Kingdom of Cochin

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The Kingdom of Cochin or Kochi (also known as Perumpadappu Swaroopam, Madarajyam, Gosree Rajyam, or Kuru Swaroopam; Malayalam: കൊച്ചി [Kocci] or പെരുമ്പടപ്പ [Perumpaṭapp]) was a former state in the area of present Kochi (Cochin), Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram in what is now the Indian state of Kerala. Later, it was merged with Travancore to create Travancore-Cochin, which was in turn merged with the Malabar district of Madras State on November 1, 1956 to form the new state of Kerala.

Contents 1 History 2 Capital(s) 3 Different Names 4 Kings 5 See also 6 External links 7 References

[edit] History

There is no historically written evidence about the emergence of Kingdom of Cochin or of the Cochin Royal Family (Perumpadapu Swaroopam). All that is recorded are folk tales and stories. So what we have today is only a blurred picture.
Although there are many manuscripts, such as Keralolpathi, Keralamahatmyam, and Perumpadapu Grandavari, they are historically unreliable folk tales. However, they are a source of tradition.

According to Keralamahatmyam (44th adhyaya) King Vishravanan's daughter Bala told Parashurama that she needed a land with her own name for her home. Parashurama, fulfilling her wish, created a land from sea and called it Kochi (which later became Cochin). Lord Parashurama promoted this land and invited people of all religions, castes, and creeds to settle here. This story can only be considered a continuation of the old folk tale in which Parashurama created Kerala out of the sea and built temples.

There is a well known story that the last Perumal who ruled Kerala divided his kingdom between his nephews and his sons and converted to Islam and went to Mecca for a pilgrimage. Keralolpathi states the above story as "The last and the famous Perumal king Cheraman Perumal ruled Kerala for 36 years. He left for Mecca by ship with some Muslims who arrived at Kodungallur (Cranganore) port and converted to Islam. Before leaving for Mecca, he divided his kingdom between his nephews and sons."

Perumpadapu Grandavari states " The last Thavazhi of Perumpadapu Swaroopam came into existence on the Kaliyuga day shodashangamsurajyam. Cheraman Perumal divided the land in half, 17 amsha north of Neelaeswaram and 17 amsha south, totaling 34 amsha, and gave his powers to nephews and sons. Thirty-four rajyas between Kanyakumari (now in Tamil Nadu) and Gokarna (now in Karnataka) were given to the Thampuran who was the daughter of the last niece of Cheraman Perumal."

Keralolpathi recorded the division of his kingdom in A.D. 345, Perumpadapu Grandavari in 385, Loghan (a historian) in 825. There is no historical clue on the division of Kerala, but according to Elamkulam Kunjan Pilla (a historian) a division might have occurred during the Second Chera Kingdom, at the beginning of 12th century. Another view is that the last Perumal, Ramavarma Kulashekara Perumal, of the Second Chera Kingdom (Kulashekara Samrajyam, 800–1102), with its capital at Mahodayapuram, divided his kingdom. There is also a baseless statement in Mangalamala (written by Appan Thampuran) that Bhaskara Ravi Varma performed the division. But there is evidence that the division was made by Ramavarma Kulashekara Perumal.

Ramavarma Kulashekara Perumal's sister who was married to a Namboothiri of Perumpadapu Illom near Ponnani had five daughters, of whom only the last daughter had a son. During the last days of his reign, Ramavarma Kulashekara Perumal divided his kingdom among his sons, relatives, and nobles. The kingdom that was later ruled by his sons was called Venad Swaroopam and that of his nephew was called Perumpadapu Swaroopam. Although a matrilineal system was prevalent, the majority of his kingdom was divided among his sons and the rest only to his nephew with all the religious rights. Venad Swaroopam was bestowed the honor Kulashekaraperumal and Perumpadapu Swaroopam as Koviladhikari, which is a proof of their political and religious practice. Thus, in the beginning of the 12th century the Kingdom of Cochin and the Cochin Royal Family (Perumpadapu Swaroopam) came into existence. Until the 16th century the Perumpadapu Swaroopam didn't have any political supremacy; their political supremacy began only in the 16th century.

[edit] Capital(s)

From the beginning of 12th century AD and to the end of 13th century AD Chitrakooda in Perumpadapu village, of Vanneri was the capital of PERUMPADAPU Swaroopam. Even though the capital of PERUMPADAPU Swaroopam was in Vanneri Perumpadapu king had a palace in Mahodayapuram.

When the Zamorins attacked Vanneri in the later part of the 13th century, PERUMPADAPU Swaroopam shifted their capital from Vanneri to Mahodayapuram. This continued till the beginning of 15th century.

