Muzhakunnu - A Short Sketch

Muzhakunnu is located in Iritty taluk, south east of Iritty town. This was the original capital of Kottayam Rajas. In this post, topics to be covered will be -

1. Mridangasailesvari Temple
2. Kumaradhara
3. Pindali Kalari
4. Some recent but interesting events related to the temple. 
5. Harishchandra Kotta 
6. Puralimala Muthappan

1. MRIDANGASAILESVARI TEMPLE

Lord Parashurama had established 108 Durga temples across Keralam. Mridangasailesvari temple is one of them. It lay at Muzhakunnu on mountain named Puralimala.

It must be noted that Muzhakunnu have another name of Mridangasailam. The word Mridangasailam is derived from Mridangam (musical drum) and Sailam (moutain). Legend says that Durga Devi descended on to this mountain from sky in the form of a Mridangam. Parashurama identified this divine presence of Durga here and hence consecrated a temple for her. 

A similar legend also is there about how the name Muzhakunnu came into being. Muzhakunnu is condensed form of Muzhangiya Kunnu. This name is a combination of Muzhakkam (Great Sound) and Kunnu (Hill). Thus the name mean the Hill of Great Sound. Great sound here refers to the sound of divine music which accompanied arrival of Durga Devi on this mountain. 

Exact form of Shakti here is subject of dispute. Some argue that it is true Durga whereas some others claim it to be Shree Porkali or Chandika Devi. Another view is that it is Durga in the form of Shree Porkali. Porkali is the combination of Por (Battle) and Kali (Fury).

Yet it is considered that Mridangasailesvari is the combination of Shakti in the forms of Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Kaali. 

Note that Shree Porkali is the tutelary deity of Kottayam royal lineage. But original family shrine of Kottayam Rajas dedicated to Shree Porkali is at Manathana. This temple was destroyed during storm during one monsoon. Only ruins are there at present. It is hoped that it will be rebuilt. 

But what is beyond dispute is that Kottayam Rajas had a close connection with this temple. Originally capital of Kottayam Rajas was at Muzhakunnu close to this temple. Once they had a large fortified palaces around the temple. But none of them survive today. 

One story is that origin of southern, western and eastern branches of royal lineage of Kottayam had to do with this temple. It is believed that Padinjare Kovilagam, Kizhakke Kovilagam and Tekke Kovilagam - western, eastern and southern palaces respectively - of Puranattukara Swarupam or Kottayam royal stock originally were based on west, east and south of this temple and it was due to the direction with respect to temple that their names originated.

Puranattukara Swarupam is the Uralar (trustee) of this temple. 

To ensure victory, before all major battles, Pazhassi Raja worshipped Shree Porkali in her ferocious manifestation. He did this at the secret cellar in the palace nearby. He always prayed to the idol of Goddess at the temple before he set off to battlefield. 

To the west of temple lay remains of what was once a cave temple. Kottayam Rajas conducted prayers here before they went into field of war. 

Kottayam Thamburan also known as Kathakali Thamburan, greatest exponent of Kathakali wrote his Attakathas in this temple in front of idol of Goddess. It is said that he once found it difficult to develop female form in Kathakali. He prayed to in front of Devi and Goddess who was pleased with his prayer appeared in middle of temple tank and showed him what is now female forms in Kathakali.

It is believed (and experience also justify it) that Mridangasailesvari showers blessings upon and fulfill wishes of those who come to pray to her. 

2. KUMARADHARA

Close to the temple is a spot named Kumaradhara or Gundhika. There are no shrines here. Those who come to worship here also pray at Kumaradhara. Please read the post "Imbecile Turned Sage" for more details.

3. PINDALI KALARI

Adjacent to the temple is Pindali Kalari. It is one of the sixty four Kalaris established by Lord Parashurama. It is believed that temple of Mridangasailesvari would be prosperous only if male members of Puranattukara Swarupam learn combat from Pindali Kalari. Nambeesan of Pindali lineage are the hereditary instructors or Gurukkal or this Kalari. Ceremony of coronation for Kottayam Raja was considered complete only if would be Raja were to come to the Kalari and receive ceremonial sword from the Gurukkal of the Kalari. 

Kalari has two parts - one was reserved for training of princes, other one, an outer Kalari for training rest of the pupils. Princely Kalari is today preserved as a sacred monument without any combat schooling. But outer Kalari is still active and imparts combat training for 34 pupils.

Marthanda Varma, the founder of kingdom of Travancore came to Muzhakunnu and got training in combat from Pindali Kalari. 

