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History of the Family

Introduction

We offer great tributes to our beloved ancestors of Puliyasseri Tharavad. With their blessings from heaven, we begin this venture of making a landmark in the history of Puliyasseri Tharavad by making a web site and entering into the Cyberspace. We express our sincere thanks to elders of our Tharavad, who have taken initiative to the meeting held on 24th November 2002 at Thannikkal house under the direction of Puliyasseri Kunhiraman Nair, which authorized a committee to write the history of Puliyasseri Tharavad. It is a challenging job to collect the past details of Tharavad from the limited sources within a stipulated period of time. The challenge has been taken by the committee and completed the work successfully. The committee express its gratitude to Puliyasseri Kaliani Amma, who had celebrated her 90th birth day recently, Tharol Ravunnikutty Nair and other elder members of Tharavad for opening their reminiscence to recollect the information about the yester years of tharvadu, and that became very useful in the preparation of the history of Puliyasseri Tharavad. The manuscripts prepared by Rajan Puliyasseri helped very much to gather history of 400years of Tharavad. Much information noted here is quoted from the partition deed of 1926 obtained from Puliyasseri Ravunnikutty Nair. Discussions held by P. Gireesh (Kannancheri) and P. Aneesh with several historians also helped to collect some fruitful information. By referring many of the history books about great Nair Tharavad, the committee had got much information in this regard.

About Tharavad

Puliyasseri Tharavad is one of the richest and Aristocratic Nair Tharavad of Kerala. These Nair Tharavads are of Dravidian Stock. The ancestors enjoyed special privileges and power. This Tharavad has a number of members who lived together in one big house called Puliyasseri. And this Tharavad was a self-governing economic unit. The members collectively owned property from which they derived lively hood. There were so many dependants of Puliyasseri Tharavad in Vallikunnu Amsam.

Topography

Vallikunnu got its name after the river "Valliyar", which flowed encompassing the hilly area. In another mythological concept this place got the name because of the meditation of "Valli" for getting the blessings of Lord Subrahmania. This area was under the control of Parappanad Kingdom. In 1425, the country was divided into North Parappanad and South Parappanad. Parappanad Kingdom was the dependent of Zamorins of Calicut. In historical books it's given that in the middle of 18th centaury, Royal Family of Parappanad Kingdom, migrated into Travencore due to the invasion of Tippu. Landed properties of Puliyasseri Tharavad lies scattered all over the area of Parappanad Kingdom. By referring the deed it's clear that Puliyasseri Tharavad was the richest among Nair Tharavads of Vallikunnu. The great Karanavars Raman Nair, Krishnan Nair and Gopalan Nair had taken a great effort to accumulate the major landed properties and wealth of the family. There were so many tamarind trees existed in the Tharavad compound and got the name PULIYASSERI, according to elders of this Tharavad.

Location

Puliyasseri, one of the great oldest Nair Tharavads is situated in the heart of Vallikunnu Panchayath. This panchayath belongs to Tirurangadi taluk, Malappuram district of Kerala state. While traveling 500 m through Kuriya padam road from Athanikkal, a small city in vallikunnu panchayath, we can see a building complex which consists of Pathayappura, Nalupura and Anchampura; this is the Head quarters of Puliyasseri Tharavad. Karanavars stayed in Pathayappura and Nalupura for ladies. Anchampura was meant for recreational activities. A huge banyan tree and a pond named Ramkulam are situated near the Tharavad. This pond is meant for Tharavad members. The construction of Tharavad followed rich architectural heritage. Later Kannancheri (Methle Pura, Thazhathe Pura), Thannaatta, Thannikkal, Pokkanparambu, and many beautiful newly constructed houses of Puliyasseri members are situated around this Tharavad. At the time of Karanavar Govindan Nair, Kannancheri House, a two building complex(Methaleppura and Thazhatheppura) was constructed following the beautiful architectural heritage. Methaleppura was the residance Karanavar (Karanavar resided in the upstairs) and to trample sheaf of Paddy and as a storage(ground floor), and the great balcony of that house worked as a Court Hall to make judgments on main issues of that locality. And Thazhatheppura was meant for residence of family members.

Wealth

Puliyasseri Tharavad was one of the independent economic unit of Parapnadu Desom.This Tharavad was the richest among Nair Tharavads of Vallikunnu. The main source of income was agriculture products like paddy, coconut etc., got from owned landed properties and lease got from dependants of Tharavad. Tharavad have a lot of 'Janmam Right' landed properties scattered all over Parappanadu Desom. Most of Tharavad members were involved in agriculture oriented entrepreneurship. The kerala Land Reforms act 1969 adversely affected the landed properties of Puliyasseri Tharavad. The karavananmar especially Raman Nair, Gopalan Nair, Krishnan Nair and Govindan Nair initiated in accumulating the wealth of the tharavad.

