Kerala - Information Portal

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Mamankam

Mamankam was a unique festival of all Kerala importance.It was held once in 12years at Tirunavaya on the banks of Bharatapuzha.It secured to the Zamorin a unique placeand status in the political arena.There are several views regarding the origin ofMamankam.K.V. Krishna Aiyar relates it to the Marga-festival of the Buddhists.The dateof its origin is unknown.References to Mamankam occur ony from the 15th Century.It hasbeen suggested that Mamankam was the continuation of the Kuttams that was conductedevery twelve years at Tirunavaya.Before monarchy was introduced.The festival wasconducted by the Rakshapurushas of the four Kazhakams in to which Kerala wasdivided.The Perumals began to conduct it later.When the Chera kingdom declined, theruler of Valluvanad used to conduct the festival, receiving honours which the Perumalenjoyed.The Zamorin acquired this right from Valluvanad after defeating its ruler atTirunavaya.Ever since the conquest of Tirunavaya (1743) the Zamorin functioned as theprotector of Mamankam.The festival is called Mamankam as it was held in the year of Mahamagha; one ofthe 12 years in the lesser Brahaspathi circle.It was so called because it began in the Makaasterism in the month of Makara (Magha).It is also called Maha magham, the greatsacrifice to indicate the self-immolation of the ruler.The festival lasted for 29 days.Thefirst 25 days are set apart for processions and other ceremonies.On the last day of thefestival, the Zamorin used to come in procession, ascend the Manithera facing theTirunavaya Tevar and stood with a drawn sword.It was during this time that the Chavers,the followers of Valluvanad Raja, attempts to seize the throne to avenge the death of theprinces in the Tirunavaya battle.These soldiers were called Chavers because they weresworn either to do a way with the Zamorin or to perish in the attempt. At the close of thecelebrations, the Zamorin received the various Raja’s and chieftains at Manithara.TheMamankam helped the Zamorin to win a unique status in the political field.

kalari

The Kalari was one of the most important institutions of the medieval period in the history of Kerala.In ancient Kerala, the Kalari was a school, which gave instructions bothin arms and letters.With domination of the Namputiris who were expert learners.Kalariactivities were reduced to giving military training.In the middle ages, Kalaris lost theirstatus as educated centres.they became military gymnasiums or fencing schools impartingtraining in arms. Kalaris were usually attached to temples.The Asan (Fencing master) whopresided over the Kalari master supervised the training of the youths and impartedinstructions in martial arts.Fencing, Boxing and Wrestling were some of the arts in whichtraining were given.The training in gymnastics and arms is known asKalaripayattu.Northern ballads are replete with references to the martial art.