4. SOME RECENT BUT INTERESTING EVENTS RELATED TO THE TEMPLE

Panchaloha idol of Devi is three feet high and extremely beautiful as well as costly and worth 1.5 crore rupees. It was stolen thrice but thrice it idol returned to original position in ways so unusual that it can be deemed nothing short of miraculous. There is reason to believe the local folklore that anyone who steals the idol will return it to where it rightfully belongs - the events which give credence to the belief is as follows -

In late 20th century, the temple had to be shut down due to acute financial problems. Hereditary trustees, the Kottayam Rajas had become impoverished and hence could not pay for maintenance of the temple. After that local people attempted to run the temple but they too faced same fiscal problems. It was during this time that repeated theft of the idol occurred.

First time idol was stolen, the thief once he reached the western part of the temple complex suddenly lost his sense of what to do. Weight of idol started to increase and he felt terrible urge to relieve himself and extreme physical discomfort. Until dawn he remained there unable to do think or do anything. He then left the idol at the western end of the temple complex and ran away.

Second time the idol was stolen, it resurfaced at a roadside in Palakkad District on 42nd day after theft. Attached to it was a letter which said - "This idol belongs to Muzhakunnu temple. Please return it to its original position." 

Third time stolen idol was recovered from a lodge in Kalpetta in Wynad. Thief had abandoned it and wrote asking that idol be returned to where it truly belongs. 

All three thieves were later caught and they all told their interrogators that they felt strange feeling of being helpless and complete loss of mental and physical equilibrium along with inexplicable physical distress after they stole the idol.  

Once an astrological consultation was done by all concerned about the temple - which then was not in a prosperous state and struggled even to conduct daily ritual. Astrological finding was that if the lost temple tank (it had fallen into ruins and was filled up by earth due to neglect) was re-excavated and renovated, there will be heavy rush of devotees even from far off lands and lost glory of the temple will return. 

A year ago, this renovation was completed. It was at the same time that former Director General of Police Alexander Jacob made a talk about this temple and power of Mridangasailesvari. And this talk became viral through Whatsapp - what followed was a miracle. Tens of thousands started to go to Mridangasailesvari temple to seek Her blessing - this was unprecedented. It seems the astrological forecast was fulfilled. 

A statue of Pazhassi Raja has been established at the northern part of the temple.  

5. HARISHCHANDRA KOTTA

Ruins of this fort can be seen adjacent to the temple. A small reservoir and a heap of granite boulders is all that remains today. See my Founding Fathers post for further details.

6. PURALIMALA MUTHAPPAN

Puralimala Muthappan shrine is also close to Mridangasailesvari temple - separated by only 2-3 kilometers. It is believed to be one of the earliest Muthappan shrines.

Kingdom of Kottayam - A Brief History

I have already mentioned the legend about the foundation this kingdom and her dynasty in post entitled "Founding Fathers".  Yet no solid evidence is available about origin of kingdom of Kottayam or about her royal lineage beyond legends. 

Earliest reference to what later became kingdom of Kottayam was during reign of Second Cheras (800 AD to 1122 AD). Then it was known as Puraikiznad and was one of the eighteen Nadus or vassal divisions of Chera domain. Tirunelli Inscription of Bhaskara Ravi Varma, the Chera monarch refers to a Shankaran Kota Varma as ruler of Puraikiznad. 

Puraikiznad covered what is now taluk of Iritty and interior of Thalassery taluk. In course of time, this area became known as Puranad as well as Puranattukara. It is opined that this word mean country of mountains. This kingdom later came to be known as Kottayam as it had its capital at this spot.

Kottayam Rajas were refered to as Puraikiznad Tangal (Lord of Puraikiznad) in medieval Manipravalam Malayalam works of Unniyachicharitam and Kokilasandesam. In second work, Kottayam Rajas were termed as Puralikshamabhritt (Lord of Purali Mountain). 

Earliest capital of this kingdom was at what is now known as Muzhakunnu also known as Mridangasaila. This area lay on Puralimala, a mountain range that runs east of Mattannur for six miles but is not a part of Western Ghats. With passage of time, capital was moved to Chavassery near Mattannur and then to Kottayam close to Koothuparamba.

Tutelary deity of Kottayam Rajas is Shree Porkali (Chandika Devi) whose original shrine is at Manatana. But Kottayam Rajas also venerated also Durga or Mridangasailesvari at Muzhakunnu with utmost devotion. Her temple is close to Harischandra Kota and Kumaradhara referred in my previous posts ''Founding Fathers'' and ''Imbecile turned Sage''. Kindly read my post about Muzhakunnu for detailed information about temple of Mridangasailam.

