Manapurathu Kudumbam Thulassery Manapuram Kallada

Mukkathu Kudumbayogam – An Abridged History

9th century A.D - Persian Migration Led by Bishops Mar Sabore and Mar Proth and Maruvan Sabriso a small group of Persian Christians with a common lineage landed in Kollam in 9th century A.D.( 825 A.D.) . There is a school of thought which believes that Kollam Era was founded in connection with this event. Adept at trade and driven by adventure with priesthood in their blood a few members of a West Asian family related to Maruvan Sabriso who settled around Kollam in 9th century A.D are the progenitors of the ThulasseryManapurathu family.

Tharissapally Copper plates The copper plate grant made by Ayyan Thiruvadikal ,the king of Venad , to the Tharissa Church and the 9th century migrant Persian Christians was signed and delivered by him from the palace at Quilon. Tharissapalli Chepped entitled the members of Thulassery Manapurathu family to a fairly large extent of tax free land , social position family , authority over civil and criminal affairs .

12th century A.D. - Migration from Kollam to Kallada and the establishment of ThulasseryManapurathuTharavad and Marthamariyam church. The Cholas overran Venad and destroyed Kollam town. With the fall of the town and the church the Persian Christians who held prominent position in the Venad army and dominated trade and commerce fled to Kallada. The members of ThulasseryManapurathu family who were the beneficiaries of the Tharissapalli Chepped were honourably received by the chiefs of Kallada-the Kartha’s -and given prime land belonging to Koickal palace to establish the ThulasseryManapurathu Tharavad. The 24 room building with ‘ettukettu’, ’padipura’, and ‘pandakasala’ in traditional ‘vaastu’ features was indeed a lordly mansion .

12th century A.D. - Thulaserry Manapurathu Marthamariyam church

   	Priesthood ran in 	the family uninterrupted for 24 generations- right from 9th century when they 	took charge of the parish founded by Mar SaboreIso in Kollam. . They 	continued the tradition even after the Chola invasion, setting up the Kallada church as the ‘kurisupally’ of the destroyed Kollam Tharissa church.Evidently ecclesiastical tradition was no less important for them than trade interests.The history of this church , mentioned in the church records    held by Pulikottil Mar Dionyius and Chitramezhuthu KM Varghese show how 	this church was destroyed by internecine feud between the Karthas of east Kallada and west Kallada  and 	how a matriarch of Thulassery Manapurathu family recovered the cross of 	the destroyed church from the river and prevailed on Avani Rajni (queen of 	west Kallada) to allot  some land for the church.  Queen was won over  by hadsome gifts of precious stones.	

Mar Anthrayos Bava : - Trading in precious stones and spices they maintained their Persian connections. Apart 	from traders , family 	relations and  	church heads/priests  from West Asia heads also visited 	the   	ThulasseryManapurathu family .Records show that Mar 	Anthrayos Bava in the face of opposition from other local Christians ,was supported by ThulasseryManapurathu family  where he  spent his last days keeping it as his Methrasanam (eccleciastical seat).It is 	evident that even generations after their migration to Kerala  they 	retained considerable grasp  over the major Mediterranean languages 	to continue their trade relations.

  	 16th  century - Migration of  various branches from Thulasserymanapurathu family Mounting tension in the wake of the pivotal role played by many branches of ThulasseryManapurathu family in the internecine feuds of the region made them seek distant pastures . The privileged social standing   enjoyed by the family in the light of the Chepped  ensured honourable reception  wherever branches of the family transplanted themselves.  Thomman Thomman, the founder of ‘Mukkathu’ family of Chengannur , along with  two of his brothers left Kallada owing to frequent conflicts with the west Kallada Karthas and settled in Chengannur in 1580.Thomman and his brothers - Thomman Mathen  and Thomman Koshy - who had supported the  East Kallada local rulers( Karthas) had to leave Kallada with their possessions as the East Kallada Kartha  lost the battle against the West kallada Karthas. Subsequently Thomman Mathen  migrated to  Kanjirapally and established the Thekilakad family and Thomman Koshy  migrated to Kuravilangad and established the Valiyaveettil family. The  Persian gem trading and priestly ancestry ,  special privileges enjoyed according to the Tarissapally Chepped  and the respectable position granted by the  rulers of Kallada to the ThulasseryManapurathu tharavadu from where Mukkathu family migrated to Chengannur in the late 16th century 	made the Vanjipuzha Chief , the ruler of Chengannur,  to give Thomman Thomman the founder of Mukkathukudumbam and his descendents   an honorable  position with  wide ranging powers of local administration .Thomman Thomman was gifted a  golden ring and  ‘Pattakara’ by Vanjipuzha chief   on the leadership given to the construction of  the ghat in the Thrichittatu Temple premises. The descendents of  Thomman Thomman who occupied the post of  Karyasthan to the Vanjipuzha rajas/ chiefs were – Kakkunnil  Mamman, Mannupallil Ouseph, Parackal Kizhakethil Ouseph, Kanjikkal Koshy, Kannanthanathu Mamman .( pp. 106,107 MukkathuKudumba Charithram ,3rd edition ,2001) 

The various branches of the Thulasserymanapurathu family that migrated to various parts of Kerala . Major branches of the Thulasserymanapurathu family : Aluvila - Meeyannoor Chirakakathu – Pandanadu Kunnil -- Edanadu Manalel -- Mannar Mukkathu -- Chengannur Pathisseril (Kanjirakattu) -- Adoor Thulasserymanapurathu -- Padinjare Kallada Valianethu -- Aarattupuzha Valiyavila -- Punaloor Vettikamattom -- Muvattupuzha