History of cochin

Kochi was another important Nadu that became independent after the disintegration ofthe perumal kingdom.The Cochin royal house is known as Perumpadappu Swarupam asthey had their original headquarters at Chithrakutam in the Perumpadappu village inVanneri.When the Zamorin invaded Valluvanad in the 13th Century,the Perumpadappufamily abandoned the Vanneri Palace and migrated to Ko9dungallur from where in 1405AD they shifted to Kochi.The aggressive raids of the Zamorin and the Periyar floodsmight have prompted them to shift the capital.The transfer of the trading activities fromMahodayapuram to the newly formed (Kochazhi) Kochi also promoted this shifting.Kochi came to political limelight only by the 13th Century.According to tradition, Kochiwas given to the nephew of the last Perumal when he partitioned the kingdom.Howeverthey were subordinate to the Perumal’s authority.The territorial boundary of the kingdomextended from Ponnani in the North to Shertallai in the south and from Chittur in the eastto Kochi in the West. Kochi rulers are being mentioned in inscriptions and in early literaryworks.Viraraghava associated with the Syrian Copper plates is a Cochin ruler.RamaVarma, another ruler of Cochin is mentioned in Siva Vilasam. Sukasandesam and UnniatiCharitam allude to the unique position held by the ruler of Kochi among the Naduvazhisof Kerala.The Brahmins recognised them as Kshatriyas, an honour granted not even to theZamorins.The Perumpadappu Muppil (chief) exercised jurisdiction over a large number oftemples in Kerala.This moral and religious authority exercised by him had given him placeof pride among the Naduvazhis of Kerala.Veeraraghava was the most important ruler of Kochi – before the advent of thePortuguese.He is associated with Veeraraghave Pattayam, or Syrian Christians copperplates of 1225 AD.This inscription is about the granting of the Manigramam rights and certain other privileges to Iravi Kortanan, leader of the Syrian Christians.It grants 72proprietary rights to Iravi kortanan, to have elephants, Silk umbrella, slaves, palanquinsetc.The inscription is important as it suggests the position of the Cochin royal family as thesuccessors of the Perumal.The local chieftains of Sukapuram, Panniyur and Eranad andValluvanad were present as signatories and witnesses of this grant.The prolonged conflict between Cochin and Kozhikode for the political supremacy ofcentral Kerala brought new dimensions to Kochi. It was the Cochin Raja who gavefacilities for trade to the Portuguese when they landed in Kerala.The Dutch palace waspresented as a present to the Cochin ruler by the Portuguese.The Kochi ruler alsowelcomed the Jews and the Konkani’s to the Malabar Coast.When the Dutch came, theKochi Raja’s became subservient to them.Their intervention in the prolonged conflict withKozhikode ended in 1717 and the Raja got back all his ancestoral territories.The periodwitnessed the rebellions of Paliath Achan, Anchikaimal and Chazhur Tampan.It also sawthe formation of the northern confederacy, Zamorin’s invasions and Cochin’s alliance withTravancore.When Mysorean intervention had taken place, Kochi became a tributary to thatpower and later made an alliance with the English.

Ezhuttacchan

Ezhuttacchan was one of the most outstanding figures in the history of Malayalamliterature.He liberated Malayalam from the clutches of Tamil and Sanskrit and made itpopular.He is rightly regarded as the Father of modern Malayalam language.He was apioneer in the socio- religious movement of the time.Ezhuttacchan appeared at a timewhen there was anarchy and degradation in the political and cultural fields.In a period ofgloom, anarchy and violence, Ezhuttacchan appeared as a man of destiny.Tunchatt Ramanujan Ezhuttacchan was born in a Nair family at Thrikkandiyur.Heleft Kerala to othe Tamil country for higher studies.Returning to the native land, heestablished an Ezhuthupally (school) to teach children.He devoted his time to literarypursuits and composed devotional works.During his last days, Ezhuttacchan leftThrikkantiyur (Tirur) for Chittur where he established a Mutt and a temple on the banks ofthe river.Ezhuttacchan’s contributions to Malayalam are everlasting.He inaugurated the‘Kilippattu form of literary expression in Malayalam.He rendered in to Malayalam thegreat epics Ramayana and Mahabarata.His adaptation of Ramayana is unique as it had aspiritual and religious connotation.He was also credited with the authorship ofHarinamakirtanam and Irupathinaluvrutham.These works shows his genius for synthesis.Infact, the history of Malayalam poetry begins with this savant.In the devotional and religious sphere, Ezhuttacchan revived the Bhakti cult inKerala.His ‘Adhyatma-Ramayana’ is the finest literary expression of the Bhakti Cultwhich became popular in Kerala during the medieval period.He composed his work withsupreme emphasis on Bhakti or devotion to God in the form of Rama in a style andlanguage that appeals to the heart rather than brain. The devotional songs in this work areconsidered to be the best in Malayalam poetry even today.In the social sphere too, Ezhuttacchan made his mark.Though a non-Brahmin, hestudied theVedas and the Sastras and exposed the Aryan myth that they alone could masterthe sacred knowledge. Ezhuttacchan also began the system of imparting primaryeducation through Ezhuthupalli.In the words of Dr. Ayyappa Panikkar. “With his absolutesincerity, skill and total dedication to poetry and religion, Ezhuttacchan was able to createand establish, once and for all, a language, a culture and a people.He is thus a magnificentsymbol of our great cultural movement”.

