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Kingdom of Valluvanad

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

Valluvanad (Malayalam: [ʋɐɭːuʋɐnaːɖə̆]), or the Arangottu Swarupam, was a medieval state that exerted considerable influence in the region corresponding to present-day north-central Kerala, south India, from the early 12th century until the close of the 18th century CE.

Attested as early as the late 10th century CE as a constituent chiefdom of the medieval Chera kingdom of Kerala, Valluvanad emerged as a sovereign state following the kingdom's dissolution in the early 12th century CE.[1][2] It was traditionally ruled by a Samanthan Nair family known as Vellodis, similar to the Eradis of the neighboring Eranad (the Zamorins of Calicut). The rulers of Valluvanad held the title of Valluvakonathiri or Vellattiri.[3][4]

The state was disestablished in 1793, with the East India Company taking over its administration directly, and the hereditary ruling family settling for a pension arrangement.

Name variations

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Valluvanad, also known by various transliterations such as Valluvanadu, Valluvanatu, Valluvanat, Walluvanad, and Walluvanatu, was alternatively referred to as the Arangottu Swaroopam (or Aarangottu Svarupam).

The rulers of Valluvanad held the titles of Valluvakonathiri or Vellattiri, with variations such as Vellatiri, Velatra, and Velnatera. In official treatises with the Company, the state was recognized as the kingdom of Vellattiri, and the official title of the ruler was "Vallabha Raja".[5]

The Sanskrit name for the state was "Vallabhakshoni".[6] The hereditary title of the ruler was Rajasekhara, sometimes written as Rayaran, Irayira Chekaran, or Irayiravar in medieval Malayalam.[2] For instance, Rajasekhara, the ruler of Valluvanad, and his son, Vellan Kumaran, are mentioned in an inscription from Tiruvottiyur, while Rayaran Chathan, the udaiyavar (overlord) of Valluvanad, is noted in the Jewish Copper Plates from around 1000 CE.

Headquarters

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The headquarters of Valluvanad was Angadipuram, a suburb of present day Perinthalmanna, which is renowned for the Thirumandhamkunnu Temple. The traditional guardian deity of the Valluvanad royal family was Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavati, the presiding goddess of the temple.[7]

Territorial extend

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The geographical boundaries of medieval Valluvanad are difficult to determine from available sources, and they varied significantly over time. Traditionally, it has been described as the region between the knolls of the Pandalur Hills (which separate the old taluks of Eranad and Valluvanad, located east of the Malappuram and Manjeri area) and Ponnani on the Arabian Sea.[8] It probably extended from the Bharathapuzha basin in the south to the Pandalur Hills in the north. To the west, it was bounded by the Arabian Sea at the port of Ponnani, and to the east, perhaps by the Attappadi Hills.

In the 12th century, Valluvanad likely included parts of present-day Nilambur (the Nilambur-Wandoor-Karuvarakundu-Tuvvur area), Eranad (the Pandikkad-Manjeri-Malappuram areas), Tirur (the Tirunavaya-Athavanad-Kottakkal-Valanchery areas), and Ponnani Taluks, with the port of Ponnani serving as the primary access to the sea.

During this period, a significant portion of the Chaliyar and Kadalundi River basins may have been under the rule of the Valluvakonathiri. At its maximum extent, the northern boundary likely reached Thrikkulam at Tirurangadi in Tirurangadi Taluk, while the southern border extended to Edathara near Palakkad.

A large portion of the present-day Eranad region (Eranad and Kondotty Taluks) was originally part of the kingdom of Valluvanad before its conquest by the Zamorin of Calicut. It is believed that the Valluvakonathiri had also annexed a significant part of Nedunganad (the Pattambi-Ottapalam-Shoranur-Cherpulassery area), which had been under the rule of the Nedungathirippad. However, Nedunganad was likely incorporated into the Calicut kingdom during the 15th century CE.

The Nedumpuram Palace, located near Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, is associated with the Valluvanad royal family.

Family origin

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The house or dynasty that had hereditary rulers over Valluvanad was known as the Arangottu Swaroopam (or Aarangottu Svarupam), possibly because the ancestral home of the family was located at Arangode (Arangottukara), along the Bharathappuzha River near present-day Shoranur.[9] Another possible location for the ancestral home of the family is in the present-day Kuruva-Makkaraparamba area, as evidenced by the Arangottu Siva Temple located there. Kuruva is situated near Mankada, where a Kovilakam of the Valluvanad royal family, known as Mankada Kovilakam, still exists[citation needed].

