Cochin History, Heritage and Legacy

[mohammedirshad06]

Sanju

You can read this story from THIS SITE. This is mentioned here, because the writer is from Royal Family

[mohammedirshad06]

Another Legend is also in air regarding Chittoor Temple. It goes on like this

The history of this 13th Century temple, originally structured between the year 1375-1475 and modified later is closely connected to the family of Cheranelloor Swaroopm.

Lord Sri Krishna in a perfect form that appeared to Devaky and Vasudeva 5235 years ago in Mathura, India, chose 'Chidalayam, Chithpuram, or Chittoor as his favorite land and a built a temple, to please his devotee, Guruvayurappa Bhaktha, Moopil Narayanan Kartha.

Narayanan was born in the family of Cheranelloor Swaroopam, known vegetarians, but strong, got training and took up arms like Kshatriyas to protect people of five territories, they ruled. He learned Sanskrit, Vedas, Upanishads, Shastras, Puranas and Upavedas.Narayanan grewup and chose 'Japayagaa' as his first commitment and visited many holy places and settled down at Guruvayur for decades, safeguarding himself to Guruvayurappan, as Sri Krishna of Vrindavana.

Narayanan was happy praying Guruvayurappan until he became the Senior -most male member(Moopil Kartha) of Cheranelloor Swaroopam .Family members requested him to return home and take new responsibility as Moopil Kartha. Moopil Narayanan Kartha did not want to leave Guruvayur, but he could not reject the responsibility as Moopil Kartha. Unable to take a decision he prayed Guruvayurappan for proper guidance. The guidance was in dream to him" I would not leave you, You go to your village, I will accompany you by riding on your bamboo umbrella. When you reach your village, wherever your umbrella touches the ground, build a temple there and I will appear for you during the noon-day pooja ceremony'

Moopil Narayanan Kartha started his journey to back to Cheranelloor village.When he reached the present site of the temple, due to tiredness, happened to place the umbrella on the ground.When he tried to lift umbrella, it won't move and he recalled his dream.

Moopil Narayanan Kartha built only a small Sreekovil and a lonely Mandapam seven centuries ago.He collected Anjanasila from a pond in the vicinity and blessed carver sculptured it in a perfect Krishna form.

Moopil Kartha invited Guruvayurappan's Thanthri Chennas Nampoothiripad to install the Vigraha. as per vedic directions, Vigraha installed during Malayalam month'Meenam'and star 'Punartham'day .Moopil Kartha well pleased and brought precious gems and coins and articles in a gold plate to gift the Thanthri.When the Dhananm was done , Kartha gave away everything on the gold plate, inadvertedly, he did not give the gold plate.Thanthri blessed Moopil immediately the temple will be' bit below Guruvayur, as the 'dhanam' was incomplete.This incident disappointed Kartha very much and offered gold plate also to the Thanthri in anticipation of setsacting the two words. But this did not happen as everything played by Sri Krishna as his leela.

Narayanan kartha spent his left over years, praying to Krishna, and left this world for Vaikuntha. The later Karthas looked after the temple with intense bhakthi and fulfilled entire vision of Moopil Kartha for centuries after him.After so many years the temple was taken over by another devotee, the Rama Varma Maharaja of Cochin Royal family.

Link

[sanjupalayat]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

Sanju

You can read this story from THIS SITE. This is mentioned here, because the writer is from Royal Family

Much before the arrival of the Portuguese in India, the original seat of the Government of Cochin royalty was in a place called Perumpadappu, not far from the famous Guruvayoor temple of Kerala, which was under the authority of the Zamorin. In those days, the Zamorin yielded unrivalled power. Legend has it that the Raja of Cochin was forced to travel south owing to the invasion of his territories by the Zamorin and eventually shift his headquarters to Tripunithura. In spite of the shift, the royal title of the erstwhile Raja of Cochin is still known as “Perumpadappu Swaroopam”.

The link provided by you also dont says anything regarding guruvayur temple under Kochi Kingdom, it mentions Guruvayur was under zamorin. Also culture wise Guruvayur is more attached to Malabar than Kochi.

