Malayala Kshatriya
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Malayala Kshatriyas (also known as Samanta Kshatriya) were a group of people who belonged to the Kshatriya division of the Hindu caste system found in the Indian state of Kerala and their residences were called Kovilakams or Kottaram or Swaroopams. In traditional texts such as the Keralolpathi they are referred to as "Samantha Kshatriyas". Members of this community have the surname Varma.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] Origin of Swaroopams
During the post-sangham period (middle of 7th century to the early part of the 9th century) the main rulers of this period were Cheraman Perumal and Kulasekara Alwar. Both these kings later abdicated their thrones. Kulasekara Alwar later became a Vaishnavite poet and Cheraman Perumal accepted Islam and went to Mecca. The next period in Kerala history is the period of rule of the Kulasekara Kings. Kulasekara empire lasted for about 3 centuries beginning from 800 AD. This period is also known as the Period of 'Second Chera' empire. These kings were known after their family name as Kulasekaras. Kolla Varsha or the Quilon Calendar (Malayalam Calendar system) was introduced during this period. It came into existence on the25th of July , 825 A.D. Between 1000 and 1019, Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola attacked Kerala and seized vizhinjam. In 1070 Kerala was liberated from Chola control. These wars made lot of changes in society as frequent wars with the Chola and Pandya kingdoms weakened the Chera empire and finally lead to their breakdown.
At a stage of intestacy in Kulasekhara dynastry the Emperor Perumal divided and gave his empire-Kerala-to his relatives and feudal lords. With the breakdown of Chera empire the next phase of Kerala history began. This was the period of the provincial rulers. Provincial rulers were Nairs those who took control of a small province rather than a large empire. These provinces were once part of the Chera empire. The Nairs were confined to small areas but they frequently fought each other for domination. Consequent to the intestacy in Kulasekhara dynasty, stated above, Kerala was split into a number of small kingdoms and principalities known as Swaroopams. Four major kingdoms were Kolathunad, Kozhikode, Perumpadappu (Kochi) and Venad. Kolathunad comprising the northern parts of Kerala, was ruled by Kolathirikal. Kozhikode was almost in the central part of Kerala and the ruler was known as Zamorin. Perumpadappu (Kochi) was comparatively a small state, ruled by the king of Kochi. Venad, comprised of the southern parts of Kerala, was ruled by Venattadikal. Apart from the four kingdoms stated above, there were many principalities known as Swaroopams. Some of them were also known as Madampies, almost equivalent to the Baronets of England. Elayidathu Swaroopam, Odanad, Purakad, Karapuram Kaimal, Kuthiravattam, Kavalappara Swaroopam, Venganadu, Thekkumkur (Kottayam), Vadakkumkur, Alengad, Parur, Kodungalloor, Thalappilly, Valluvanad, Kadathanad, Poonjar, Kumbala, Neeleswaram etc. were some of the principalities (Mal. Encyclop.4 p. 630)
[edit] Gaining of Kshtriya status
In traditional texts and treatises on Kerala such as the Kerala Mahatmayam and Keralolpathi they are referred to as "Samantha Kshatriyas" (Kshatriyas only in name).This was because swaroopams/royal families had political and social power but were Kshatriya only in profession and were not recognized as Kshatriya within the Vedic tradition per se. The first ascension of these Nairs to Kshatriya status was begun by Kolathiri Raja, Udayavarman who wished to wear Yajnopaveetham (Poonool or sacred thread) and become a true Kshatriya. Since the Nambudiris were not prepared, Udayavarman brought 237 families (Saagara Brahmins) of Illams from Gokarnam in 1617 AD (792 ME) and settled them in five Desams, Cheruthazham, Kunniriyam, Arathil, Kulappuram and Vararuchimangalam of Perinchelloor Graamam. It is said that King Mahendravarman of Gokarnam requested to construct a "Chira" (embankment) at Chirakkal within 24 hours for the Snanam (bathing) of these 237 Brahmins, and King Udayavarman did it. For the 237 Illams to worship, Sree Raghavapuram temple (Hanuman Kavu) at Pilathara was assigned and they considered it as their Graamam temple. The Mooshika vamsham of Kolathiri was thus the first to became Kshatriyas in the vedic sense.
Later, the then Travancore Raja brought 185 of these Saagara families to Thiruvalla (Thiruvalladesi Embraanthiris) for the same purpose and attained the Kshatriya status in the Vedic sense. Many other swaroopams also followerd suite, but some of the swaroopams still using Nair titles only like Kavalappara swaroopam and Kuthiravatthu swaroopam.