Political history

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An entity in south Kerala

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Some scholars state that the Valluvanad in northern Kerala, ruled by hereditary chieftains, was possibly organised in the beginning of the 10th century with a chieftain or general from Valluvanad in the south Kerala nominated as hereditary chieftain so that the name of Valluvanad was also transplanted there.[1][2]

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.[10] It is possible that the new chiefdom in central Kerala (within the kingdom of the Chera Perumals) derives its origin from this eponymous subdivision in south Kerala.[1]

The Huzur Office Copper Plates (865 CE) (also known as the Parthivapuram plates) mention Valluvanad as a region within the Ay kingdom.[10] Eraniel in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu is also stated as being within this region. The plates refer to Karunandadakan (having the title of "Sree Vallabhan") and the establishment of the temple at Parthivasekharapuram (Shri Parthasarathy Temple at Parthivapuram in the Kanyakumari district).

Inscriptions at the Shiva temple at Thiruvotriyur (late 10th century) describing the life of Vellan Kumaran states that he is from a place called "Nandikkarai Puttur" (present-day Thirunandikkara), and is the son of the Valluvanad chieftain ('valabha rashtra natha') Rajasekhara.[11] Vellan Kumaran is described as a commander in the Chola army in the famous Battle of Takkolam (948-49 CE) and considered a close confidante of Chola prince Rajaditya.

Within the medieval Chera state

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Valluvanad was one of the constituent chiefdoms of the Chera kingdom in Kerala (until the 12th century CE).[1][2] The chieftain of Valluvanad, one of the several nadu-udayavar (the local ruler), claimed his authority through kinship and descent. The Valluvanad chieftain (the udayavar) appears to have initially exercised suzerain rights over a large portion of territory in north-central Kerala. The "Hundred" organization of the chiefdom, composed of Nairs, was known as the "aru-nurruvar" (the Six Hundred).[2] A 10th-century temple inscription from the Irinjalakuda Temple, which declares its protection by the Valluvanad Six Hundred, notably reflects the undefined territorial limits of the Hundred's jurisdiction.[12][2] Rayiran Chathan, the chieftain (the udayavar) of Valluvanad, is mentioned as a witness in the Jewish copper plates of Cochin (c. 1000) issued by the Chera ruler of Kerala.

Several inscriptional references provide valuable insights into Valluvanad during this period. One such example mentions Irayira Chekaran, the chieftain of Valluvanad, participating in a temple resolution to take over the village of Tavanur and bring it under the jurisdiction of Sukapuram (Edappal).[2][13] In another instance, Irayiravar, a Valluvanad chief, appears in three temple transaction-related inscriptions from Avattiputhur (present-day Avittathur near Kodungallur), highlighting his involvement in regulatory functions beyond the borders of his chiefdom.[2] Additionally, an inscription dated to the late 10th century records the establishment of a market center at Irinjalakkuda, known as Bhaskarapuram, where responsibility for protection was entrusted to the "aru-nurruvar" (the Six Hundred) of Valluvanad.[14][2][12] This suggests that the Hundred exercised authority beyond the traditional bounds of Valluvanad.[2]

As sovereign rulers

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With the dissolution of the Chera kingdom in the early 12th century, the various constituent chiefdoms, including Valluvanad, emerged as independent states.[1] According to traditions, after the fall of the Cheras, the sacred right to preside over the Tirunavaya Mamankam festival — as the "Rakshapurusha" — passed on to the Vellattiris, the rulers of Valluvanad.[15]

Valluvanad continued to assert its presence, and a ruler of Valluvanad is next mentioned as a witness in the Viraraghava Copper Plates dated to 1225 CE. In the subsequent period, the Brahmins of Sukapuram are known to have been supporters of the Valluvanad rulers.[14]

Zamorin's encroachments

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When the Zamorin (the Samoothiri), the ruler of Calicut, rose to power and became a dominant force in Kerala, he began making inroads into Valluvanad territory and eventually usurped the sacred Mamankam Rakshapurusha right, along with control over the sacred center of Tirunavaya.[15] As a prelude to this, the Brahmin Raja of the Tirumanasseri country ceded the port of Ponnani to the Zamorin as the price for his protection from Valluvanad and Perumpatappu (later Cochin).[16][17]