In 1405 PERUMPADAPU Swaroopam changed their capital from Mahodayapuram to Cochin. From there on PERUMPADAPU Swaroopam got the name Cochin Royal Family. By the end of the 14th Zamorin conquered Thrikkanamathilakam and it became a threat for Mahodayapuram (Thiruvanchikulam) and this may be the reason that PERUMPADAPU Swaroopam changed their capital to Cochin. Not only this in the year 1341 a flood created an island Puthuvippu (Vypin) and Cochin became a world famous natural harbor. The old Kodungallore(Cranganore) port lost its importance. The above may also be a cause for the shift of the capital.

The palace at Kalvathhi was the residence of the kings in the beginning. Then in 1555 the palace was shifted to Mattancheri. Then after that the capital was shifted to Trichur (Thrissur) for a long time. At that time Penvazithampuran (Female Thampuran) and the other Kochuthampurans (other Thampurans except the Valliathampuran (King)) stayed at a palace in Vellarapalli.

In the beginning of 18th century Thripunithura started gaining prominence. The kingdom was ruled from Trichur, Cochin and Thripunithura. Around 1755 Penvazithampuran (Female Thampuran) and the other Kochuthampurans (other Thampurans) left Vellarapalli and started to live in Thripunithura. Thus Thripunithura became the capital of Cochin Royal Family.

[edit] Different Names

Perumpadapu Swaroopam, Madarajyam, Goshree Rajyam, Kuru Swaroopam are the different names of Cochin Kingdom. Perumpadapu Velliya Thampuran, Madamaheeshan, Goshree Bhoopan, Kuru Bhoomi Bhrith are the different ways to call the Kings.

Since according to Vishravanan's daughter wish Lord Parashurama created a small land for her that land was called Balapuri and which intern means a small Land (Kochu Desham) in malayalam. That was later called Kochi (Cochin).

According to Nichola County (15th century) and Fr. Poulino (17th Century) Kochi was renounced after a stream flowing through the place. This may be right since the capital of the kingdom was Kochi the entire Kingdom was popular by name Kochi.

Its is an accepted fact that the kings of Kochi genealogy started from the sister of the last Prumal (Ramavarma Kulashekara) and also she was married by Perumpadapu Namboothiri. After the death of the Namboothiri there was no predecessor to the wealth and his Illom was merged with the Dynasty and hence the name Perumpadapu Swaroopam came into existence. But this reason for the name cannot be accepted fully. It can also be that the first rulers ruled from Perumpadapu in Ponnani hence the name. This reason is more logical.

Thruvanjikulam Temple structure is according to the Chidambaram architecture form. So the founder can be a Chola Perumal from Chidambaram(T.N.) and also a tiger is inscribed on the flag which is called Puliyan and his place was called Pulyannur. This are from Putheyadath Raman Menons historical notes. Since Puliyannur Namboothiri (Tantri Poornathrayeesa Temple and Cochin Royal Family) originated from this place that Illom got this name. The name Perumpadapu came from Perumbathura Periyavar (The elder man of Perumbathura, a place near Chidambaram) which can also be a reason but is baseless.

There was adoption to Madathinkizu (Madathum Koor) Swoorupam from Perumpadapu Swaroopam and finally there was no predecessor in Madathinkizu their properties were attached to Perumpadapu Swaroopam. Thus the name Madarajyam came into existence.

The Sanskrit version of Madavamsham is Goshree Vamsham (Madu (Malayalam)= Pashu (Malayalam)= Go (Sanskrit)). The Kochi is the Synonym of Goshree. There was also an adoption from Cochin Royal Family to Kuru Swaroopam and finally Kuru Swaroopam was merged with Kochi. Hence the name Kuru Swaroopam .

[edit] Kings

Veerakerala Varma nephew of Cheraman Perumal is supposed to be the first king of Cochin (This was around 7th Century AD). But the only record we have is from 1503 AD.

