The History of Edathumpadickal Family from AD 1599
Christianity came to India in the first century A.D. Saint Thomas, a disciple of
Jesus Christ, after the Pentecost day, he started his gospel work in Persia, Afghanistan, Ethiopia and India.
In AD 52, Saint Thomas made his entrance to India at the ancient port Muziris in the Malabar Coast(Kerala) of Ancient India. Port Muziris is said to be near by modern-day North Paravur and Kodungalloor in the state of Kerala, India. Saint Thomas (Mar Thoma Sleeha) converted many Hindus, including Brahmins and other upper caste families, into Christianity in various parts of South India and he established 7 and half churches(actually 8) in the South India. Since that time, the upper caste families who got converted into Christianity by Saint Thomas were known as Saint Thomas Christians OR Nasranis. Nasranis had a strong spiritual tie with Persia or East Syria from 4th Century. Hence, St.Thomas Christians or Nasranis also known as Suriyani Christians OR Syrian Christians and Kodungallur was their central place.
So, ancient India had a head start and today's Kerala was the fountain head of the spread of Christianity in India. As the result of the coming of Saint Thomas the Apostle, Christianity spread to
all parts of India. Jawaharlal Nehru wrote in his ‘Glimpses of World History’ (Chapter30) “India was, it must be remembered a country of many religions in spite of the dominance of Hindu faith in various forms and shapes.
Christianity had reached India during the first century after Christ. There was a
large number of Syrian Christians in South India, and they were as much part of
the country as anyone else”.
I. Our Ancestor Mathoo Chakkarayakathoottu - Akambady Nayakan (Captain of the Guard)
Our ancestors were also belong to the Nazranis OR St. Thomas Christians of Kodungalloor(Muziris), in the ancient India. From Kudungalloor, in the early 9th century(AD800), under the leadership of our ancestors, a group of Nazranis migrated to a place called Aranattukara which is near to Trichur(Thrissur)-Kerala State, and later they moved on to a place known as Akapparampu, which is near to Angamaly, for business and agricultural purpose. They were known as Areeckal Chakkarayakathoottu family. Most Nazrani Christians were courageous and efficient warriors, adept at martial arts like Kalaripayattu etc. Because of this, some of the Christians were chosen to serve the Kings of that time. In the late 16th century period, our ancestor Mathoo Chakkarayakathoottu was appointed as Akambady Nayakan (Captain of the Guard - അകമ്പടി നായകന്) of Alangad (Mangattu Raja) King. As per the historical records, Mathoo was deputed by Alangadu Raja to take care of the security of the then Archdeacon Gheevarghese of Malankara Nazrani Christians for attending the Udayamperoor Synod (The Synod of Diamper - ഉദയം പേരൂര് സുന്ന ഹദോസ്) in 1599 A.D at the behest of the Roman Catholic Archbishop Alexio De Menezes of Goa and Viceroy of Portugal. This honour bestowed on Mathoo is the earliest historical documented evidence of our ancestor. Please see more details in the Historical Evidences page of the website.
II. The secret plot against Mathoo and the help of Raja Udaya Marthanda Kerala Varman Manikandan (AD1606-1626) of Thekkumcore Dynasty
Later, due to some false accusations and allegations against Christians, the then Alangattu Raja began to persecute Nazrani Christians. Alangattu Raja hatched a plot to arrest and jail Akambady Nayakan Mathoo. Fortunately, Mathoo came to know about this plot. Many Nazrani Christians escaped to various places and our ancestor Mathoo moved along with his family towards the South and reached Thaliyilkotta (present Kottayam) in the Thekkumcore/Thekkumkur Kingdom, leaving behind all his assets and belongings. As a well known Kalari acrobat, Mathoo was known to the Thattunkal family of ThaliyilKotta who were famous for Kalarippayattu training in the ancient times. Thus Mathoo and family resided as guests at Thattunkal house initially and later Mathoo seeked refuge in the court of the then Thekkumcore Raja Udayamarthanda Kerala Varman Manikandan (Kottayam King - തെക്കുംകൂര് രാജ വംശം) who had known Mathoo previously. Kottayam King was pleased to appoint Mathoo as his Akambady Nayakan (Captain of the Guards). The King provided Mathoo and family with a house nearby in Thaliyilkotta main gate. Mathoo’s son Kochumathoo later shifted to Thazhathangady for business. This was in AD 1612.