Cherusseri

Cherusseri Namputiri is famous as the author of Krishnagatha.He enjoyed thepatronage of Udaya varma, the king if Kolathunad.He composed Krishnagatha inaccordance with the wishes of his patron.Krishnagatha is remarkable for its simplicity andfelicity of expression.However it contain several verses, which come under the class oferotic poetry.While Ezhuttachan tried to rejuvenate society by introducingspirituality,Cherusseri treated Gods, Godesses as human beings with flesh and lood, withfeelings and emotion, love and hatred.

KASARAGOD DISTRICT

KASARAGOD TOWN – District headquarters
Chandragiri Fort (4 km from Kasaragod) – Built by Shivappa Naik in the 17th century.
Small square shaped fort. Offers view of Chandragiri river and Arabian sea. Vantage point
to watch sunset. Mosque and ancient Kizhur Sastha temple nearby.
Chandragiri Cruises – Backwater boat trips to nearby islands & palm groves available
from Chandragiri bridge.
BEKAL (16 km south of Kasaragod) - Planned to be developed as a
major beach & backwater tourist destination.
Pallikere Beach – Walking distance from Bekal fort. Shallow water beach offers a scenic
view of Bekal fort. Gardens & playground have been developed near the beach. Bekal
Aqua Park – Offers boating facility in the backwaters near Pallikere beach/Bekal Hole
backwaters.
Bekal Fort – Largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala. 130-ft high laterite structure shaped
like a giant keyhole. The fort’s tall observation tower offers a view of Arabian sea, beach
and surrounding areas. Believed to be built in the 1650s by Shivappa Naik of Ikkeri dynasty.
Mosque built by Tipu Sultan and Hanuman temple at fort entrance.
Kappil Beach (22 km) – Remote & once secluded beach is becoming a tourist attraction.
Ananthapura Lake Temple (12 km northeast) – This 9th century temple set in a rock cut
lake is the only lake temple in Kerala. It is believed to be the moolasthanam (original seat)
of Ananthapadmanabhaswamy at Thiruvananthapuram. Deity is Padmanabhaswamy
seated on Anantha. Theppotsavam of deity on canoes in the lake and Yakshagana
performances are held during annual festival in April.
VALIYAPARAMBA (30 km from Bekal) – Perhaps the most scenic
backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous
little islands. Valiyaparamba offers enchanting boat cruises.Kumbla (14 km northwest of Kasaragod) – Set on a picturesque lagoon separated from
the sea by a sand pit & connected by a narrow channel. Was the seat of Kumbla kings who
ruled the southern Tuluva kingdom. Sree Parthasarathi Temple at Munjankavu nearby.
NILESWARAM – Cultural centre of the district. The Nileswaram palace today functions as
the folk centre of the Dept of Archaeology. The town is also famous for its shrines and
the Karl Bhavan Yoga and cultural centres. There are several ‘Kavus’, where nature,
God and man commune in serene silence. Mannanpurathu kavu is the most important.
Manjeshwara – Known for Srimad Anantheshwara temple or Mahalingeshwara temple.
Birth place memorial of Govinda Pai – patriarch of Kannada literature and poetry.
Kanwatheertha beach (3 km from Manjeshwara) – A large swimming pool-like
formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.
Bela (15 km north of Kasaragod) – Mother Doloru Church or Church of ‘Our Lady of
Sorrows’ – oldest church in the district. Built in 1890 in Gothic style – rare architecture.
Madiyankulam Durga Temple – Architectural heritage property. Bhutha dance performed
during annual festivals in May/June and Dec/Jan.
Cheruvathur –A fascinating picnic spot. Sight from hill above is exquisite. Known for
Veeramalakunnu – home of the illustrious poets and scholars of Kuttamath.
Kottancherry (30 km north east of Kanhangad) – Similar in scenic beauty to Kodaikanal.
The rain forest near Konnakkad is ideal for trekking.
RANIPURAM (55 km) – 750 m ASL. Trekking trails and varied vegetation – evergreen
shola & monsoon forests & grasslands. Accessible by jeep. DTPC cottages.
Thalankara – Malik Dinar Juma Masjid – Built in old carpentry style; believed to be one of
the oldest mosques in India. Located near Arabian Sea. Built by a Muslim preacher Malik
Mohammed Dinar, whose tomb lies adjacent to the mosque.

