vellaattiri were Attappadi valley, parts of ], Ottappalam and Perinthalmanna. Zamorin invaded these territories but could not make much progress, because these regions were sparsely populated and most parts were dense forests and hills. It was impossible for Zamorins's large army to march forth through these areas. The fights with ''Vellaattiri's'' men became more and more difficult for Zamorin. Vellaattiri's smaller army in turn made the most of the landscape and successfully kept the armies of Zamorin at bay.


=== A district in Central Kerala within the Chera Perumal kingdom ===
Later during the Mysore invasion, ''Valluvakonathiri'' sought asylum in ]. On the cessation of Malabar to the British by ], ''Vellaattiri'' entered into an agreement with the British, and became a pensioner.
Valluvanad was one of the chiefdoms within the kingdom of the ] (until the 12th century).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> The chieftain of Valluvanad, the nadu-udayavar, claimed authority through kinship and descent.<ref name=":0" /> The Hundred, the military organisation of the chiefdom, was the "aru-nurruvar" (the Six Hundred).<ref name=":0" /> The Vellattiri chieftain (the udayavar) initially exercised suzerain rights over a large portion of central Kerala.<ref name=":0" /> 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.<ref name="RVRIB">{{cite journal|title=Volume IX|journal=Rama Varma Research Institute Bulletin|volume=IX|issue=I|page=44}}</ref>


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.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />
=== Mamamkam ===


Rayiran Chathan, the chieftain (the udayavar) of Valluvanad, is mentioned as a witness in the ] ({{circa|1000}}) issued by the Chera Perumal.
Mamamkam was a festival which was held on the banks of Bharathapuzha.It was to Kerala what the Olympian and Pythian festivals had been to ancient Greece. It was held once in 12 years. Kings, nobles, brahmins, traders,artists etc. constituted the crowd on the sands of Thirunavaya. It was an occasion of joy and excitement.


Other references to Valluvanad
The patronage of Mamamkam was known as ''Raksha Purusha Sthanam''. It was a position of great honour and prestige. ''Valluvakonathiri'' was the Patron of Mamamkam before the Zamorin usurped it. This was a great blow to the self-respect of the people of Walluvanad. Therefore everytime the
Zamorin took his position as ''Rakshapurusha'' at the Mamamkam, the Suicide squad or ''chaver pada'' of Walluvanad reached there to fight against him. Death was a certainty but still they came, ready to die, to uphold the prestige of their ruler.


* Irayira Chekaran of Valluvanad was involved in a temple resolution to take over the village of Taviranur and bring it under the village of ] (]) (inscription).<ref name=":0" /><ref>''SII'', Vol. V, No. 775.</ref>
There were four Nair families under Vellaathiri who used to send their heroes to fight and die in the mamankam festival. These were Chandratt Panicker, Putumanna Panicker, Kokat Panicker and Verkot Panicker. Along with them went a number of soldiers drawn from 'arms - bearing' castes including Muslims who opted themselves to die. Most of these Chaver soldiers had lost their relatives or elders in previous wars with the Zamorin , and were incited also by the blood feud against him. They came from various parts of Malabar, assembled at Thirumanthamkunnu under Vellaattiri, and were led by commanders from one of the four houses.
* Irayiravar, the Valluvanad chief, is seen in three temple transaction-related inscriptions from Avattiputhur/Avittathur (near ]) - an example of the chief performing regulatory functions outside his chiefdom.<ref name=":0" />
* When a market centre was established at ] (namely "Bhaskarapuram"), the protection of the area was given to the "aru-nurruvar" of Valluvanad (inscription dated to the close of the 10th century).<ref name=":2">Gurukkal, Rajan. "A NEW EPIGRAPH REFERRING TO ERNADU." ''Proceedings of the Indian History Congress'', vol. 37, 1976, pp. 526–531.</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name="RVRIB" /> - an example of the Hundred Organisation performing regulatory functions outside the chiefdom.<ref name=":0" />