III. Death of Mathoo’s wife and the split in Kottayam Cheriapally
When Mathoo’s wife died, Kottayam Raja gave an order that she should be buried in the front row of Cheriapally church cemetery, Kottayam. This row was exclusively for very important people. This incident led to unhappiness among some members of the church, and they decided to destroy the tomb of Mathoo’s wife. Raja came to know about this and was annoyed. Raja’s displeasure led to the escape of some members of the Cheriapally church along with the then Vicar Ittan Kathanar (Kathanar means priest) to Cherpunkal near Palai. In the meantime Kochumathoo, the son of Mathoo died. Mathoo decided to relinquish his position as Akambady Nayakan and resigned from the service of Thekkumcore Raja.[Picture-Cheriyapally-Kottayam]
IV. Flourishing business at Thazhathangady, Kottayam
Mathoo then took over the responsibility of running the business of his son at
Thazhathangady. This was in AD 1612. Kochumathoo had two sons. It so happened
that the eldest son was also called Mathoo. He married a Christian girl from
Bharananganam (Near Pala, Kottayam) and stayed there. (Unfortunately, despite
efforts from some of our present members, we were not able to locate this family).
Second son Kurian continued to stay at Thazhathangady to run the business.[Picture-Thazhathangady-Kottayam]
V. Royalty beckons Kurian to Pallom, Kottayam
Kurian had a flourishing business in Thazhathanagady. It was during this time that he could help a Thampuratti (female member of the royal family of Edathil Palace at Pallom) which incidentally led to a shift to Pallom which changed the fortune of our family. The rulers of Thekkumcore were the Edathil Thampurakanmar (Royal family members). They had a Kottaram (Palace) in Pallom known as Edathil Srampi Kottaram(എടത്തില് സ്രാമ്പി കൊട്ടാരം). The palace was well fortified and served as a vault, in which all their valuables were safely locked up. It is for this reason that this was known as ‘Srampi’, and this location is still called ‘Srampikadavu’. It so happened that the sister of Thampuran (Lord- Male member of the Royal family) wanted to take her son for ‘Pillayoottu’ (A Hindu custom when a child is given its first feeding of rice and the naming of the child on the twentyeighth day after the birth) at Vaikom Mahadevar Temple. As there was some dispute between the Thampuran and Thampuratti, she was not able to obtain the required funds from the palace. So, she decided to send her emissaries to raise the money by pledging her valuables with Gauda Saraswat Brahmins, who were money lenders at Thazhathangady. For fear of reprisals from the Thampuran, they refused. Somehow Kurian came to know about her plight and came to her rescue. He provided her with the money and necessary items for the ceremony without any security. After Kurian’s death, his son Ittymathoo took over the business but soon he landed in debts. It was at this time the boy for whose Pillayoottu, Kurian had helped became the Thampuran(Unni Kerala Varma Raja) of Srampi Kottaram. His mother Thampuratti had asked him to enquire about the welfare of Kurian and his family. Thampuran came to know about Kurian’s death and the subsequent failure of the business of his son Ittymathoo. During this period it was a custom amongst the Royal Families, that if a Nazrani, ie., traditional Syrian Christian touches the things brought from outside for palace and their temples, the same will become pure and can be consumed by higher caste like Kshatriyas. The Thampuran invited Ittymathoo and his family to Pallom. Thampuran constructed a house for them in front of Edathil Kottaram (Palace). Thampuran also gifted huge area of land for agriculture at the shore of Pazhukkanila Lake. This took place in the year AD1675-85. Since that time Ittymathoo and his successors are known as Edathin Padickal(എടത്തിന് പടിക്കല്) family, and in the course of time it became single word ‘Edathumpadickal(എടത്തും പടിക്കല്)’. As the Pallom Palace( സ്രാമ്പി കൊട്ടാരം) was known as എടത്തില് and ഇടത്തില് , in some of the old historic records our family name is referred as എടത്തും പടിക്കല് or ഇടത്തും പടിക്കല്. Until the invasion by Marthanda Varma of Venad, many of the male members of Edathumpadickal family continued serving at Edathil Palace mainly in the Akambady Sena.Because of the above fortuitous incident, Ittymathoo and his family became the FIRST CHRISTIANS to settle in Pallom-Nattakom area. In due course, Christians from different places migrated to Pallom. Some of the local people were converted into Christianity when the CMS missionaries came during the British rule.