First well recorded branch of this royal lineage was Malikathazethu Kovilagam at Elipetta near Chavassery. It grew rapidly in size and gave birth to three new branches - Tekke Kovilagam and Kizhakke Kovilagam at Kottayam and Padinjare Kovilagam at Pazhassi. In course of time, Malikathazhethu Kovilagam was absorbed into Padinjare Kovilagam.

But there is also another view that origin of southern, western and eastern branches of royal lineage of Kottayam had to do with temple of Mridangasailam. It is believed that Padinjare Kovilagam, Kizhakke Kovilagam and Tekke Kovilagam - western, eastern and southern palaces respectively - of Puranattukara Swarupam or Kottayam royal stock originally were based on west, east and south of this temple and it was due to the direction with respect to temple that their names originated.

At an unknown point of time, a prince from this lineage was adopted into royal household of Kurumbranad. Since then, both kingdoms had close bonds with one another. 

Kottayam Rajas are born Kshatriyas of lunar origin (descendants of legendary Yayati). They are termed as Brahma-Kshatriyas. They have the rare privilege to give drinking water to Brahmins. Other than Kottayam Rajas only members of royal lineages of Pandalam and Cochin have this privilege. It also of interest to note that unlike lineages of most Rajas and great chieftains in Kerala who claim their authority from last Perumal or Chera monarch, Kottayam Rajas do not make any such claims. It is believed that ancestors of Kottayam Rajas came from Chola country (east coast of Tamil Nadu), though no evidence is available.

In 15th century, Kottayam Raja in alliance with Kurumbranad Raja conquered Wynad from Veta Raja and annexed it to their kingdom. North Wynad went to Kottayam and South Wynad to Kurumbranad. But soon, Kottayam acquired South Wynad from Kurumbranad. Acquisition of all Wynad trebled the size of Kottayam domain. Note that at that time Wynad also included Gudalur taluk of Nilgiris as well.

Kottayam was famous for her best quality pepper, sandal and cardamom. On account of this foreign merchants kept trade contacts with this kingdom uninterrupted for centuries.

By time of arrival of Portuguese, Kolathiris and Kottayam Rajas were bitter enemies and at constant war with one another. Given below is the account given by Portuguese traveler Tom Pirez who visited Kerala in 1512-15 -

"Kottayam Raja does not have coast and harbor. His progress is on land. It is a kingdom; It fights with Kolathiri. He mints coins. He is afraid of nobody; His land and people are powerful. The fort money comes from here"

Royal lineage of Kottayam produced many distinguished personalities even before Pazhassi Kerala Varma. Most well known are Kottayam Kerala Varma who went to Venad and became Raja there and Kottayath Tamburan who was also known as Vidvan Tamburan who developed art form of Kathakali into what it is now and wrote Aattakathas. In field of military heroism and scholarship, royal lineage of Kottayam can rival any royal lineage in whole of Kerala. 

Often, it is wrongly believed that  Kottayam Kerala Varma and Kottayath Tamburan are the same as Pazhassi Raja. Reality is that former two are ancestors of the freedom fighter Kerala Varma. One reason for this confusion was because male members of Kottayam royal lineage have only limited number of names - like Vira Varma, Sankara Varma, Ravi Varma and Kerala Varma. There are persons with same name and this often causes a confusion of identity.

Uddhanda Sashtri, famous 16th century poet of Calicut Raja’s court, was impressed by the proverbial invincibility and scholarship of Kottayam Rajas and is said to have sang -

"Yeshaam Vamshe Samajani Harishchandranaama Narendraha

Pratyaapaththi  Pataga! Yadupancham Cha Kaumaarilaanaam 

Yudhdhe Yaeshaamahitahataye Chandika Sannidhaththae

Teshaameshaam Stutishu Na Bhavael Kasya Vakratham Pavithram"

English translation would be - 

Ones born in lineage of Harishchandra, 

He who spread philosophy of Mimamsa, 

Them, whose enemies are slayed in war by Goddess Chandika herself, 

Impossible it is, not to have a pure mind describing them.

In seventeenth century, Kottayam Raja made an attempt to conquer Coorg which ended in a complete fiasco. Raja named Vira Varma and his entire army of 5000 men was annihilated by Coorgs. Since then, Rajas of Kottayam kept blood feud with Rajas of Coorg. Enmity between the two was further compounded by the fact that Coorg Rajas laid claim on Eastern Wynad as theirs.

In seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, Kolathunad was torn by instability due to feuds between Kolathiri princes and  rival European powers like Dutch, French and English took advantage of this situation for their own gain. Rajas of Kottayam also had to intervene in these affairs to protect their interests. 