[mohammedirshad06]

Koonan Kurishu Satyam (The oath at Leaning Cross- Mattancherry)- 1653

The Oath of Leaning Cross, marked the start of first protest against foreign missionaries on religious ground, in India. This was done by traditional Native Christians, who later became known as Orthodox wing, declared their protest against Catholic Portuguese and their missionaries, vowed this Assriyan Cross in the heart of Mattancherry, that they will not submit to Portuguese inquisition into Catholicism and will fight against any foreigners, who attempt to destroy their culture

The story goes on like this

Right from 52 AD, Kerala hosted Christians, who adopted the religion, when St. Thomas the Apostle visited Kerala and spread the word of religion. The traditions which St. Thomas spread in Kerala, was that of Oriental Christianity and they were attached to traditional Orthodox Christian values attached to the time. Over a period of years, coupled with immigration of Syrian Christians to Kerala and their adaption into Kerala's social fabric, made the native Christianity to adhere to values of Church of Damascus in Syria and the Patriarch of Antioch as their supreme leader.

The Portuguese who came to Kochi in 1501, initially mistook Oriential Christians who were known as Nasaranis, as Primitive Catholics, hence called in services of Latin Catholic Missionaries to refine them into then-the modern Catholic procedures. It was later, they realized that, these native Christians follows a different sect of Christianity, which was often challenged by prevailing Catholic Dogmas. With gaining more power and privileges, a systematic torture and persecution was started by Portuguese across Indian Christians, who didn't renounce the Oriental rites and adopt Catholicism.

On hearing about the persecution suffered by his flock in Kochi, the Patriarch of Antioch, Mor Ignatius Ahathulla, set out to Malankara (traditional name of Malabar, as per Oriental Christian records) in 1653. He was captured by the Portuguese en route and was taken to Madras. Two Syrian Christian deacons from Malankara, Itty and Kurian, who were on pilgrimage to Mylapore heard about the incident. They managed to meet Mor Ahathulla and secured a 'Statikon' from him appointing Archdeacon Thomas as the episcopa of Malankara [with the condition that a proper ordination would be obtained as soon as the situation permitted]. In the meantime, Mor Ahathulla was brought to Cochin. On hearing about his arrival, hoards of Syrian Christians rushed to the Cochin Port to free their holy father. They were unable to free Mor Ahathulla. He was taken to Goa in a ship and burnt on the stake. But news spread that he was drowned in the Arabian Sea with a millstone tied to his neck. As the news of this cruelty spread, the Syrian Christians were on the verge of an emotional outburst.

On 3rd January 1653 AD at Mattancherry, under the leadership of Archdeacon Thomas and a Knanaya priest, Anjilimmoottil Ittythomman Kathanar (Rev. Itty Thomas), about 25000 Syrian Christians held on to a rope tied to a leaning cross (an ancient assyrian cross that had become leaning with the passage of centuries) and pledged to never surrender to Portuguese Archbishop of Goa, Francis Garcia under the Roman yoke and always remain under the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch maintaining their ancient rites and traditions. Rev. Itty Thomas was the main organizer of the rally for Koonan Cross Oath. This historic event is known as the Koonen Kurishu Sathyam (The Leaning Cross Oath).

This marked the first known revolution cry against Europeans in India.

[mohammedirshad06]

The Signal Tower- 1603

One of the landmarks of medieval Fort Kochi, under Portuguese's Fort Kochi, it remained in glory, untill late days of 1890s

The Signal tower stood in center of current Nehru Park, which was the Main square of Fort Kochi in medieval days.

It was a busy signal tower as it communicated with the approaching ships and sent out signals locally too. A basket, a cage, flags, torchlight were all used as signals. A signal was put up when a ship laden with goods was coming. With it the locals knew what was required to board the ship. If coir was to be shipped out they got busy assembling the produce.

Likewise for pepper and other spices. It signalled to fishermen about inclement weather or about sickness on board, a passing or approaching ship. This signal tower was brought down and the remains were razed completely much later when the foundation of the park was laid. The three buildings seen in the painting were the port office, the gear shed and the coal shed. In fact, the Chinese fishing net next to the coal shed is called `Karipura'. Opposite the tower was the Old Harbour Hotel, which housed sailors, and officers who alighted. As the signal station had a tower the road was named Tower Road and remains so till today."

Interesting is the story of the Santa Cruz Basilica which stood behind the present day Laurel Club, one of the three structures seen at the far end of the painting. When the Dutch took over they converted the Basilica into a godown as they were Calvinists. Later, when the British arrived they had to shoot down the godown because the Dutch offered resistance.

The relics, in the form of pillars of the basilica, are found at three places in Fort Kochi. The signal station was the focus of all action, during war and peace. It signalled the coming and the going of traders, merchants and colonisers.

The signal station is no more. At the children's park where it once stood, kids play on swings and slides, their laughter filling the air. Fairy lights and fountains come alive in the evenings; hawkers sell, travellers walk around. There is a strange serenity around this rain tree-lined park.