There is a reference to our family’s settlement at Pallom near Edathil palace on page 953 of ‘India Gazetteeyar and Bhoomishasthra Nigahandu (ഇന്ത്യ ഗസറ്റിയര് ആന്ഡ് ഭൂമി ശാസ്ത്ര നിഘണ്ടു)’ by Joseph Edamaraku and R.K.Kartha published in 1977. We can also refer to page 165 of ‘Thekkumcore Charithravum Puravruthavum (തെക്കും കൂര് ചരിത്രവും പുരാ വൃത്തവും)’ (An authentic history of Thekkumcore Kingdom) by Prof. M.E. Kesavan Namboothiri published in 2014 by NBS. There is yet another reference on page 169 in ‘Madhyakerala Charithraveekshanam – Mangattu muthal Chengalam Vare (മധ്യ കേരള ചരിത്ര വീക്ഷണം )’ by Mangattu John Abraham published in 2013. Please see more details about these books and other historical facts about Edathumpadickal family in the Historical Evidences page of the website.
After Ittymathoo moved to Pallom, he concentrated only on agriculture and farming. Ittymathoo had two sons. The eldest son Kurian decided to stay at Vadakkemala, a little away from the family house. Kochitty, the younger son remained with his father at Edathumpadickal house. They were also taking care of Edathil Kottaram land and properties. Their efficiency and loyalty led to a strong bond with the Edathil Thampurakkanmar.
VI. Gifting of the property at Thazhathangady to Punnathra Dionysius by Konnayil branch of Edathumpadickal family
Since the business at Thazhathangady was wound up, some of the land and
property were lost due to lack of proper management and care by the family.
However, there was one building left at Thazhathangady. This was used by the
family members who frequented the house on Sundays after attending the
Cheriapally church. Because of this, when the rest of the properties were divided, this building was kept as a common place for the family. Later on, this
building was inherited by Konnayil Chacko and eventually he gave it as ‘Kaimuthu’
(A goodwill gift or offering) to H.G. Punnathra Mar Dionysius, the Malankara
Metropolitan. The members of the Konnayil branch paid the property tax of this
building till the year 1905.
VII. Invasion of Marthanda Varma in AD1749 Nov-Dec
Marthanda Varma the then ruler of Venad dynasty, invaded other native kingdoms to form Travancore state. His Prime Minister Ramayyan Dalawa and Commander De Lannoy conquered and confiscated the properties of the Thekkumcore dynasty and Vadakumcore dynasty by killing the royal family members and looting their valuables. At that time Adithya Varma was the King of Thekkumcore dynasty. When Dalawa and his troops reached Pallom to invade the Edathil Srampi Kottaram, there were three Princes (two of them were minors) and three Thampuraties(royal female members) in the Palace.