1. Unniraman Koyikal I (---- to 1503)
2. Unniraman Koyikal II (1503 to 1537)
3. Veera Kerala Varma (1537-1565)
4. Keshava Rama Varma (1565-1601)
5. Veera Kerala Varma (1601-1615)
6. Ravi Varma (1615-1624)
7. Veera Kerala Varma (1624-1637)
8. Godavarma (1637-1645)
9. Veerarayira Varma (1645-1646)
10. Veera Kerala Varma (1646-1650)
11. Rama Varma (1650-1656).
12. Rani Gangadharalakshmi (1656-1658).
13. Rama Varma (1658-1662).
14. Goda Varma (1662-1663)
15. Veera Kerala Varma(1663-1687)
16. Rama Varma (1687-1693)
17. Ravi Varma (1693-1697)
18. Rama Varma (1697-1701)
19. Rama Varma (1701-1721)
20. Ravi Varma (1721-1731)
21. Rama Varma (1731-1746)
22. Veera Kerala Varma (1746-1749)
23. Rama Varma (1749-1760)
24. Veera Kerala Varma (1760-1775)
25. Rama Varma (1775-1790)
26. Rama Varma (1790-1805)- SHAKTHAN THAMPURAN
27. Rama Varma (1805-1809)- Vellarapalli-yil Theepetta Thampuran (King who died in "Vellarapali")
28. Veera Kerala Varma (1809-1828) - Karkidaka Maasathil Theepetta Thampuran (King who died in "karkidaka" month(ME))
29. Rama Varma (1828-1837) - Thulam-Maasathil Theepett1a Thampuran (King who died in "Thulam" month (ME))
30. Rama Varma (1837-1844) - Edava-Maasathil Theepett1a Thampuran (King who died in "Edavam" month (ME))
31. Rama Varma (1844-1851) - Thrishur-il Theepetta Thampuran (King who died in "Thrishivaperoor" or Thrishur)
32. Veera Kerala Varma (1851-1853) - Kashi-yil Theepetta Thampuran (King who died in "Kashi" or Varanasi)
33. Ravi Varma(1853-1864) - Makara Maasathil Theepetta Thampuran (King who died in "Makaram" month (ME))
34. Rama Varma(1864-1888) - Mithuna Maasathil Theepetta Thampuran (King who died in "Mithunam" month (ME))
35. Kerala Varma(1888-1895) - Chingam Maasathil Theepetta Thampuran (King who died in "Chingam" month (ME))
36. Rama Varma(1895-1914) - aka Rajarshi, Abdicated Highness (Left for heavenly abode in 1932)
37. Rama Varma(1914-1932) - Madrasil Theepetta Thampuran (King who died in Madras or Chennai)
38. Rama Varma(1932-1941) - Dhaarmika Chakravarthi (King of Dharma), Chowara-yil Theepetta Thampuran (King who died in "Chowara")
39. Kerala Varma (1941-1943) - Midukkan (syn: Smart, expert, great.) Thampuran
40. Ravi Varma(1943-1946) - Kunjappan Thampuran (Brother of Midukkan Thampuran)
41. Kerala Varma(1946-1948) - Ikya-Keralam (Unified Kerala) Thampuran
42. Rama Varma (1948-1964) - Pareekshit Thampuran, title: Darsanakalanidhi, was a Sanskrit scholar of supreme rank

ME - Malayalam Era

[edit] See also

• Cochin Royal Family
• History of Kochi

Parukutty Neithyaramma

Maharaja Rama Varma (Madrassil Theepetta Thampuran) who reigned from 1914 to 1932 has an incredibly able consort in Parukutty Neithyaramma. The neithyaramma was the daughter of Kurur Nambudiripad (the nam,budiris who have the traditional honour of anointing the kings of Palakkad). She married the Maharaja then a thampuran when she was twelve years old.It is said that she was specially blessed by the devi at the Chottanikkara Temple. By a quirk of fate her husband ascended the throne (due to his predecessor abdicating). As the Maharaja was a scholar and had other interests (including knowledge of how to cure those who had been bitten by snakes and could understand gawlishashtra (the language of lizards)) she took over the finances of the ccountry. Under her guidance salaries were quadrupled and the revenue metitted a 17 gun salute. Parukutty Neithyaramma was awarded the Kaiser - i - Hind medal by King George V in 1919 for public work. The Neithyaramma was not only an able administrator but also a Nationalist moving from being seen as an exemplery public figure in the eyes of the British to earning the ire of the colonial state for her relationship with Gandhi and Indian nationalists. As one British Intelligence report stated " The hill palace is the centre of nationalist activity and charkhas have been introduced to assist the weaving of khadi." ( see Fortnighly Intelligence Reports availbale at the National Archives of India) In fact a little known fact about Cochin state is the attempt made by the British government and the Viceroy to force the Maharaja to abdicate under the ploy of trying to prove him insane. A doctor was brought out from London to bolster the case who opined that the "Maharaja was merely an old man who tired easily". This attempt was directly linked to the fear that the Neithyaramma or the "Consort" as she was referred to by the British was increasingly powerful in nationalist circles : - the head of the Congress party in Cochin was Kurur Nilakantan Namboodripad who was a cousin of the Neithyaramma; the Collected works containing Gandhi's letters contain correspondence between the Maharajas daughter V.K Vilasini amma and the Mahatma, and a second daughter V.K Ratnam was married to R. M. Palat, himself a politician and the son of Sir C. Shankaran Nair, the former president of the Congree Party and well known nationalist. The Maharaja's son V.K Aravindaksha Menon was married to Malathy , the daughter of V. K Narayana Menon a prominent contractor in Trichur in whose house "Pandyala", Jawaharlal, Kamala and Indira Nehru rested on their way to Sri Lanka. When Gandhi visited Cochin, he was treated as a State Guest and Aravindaksha Menon, the Neithyaramma's son personally deputed to accompany him. Small wonder the British outrage at the Neithyaramma who they believed to be utterly hostile to British interests in India

[edit] External links

• Emergence Of Kingdom Of Cochin And Cochin Royal Family
• Cochin Royal Family Historical Society
• Namboothiri Websites Trust Calicut

[edit] References

• Genalogy of Cochin Royal Family - By Rameshan Thampuran