Quite a contrast, for it was here mutinies rose and fell, fearful exchange of fire shots resounded; the troops marched; merchandise was bartered. It was here that an unseen filtering of culture took place many, many years ago. Now all that exists as memory of this landmark is this forgotten painting on the wall of the Corporation office.

[mohammedirshad06]

A Bond issued by VOC-Dutch East India Company Kochi, to raise 2400 florines (The local currency of Kochi that time).

[mohammedirshad06]

A tale of Queen and Kingdom

Kochi Royal Family's tradition of keeping the seniormost female member, the H.H Penvazhithampuran Veliyamma, as head of the royal family, with power to appoint and dismiss the king, was a note worthy tradition, uniquely placed in Indian monarchical context. Despite of the fact, it would be worthy to find, critics believe there was no any celebrated lady ruler in Kochi, often found as a twist-turning event in Indian histories

But thats often untrue. Kochi too had a female ruler, whose reign saw a period of unrest and changed the very conquest of Kerala and Kochi's history.

It was year 1656, the last days of Portuguese in Kerala. The disputes within Royal family worsen, with senior Dynasty- Mootha Thavazhi, claiming on throne, with help of Zamorins, invading Dutch as well as small principalities. The very foundations of Portuguese in Kerala was shaken with numerous issues across the world.

The Portuguese forced to intervene in the issue, by supporting younger dynasty- the Elaya Thavazhi. The Portuguese immedidetly seeked the support of H.H The queen, who had the naming power of the King. She was asked to take up the crown

And that changed the context of Kochi's History. H.H Penvazhithampuran Gangadharalakshmi Veliyamma was crowned as Queen of Perumpadappu Swaroopam- the Kochi. And Kochi saw its first Queen

Her reign of 2 years- 1656 to 1658 saw a huge changes in royal family. The Elaya Thavazhi got monopoly rights over line succession, most of members in Senior Dynasty-Mootha Thavazhi got arrested, a strong Kochi Army comprising of 3500 infantry soldiers and 120 cannons with 55 artillery units and 3 naval ships were raised.

The arrest of Mootha Thavazhi members, actually brought Dutch to Kochi. Several princes of Kochi from Mootha Thavazhi, who escaped Fort Kochi, took ships to reach Colombo to meet Dutch. The Dutch Commander seized the opporunity and along with Princes, invaded Portuguese Kochi sooner or later.

The reign of Gangadharalaksmi actually changed several course of Kerala events. In year 1658, her adopted son Rama Varma became King. But the brain of rule, was vested with her. She knew the days of Portuguese is coming to end, hence seeked to keep neutral, once Dutch reaches near Kochi. The Dutch established its first fort in Paravur, known as Fort Orange. The Queen secretly send her son, to announce her neutrality to the Dutch and signed friendship accord. The Dutch Governor double crossed their supporters Mootha Thavazhi in 1660, by killing 2 princes of Dynasty, who brought them to Kochi. This move, proved the sharp skills of Queen, in making Dutch as her allies, while keeping alliance with Portuguese.

Finally in 1661, Dutch invaded Fort Kochi. The historic Portuguese-Dutch War took place at Fort Kochi Beach. The Portuguese was counting in Kochi Army's support, for crucial bombing against Dutch ships at Vypeen Fort. Under the Queen's orders, the Kochi Army fired balls, without Gunpowder to fool Portuguese, keeping with the secret understanding with Dutch. The Portuguese army was routed and Fort Kochi fallen into hands of Dutch.

The melee and confusion at Kochi, killed regining King Rama Varma and a senior Prince from Mootha Dynasty crowned himself as King, making a forged declaration of Queen. The Queen was secretly kept at Kalvetty Palace, to keep the regin of Goda Varma legitimate.

It was at this occasion, the Dutch Governor- Hendrick Van Rheede realized the foul play happening inside the Royal family, when the Kochi Royal Army started firing at Dutch at Calvetty Palace, a violation of secret understanding between Dutch and Queen.

Van Rheede Captain soon stormed the Kalvetty Palace, arrested the Queen and placed her safe custody in Malabar House.

It was there, Queen reaffirmed her loyalty with Dutch and mentioned, how Goda Varma seized the power using the confusion at the fort.

Once again the power of Queen was brought out in History, when Gangadharalakshmi issued a royal proclaimation, removing Goda Varma from the Crown. She again was crowned as Queen just for 2 days at an age of 98.

Despite of her age, the Dutch remembered the sharp acumen of the Queen in removing Portuguese from Kochi and welcoming Dutch to Kerala. Van Rheede mentioned her role in his autobiography and expressed how a lady in 90s could reshape the history of Kerala and Kochi, using double plays and tactics.