VIII. The rescue operation by Edathumpadickal brothers Kurian and Kochitty
Dalawa and his soldiers had camped for the night at the premises of Pakkil temple and had planned to attack early next morning. Edathumpadickal brothers Kurian and Kochitty came to know about this. When Dalawa’s soldiers approached the Kottaram next morning, they saw a few chariots moving towards the east. Assuming that the members of the royal family were in chariots, they went after it up to a place known as Pachira and realised that the Chariots were empty and that they were duped. When they reached back to the Kottaram, they found the place empty with no people and valuables. Kurian and Kochitty gained valuable time by the detour of Dalawa’s soldiers and secretly helped the royal family members to escape with their valuables along the river towards north to Kottayam. When Dalawa came to know about this, his soldiers followed them along the river bank only to see a dead end. This was due to another trick by our forefathers to mislead them. There was many ‘Kaitha’ (Kaitha is a type of small bushy palm trees at the height of about six feet with thorny leaves) plants along the river bank. Kurian and Kochitty got their people to cut these Kaitha plants and put them across the river, thus camouflaging the river and making it appear as a dead end. When Dalawa’s troop reached there, they thought that was the end of the river and they retreated disappointedly. Thus, our brave forefathers saved Edathil Kottaram royal family at the time of distress. Dalawa and his troop were fooled thrice, once at Pachira, then at the empty Kottaram and finally at the river. Dalawa took revenge for this by imposing heavy taxes on the properties of Edathumpadickal family from Srampikadavu upto Muttam (Mariapally). This high tax prevailed till the formation of Kerala state in 1956.The Edathil royal family members managed to reach Kozhikode via Thiruppandi and took asylum at Zamorin’s palace. They lived there till the invasion of Hyder Ali, Sultan of Mysore. As per the policy of King Rama Varma of Travancore, in 1765 they were invited to their native place and stayed at Vettikkavala near Mavelikkara and granted pension from Travancore palace. Later they were permitted to shift to their allotted land at Nattassery and settled there. The present Nattassery Edathil Thampurackanmar are successors of Thekkumcore royal family (Edathil Thampurackanmar).
IX. First Church at Karimpinkalakadavu, Pallom, Kottayam
Edathumpadickal family members were members of the Cheriapally church in Kottayam till AD1837. But there was a long-cherished dream of building a place of worship in Pallom. An early attempt was made by Kurian Mathoo, Malelputhenpurackal. He visited Valiya Mar Dionysius (Marthoma VI) at Udayamperoor near Kochi in AD1775 with a request to build a church in Pallom. But that did not materialise. This incident is mentioned in the diary notings of the Metropolitan. Kurichy pally was built in AD1832. Some of our members attended Kurichy pally. All along there were plans to build a church in Pallom. Kurian Itty Kariyakar of Edathumapadickal Vadakekuttu(One of the first Christian Tehsildars of Travancore) took the initiative. At that time, Rev. Henry Baker Sr., CMS Missionary was staying in Pallom in the Mission Centre. With the help of Rev. Henry Baker, Kurian Itty built a church in Kollampara near Karipinkalakadavu at Pallom. There would be a worship service with a sermon by Henry Baker on Saturday and a Holy Qurbana on Sunday by Vicar Rev. Fr. Mammen(Mammen Kathanar) from Omalloor.
X. The difference of opinion between Rev. Henry Baker and Mr. Kurian Itty
The land for this church was donated by Kurian Itty of Edathumpadickal Vadakkekuttu. As there was a conflict between the Anglican and Syrian worship, Rev.Henry Baker Sr. took the charge by ousting Vicar Mammen Kathanar. The first Holy Baptism of Itty Kochitty, the son of Kurian Itty Karyakar was in the tradition of Anglican liturgy. This incident led to a decision to baptise the child again at Cheriapally, Kottayam, which created a rift between Rev.Henry Baker Sr. and Mr. Kurian Itty. This led to a split in the Edathumpadickal family and some members attended either the Kurichy Valiapally or Cheriapally Kottayam. A few members continued their membership at the Karimpinkalakadavu Church. This Church is built in AD1837 and it is today's the St. John the Baptist’s C.S.I Syrian Church, Pallom.