=== Independent chiefdom ===
The Mamankam festival of 1683 is vividly described by William Logan in his Malabar Manual -
''"Amid much din and firing of guns the Morituri, the Chaver Nayars, the elect of four Nayar houses in Walluvanad, step forth from the crowd and receive the last blessings and farewells of their friends and relatives. They have just partaken of the last meal they are to eat on earth at the house of the temple representative of their chieftain; they are decked with garlands and smeared with ashes. On this particular occasion it is one of the houses of Putumanna Panikkar who heads the fray. He is joined by seventeen of his friends - Nayar or Mappila or other arms-bearinng caste-men - for all who so wish may fall in with sword and target in support of the men who have elected to die.


With the fall of the Chera Perumal kingdom around the 12th century, the various autonomous chiefdoms became independent.<ref name=":1" /> A Valluvanad ruler is mentioned as a witness in the ] from 1225.
''Armed with swords and targets alone they rush at the spearmen thronging the palisades; they wind and turn their bodies, as if they had no bones, casting them forward and backward, high and low, even to the astonishment of the beholders. But notwithstanding the suppleness of their limbs, notwithstanding their delight and skill and dexterity in weapons, the result is inevitable, and is prosaically recorded in the chronicle thus: The number of Chavers who came and died in the early morning the next day after the elephant began to be adorned with gold trappings - being Putumanna Kantur Menon and followers - was 18.''


The Brahmins of Sukapuram were supporters of Valluvanad.<ref name=":2" />
''At various times during the ten last days of the festival the same thing is repeated. Whenever the Zamorin takes his stand on the terrace, assumes the sword and shakes it, men rush forth from the crowd on the west temple gate only to be impaled on the spears of the guardsmen who relieve each other from day to day."''


=== Zamorin's encroachments ===
The last Mamamkam was celebrated in 1766.
After the fall of Chera Perumal kingdom in the 12th century, the right to preside over the Tirunavaya ] (as the 'Rakshapurusha') passed on to the Vellattiri (according to local traditions). When the ] (the samoothiri) of ] became a major force in Kerala, they made inroads into Valluvanad and even usurped the right to preside over the Mamankam {{r|Ayyar|p=91}}. The zamorin eventually extended his kingdom as east as ] and as deep as ] {{r|Ayyar|p=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.<ref name=":10">Haridas V.V. "DYING FOR A CAUSE: 'CAVER' OF MEDIEVAL KERALA." ''Proceedings of the Indian History Congress'', vol. 61, 2000, pp. 492–500.</ref>
--] 16:20, 6 September 2006 (UTC)

Perumbilavil Punnekat Achyutha Menon
According to historians, "...&nbsp;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&nbsp;..."<ref name=":10" />

Notes from historian K. V. Krishna Ayyar<ref name="Ayyar">{{cite book |last1=Ayyar |first1=K.V. Krishna |title=The Zamorins of Calicut |year=1999 |publisher=University of Calicut |isbn=978-8177480009 |edition=1999}}</ref>

* Brahmin Raja of Tirumanasseri ceded Ponnani to the zamorin as the price for his protection from Valluvanad and Perumpatappu (Cochin) {{r|Ayyar|p=101-102}}.
*Tradition says that the zamorin, despair for success at Tirunavaya, sought divine help by propitiating the Tirumandhamkunnu Bhagavati {{r|Ayyar|p=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) {{r|Ayyar|p=101-102}}. Nilambur was placed under Taccharakkavu Eralan, and Vallappanattukara under Tarakkal Eroma Menon (the commander of Chunganad) and Manjeri under the Karanappad {{r|Ayyar|p=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 {{r|Ayyar|p=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 ]. The chieftain and his family fled to Travancore.<ref name="Logan">{{cite book |last1=Logan |first1=William |title=Malabar Manual |date=1887 |publisher=PRINTED BY R. HILL, AT THE GOVERNMENT PRESS. |location=Madras |url=https://archive.org/details/malabar_manual_volume2/page/n7/mode/2up}}</ref>