Her nephew and close friend of Van Rheede- Veera Kerala Varma was named by Queen as next King and Kochi came out from the deep crisis it faced for nearly a decade.

The queen laid to rest, soon after peace came to Kochi and Dutch strongly secured Fort Kochi.

Perhaps, modern generation may not know, who was Rani Gangadharalakshmi. But its something noteworthy, a lady in 90s, old and tried, mastered herself in art of tactics and reshaped the history of Kerala, by eliminating Portuguese from Kerala, without firing a single shot from its guns.

[mohammedirshad06]

Kochi and Cricket



A video of yesterdays of India's first limited over Tournament- Navarathri Pooja Cricket Tournament

[mohammedirshad06]

Paliyam Palace at Chennamangalam, 40 km north of Kochi, holds this unique distinction.

The mansion, once known as Paliyam House, was re-named Paliyam Palace when Paliath Achan, prime minister to the Maharaja of Kochi, provided it as a hideout for his king during regional battles.

Paliyam Palace proudly houses the history of Kochi kingdom and Paliyam family, who served as hereditary prime ministers to the Kochi maharajahs.

This 17th century palace was built by the Dutch East India Company, next to a traditional nalukettu. It was a gift from the Dutch to Paliyath Achan, who helped the Oranje dislodge the Portuguese from the Malabar Coast and secure their trading interests.

Nearly 40 Paliyam families used to stay together in this palace. The Nalukettu has 95 rooms, which accommodated more than 150 people. The palace was occupied mostly by women and children, as the Paliyam family used to follow a matrilineal system. It represented what is now an apartment complex.

Paliyam Eswara Seva Trust owns the buildings now. Kerala government has taken up the palace’s restoration and after renovation hopes to turn it into a museum.

Historian and Kerala Council for Historical Research director, Dr P.J. Cherian, says the palace is an example of colonial interaction. It shows how Dutch interacted with local power without dispute. These monuments need to be protected as they have a rich past, he added.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chann...built-king-375

[mohammedirshad06]

I am sure, most of us, never seen any official record or document during days of Kingdom of Cochin. The most recognizable historical artifact will be the stamps, currency and revenue record papers.

Some of the Kochi Kingdom's Stamps, Postal (in those days it was known as Anchal in Malayalam) and Revenue Stamps

The main characteristics of Kochi Stamps are, each stamp has the portray of King in its central part, while the state insignia like Counch, Umbrella, Lamp and Palanquin at four corners of the stamp, while the currency values written in Malayalam and English Numerals.









The India Government, in 2002, released a ceremonious Stamp praising the Kochi King



This stamp featured the old Kochi Stamp with Royal Emblem of the Kingdom.

Some of another important set of historical artifacts are Revenue records and Stamp papers. Kochi had its own full fledged Revenue Department, issuing its own stamp and Revenue papers













After Merger of Kochi with Travancore Kingdom, the name of the state was changed to State of Travancore-Cochin. The TC Government also issued the postal stamps till 1953. One such rare posts is as below

[mohammedirshad06]

Uliyannoor Pond- a wonder of ancient Kerala

The temple of Uliyannoor created by Perumthachan

One of the shining names in Kerala's myths and legends is that of Perumthachan- the master carpenter.

The greatest of great Carpenter, born to Vararuchi, the Brahmin noble of King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, was a celebrated figure popularized by collection of Kerala folklore stories known as Ithihyamala (The string of legends).

As per legends, Perumthachan was based in Aluva, Kochi, to be precise in the island of Uliyannoor. The local king asked him to construct a temple for Lord Shiva and he designed a temple. As for complying to Vastu standards a water body was required on its west side. There were 4 trustees to the temple and each trustee wants a pond to be designed to Circular, rectangular, polygon and square. Each trustee was not ready to compromise. A feud erupted between the trustees and the matter was taken to the King.

The King was also confused what to do which this matter, as there can't be 4 ponds for one temple. He called Perumthachan to discuss the matter. The carpenter genius said, he can design one single pond complying to specifications of 4 requirements.

The King was taken back, how can be pond be square, rectangular, polygon and circular at a time. However Perumthachan reassured and works started in utmost secrecy.

After 3 months, each trustee was asked to inspect the pond from their part of the bathing ghat. Surprisingly, for each trustee the pond looked according to their preferred specification.

The King too was surprised as the pond looked circular, square, polygon and rectangular from each respective side

The secret was the pond was of an irregular shape, constructed in a very large manner. The side walls are specially designed with curves and twists in such a way that, from each side the pond looks like the respective design with help of the optical illusion created.