XI. Building a church at Pallikunnel and its demolition.
The efforts of Pallikadavil Thoman Kurian to build a new church Edathumpadickal family still cherished a wish to build a church in Pallom. Edathumpadickal Pallikadavil Thommen Kurian, son of Kurian Itty, took the initiative for this mission. Under his leadership a church was built at Pallikunnel property (presently the Central Stores of KSEB Office). Unfortunately, due to the influence of the missionaries with the state government, the church was demolished and shifted to another place. The indefatigable Pallikadavil Thomman Kurian took up the responsibility to construct a new church in 1865 AD, near Mundakathilkadavu. (Ref. pages 90 and 102 Kandanad Grandhavari by Karottuveettil Simon Mar Dionysius. Interpretation by Fr. Dr. Joseph Cheeran). Under the able Vicarship of Eruthickal Kathanar and Venkadathu Kathanar, Holy Qurbana and other spiritual needs of the members were carried out peacefully from the church. This church is the present St. Paul’s Orthodox Syrian Church at Pallom. Please see more details and historical evidences in the Church History page of the website.
XII. Another Church Constructed by Mr. V.I. Mathen, Kallooparampil
In 1929 another church was built near Buchanan junction, Pallom by Mr.V.I. Mathan, Kallooparampil. This church is the present St. Ignatius Jacobite Syrian Chruch (Kallooparampil Pally-കല്ലൂപ്പറമ്പന് പള്ളി) at Pallom. His Holiness Moron Mor Ignatius Elias III, Patriarch of Antioch, visited this church in December 1931 and stayed there for one week. His Holiness ordained Mr. V.I. Mathen’s youngest son George (Rev. Fr. V.M. Geevarghese Kallooparampil) as Deacon on 04-01-1932. He was the President of Edathumpadickal Family Meet 1985-2015 and Patron till his death on 08-09-2016. This Pontiff, H.H. Ignatius Elias III, who was called to eternal life by the God Almighty on 13-02-1932 is the only Patriarch of Antioch whose remains are interred in Malankara (Manjanikkara Dayara, Omalloor, Pathanamthitta District) and his tomb became a place of pilgrimage. Later he was declared Saint by the Holy See of Antioch.
XIII. Family Meetings(from 1936)
The first family meet of the Edathumpadickal family was held in the year
1936. They decided to publish the history and genealogy of the Edathumpadickal
family. A three member committee was constituted. M/s. P.K. Mamman Pallickal,
Chandy Itty Vadakeparampil and P.C. Joseph Meledom were the members of
the committee. We are indebted to them for their efforts in bringing out ‘A Brief
History and Genealogy of the Edathumpadickal Family’. We are also indebted
to Mr. V.K. Itty Poovathummottil for publishing the book in 1939. Unfortunately, there were no family meetings after 1936 for the next forty-six years.[Picture - Family Photo taken in Family Meet 1936].