According to tradition, in his desperation to succeed at Tirunavaya, the Zamorin even sought divine intervention by propitiating the Tirumandhamkunnu Bhagavati (the goddess).[17] Key locations such as Malappuram (on the road between Calicut and the Vellattiri's headquarters), Nilambur, Vallappanattukara, and Manjeri were also annexed.[17] Kariyur Mussad, the Brahmin minister and general of the Vellattiri, was captured and executed at Pataparamba, and his lands—known as the Ten Kalams and Pantalur—were seized.[17] The Zamorin ultimately extended his influence as far east as Nilambur.[18]

Blood feud with the Zamorins

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In retaliation for major losses to the Zamorin of Calicut—most notably the seizure of the port of Ponnani and the sacred Tirunavaya—the Vellattiri began dispatching bands of suicide warriors, known as "Chavers", to ritually challenge and attempt to kill the Zamorin during the Mamankam festival. This commitment was a symbolic effort to reclaim their rightful authority over the ceremony.[19]

According to historians, "... the caver[s] 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[s] died fighting at Tirunavaya even after many generations. Thus it takes the form of blood feud ..."[19]

In Early Modern Period

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The area marked as "Valluvanad Proper" in the East India Company records was the sole remaining territory under the control of the Valluvanad "Raja" in late 18th century AD. By this period, it had become a minor, landlocked state situated in the north-central region of Kerala.[5]

Valluvanad Proper comprised a number of amsams that were part of the 1887 Valluvanad and Ernad Taluks. These included Angadipuram, Perinthalmanna, Melattur, Keezhattur, Pallippuram, Mankada, Arakkuparamba, Chettanallur, Puzhakkattiri, Valambur, Karyavattam, Nenmini, Kodur, Pang, Kolathur, Kuruvambalam, Pulamanthole, Elamkulam, Vettattur, Kottopadam, Arakurissi, Tachampara, Anamangad, Paral, Chembrasseri, and Pandikkad.[5]

Certain regions — collectively referred to as "Valluvanad-Zamorin" — had been annexed by the Zamorin of Calicut, from the Vellattiri rulers ("most recently"). These included Tuvvur, Thiruvizhamkunnu, Thenkara, Kumaramputhur, Karimpuzha, Thachanattukara, and Aliparamba.[5]

Mysore's invasion

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The rulers of Mysore invaded and annexed Kerala in the late 18th century CE. As a result, the ruler of Valluvanad and his family, like other Hindu rulers of Kerala, fled and sought refuge in the southern state of Travancore.[5]

Subsequently, like the rest of northern Kerala, the Nairs of Valluvanad were no longer allowed to retain their land without paying revenue or tribute to the ruler, as per the ancient traditions of the land (since they were obliged to follow the Valluvanad ruler in his battles). Temple properties and Brahmin-owned lands, granted by the rulers, were also confiscated and included in the state revenue.[5]

Takeover by the Company

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By the Treaty of Seringapatam (1792), the state of Mysore ceded half of its territories, including northern Kerala, to the English East India Company.

The Valluvanad Raja, who had returned from exile in Travancore (where he and the royal family had been since around 1788), requested the holding of the territories he laid claim to as a manager for the Company. The claimed territories included Millattoor, Angarypooram, Vanarcaddo, Kaapil, and the three districts of Congaad, Manoor, and Edratura, which had formerly belonged to Palgautcherry. This was granted according to an 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.[20][21]

The Raja undertook to pay a sum of Rs. 38,410.20 to the Company within the year (the sum was later increased to Rs. 41,594.20).[21] The agreement also mandated revenue collection from all minor landholders who, prior to Mysore rule, had only contributed to battle efforts. Essentially, the agreement sought to continue revenue collection as per the changes made by the Mysore rulers. Appointment of ministers or other employees in government, or those 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 was also to be stationed at Angadipuram.[21]

In May 1793, the Joint Commissioners dismissed the Valluvanad Raja and assumed direct management of Valluvanad. Inability to preserve the peace of the district (primarily due to Mappila uprisings prevalent in the region) and a shortfall in revenue collections were cited as the main reasons.[21] The dispute over the management of the three districts formerly belonging to Palgautcherry had led to the withdrawal of Raja's authority over those districts even earlier.[21] A pension agreement was then settled between the Valluvanad Raja and the Company.