During invasion of Ikkeri Nayaks in mid eighteenth century, Kottayam was also invaded. Ikkeri Nayak invaded Kottayam on the pretext of a lie that Kottayam Raja who was a trustee of Rajarajeshvara temple at Thaliparamba had carted off temple treasures to his palace. At this time, Kolathunad was mostly occupied briefly by Ikkeri Nayaks. But Kottayam Raja with help of Raja of Mysore fought back the armies of Nayak and drove them away. Not only that, Kottayam Raja also helped Kolathiri to free his country from Ikkeri rule. As a token of gratitude, Kolathiri recognized independence of Kottayam.

Kottayam army of 2,000 defeated 4,000 strong invading army of Hyder Ali in 1767. Mysore force suffered huge loss of men and their entire baggage train was plundered. This victory encouraged rest of Malabar to rise up and forced Mysore troops to retreat in 1768. 

Rest of the history of Kottayam is more or less the biography of Pazhassi Kerala Varma whose life is given in detail in previous posts. 

Thirty years of resistance to Mysore and British aggressors by Kottayam under Pazhassi Raja is one of the most glorious episodes in Indian history. Determination and military skill with which Raja and his subjects fought have defeated one of the best military leaders in world history - Duke of Wellington, nemesis of Napoleon at Waterloo.

But even after death of Raja, Kottayam had plenty of malcontents. Kurichiyas revolted in 1812 once more only to be swiftly crushed. But ghost of Cotiote War continued to haunt British authority in North Malabar for many years. They concluded that any careless action on part of British regime would rouse revolt in this area. One reason for this conclusion could be was that revolt of Kurichiyas was a part of a wider conspiracy to ignite anti-British revolt across Kerala under leadership of nephew of Pazhassi Raja.

After his death in 1805, Kottayam was annexed to Malabar district. Puranad area became Kottayam taluk and Wynad was made another taluk. Gudalur was added to Nilgiri district. A western part of Puranad area which included Irikur was added to Chirakkal taluk. At present in 2016, what was once kingdom of Kottayam covers taluks of Iritty and Thalassery in Cannanore district, whole of Wynad district and Gudalur taluk of Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu.

Imbecile Turned Sage - An Illustrious Ancestor of Pazhassi Raja

Once there were no male members in royal lineage of Kottayam save an imbecile. His mother, who was the regent, was extremely worried and had many physicians treat him in the hope that he will be cured. But unfortunately, his condition became worse day by day.

One day, a neighboring Raja invited members of Kottayam royal lineage to a function. There was no male member to go with exception of this imbecile. This posed a special problem his mother regent. If no one from her house attends this function, it will be interpreted as an insult by those who invited and that could also mean end of the friendly relations between the two royal houses. So she decided to sent her imbecile son instead. 

He went to the function and needless to say that his condition was revealed even to those who did not know about it. He became a laughing stock by the end of function. This news reached his mother. She became enraged that her dynasty lost their honor due to her imbecile prince and decided that it was time to redeem the lost honor of her lineage.

Her solution was cruel. She decided to sent her son to death. 

There was dangerous spot close to the palace named Kumaradhara also known as Gundhika. This rocky area is surrounded by high mountains clad in dense woods and rivulets from mountains descended down to this spot as strong waterfall. Nobody dared to go there at night as in those days it was infested by tigers and panthers. 

Guards took the prince and abandoned him at Kumaradhara. They felt sorry for him but had to obey orders. As imbecile reached this spot, he rushed into the water and started to play in the waterfall. At night, he slept on a rock nearby. Neither tiger nor poisonous serpent came to hurt him. 

What happened in the morning was nothing short of miracle. 

He was no longer an imbecile. He knew what was his past and could think and act like an extremely intelligent person.

He decided to return home but then he thought - "Why should I return home to my mother who had decided to sacrifice me for the sake of prejudice?" Then he wandered off into the direction of Puralimala which was close by. He reached the summit and saw the grand ruins of fort Harishchandra Kota built by his ancestor. 

Once he reached there, he felt a great peace of mind and rested there. He decided to meditate there for the rest of his life. He also consecrated an idol of Lord Shiva at Kumaradhara and became an ascetic. This idol of Shiva is venerated even today even though there are no temples here. Religious ceremonies are conducted during Shivaratri. Those who pray at Mridangasaileshwari temple close by also pray at Kumaradhara too. 

Reference:
Vadakkan Aitihyamala by Vandidas Elayavoor

'The Founding Fathers' - Legends About The Origin of Kingdom of Kottayam

This is a legend about origin of Puranattukara Swarupam, the lineage of Pazhassi Raja.