XIV. Konnayil branch meetings - a precursor to the 1985 Edathumpadickal meet
It must be mentioned that the Konnayil branch played a vital role in the revival of the Edathumpadickal family meet of 1985 after a gap of about five decades. Konnayil branch took the initiative in organizing a meeting in 1979 in which members of the other branches also participated. A series of such meetings culminated in the 1985 meet. A special mention must be made of Mr. Ittiavira Kurian (Raju) Puliveliparampil, who was the catalyst in the resurrection of the Edathumpadickal family meet with his tireless efforts. He served as the secretary of the family meet meritoriously from 1985 to 2015.A meeting was held at the Edathumpadickal Tharavadu on 25th of November 1984. A committee was formed with representation from all the branches. Thus, the Tri-Centennial Committee-1985 was formed-:
President : Rev. Fr. V.M Geevarghese, Kallooparampil, Pallom
Vice President : Rev. Fr. M.C. George, Meenchira, Chingavanam
Secretary : Mr. Ittiavirah Kurian (Raju), Puliveliparampil, Thazhathungady
Joint Secretary : Mr. Chandy Abraham (Binnu) Vadakkeparampil, Pallom
Joint Treasurer : Mr. O.A. Mathew Ottathycal, Pallom
Joint Treasurer : Mr. Mathew Varghese (Sunny), Edathumpadickal, Devalokam
Members-:
1. Mr. John Kurian, Puthupallikaran Veedu, Vadayar, Thalayolaparampu
2. Mr. Glady Kurian, Puthenpurackal, Pallom
3. Mr. P.M. Alexander, Puthenpurackal, Mallapally
4. Mr. P.J. Kurian, Vanchithattil, Parampuzha
5. Mr. Jacob Paul, Chamakalayil, Pakkil
6. Mr. Kurian Abraham, Kozhikottuparampil, Pakkil
7. Mr. T.P. Mathew, Thuppancheril, Manganam
8. Mr. P.G. Ittycheria, Peedikayil, Pallom
9. Mr. M.S. Kuriakose, Mattapallil, Meenadom
10. Mr. V.I. Varghese, Karmel Vazhakkal, Vakathanam
11. Mr. M.C. Mathen, Meenchira, Chingavanam
12. Mr. Jacob Jathikadan (Kochumon), Nedumparampil, Pallom
13. Mr. E.T. Kurian (Suresh), Edathumpadickal, Pallom
14. Mr. P.M. Mathew, Malelputhenpuckal, Pallom
Conveners of 1985 Family Meet-:
History and Genealogy : Mr. O.A Mathew, Ottathycal, Pallom
Finance : Mr. Chandy Abraham, Vadakeparampil, Pallom
Entertainment : Mrs. Mariamma Mathew, Edathumpadickal, Devalokam
Food : Mrs. Ammini Thomas, Edathumpadickal, Pallom
After 46 long years, Edathumpadickal family held the Tri-Centennial Celebration on 25th August 1985 at St. Paul’s Church Parish Hall, Pallom. The meeting was a grand success. A book ‘Edathumapadickal Family-A Brief History and Genealogy- Revised edition’ (250pages) was released on that day. We are grateful to late Mr. O.A. Mathew Ottathycal for making it possible to publish the book on time. A family emblem was also approved and released on the occasion. This emblem is now extensively used by members on wedding invitation cards and on vehicles. The same Tri-Centennial Committee also conducted the next family meet at St.Paul’s Church parish hall, Pallom in 1990 and 1995. In 1995 ‘Family Genealogy Annexure’ (Supplement of 67 pages) was published during the family meet. In 2003 another family meet was also conducted at St. Ignatius Church Parish Hall by the above committee.
There was another gap of about twelve years after this meeting. Some of the members of the existing committee took the initiative to hold a grand family get-together in 2015 and for this purpose a general body was formed at the residence of Mr. Jacob Jathikadan (Kochumon), Nedumparampil with Mr. Glady Kurian as the General Convener under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Mathew Mathew Nedumparampil and Rev. Fr. M.C. George Meenchira. The culmination of this was a grand family meet on 29th August 2015. The present Edathil Thampuran of Thekkumcore(Thekkumkur) dynasty Prof. Somavarma Raja delivered the key-note address. We could not have got a more appropriate speaker for the occasion. His speech left the audience spell bound. Rev. Fr. Dr. T.J. Joshua blessed the occasion and gave a spiritually enlightening message. Octogenarians of the family were honoured. Another highlight of the meeting was the distribution of the beautifully framed family tree. An archival photo of 1936 family meeting held at Vanchithattil Mathoo Pothen’s (Jail Superintendent of Travancore State) residence was exhibited. People thronged around the photo taken during the family meeting of 1936 to identify their ancestors.
Please see the latest committee memeber details in the Contact Us page of the website.