History of the Institution
Institution History
A historical journey through the heritage, rulers, institutions, cultural traditions and social development of Chendamangalam.
Chendamangalam was the home of the Paliyath Achans, who traditionally held the position of Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cochin from AD 1663 to 1809. Chendamangalam is mentioned in Sangam literature and in the Silappathikaram. The Kokasandesha Kavya also refers to Chendamangalam and the Arankavu Temple.
Chendamangalam in Ancient Literature
In Uddanda Sastri's Sanskrit work Kokila Sandesam, the heroine is described as belonging to the Marakkara household of Chendamangalam. It is believed that the name Chendamangalam may have evolved from Jayanthamangal or Choornamangalam. The word Jayanthan refers to Vishnu. The presence of a famous Vishnu temple here gives further significance to this interpretation of the place name.
Choornni is another name for the Periyar River. Since Chendamangalam lies on the banks of the Periyar, it is also said to have been known as Villarvattam. According to the commentary on Kokila Sandesam by Kodungallur Kunjukuttan Thampuran, the rulers of Villarvattam were Kshatriyas and the last ruler was removed from power after embracing Christianity, following which the position was given to the Paliyath Achan by the King of Cochin.
The Villarvattam Swarupam
Some Christian literature and historical accounts, as well as Sardar K. M. Panikkar's work Malabar and the Portuguese, state that Villarvattam was a Christian principality. The work Jesuits in Malabar, Volume I records that Raja Thoma, the ruler of Villarvattam, died on 2 January 1450 AD.
It is understood from the records of the Paliam family that during the sixteenth century the Villarvattam Swarupam, a branch of the Cochin royal family, exercised authority in the region. The Vaishnava temple situated on the hill of Kottayil Kovilakam is believed to have stood within the residential compound of this royal lineage.
The Villarvattam Swarupam gradually became extinct. Ramavarma Apathiri Koviladhikari, who remained from the Swarupam, had entered into a family relationship with the Paliam family, which was an important local chieftain family of Chendamangalam.
Paliam Family and Historical Records
1595
According to the 'Attipperola Kariya' written in 1595 by the aforementioned Apathiri Koviladhikari, an ancient Paliam record states that his properties, rights and other possessions under his authority were permanently transferred to the Paliyath Achan and his brothers through the traditional deed of transfer.
1654
In 1654, the Paliam family was headed by Kompi, also known as Komiyachan, a capable administrator and statesman.
1730–1779
During the period of Komiyachan II (1730–1779), Travancore and Cochin entered into an agreement at the Suchindram Temple. This agreement became known as the 'Achan Pramanam'. Its essential purpose was to ensure that Cochin and Travancore maintained friendly relations with each other.
“After the Kovilakam came Paliam”
There was a saying in central Kerala: “After the Kovilakam came Paliam.” In 1952, the Paliam family transferred the Chendamangalam Government High School to the Government for a consideration of one rupee, without imposing any conditions.
Copper Plate Records from Paliam
Two copper plate inscriptions obtained from Paliam were published in the Travancore Archaeological Series in 1910 and 1912.
The 1663 Treaty
One of the copper plates is the document of the treaty concluded on 22 March 1663 between the Cochin royal family and the Dutch East India Company.
Vikramaditya Varaguna
The other copper plate belongs to the Ay King Vikramaditya Varaguna and records the donation of considerable land to the Bhattaraks of Thirumoolapadam.
Sreemoolavasam
The Thirumoolapadam mentioned in the copper plate is identified with Sreemoolavasam, a renowned Buddhist monastery in South India.
The inscription is believed to date back to the ninth century AD.
Jain and Buddhist Influence
Historian V. V. K. Valath expressed the view that Ilango Adigal, the younger brother of the Chera King Nedum Cheralathan and a follower of Jainism, composed the Tamil epic Silappathikaram at Chendamangalam. The influence of Jainism and Buddhism is clearly visible in these works.
The Paliam inscription, discovered in the palace of the Paliyath Achan, records the donation of land by Vikramaditya Varaguna to the Bhattaraks of the Buddhist monastery at Sreemoolavasam. This document also provides evidence of the influence of Buddhism during the Sangam period.
Several historians have recorded that Jews had reached Kerala even before the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle.
The Period of the Villarvattam Rulers
The period of the Villarvattam rulers is stated to have extended from AD 427 to 1595. When floods submerged Chendamangalam and surrounding areas, Kottayil Kovilakam became their temporary royal residence.
The last two rulers of Villarvattam, originally a Hindu royal family, are said to have converted to Christianity and adopted the name Thoma.
The Cochin State Manual records that Iravi Komi Achan, who ruled Paliam in 1585, was the son of Ramavarma, the last ruler of Villarvattam.
Cheraman Perumal and the Paliyath Achan
The Keralolpathi states that when the last Cheraman Perumal divided his empire, he gave the King of Cochin fifty-two leagues of land, eighteen chieftains and forty-two ministers, among whom the Paliyath Achan was the chief.
Cochin and Paliam: A Historic Relationship
Cochin and Paliam maintained a close relationship from the earliest period. The Paliyath Achan, with the assistance of the Dutch, liberated Cochin from Portuguese control.
A modern system of administration was introduced in Cochin during the period of Komi Achan's administration.
The Dutch-style palace constructed by the Paliyath Achan with Dutch assistance continues to stand as the historic headquarters and residence associated with the Paliyath Achans.
Iswara Seva Trust
After the formation of the State of Kerala and the transfer of Paliam properties, the 'Iswara Seva Trust' was formed to manage and maintain the remaining properties.
Paliam Satyagraha
The Paliam Satyagraha was an important movement that paved the way for the Temple Entry Proclamation in the Kingdom of Cochin.