* 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.<ref name="Logan" />
* 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)<ref name="Logan" />

At the time of the Mysore conquest the following amsams (of the 1887 Valluvanad and Ernad taluks, the Valluvanad Proper) remained to Vellattiri<ref name="Logan" />

{{colbegin}}
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*chettanallur
*]
*]
*Karyavattam
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*Kottopadam
*Arakurissi
*]
*]
*Paral
*Chembrasseri
*]
{{colend}}

The following regions (known as Valluvanad-zamorin) were controlled the zamorin of Calicut ("latest acquisition" by zamorin from Vellattiri)<ref name="Logan" />
{{colbegin}}
*]
*Thiruvizhamkunnu
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
{{colend}}

=== Takeover by the English East India Company===

By the ] (1792), ] 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.<ref name="treaty1792">{{cite journal |title=A Collection of Treaties, Engagements and Other Papers of Importance Relating to British Affairs in Malabar |journal=XIII |date=1891 |volume=ii |page=155 |issue=Second Edition |url=https://indianculture.gov.in/flipbook/5090}}</ref><ref name="report1862">{{cite book |title=Reports of a Joint Commission from Bengal and Bombay appointed to inspect into the state and condition of the province of Malabar |date=1862 |publisher=H. Smith, at the Fort Saint George Gazette Press |location=Madras |page=75 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u-YwAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA75}}</ref>
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{{r|report1862|p=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.<ref name="report1862"/>

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{{r|report1862|p=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{{r|report1862|p=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).

=== Branches (Tavalis) ===
Source:<ref>{{cite thesis |type=PhD|last=V.V. |first=Haridas |date=2003|title=King court and culture in medieval Kerala - The Zamorins of Calicut A AD 1200 to AD 1767 |publisher=Mangalore University |hdl=10603/131929 |url=http://hdl.handle.net/10603/131929}}</ref>

*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 {{transl|hi|sthanis}} (the designates), in order of seniority (eldest male member in the matrilineal system), were titled as:

* Valluvakkonathiri – eldest {{transl|hi|sthani}} and supreme leader
* Vellalpad
* Thacharalpad
* Edathralpad
* Kolathur Thampuran
* Padinjarekkara Thampuran – nominated by Vellattiri (the {{transl|hi|thampuram}} had rights over some landed property and privileges).

all five were eligible for {{transl|hi|malikhana}}

=== Thampurattis ===
The eldest two female members were titled as (both were eligible for {{transl|hi|malikhana}})

* Kulathur Thampuratti – the eldest {{transl|hi|thampuratti}} of the family
* Kadanna Mootha Thampuratti – the next eldest {{transl|hi|thampuratti}}

Apart from this, the eldest female members of each {{transl|hi|kovilakam}} have their own rights and privileges.

===Government===

* Karuvayoor Moosad – the ] chief minister of Vellattiri.
* Kunnathattil Madambil Nair (]) – the chieftain ({{transl|hi|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 {{transl|hi|swaroopis}}, which included
** Two ]s
** Two persons of the royal house
** Four ]s
** Elampulakkad Achan
** Kulathur Warrier
** Uppamkalathil Pisharody
** Pathiramanna Vellodi
** Parakkatt Nair
** Kakkoott Nair
** Mannarmala Nair
**Kongad Nair
**Naduvakkat Nair
** Cherukara Pisharody