Once two ascetics did severe penance in forest close to what is now Manathana near Kottiyur. They were brothers and were Kshatriyas. At that time, this land was ruled by Kolathiri Raja. Kolathiri Raja had to face a serious invasion by a foreign power. Kolathiri faced constant defeats. His priests concluded that his defeat was due to loss of Kshatriya status of his lineage (Kolathiris are believed to be descendants of Kshatriyas who escaped wrath of Parashurama and concealed their Kshatriya-hood by swallowing their sacred thread).

But priests told Kolathiri about the Kshatriya ascetics from Manathana. They advised the Kolathiri to seek their help. Kolathiri sent a messenger to the hermitage. Elder ascetic asked younger ascetic to go and help the beleaguered Kolathiri. Younger of the ascetics went to meet Kolathiri with this messenger. Kolathiri received him with great hospitality and narrated his plight due to foreign invaders. His generals too were present. 

After listening to what Kolathiri had to say, the ascetic told him not to worry. Night had fallen by then and he asked them to go to sleep. Ascetic then went into military camp of Kolathiri and marked the foreheads of the best soldiers with lime. He then woke them up and asked them to guard the camp. He then mounted a horse whose forehead was also marked by lime. Then he rode into enemy camp.

Hearing the hoof beats of the horse, enemy troops woke up and stood to face the enemy. What they saw was a single man with a weapon they had not seen before. It was a spring sword or Urumi. The man was the ascetic. Enemy rushed towards the ascetic but he beheaded all of them using spring sword. He slaughtered twelve soldiers with a single stroke. Their heads fell but their bodies stood and jerked as blood gushed out like a fountain. Terrified, the rest of the enemy troops fled in panic. Ascetic pursued the defeated enemy. His eyes were on the enemy general. Ascetic killed enemy general at Mambaram in middle of Anjarakandi River. Ascetic scored a total victory over the enemy. 

It is believed that use of double edged and foldable spring sword or Urumi was innovated by ancestors of Kottayam Rajas. 

Then ascetic took rest under a tree. Soon Kolathiri came to meet him as he learnt of the news of this extraordinary victory. Kolathiri had come to invite ascetic to his palace on insistence of his mother and desired to give him a grand reception. But ascetic refused on the ground that he did what his brother had commanded him to do and that he will not accept reward for the fulfillment of sacred Kshatriya Dharma. But Kolathiri insisted that he ask for a gift. Finally, ascetic told Kolathiri that he be given the forest where his hermitage lay, as gift. Kolathiri gifted them the forest immediately.

But soon, Kolathiri regretted his decision. In the forest that he gifted, lay the great Shiva shrine of Kottiyur also renowned as Dakshina Kashi. He once more went back to the ascetic. Kolathiri told him that he did not intend to give Kottiyur to him and so requested him to exchange the gifted land with another chunk of land. To this ascetic replied that what was given in Daanam or religious charity cannot be given back or asked back as it would cause a serious violation of sacred law. Saying this he vanished. The area where ascetic got gift of land and from where he vanished is Mammakunnu (close to Dharmadam).

In order to rule the land he got, ascetic invited his relatives from his native country. They settled in Muzhakunnu on Puralimala and one of them got crowned through Ariyittuvazhcha ceremony presided by Pindali Nambeesan, a Brahman who taught Kalari Payatt and ceremony was completed after crowned monarch received a sword from Pindali Nambeesan.  This was the beginning of Puranattukara Swarupam, the royal lineage of Kottayam.

Harishchandra Perumal is considered as first monarch of Kottayam. He is believed to be the first to have introduced philosophy of Mimamsa into Kerala. Legend say that he became Perumal of all Kerala on request of Nambudiri Brahmins. Then he built a granite fort on Puralimala mountain. But soon forest deities started to travel through this fort. His subjects who were frightened by these super-natural beings, did not dare to visit Perumal at his abode in Puralimala. Harishchandra ruled for a long time. Country was prosperous and flourishing. He was deeply religious and humble as a person and believed in omnipotence of God. Then he vanished without a trace. Nobody knew what happened to him.  

Fort he built was known as Harishchandra Kota. During his war years, Pazhassi Raja made this this fort his headquarters. Ruins of this fort can be seen in Puralimala even today. At present it is a heap of granite boulders. A Shiva Linga cut out of granite can be seen there. Pazhassi Raja had regularly worshiped this Shiva Linga during his stay there. 