KANNUR DISTRICT

KANNUR TOWN – “Great Emporia of Spice Trade” in Marco Polo’s travel
records. Capital of erstwhile Kolathiri Rajas.
Payyambalam Beach (2 km) – Popular picnic spot; clear stretch of sandy beach. Mortal
remains of eminent persons from Kerala are laid to rest here.
Mappila Bay (3 km) – Beach with remnants of a temple and fort. A sea wall projecting
from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. Modern fishing harbour has been
developed under Indo-Norwegian pact.
St. Angelo Fort (3 km) – A formidable triangular fort built of laterite, facing the Arabian
sea, replete with moat and bastions. Originally built by Portuguese in 1505. Passed into
the hands of Dutch, Ali Raja and British. Offers fascinating views of Mappila bay and
Dharmadam island.
PARASSINIKKADAVU (18 km) - Sri Muthappan Temple - Only temple in Kerala where
Theyyam, a ritual dance, is performed every morning & evening. Presiding deity is
Muthappan, hunter incarnation of Shiva. Follows unusual ritual of offering fish & toddy to the
deity. Situated on banks of Valapattanam river. Boating facilities available.
Snake Park (15 km) – Dedicated to conservation of snakes. Has 150 snake species
scientifically maintained in pits and glass cages. Snake demonstrations conducted every
hour draw large crowds. Located amidst scenic setting in a sandalwood park.
MUZHAPPILANGAD BEACH (15 km, enroute to Thalassery) - One of the longest (4 km)
and cleanest beaches in Kerala. Highway runs along its entire length, thus making it a
‘drive-in’ beach. Beach is protected by black rocks from deep currents, thus making the
shallow waters safe for swimming. Dharmadam island is visible from here.
DHARMADAM Island (17 km) – Small 5 acre island covered with coconut palms & dense
bushes has a beautiful beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.
Kizhunna Ezhara Beach (12 km) – This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most
secluded beaches in Kerala.
Malayala Kalagramam, New Mahe (29 km) – This is a famous centre for arts and crafts.
Conducts courses in painting, sculpture, music, dance and pottery. Has art gallery.
Thodeekulam Siva Temple (34 km, on Thalassery-Mananthavady road) – Famous for
mural paintings. Believed to be 2000 years old. Associated with the Pazhassi Raja family.
Madayi Para (22 km) – Ancient mosque originally built in 1124 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar, a
Muslim preacher from Arabia. Has a block of white marble brought by him from Mecca.
Nearby is a dilapidated fort, built by Tipu Sultan. There is also a fine beach.
EZHIMALA (25 km north) – Beautiful beach here has a hill nearby (286 m high). Atop the
hill is a mosque having mortal remains of Sheikh Abdul Latif, a Muslim reformist. At the foot
of the hill are a cave & an old burial chamber. Rare ayurvedic herbs are found in Ezhimala.
Ezhimala was capital of the ancient Mooshika kings. Buddha is believed to have visited
Ezhimala. Popular picnic spot. Naval academy is being developed here.
ARALAM Wildlife Sanctuary (35 km from Thalassery) – Tropical semi evergreen forest.
Herds of deer, elephant, etc.
Pazhassi Dam (37 km) – Dam site with garden. Boating facility in reservoir.
PYTHAL MALA (65 km) – This enchanting hill station (1370 m ASL) is rich in flora and
fauna. It is a 6 km trek to the top of the hills. There is a proposal to establish a zoo here.
Thalasseri – Thalasseri Fort – Square fort with massive walls & secret tunnels into the
sea, located near beach. Built by the British in 1708. Grand gateway intricately carved huge
door and a lighthouse are major attractions.
Arrackal Kottaram (3 km from Thalassery) – Palace of Arrackal Ali Rajas.
Gundert Bungalow – Residence of German missionary & scholar Rev. Dr. Herman
Gundert (1814-1893). He compiled first Malayalam-English dictionary, published one of
the first Malayalam newspapers-Paschimodayam & also built a church on Nattur hill.