Fame

Puliyasseri Nair Tharavad is always considered as one of the Aristocratic Nair Tharavad of Kerala. By referring the deeds, it's very clear that Puliyasseri Tharavad was the Richest Nair Tharavad of Vallikunnu. The rulers of each period considered the opinions of Tharavad Karanavar while taking final decisions. The administrative periods of Gopalan Nair (Website Code: A1A) and Govindan Nair (Web site Code: A2A1) were considered as Golden Era of the Tharavad. This Tharavad had accepted all social reform movements and members actively participated in such movements. Members of this family were involved in freedom struggle movement of India. Puliyasseri Sankunni Nair Participated in "Parappur Sammelanam", a meeting connected with freedom struggle. Tharavad had given so many contributions in the field of education in Vallikunnu. Kunchunni Nambiar (H/O Puliyasseri Devaki Amma) laid foundation stone by starting many schools at different areas of Vallikunnu. Puliyasseri Govindan Nair (Web site Code: A2A1) was one of the four eminent persons with whom the magistrate of that period consulted before judgment. He wore turban which is the symbol of reputation.

Dharmmakanjipparcha ( ധര്‍മ്മകഞ്ഞിപ്പാര്‍ച്ച )

A custom of free meal distribution for poor people in Vallikunnu, prevailed till recent days. This function was conducted on birthday (Pooram Star of Midhunam Month (Kolla Varsham)) of respected Karanavar Gopalan Nair to remember his great contributions to Tharavad.

Elephant

Puliyasseri Govindan Nair bought an elephant, which increased the fame of the Taharavadu. He named the elephant as Parukutty. Later Parukutty gave birth to a baby elephant and named it as Gopalan. In those days peoples believed that the event of male baby elephant's birth will increase the prosperity of the Tharavad. In this locality Puliyasseri was the only Nair Tharavdu that reared elephants. These elephants were reared for a longer period. A separate land known as "Karuvarathode" was kept as "Anappanthi".

Kaalapoottu ( കാളപൂട്ട് )

Kalapootu is a sports item of Malabar Area. Great Tharavads participates the Bulls or Oxen in these Races. Winning in this race will increases the fame of Tharavad. Karanavars promoted Ox Races and won many awards. . Puliyasseri Balakrishnan Nair and Puliyasseri Unnikrishnan Nair are the famous promoters in this field.

Customs and Conventions

According to famous historians about 138 types of Nair families exist in Kerala. The highly grade Nair families are Land Lords and engaged in agriculture sectors. They take care to keep their purity by avoiding relation ships with Brahmins, especially with Namboothiris. By referring the historical documents and manuscripts it is found that the Puliyasseri Tharavad belongs to Aristocratic Nair Family. Ancestors celebrated all "Andaruthis". This is an occasion for all family members to meet each other and to renew the friendship and co-operation. On such day food is not prepared in the houses of family members except Tharavad. All members had their meals from Tharavad on that day . This Tharavad had a rich collection of huge brass vessels known as "Charak", "Uruli", "Chembu", "Thalavarppan", "Chatukam", "Korika" , etc….These are used to prepare feast during "Andaruthi". On "Andaruthi" Days dependants of Tharavdu offered "Kazhchakulakal","Kayyil","Kathi", "Ola",etc.. as a present to Tharavad. Karanavar presented Cloth, Oil and "Valli" etc ..to the dependents. "Dharmakanhipparcha" was also conducted on such occasions. "Kettukalyanam" and "Thirandukalyanam" were celebrated. Child marriage was prevalent among Nair Women. One of the salient features of Nair Tharavad of Kerala was the prevalence "Marumakkathayam". This custom was prevailed till the turn of the century in this Tharavad.

Worship

As detailed in Indian and Kerala history this Tharavad members worship Lord Siva and Vishnu. Tharavad members also worship Mekkotta Bagavathy(Goddess of Mekkotta Temple). Puliyasseri women are taking "Thalam" in Mekkotta Thalappoli festival. Karanavar had written in deed about the uninterrupted offerings to be done by the Tharavad in various temples located in various part of Parappanad Desam. Some of them are "One day Thrikala Pooja" in "Vrischika" Month at Mekkotta. One day "Navakam" at Arammal Siva Temple, one day "Nirmalyam" at Eravimangalam Vishnu Temple and 30 days "Ganapathy Homam" during the month of "Karkkidakam". "Muttathu Guruthi","Ayyappan Vilakku","Kanippattu", and "Andioottu" are some other worships done by Tharavad.