Viceroys of Pazhassi Raja

Once war with Mysore came to an end in 1791, Pazhassi Raja convened with all his principal adherents at Kottiyur temple. Raja was a great devotee of Lord Shiva or Kottiyur Perumal. He divided his whole kingdom into eighteen provinces and appointed a viceroy for each of the province with Lord Shiva himself as witness. These viceroys were men who had fought with Raja during his wars with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. In folklore, they were termed as Adi Pathinettu Karyakar or Original Eighteen Viceroys. They and their provincial fiefs are as follows -

1. Karungara Illath Nambudiri------------Eranjoli to Peravur

2. Choodan Chundan Nambiar------------Peravur to Aralam

3. Chingoteri Chandu----------------------Aralam to Valarvallikavu

4. Purangodan Nambiar--------------------Valarvallikavu to Muzhakunnu

5. Palakkad Pattar--------------------------Muzhakunnu to Uliyil 

6. Maruthiyodan Koran---------------------Uliyil to Kavaumpadikal

7. Elambilayi Chandu------------Kavumpadikal to Elambilai Mountain

8. Tondiyur Chathu Nambiar.--------------Kuttiyadi and neighborhood

9. Palora Eman.-----------------------------Wynad 

10. Eruvatti Mariyan Koran.----------------Wynad 

11. Kuttiammed Mappila.-------------------Wynad 

12. Vaniyan Palliyath Ambu-----------------Wynad

13. Member of royal lineage-----------------Unknown 

14. Member of royal lineage -----------------Manathana

15. Member of royal lineage -----------------Unknown

16. Chekura Kannoth Nambiar---------------Manathana to Kottiyur

17. Kaitheri Ambu.---------------Kottayampoyil and adjacent eight hamlets

18. Ponmileri Koroth Chandu-----------------Paduvilai

Names of 13th, 14th and 15th viceroys are not known. Palora Eman is the Pallur Eman who was exiled to Prince of Wales Island. Kaitheri Ambu is the brother in law of Raja. Chingoteri Chandu is related to Chingoteri Chathu who was executed by British in 1801. Palakkad Pattar is an Iyer from Palakkad. Kuttiammed Mappila is a Muslim and Palliyath Ambu is a Vaniyan (oil presser) by caste. Chekura Kannoth Nambiar is related famous Kannavath Sankaran. Ponmileri Koroth Chandu is in fact Pazhayaveettil Chandu. Wynad was divided into four quarters and each granted to a viceroy. Pazhassi Raja did not uproot ancient aristocracy and impose his governors. Karyakar were more of royal representatives with civil and military responsibility who ensured smooth coordination between Raja and chieftains. Furthermore, many Karyakar like Kaitheri Ambu and Chekura Kannoth Nambiar themselves were members of ancient aristocracy.

After his victory in 1797, Pazhassi Raja ousted Vira Varma of Kurubranad and Pazhayaveettil Chandu from government of Kottayam. He accepted another of his uncle Vira Varma who had resided  in Travancore as true Raja. Once this Vira Varma took charge (1797-99), English soon found out that new Raja had no power in Kottayam. English had advised Vira Varma to divide his country without Wynad into fourteen Hobalis for admininstrative purpose. Seven of local chieftains were appointed to head these territorial divisions and conduct rule on behalf of English East India Company. But to their shock, British discovered that all of them are partisans of Pazhassi Raja. They ensured that English could not impose their rule in Kottayam and made sure that will of Pazhassi Raja was enforced. Names of these bold men who thwarted English effort to control Kottayam are as follows -

1. Kaitheri Ambu
2. Elambilan Kunjan
3. Kannavath Sankaran
4. Ishwarath Nambiar (Ganapatieth Nambiar)
5. Pazhayaveettil Darappan Nambiar
6. Puthanveettil Ryru
7. Kalyat Kunjeman Nambiar

Kaitheri Ambu was strongest of the seven. He had supreme influence in eleven Hobalis in which five were under his personal rule. As per agreement of 1797, it was understood that Kaitheri Ambu would administer the land for Vira Varma Raja and therefore, for East India Company. Pazhassi Raja consented to this arrangement as Ambu was a partisan of Raja as well as brother in law. Kaitheri Ambu disobeyed British sponsored Vira Varma Raja to such an extend that the Vira Varma resigned in protest in 1799 and left for Travancore. 

Pazhayaveettil Chandu - Portrait of a Traitor

One day, Pazhassi Raja who was in his youth went into woods for hunting. He was accompanied by his armed retinue. They wandered in the forest without sight of any prey. But when they reached rivulet, they saw twenty children all busy with fishing. When the kids saw the armed men, all of them save one ran away. The one who stood firm continued with fishing. 

Hunting party led by Raja was surprised by this defiant gesture of that child. Raja asked him his name. Child told him that he was Pazhayaveettil Chandu. Raja asked him why he did not run away like the rest of his friends. Chandu answered that if he did not catch sufficient fish, he will have to starve that day. He came from an extreme poverty stricken household. 