==Valluvanad Taluk under British Rule==
] in the erstwhile ]]]
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.<ref name="Logan"/> The Taluk was created in 1860–61. The headquarters of Valluvanad Taluk was ], which is located {{cvt|3|km|spell=in}} away from its main suburb ].<ref name="Logan"/> Until 1860's Nedunganad (Pattambi-Ottapalam-Cherpulassery are south of River ]), which was the original land of ''Nedungathirippad'', was a separate Taluk, and was considered as the ruling area of the ].<ref name="Logan"/> Nedunganad was added to Valluvanad Taluk only in 1860's.<ref name="Logan"/> Valluvanad Taluk was one of the two Taluk added in the ] Revenue Division of ].<ref name="Logan"/> The other Taluk in Malappuram Division was ].<ref name="Logan"/>

1. '''''Vellatiri (Walluvanad Proper)'''''

''Vellatiri'' (Walluvanad Proper) was the sole remaining territory of the ''Walluvanad Raja'' (''Valluvakonathiri''), who had once ruled majority of the ]. A major part of Ernad Taluk was under Walluvanad before the expansion of the ] in 13th-14th centuries. Some of the ''Amsoms'' in this division was part of the Ernad Taluk.<ref name="Logan"/> It consisted of the following 26 ''Amsoms'':
{{div col|colwidth=12em}}
* ]
* ]
* Mankada-Pallipuram
* ]
* ]
* Karyavattam
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* Arakurissi
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]<ref name="Logan"/>
{{div col end}}

2. '''''Walluvanad'''''

The ''Amsoms'' in this division was comparatively later acquisition by the ] in the territory of the ''Walluvanad Raja''.<ref name="Logan"/> It consisted of the following 7 ''Amsoms'':
{{div col|colwidth=12em}}
* ]
* Thiruvizhamkunnu
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]<ref name="Logan"/>
{{div col end}}

3. '''''Nedunganad'''''

''Nedunganad'' had been under the ] for some time. After the disintegration of ], Nedunganad became independent. It was ruled by ]s. Later it came under the ].<ref name="Logan"/> It consisted of the following 27 ''Amsoms'':
{{div col|colwidth=12em}}
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* Vadakkumpuram
* Moothedath Madamba
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* Chundambatta
* ]
* Pulasseri
* Naduvattam
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* Kalladipatta
* ]
* Kothakurssi
* Eledath Madamba
* ]
* Mulanjur
* Perur<ref name="Logan"/>
{{div col end}}

4. '''''Kavalappara'''''

] had its own ], who owed a sort of nominal allegiance both to the ] and the ].<ref name="Logan"/> It consisted of the following 6 ''Amsoms'':
{{div col|colwidth=12em}}
* Mundakkottukurissi
* Panamanna
* Koonathara
* Karakkad
* Kuzhappalli
* Mundamuka<ref name="Logan"/>
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* ]
* ]
* ]


==External links== ==External links==
*
*

*
==Sources==
{{Reflist}}

{{coord missing|Kerala}}


]
==Notes==
]
<references/>
] ]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 17:52, 24 December 2024

Independent chiefdom in present-day central Kerala

Kingdom of ValluvanadValluvanad
1124–1793
Thirumandhamkunnu TempleThirumandhamkunnu Temple
CapitalAngadipuram, Perinthalmanna taluk, Malappuram district, Kerala, India
Common languagesMalayalam.
GovernmentMonarchy
History 
• Established 1124
• Disestablished 1793

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. 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. 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. 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.

