Maruthoor
The Maruthoor family is one of the eight branches of Naranath Valyathottathil Kudumbayogam.[1]
This aristocratic Keralite Christian family claims its origin from one of the Brahmin families converted to Christianity by St. Thomas in the 1st century AD. Though members of this family have migrated to different parts of Kerala (in the south-west region of India on the Malabar coast Malabar Coast), the main area of settlement is still found in and around Kumbazha Keezhuvaipur, Mallappally, Paduthodu and Valakuzhy.
Origin[edit]
In AD 52, St Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus, came to minister in Malankara (Maliankara), which was an island inhabited by many Brahmin families ensconced at the lake near present Kodungallur or Crangannur (Kottakkayal/Mussiris). As a result of St. Thomas' ministry work, many Brahmins converted. After the ministry work at Kottakkavu, St. Thomas went to Palur (Palayur) by boat through the backwaters. Palayur was a stronghold for both Bramhins and Jews. The conversion of Brahmins resulted in such an aversion among the Namboodiri Brahmins that they left cursing the place, and thus the name Chavakkad has derived from "sapakkadu" (Accursed Land). The Evangelistic work there made history in Kerala. The genesis of popular Christian families such as Pakalomattaom, Shankarapuri Kalli and Kalikavu was at this place.
Establishment at Bharananganam[edit]
Vallut Illam was one of the houses which belonged to the Pakalomattom family (Tharavad). The priesthood, mentorship and leadership of other families in Kodungallur and Palur was given to the Vallut family. Those who were excommunicated got together and started their exodus, carrying with them their material possessions. Eventually they reached a place called Pala at the bank of River Meenachil. They approached the local ruler Meenachil Karthav and placed before him gifts such as gold and large amounts of money. In return they were granted a place to reside called Bharananganam, 5.5 miles from Pala situated on both sides of River Meenachil. In due course, they approached Meenachil Karthav for permission to build a church to pray and worship. In those days, if two families submitted a request, permission was granted. Families from either side of the river submitted a request to the ruler and they were granted permission to build the church. Local Brahmins opposed Karthav's decision but he refused to withdraw the permission he had already granted. The ruler asked the Brahmins to decide on a place to have the church built, either on the north or south side of the river. Those staying on the south wanted it to be on the north and vice versa. Finally the ruler came upon an amicable solution by suggesting that the first stone would be given to one of his elephants in the middle of the river and wherever it dropped the stone, they should build the church there. Finally the church was constructed one mile to the north of the river at a place called "Kelachavukunnu". The inaugural service was held on 15 August 1004 AD.[2]
Establishment at Kuravilangad[edit]
With time, people from other places also joined the church, introducing differing opinions which led to strife, quarrels, and the dividing of the church into two factions. Eventually, the Vallut family left that place, traveled further and settled Kuravilangadu. They met with the rulers and purchased some land to settle on. These forefathers, having settled in Kuravilangad, built a church down the river and, toward the end of 16th century, constructed Valiya Palli with the benevolence of Portuguese Archbishop Meneses and western traders.
Establishment at Kizhuvaipur[edit]
Vallut Illam is part of Kodungallur Pahalomattom family. From this Illam, one branch stayed at Ettumanoor. The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple was built by some Kodungallur Vallut family members who moved to Ettumanoor during the time when those forefathers were living at Kuravilangad. From North Perakam, two Kshathriya brothers left their homes and went to Ettumanoor, where they lived on Vallut family property. Both of them became acquainted with the Christians at Kuravilangad. After a while, these brothers left their area and moved from place to place. Finally, the elder brother settled at Pariyaram (Mooppile Koikkal) and the younger one at Tiruvayoor(Ilamile Koikkal).
At that time, those places belonged to the Edappally rulers. As the Koikkal brothers were very close to the rulers, they were given the authority to collect taxes for Kizhuvaipur and the surrounding areas. As they became rich, they thought it would be good to have a Christian family at Kizhuvaipur. As the Kshathriyas believed that their suprimacy would stand to gain, they came to Kuravilangad, and had a meeting at Ettumanur Illam to decide on this.
Vallut Kochitti and Kochu Kurian[edit]
Eventually they met Vallut family members, Vallut Kochitti and Kochu Kurian and conveyed their decision with love and sincerity. They agreed to move to Kizhuvaipur, where they were given property adjacent to the Kochukoikkal property on which to settle. Kochitty lived on one side, and on the south side lived Kochu Kurian. Kochitty built a two storey house on the property assigned to him and called it Valyathottathil which is a name based on Vallut Illam. Kochu Kurian built a house at his property and called it Vallya Veettil. Nearby properties Valya Thottathil, Kochu Thottathil, Oothukuzhi, Mallappally Kuzhi, Nikathukandam, Mavadi, Aruvalli, Puthenpurackal, Ullirickal, west of Valankara Koman coast, etc. were given to these families.
Branches[edit]
In the course of time these two families split into different branches and are known by names such as
- Naranath
- Maruthoor
- Pavvathilath
- Kannanthanath
- Valyathottathil
- Kunnuthara
- Puthenpurackal
- Neithelil
References[edit]
This article "Maruthoor" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