Raja felt sympathy for the child. But he also appreciated the bold nature of Chandu. Raja took up the child and returned to his palace. He became godfather of Chandu and arranged for his education and military training in his palace. Chandu was made a retainer of Raja. 

Chandu came from a peasant background. This was in contrast to his associates like Kaitheri Ambu and Kannavath Sankaran who were members of ancient Nambiar aristocracy. So Raja ennobled Chandu – he did this by asking members of Ponmileri Koroth, a lineage of aristocratic Nambiars resident to Paduvilai near Anjarakkandy to adopt Chandu as a member. Ponmileri Koroth at this time had no male members. Hence, female members of this house agreed to proposal of Raja. Thus Pazhayaveettil Chandu became Ponmileri Koroth Chandu.  

It may be noted that in folklore, he is known as Ponmileri Koroth Chandu whereas in historical records, he is known by his original name Pazhayaveettil Chandu.

Raja then went one further step. He proposed marriage of Chandu with Unniamma of Kaitheri Edom. She was the sister of the renowned Kaitheri Ambu. On insistence of Raja, elders of Kaitheri Edom consented for this alliance. Ambu and Chandu were always at loggerheads with one another. But even after the marriage, relationship between the two men was nowhere warm. 

As it well known, Raja spent most of his adult life in warfare. Chandu accompanied his master into battlefield. He proved himself a courageous soldier and capable leader. Raja gave him appointment as one of his generals. After end of war with Tipu Sultan, Raja appointed him as one of the eighteen viceroys or Karyakar. He was given the province of Paduvilai to rule. Along with this, he was made in charge of revenue affairs of all Kottayam along with Kaitheri Ambu. 

It was at this moment that Vira Varma, wicked uncle of Pazhassi Raja arrives on the scene and makes himself the acting Raja of Kottayam with English support. Vira Varma got kingship in exchange for payment of a huge tribute to East India Company. This could be done only if peasantry was squeezed. That task was left to Chandu.

Chandu was extremely greedy. He saw this as a chance to make a fortune. Chandu collected a force of criminals and unleashed them on peasantry – they extorted sums of money four to five times the tax rate. Pazhassi Raja and Kaitheri Ambu opposed ill treatment of peasantry in name of revenue collection. But Chandu, in an act of supreme ingratitude, broke off with Raja. He now openly aligned with Vira Varma and East India Company.

Chandu committed many acts of violence which then he reported to East India Company as being done on orders of Pazhassi Raja. He also started to boss Raja himself on the pretext that he was blocking tax collection. With this, break up between Raja and Chandu was complete.

Unable to work anymore with Vira Varma and Chandu, Kaitheri Ambu resigned his post as in charge of revenue administration. He joined hands with Raja and Kannavath Sankaran and chose warpath. With victory of Raja in 1797, heyday of Chandu was over. Raja appointed Kaitheri Ambu as his plenipotentiary in Puranad area (modern Iritty and Thalassery taluks) of Kottayam.    

When open war erupted between Raja and East India Company, Chandu once more found employment as military advisor to General Arthur Wellesley.

In 1805, after end of rainy season, Chandu appeared in Wayanad as nemesis of his benefactor. He had an intimate knowledge of Raja’s military secrets. He sold this knowledge to English in exchange for money. This probably caused the sudden collapse of Pazhassi war machine in November of 1805. He also betrayed hideout of Raja which led to his death on November 30th 1805. 

There are two stories about how Chandu died – that he had a violent unnatural end is agreed by both. One account says he was either assassinated in retaliation by partisans of Raja or he was executed by British who threw him into sea once his use was over. Folklore says that British killed him as they were disgusted by his treachery to his noble godfather, Pazhassi Raja.   

  

Cotiote War - Eye Witness Account by an English Officer

This article was published in 'The Examiner' in 1817 by Lieutenant George Strachan. 

"In 1790, at the age of 17, I was appointed a Cadet on the Bombay establishment with about seventy Cadets of the same Season. Of these there are not above twenty of the establishment, who have survived the effects of a noxious climate, and the fatigues of that hateful service of which I was engaged. In 1800, I was appointed senior Ensign of the Bombay European regiment, then engaged in the Cotiote war, where in less than ten years that regiment lost not less than twenty-five Officers out of thirty, and eight hundred men out of the full complement of one thousand. In 1801, I was promoted to be Lieutenant, and transferred to the 4th battalion, 3rd native regiment engaged on the same service. The mortality was not less than in the former corps." 