The geographical bounds of Valluvanad are hard to assess from available sources, and did vary significantly in time. It has been generally described as the region between the knolls of Pandalur Hills (a hill that separates old Eranad Taluk from Valluvanad Taluk, located in Malappuram-Manjeri area) and the seashore of Ponnani. The country covered the Bharathapuzha river basin in the south to the Pandalur Hills in the north. On the west, it was bounded by the Arabian Sea at the port Ponnani and on the east by Attappadi Hills. In the 12th century, Valluvanad had parts of present-day Nilambur (Nilambur-Wandoor-Karuvarakundu-Tuvvur area), Eranad (Pandikkad-Manjeri-Malappuram areas), Tirur (Tirunavaya-Athavanad-Kottakkal-Valanchery areas), and Ponnani Taluks within it, with Ponnani port providing the main access to the sea. At that time a larger part of the basins of Chaliyar and Kadalundi River were ruled by Valluvakonathiri. In its maximal extend, its northern boundary was Thrikkulam at Tirurangadi in Tirurangadi Taluk and southern border was Edathara near Palakkad. A larger portion of what is presently called Eranad region was originally under the Kingdom of Valluvanad before the conquest of Zamorin of Calicut. In early medieval period, Valluvakonathiri conquered a larger portion of Nedunganad (Pattambi-Ottapalam-Shoranur-Cherpulassery area), which was under the rule of Nedungathirippad. However Nedunganad was annexed by the Zamorin of Calicut in 15th century CE. The Nedumpuram Palace near Thiruvalla belongs to Valluvanad Royal family.

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.

Variations of the name

  • Valluvanad - Valluvanadu - Valluvanatu - Valluvanat - Walluvanad - Walluvanatu.
  • Swaroopam (Svarupam) - Arangottu (Aarangottu)
  • Vellattiri - Vellatiri - Velatra - Velnatera

Official names

  • Official name of the kingdom - the Kingdom of Vellattiri
  • Official title of the Raja - Vallabha Raja (in the treaty with English)

Sanskrit name

  • Vallabhakshoni

Hereditary title

  • Rajasekhara (or Rayaran/Irayira Chekaran or Irayiravar)
    • 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 .

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 . Another possible location for the original home of the family is in the present Kuruva-Makkaraparamba area. 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. 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. 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). The chieftain of Valluvanad, the nadu-udayavar, claimed authority through kinship and descent. The Hundred, the military organisation of the chiefdom, was the "aru-nurruvar" (the Six Hundred). The Vellattiri chieftain (the udayavar) initially exercised suzerain rights over a large portion of central Kerala. 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.

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.

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).
  • 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.
  • 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). - an example of the Hundred Organisation performing regulatory functions outside the chiefdom.

Independent chiefdom

With the fall of the Chera Perumal kingdom around the 12th century, the various autonomous chiefdoms became independent. A Valluvanad ruler is mentioned as a witness in the Viraraghava Copper Plates from 1225.

The Brahmins of Sukapuram were supporters of Valluvanad.

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 . The zamorin eventually extended his kingdom as east as Nilambur and as deep as Venkattakota (now called Kottakkal) .

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.

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 ..."

Notes from historian K. V. Krishna Ayyar

  • Brahmin Raja of Tirumanasseri ceded Ponnani to the zamorin as the price for his protection from Valluvanad and Perumpatappu (Cochin) .
  • Tradition says that the zamorin, despair for success at Tirunavaya, sought divine help by propitiating the Tirumandhamkunnu Bhagavati .
  • Malappuram, on the road between Calicut and Vellattiri's headquarters, was entrusted by the zamorin a member of Varakkal Paranampi's family (Malappuram Paranampi) . Nilambur was placed under Taccharakkavu Eralan, and Vallappanattukara under Tarakkal Eroma Menon (the commander of Chunganad) and Manjeri under the Karanappad .
  • 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 .

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.

  • 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.
  • 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)

At the time of the Mysore conquest the following amsams (of the 1887 Valluvanad and Ernad taluks, the Valluvanad Proper) remained to Vellattiri

The following regions (known as Valluvanad-zamorin) were controlled the zamorin of Calicut ("latest acquisition" by zamorin from Vellattiri)

Takeover by the English East India Company

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. 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). 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.

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. 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. A pension agreement was then settled on between the Raja and the company.

State Details

Some details and characteristics of Valluvanad kingdom/principality (northern).

