The State
The ruler of the kingdom was called Valluvakkonathiri. Valluvakkonathiri was also known by the names like Vellaattiri, Vallabhan, Rayiran Chathan, Chathan Kotha and Arangotte Udayavar.
Valluvanad Dynasty is considered to be of very ancient lineage. It's believed that Valluvanad were the land of the Valluvar (Parayar) people. But, Unnu Neeli Sandesam and Unni Yadi Charithram contain a mention of Vallabha Kshiti ("home of Vallabha") or Vallabhakshoni, the land of Prince Vallabha, which, by all indications, is likely to be Valluvanad. So, some say that Valluvanad Kings are descendants of a Pallava prince "Sreevallabha". It's said that he moved the entire family from Srivilliputhur in north Tamil Nadu to the area around the Nila River about 4th century CE.
The eldest person in the family is called Valluvakonathiri. In most records, the hierarchy was called Arangot Swamplanad. Titles according to seniority were - Valluvakkonathiri, Vellalpad, Thacharalpad, Edathralpad, Kolathur and Padinjarekkara.
The four branches of this family, namely Aripra, Ayiranazhi, Kadannamanna and Mankada are now in Mankada panchayath, Perinthalmanna taluk, Malappuram district.
Among the male members the eldest sthani (designate) is titled as Valluvakonathiri and the rest four were "Vellalpadu", "Thachalpadu", "Idatharapadu" and "Kulathur Thampuran" respectively. Another sthani is nominated by Vellattiri and is called "Patinharakkara Thampuran". He has rights over some landed property and privileges. The eldest Thampuratti of the family is called "Kulathur Thampuratty" and the next eldest is called "Kadannamootha Thampuratty".
These eldest five male members and eldest two female members are eligible for malikhan- a monthly remuneration to compensate for properties or rights taken over by the British. Apart from this, the eldest female members of each Kovilakom have their own rights and privileges.
Read more about this topic: Valluvanad (southern Malabar)
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