"Here I shall beg leave to describe the nature of the Cotiote war.—A more cruel and vindictive system of proscription was never practised by the most barbarous nation towards its foe, than that which was employed by the Bombay Government towards the Rajah of the Cotiote, hitherto the staunch ally, friend, and tributary, of the Company. Those facts, with which I became acquainted, have never been presented in any shape to the public eye. Indeed the bye-laws of the company would have made it almost treason in any of their servants to have exposed the secrets of the cruel system of extirpation, pursued towards this inoffending people, who from time immemorial had led a life of primitive and pastoral simplicity, attached to their sovereign by every motive of moral and religious obligation, to a degree of enthusiasm surpassing that of any other race of men, under a monarchical government, since the world began." 

"The Cotiote is that part of the Malabar coast which is between the sea-shore, and the Bella Ghaut mountain inland from Calicut, Tellichery, and Cannanore. It is for the most part covered with jungles or forests, interspersed with fruitful vallies, and in many places with impenetrable thickets, in which the ferocious tiger and other wild beasts entrench themselves in safety from the pursuit of man. It is about forty miles in breadth and sixty in length. Its produce — pepper, rice, and vegetables. Its population, now extinct, did not originally exceed 6000 men of the cast or tribe, called Nairs. This warlike people, determined to perish in the cause of their oppressed sovereign. And such was the dear bought victory obtained over them, that we lost in a contest which lasted ten years nearly as many men as our victims; till hunted down like beasts of prey, this race of brave men (who had been proclaimed rebels) were at length extirpated by fire and sword from the face of the earth. Nothing now remains of this people save the country which they inhabited, and that is become a barren and uncultivated desert The Bullum Rajah is the sovereign of another nation, bordering upon the Cotiote, which was at nearly the same time devoted to proscription and hunted down in like manner under the late General Stevenson, of the Madras cavalry. The Cotiote war was terminated by the late Colonel Montresore, of the 80th regiment, in 1804, when, as if to throw a veil over these transactions; the Malabar coast was transferred to the Madras Government, who now occupy it." 

"The Cotiote Rajah had previously assisted the Company in their war with Hyder Ally, and furnished 1000 armed men, who distinguished themselves under our banners, in expelling Hyder from the possession of Саnnanore.  Ungrateful as the treatment this high-minded prince and people -afterwards experienced from their European neighbors, to whom they supplied the whole produce of their cultivation, the 'task of recording their sufferings- in the heart rending scenes of cold-blooded slaughter, which this picturesque country every were presented to our view, is nevertheless painful to me. It fell to my lot, with a detachment of Sepoys, to command at Pyche, the Rajah's capital, whence he had been expelled; not one of his subjects had remained behind, but they had taken up arms, and followed his desperate fortunes in the field. Thus was I enabled to detail those atrocities, at the relation of which Englishmen here at home must be horror -struck, and to which they can scarcely give credit: but the facts related defy contradiction, and can be attested by respectable persons, lately arrived in England, who were also engaged in that campaign." 

"This brave but fugitive Indian Prince was alternatively attacking or retreating from the detachments in pursuit of him through the forests. Sometimes in one of these encounters we have lost 800 men. His force being dispersed, he had taken refuge in one lone house, with not above 10 or 12 armed followers. These chose rather to be cut to pieces than surrender, and thus favored his escape, fighting sword in hand till they fell to a man in defence of his person. This was at a time when a large reward and pardon were offered to his subjects if they would discover his retreat, in order to lead to his decapitation ; otherwise no quarter was given. Their towns, houses, and fields of standing corn, were burnt down. On every rising ground and road-side, 20 or 30 bodies were seen hanging to a gibbet, and some promiscuously upon trees. The prisoners taken were either immediately so disposed of, or shot and bayoneted upon the spot ; and such was the spirit of desperate resistance and despair manifested on the part of this unhappy people, that, unnatural as it may appear, they actually cut the throats of their own wives and children, ¡n order to prevent their falling into our bands." 

"The Canute Nambier, and 'others of his nobles, having been taken prisoners, were ordered for execution. Captain J--, a brother officer and valuable friend of mine, now in England, was commanded to see that order enforced. That Gentleman, in a letter I received from him on the occasion, which does honour to the liberal sentiments of his mind, described this reluctant duty with horror and pity, though mixed with admiration at the heroic firmness of those noble Indians. They faithfully adhered to their Sovereign down to the awful moment of yielding up their lives in his cause. The offer held out to them by the British Government was, a free pardon and an ample reward, provided they would discover the Rajah's retreat! These terms were, even in their last moments, rejected with indignation. They voluntarily stretched out their hands to receive the rope, and putting it round their necks, were launched into another World, which to them afforded a nobler reward, and a brighter hope."