Ever since that, an ordinary Thachan (Carpenter), became the famous Perumthachan (the great carpenter).

However this master pond was destroyed during the floods in 17th century. Currently a small pond exists in its original place, making the masterpiece lost in glories of folklore.....

The current state of the pond

[mohammedirshad06]

A very rare pic of H.H Shrimati Parukutty Valiya Nethyar Amma AVL



Its too difficult to get pictures of any royal ladies of Cochin, due to stringent protocols attached with ladies of Cochin Royal Family during that time.

Parukutty Nethyar Amma or popularly known as Lady Rama Varma, was the consort of H.H Rama Varma. During his regin from 1914-1932, the actual administration was run the Consort Queen.

It was under able guidance, the finances of Cochin State improved, Maharaja's College got upgraded to a Major college status, renovation of Durbar Hall of Kochi, development of MG Road, Upgradation of Thrissur Zoo and many other things, including universal girls education and opening of Tripunithara Royal city gates to commoners....

She was the only Lady from Kerala, to honoured by British with highest Civilian Award Kaiser-i-Hind for her works.

However she soon became an adherent follower of Gandhiji. It was on her request, Gandhiji decided to come to Thrissur, where she met him in 1925. She remained Chief Patron of Indian National Congress's activities in Kochi and even adopted Khadi products. The entire Hill Palace, soon started production of Khadi in large scale, causing much displeasure to British.

This forced British to attempt to remove the King, which foiled.... However in 1932 the King passed away and Parukutty soon moved to Switzerland, after British didn't allow to reside in her home town- Thrissur fearing strong Congress Movement under her patronage.

[thanseem]

Wow! What a thread!!!

Thanks Irshad..expecting more..

[DileepKS]

Nitpick: Was royal consorts of Indian Princes accorded the title "Her Highness"? Didn't think so.

The status of nethyars of Cochin was interesting. The saying is "They were untouchable during the day, and immensely touchable during night". As I read the various accounts, they were, in fact, like toys. Often cherished, expensive or high maintenance, but toys nevertheless.

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by DileepKS

Nitpick: Was royal consorts of Indian Princes accorded the title "Her Highness"? Didn't think so.

The status of nethyars of Cochin was interesting. The saying is "They were untouchable during the day, and immensely touchable during night". As I read the various accounts, they were, in fact, like toys. Often cherished, expensive or high maintenance, but toys nevertheless.

Well, the term Her Highness was accorded only to actual Queens.... In Travancore, the main/elder sister of regining Maharaja of Travancore carries the designation of H.H Sree Padmanabha Sevini, whereas the queens who governed the state, carries additional titles Vanchi Vardini-Rajarajaeswari etc..... The King Mother or Amma Maharani also entitled to carry H.H....

Whereas in Kochi, the seniormost lady or Penvazhithampuran were only entitled to carry H.H, while others as H.E.....

But in Parukutty Neythar Amma's case was bit unique... He Husband H.H Rama Varma was not entitled to the throne, but soon after her marriage, his elder brother who the former King passed away, while the Penvazhithampuran after appointing Rama Varma soon abdicated.... There was a major crisis in the family for appointment of new Penvazhithampuran and said that it went on till end of 1920s, after which finally a new lady was appointed

Due to this time period, there was no actual queen in Kochi, under whose name orders have to be issued. Parukutty Neytharamma took over this position untill final appointment and hence she was the only Nair Penvazhithampuran in the Kochi Family till the date. Perhaps it appear too odd that during period from 1914 to 1932, majority of orders, declarations etc were signed and declared in Parukutty's name, not the regining Maharaja, barring those correspondences to British and few important treaties/agreements etc.... The Maharaja was spending most of his time in Ollur and Shornour pursing his interest in Ayurveda etc....

Due to, the title H.H Consort Queen was conferred upon her and all records carry the same..... Normally Consorts of Kerala Kings are normally known as Srimati or Sarvashri etc..... Not H.H

[DileepKS]

Thanx for the clarification MI

[Arunz]

Link : Manorama

[Malayaali]

Sir Sri Rama Varma II, RajaMaharaja of Cochin, 1914-1932


Courtesy: Murali Rama Varma

[vjkrishn]

Source:The Hindu

The first office of J.Thomas and Co. Pvt Ltd(the largest and the oldest tea auctioneers in the world) in Cochin, near Parade Maidan, Fort Kochi. Currently it is called Bernard Bungalow and formerly, during the colonial era, it was a Dutch armoury

[mohammedirshad06]

The erstwhile Throne Room of Durbar Hall of Kochi, now renovated as prime venue of Kochi Muziris Biennale 2012