The royal family

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Source:[22]

The branches (or Tavalis)

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  • 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)

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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

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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

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  • 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

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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.[5] 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.[5] 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.[5] Nedunganad was added to Valluvanad Taluk only in 1860's.[5] Valluvanad Taluk was one of the two Taluk added in the Malappuram Revenue Division of Malabar District.[5] The other Taluk in Malappuram Division was Eranad.[5]

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.[5] 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.[5] 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.[5] 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.[5] It consisted of the following 6 Amsoms:

  • Mundakkottukurissi
  • Panamanna
  • Koonathara
  • Karakkad
  • Kuzhappalli
  • Mundamuka[5]

See also

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Sources

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  1. ^ a b c d e Narayanan, M. G. S. (2013) [1972]. Perumals of Kerala. Thrissur: CosmoBooks. ISBN 9788188765072.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Ganesh, K. N. (2009). "Historical Geography of Natu in South India with Special Reference to Kerala". Indian Historical Review. 36 (1): 3–21. ISSN 0376-9836.
  3. ^ Menon, A. Sreedhara, ed. (1986). Malappuram. Kerala District Gazetteers. Superintendent of Government Presses, Government of Kerala. p. 224.
  4. ^ Gough, Kathleen (1961). "Nayar: Central Kerala". In Schneider, D. M.; Gough, K. (eds.). Matrilineal Kinship. University of California Press. p. 307.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Logan, William (2010) [1887]. Malabar. Vol. II. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services.
  6. ^ Menon, A. Sreedhara (2007) [1967]. A Survey of Kerala History. Kottayam: DC Books.
  7. ^ Ayyar, K. V. Krishna (1999) [1938]. The Zamorins of Calicut. University of Calicut. p. 93. ISBN 9788177480009.
  8. ^ Rajendu, S. (2012). Valluvanadu Charithram: Pracheenakalam Muthal AD 1792 Vare (in Malayalam). Perinthalmanna (Kerala). ISBN 978-93-5254-282-6.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  9. ^ Narayanan, M. G. S. (2013) [1972]. Perumals of Kerala. Thrissur: CosmoBooks. p. 186. ISBN 9788188765072.
  10. ^ a b Rao, T. A. Gopinatha, ed. (1910). "The Huzur Office Plates" (PDF). Travancore Archaeological Series. 1 (1). Madras: Government of Travancore: 5.
  11. ^ Raghavan, V. (1948). "No. 47: Tiruvorriyur Inscription of Chaturanana Pandita". Epigraphia Indica. XXVII: 292–304.
  12. ^ a b Nambiar, V. N. D.; V. R., Menon (1973). "Two Vatteluttu Inscriptions from the Irinnalakkuta Temple" (PDF). Bulletin of Rama Varma Research Institute. IX (I). Kerala Sahitya Academy: 44.
  13. ^ Sastri, H. Krishna, ed. (1925). "No. 775". South Indian Inscriptions. 5. Madras: Government Press.
  14. ^ a b Gurukkal, Rajan (1976). "A New Epigraph Referring to Ernadu". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 37: 526–531. ISSN 2249-1937.
  15. ^ a b Ayyar, K.V. Krishna (1999) [1938]. The Zamorins of Calicut. University of Calicut. p. 91. ISBN 978-8177480009.
  16. ^ Ayyar, K.V. Krishna (1999) [1938]. The Zamorins of Calicut. University of Calicut. ISBN 978-8177480009.
  17. ^ a b c d Ayyar, K.V. Krishna (1999) [1938]. The Zamorins of Calicut. University of Calicut. pp. 101–102. ISBN 978-8177480009.
  18. ^ Ayyar, K.V. Krishna (1999) [1938]. The Zamorins of Calicut. University of Calicut. p. 121. ISBN 978-8177480009.
  19. ^ a b Haridas, V. V. (2000). "Dying for a Cause: "Caver" of Medieval Kerala". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 61: 492–500. ISSN 2249-1937.
  20. ^ Logan, William (1891). "XIII". A Collection of Treaties, Engagements and Other Papers of Importance Relating to British Affairs in Malabar. Vol. II (2nd ed.). p. 155.
  21. ^ a b c d e Reports of a Joint Commission: Years 1792 and 1793. Madras: H. Smith, at the Fort Saint George Gazette Press. 1862. pp. 75-76 and 206.
  22. ^ Haridas, V. V. (2003). Kesavan, Veluthat (ed.). The Zamorins of Calicut: AD 1200 to AD 1767. Mangalore University.

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