Administration

Administration of tharavad by different Karanavars was based on strict discipline and order . The fame and wealth of Tharavad increased very much due to this administrative style. The integrity and co-operation among Tharavad members also increased. Karanavar was the sole authority to take any dicision which affects the set up of Tharavad. Karanavar cusulted with Karanavarlady while taking important decisions. This shows that Nair ladies had a prominent position in society. Tharavad is divided into "thavazhikal" for easy administration. Three or more families together formed a thavazhi. Eldest member ( male)of the thavazhi became the manager. If there is no male participation to take that role the two elder ladies jointly managed the thavazhi's administrative matters. The final decision about important matters were taken by Tharavad Karanavar. An additional share of landed properties were given to karanvar as a reward for performance of his duty without any corruption. The properties were shared among the families of tharavad. The tharavad followed "marumakkathayam" for sharing their landed properties. A special consideration had been given to widows and unmarried ladies from time immemorial.

Thaavazhikal ( താവഴികള്‍ )

Tharavad was devided into two major Thavazhikal. 1. Kannancheri Thavazhi 2. Puliyasseri Thavazhi The first one includes Thannatta, Kannancheri(Thzhathappura and Methaleppura), Pokkanparambath and Madathil(Nallamgandi). The second Thavazhi includes Nalupura, Pathayappura, Pulikkal and Thannikkal. Puliyasseri Parvathy Amma,Puliyasseri Ammukutty Amma, Puliyasseri Narayinikutty Amma, Puliyasseri Devaki Amma, Puliyasseri Kuttykrishnan Nair, Puliyasseri Gopalan Nair are the recently fallen leaves of Kannancheri branched tree.. Puliyasseri Kutti Sankaran Nair, Puliyasseri Lakshmi Amma, Puliyasseri Ayyappan Nair, Puliyasseri Sadasivan, Puliyasseri Nani Amma, Visalakshi Amma are the recently fallen leaves of Puliyasseri branched tree.

More about Tharavad

Puliyasseri Tharavad Members are taking vital role in socio-cultural, economical,and political developments of Vallikunnu and Kerala. There are many government servants, defense service persons, business entrepreneurs, agriculture entrepreneurs from this family. Women equally share all the responsibilities and status with men. The members of family are spread all over the world. In all sectors of social developments family members contributing their own services. Nowadays Tharavad is divided into many economically independent nuclear families. However the integrity and co-operation among families are increasing day by day.

Kudumbasamithi ( കുടുംബസമിതി )

The joint effort of elder members and young generation lead to the formation of a "KudumbaSamithi". The goal of the samithi is to attain the abundance of wealth and prosperity to Tharavad by building up integrity and co-operation among members. The Kudumbasamithi formed on 24thNovember 2002. Puliyasseri Kunhiraman Nair presided over the first meeting of Kudumbasamithi held at Thannikkal. On the eve of 5th November 2002 Puliyasseri Gireesh(Kannancheri) and Puliyasser Aneesh(Abhilash) discussed about the formation of a Kudumbasamithy and a Taravad website. Later they discussed the matter with Puliyasseri Jayakrishnan and Puliyasseri Veerendrakumar. These young people took initiative for the formation of Kudumbasamithi. This team presented the matter before the elder people of family. In the meeting held on 24th November 2002 at Thannikkal House, They gave permission for future works. The following members were participated.:

1. Puliyasseri Unnikrishnan Nair.
2. P.I. Gopalakrishna Menon.
3. Puliyasseri Balakrishnan Nair.
4. Puliyasseri Vijayan Nair.
5. Puliyasseri Gopalakrishnan Nair.
6. V. Rajagopalan Nair.
7. P. Premanathan.
8. Puliyasseri Sethumadhavan.
9. Puliyasseri Rajan.
10. Puliyasseri Premanandan.
11. Puliyasseri Jayakrishnan.
12. Puliyasseri Vijayan.
13. Puliyasseri Veerendrakumar.
14. Puliyasseri Gireesh(Kannancheri).
15. Puliyasseri Pradeepkumar.
16. Puliyasseri Sivaprasad.
17. Puliyasseri Aneesh.
18. Puliyasseri Pradeesh.

Decisions taken in the meeting:

1. Writing the history of the PULIYASSERI tharavad and collecting necessary details for the website. Appointed a committee with the following members.

  • Puliyasseri Rajan
  • Puliyasseri Veerendra Kumar
  • Puliyasseri Gireesh(Kannancheri)
  • Puliyasseri Aneesh

2. Appointed a temporary committee to organize a Kudumba Yogam and for the future works.
Convener :Puliyasseri Vijayan Nair.
Jt.Convener:Puliyasseri Jayakrishnan.