[edit] Customs and practices
The Malayala Kshatriyas practiced matrilinial inheritance Marumakkathayam that was uxorilocal. The women performed ceremonies Kettu Kalyanam and Tirandu Kalyanam like the Nairs where as the men performed Upanayanam indicative of being a Dwija / twice born. The women of the household were known as Thampuratis meaning princesses while males used the title of Thampuran prefixed by Varma, indicative of Kshatriya rank. The form of marriage practiced was known as Sambandham and most alliances withNamboodiri Brahmin husbands were sought for womenfolk. An exception is the Travancore Royal Family who choose spouses for their womenfolk from Kshatriya families only. In the Kingdom of Cochin, Namboodiri husbands were permitted to enter into Sambandham with the princesses. Males married either from other Malayala Kshatriya houses, known as Kovilakams or Kottarams meaning Palace, or else ladies of the Nair nobility. In the case of the Travancore family the children of the Thampurans from Nair wives, known as Panapillai Ammas were bestowed the title of Thampi.
[edit] Subdivisions
[edit] Swaroopams
The Malayala Kshatriyas are subdivided into four main groups:
- Mooshoka Vamsham (Royal family of Chirakkal Rajahs/Kolathiri)
- Perumpadapu Swaroopam /Kuru Swaroopam (Cochin Royal family)
- Venad swaroopam (Travancore Royal Family)
Several smaller swaroopams like Elayidathu, Nilamboor, Neeleshwaram, Kurumbranad etc also did exist.
The Nediyirippu Swaroopam (Zamorin /Rajahs of Kozhikode) were Nair rulers, though not Malayala Kshatriya
[edit] Epithets based on status
- Koil Thampurans- These are all related to each other by blood and are found only in Travancore. They secured a separate place among the Malayala Kshatriyas since the migrated at different times into Travancore from their original homes. Ceremonies such as Jata Karma, Namakarana, Annaprasana, Vidyarambha etc. are practised by them. In matter of dress and ornaments males resembled Namboodiri Brahmins while females resembled the Nair ladies. Among the Koil Thampurans, the eldest born was always named Rajaraja Varma Koil Thampuran while among females the names Amba, Ambalika and Ambika were common. The males have to repeat the Gayatri mantra ten times thrice a day.
- Thampurans also known as Rajahs- They follow almost all the manners of the Koil Thampurans. The Kettu Kalyanam ceremony of their females is performed by Koil Thampurans who may later enter into Sambandham with them. If their husband dies his brother unites himself to the Thampurati through a ceremony known as Kootu Irikuka which means to keep company. Pollution after deaths in the family is for ten days as with the Koil Thampurans.
- Thampans and Thirumulpads- These were once ruling families of Thampurans who became later, owing to loss of sovereignty, inferior among the Malayala Kshatriyas and served the Kshatriyas above them.
[edit] Nambidis
The Nambidis are a special group of people who are considered half Brahmin and half Kshatriya. Legend has it that their ancestors had degraded themselves by murdering a ruler of Kerala. On their return the other Namboodiris welcomed them but they refused to seat themselves with the other Brahmins owing to the sin they committed and instead sat on the steps of the hall. They came to be known as Nom Padimels or those on the steps and this term was later corrupted into Nambidi. They are of two subdivisions; the ones who wear the sacred thread and perform the Upanayanam and the ones who do not. The latter are practically Nairs who were given the Nambidi title.
[edit] Samanthans
Samanthans means "allies" and is used to refer to feudatory allies of Malayala Kings of Kerala. Many of the Samanthans have their origin from Malabar region.
[edit] Famous Malayala Kshatriyas
- Maharani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi
- Maharani Gowri Parvati Bayi
- Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi
- Raja Ravi Varma
- Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma
- Moolam Thirunal Maharajah
- Balarama Varma Avittam Thirunal
- Ayilyam Thirunal Maharajah
- Rama Varma a.k.a Shaktan Thampuran (1790-1805)- Perumpadapu Swaroopam
- Rama Varma a.k.a aka Rajarshi, Abdicated Highness (1895-1914)- Perumpadapu Swaroopam
- Rama Varma (1932-1941) a.k.a Dhaarmika Chakravarthi (King of Dharma), Chowara-yil Theepetta Thampuran - Perumpadapu Swaroopam
- Kerala Varma (1941-1943) a.k.a Midukkan (syn: Smart, expert, great.) Thampuran - Perumpadapu Swaroopam
- Kerala Varma (1946-1948) a.k.a Ikya-Keralam (Unified Kerala) Thampuran - Perumpadapu Swaroopam
- Rama Varma (1948-1964) - Pareekshit Thampuran, title: Darsanakalanidhi, was a Sanskrit scholar of supreme rank - Perumpadapu Swaroopam
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Travancore State Manual Vol. II page 319-326 by V.Nagam Aiya
- History of Travancore by Shungoony Menon
- Hindu Kingship and the Origin of Community: Religion, State and Society in Kerala, 1750-1850 Susan Bayly Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 18, No. 2 (1984), pp. 177-213
- William Logan, Herman Guntert