Branches (Tavalis)

Source:

  • 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
    • Two Namboothiris
    • Two persons of the royal house
    • Four Panickers
    • Elampulakkad Achan
    • Kulathur Warrier
    • Uppamkalathil Pisharody
    • Pathiramanna Vellodi
    • Parakkatt Nair
    • Kakkoott Nair
    • Mannarmala Nair
    • Kongad Nair
    • Naduvakkat Nair
    • Cherukara Pisharody

Valluvanad Taluk under British Rule

Valluvanad Taluk in the erstwhile Malabar District

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. The Taluk was created in 1860–61. The headquarters of Valluvanad Taluk was Perinthalmanna, which is located three km (1.9 mi) away from its main suburb Angadipuram. 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. Nedunganad was added to Valluvanad Taluk only in 1860's. Valluvanad Taluk was one of the two Taluk added in the Malappuram Revenue Division of Malabar District. The other Taluk in Malappuram Division was Eranad.

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. It consisted of the following 26 Amsoms:

2. Walluvanad

The Amsoms in this division was comparatively later acquisition by the Zamorin in the territory of the Walluvanad Raja. It consisted of the following 7 Amsoms:

3. Nedunganad

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. It consisted of the following 27 Amsoms:

4. Kavalappara

Kavalappara had its own Nairs, who owed a sort of nominal allegiance both to the Zamorin of Calicut and the Kingdom of Cochin. It consisted of the following 6 Amsoms:

  • Mundakkottukurissi
  • Panamanna
  • Koonathara
  • Karakkad
  • Kuzhappalli
  • Mundamuka

See also

External links

Sources

  1. ^ 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. ISBN 9788188765072.
  2. ^ Ganesh, K. N. (2009). Historical Geography of Natu in South India with Special Reference to Kerala. Indian Historical Review, 36(1), 3–21.
  3. Rao, Gopinatha (1910). Travancore Archaeological Series (PDF). Madras Methodist Publishing House. p. 5.
  4. Kerala (India); Menon, A. Sreedhara (1986). Kerala District Gazetteers. Superintendent of Government Presses,University of Michigan. p. 224.
  5. Schneider, David Murray; Gough, Kathleen (1961). Matrilineal Kinship. University of California Press. p. 307. ISBN 978-0-520-02529-5.
  6. S. Rajendu - History of Valluvanad - from pre-historic times to A.D. 1792, Malayalam, Perintalmanna, 2012
  7. ^ Logan, William (1887). Malabar Manual. Madras: PRINTED BY R. HILL, AT THE GOVERNMENT PRESS.
  8. A. Shreedhara Menon, A Survey of Kerala History, DC Books, Kottayam (2007)
  9. ^ Ayyar, K.V. Krishna (1999). The Zamorins of Calicut (1999 ed.). University of Calicut. ISBN 978-8177480009.
  10. Rao, Gopinatha (1910). Travancore Archaeological Series (PDF). Madras Methodist Publishing House. p. 5.
  11. Epigraphia Indica 27 (1947–48), no. 47: 292–304.
  12. ^ "Volume IX". Rama Varma Research Institute Bulletin. IX (I): 44.
  13. SII, Vol. V, No. 775.
  14. ^ Gurukkal, Rajan. "A NEW EPIGRAPH REFERRING TO ERNADU." Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, vol. 37, 1976, pp. 526–531.
  15. ^ Haridas V.V. "DYING FOR A CAUSE: 'CAVER' OF MEDIEVAL KERALA." Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, vol. 61, 2000, pp. 492–500.
  16. "A Collection of Treaties, Engagements and Other Papers of Importance Relating to British Affairs in Malabar". XIII. ii (Second Edition): 155. 1891.
  17. ^ Reports of a Joint Commission from Bengal and Bombay appointed to inspect into the state and condition of the province of Malabar. Madras: H. Smith, at the Fort Saint George Gazette Press. 1862. p. 75.
  18. V.V., Haridas (2003). King court and culture in medieval Kerala - The Zamorins of Calicut A AD 1200 to AD 1767 (PhD). Mangalore University. hdl:10603/131929.

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