Avalnercha  The origin of the Avalnercha which has an uninterrupted history of 425 years  is attributed to an elderly matriarch of the Mukkathu family named  Accamma who used to take a small packet of Aval ( rice flakes)  to be distributed to the fellow believers after they had partaken in the Lords Qurbana ( Lords Supper)   on Maundy Thursaday. According to the tradition of Eastern Orthodox  Churches the Holy Qurbana on Maundy Thursday was the most solemn Holy Supper of the year and those participating in it were  to swallow the whole of it. Lest they should accidentally spit  out any bit of the Holy Qurbana Accama gave a pinch of the aval  to all around her .The family continued the practise even after the lady’s death.In later years the preparation of the Avalnercha became fairly elaborate. More than a thousand coconuts and 300 kilograms of rice flakes ,along with 300 kilograms of jaggery  and lavish quantities of spices  are used for preparing the aval. It is worthwhile  remembering that the ancient architectural marvel the foldable  ‘eight-headed coconut scraper’(Ettunaakuchirava) carved from a single piece of wood on which eight people can sit and scrape coconut at the same time  is still used now.	That hundreds take part in the nercha irrespective of caste , communal or social position since olden days speaks volumes for the  communal  harmony and religious fervor which the avalnercha maintains. Nowadays social, political and cultural leaders actively participate in it. The social and religious significance of the Avalnercha has been documented by  media   and   cited  at seminars on communal harmony.

1901 - Mukkathu Kudumbayogam As Mukkathu family members grew into many families and branches and sub branches in order to develop spirit of unity and brotherhood the need for an organisation was realised .Under the president ship of Kottoorethu Mammen Joseph Kathanaar many meetings were convened with this objective .In 1901 on Christmas day of the Eastern Church the first kudumbayogam of Mukkathu family was held in Inchakalodil home, Chengannur. Since then every year annual meetings have been held uninterrupted. In 1984 a constitution of the Kudumbayogam was framed and there has been subsequent amendments to it . The Kudumbayogam has a 24 member committee .

Monthly Family Prayer and Committee meeting Monthly prayer and committee meeting is held on the second Sunday of every month in the houses of family members according to a schedule.

Youth League The Kudumayogam has a youth league which helps in the successful organisation of the Aval nercha , Annual meetings, Sports and Cultural meets etc.

Past Presidents: 	Rev. Koottoorethu Mammen Joseph Kathannar  (1901 – 1930) 	Rev. Kottoorethu ,J.C.Abraham Kaseesa.(1931 – 1957)

	Bishop Parepeedikail John Varghese (1957 -1961 ) 	Rev. Fr.Thomas Inchakalodil ( 1961 -  1973    ) 	Rev. Fr.Eapen Kaplasseril ( 1973 – 1984) 	Mr. Jos Abraham Kottoorethu (1984 - 1992   ) 	Mr. K.J. George Karuvelil  (1992 – 1994 ) 	Mr. George Philip Poovathoor ( 1995 ) 	Prof. Babu Zachariah Parackal Kizhakethil ( 1996) 	Mr. Abraham Koshy  Karuvelil (1997) 	Mr. K .C. Koshy Parackal Kizhakethil( 1998 – 2001) 	Mr. V. J. John Kannangattu Valianoor (2002 – 2006) 	Mr. Joy Koshy Kottoorethu Mathilunkal (2007 ) 	Mr. V.A. Abraham Kannangattu Vaikathethu is the present president (2006 - 2007 ) 1951 - 	Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Mukkathu Kudumbayogam 	The golden jubilee was conducted in 1951 .The Vanjipuzha chief(local ruler 	of chengannur) , the chief guest, hoisted the flag. K.E. Ommen presided over the meeting .Minister T.M.Varghese , 	P.T.VelayayudhaPillai,Ex.M.L.A K.K.Chacko Bar –at- law , Sivaraman Nair, Chithramezhuthu K.M. Varghese, Adv. P.E. Eapen and Mathew Inchakalodil graced the 	occasion.  1955 - 	The first edition of the family history book was published under the leadership of        Rev. K.J.C Abraham Kaseesa, Mathew Inchakolodil, Joy Abraham , Eapen Inchakolodil, John Joseph Parapeedikail 

1972 - Diamond Jubilee Celebrations In 1972 the 75th anniversary of the Kudumbaogam was celebrated under the Presidentship of Fr.Thomas Inchakalodi at Parackel Kizhakethil house.Supreme head of Marthoma Church Yuhanon Marthoma Metropolitan and Benedict Mar Gregorious the Supreme leader of Malankara Catholic Church graced the occasion. 1972 The second edition of the family history was published with Rev. Thomas Inchakalodil, V.V. Joseph Vadakeparambil ( Lala) , Vidwan Varghese Alexander Vankarumpil at the helm.

1983 - Mukkathu kudumbayogam Constitution A formal constitution was framed for the MukkathuKudumbayogam.

1987 - Eastern Region Mukkathu Kudumbayogam As many families belonging to Mukkathu family are residing East of Chengannur in places around Kozhencherry town like Nellikala and Kumbanad the Eastern region Mukkathukudumbayogam was started at Nellikala in 1987.

1992 - Mukkathu Kudumbayogam Headquarters When K.J.George (I.P.S.) was President of Kudumbayogam a plot of land with a building was bought at Karuvelipadi junction in Chengannur. This became the headquarters of the Mukkathukudumbayogam

1992 Mukkathu Charitable Trust ( Reg. No. - A 802/92 ) which was established in 1992 works as per a separate set of bye-laws . The major charitable activities of the trust are distribution of - Medical aid, Educational aid, Distribution of free food at Snehadhara Home for Destitute and Thalapanangad School , Distribution of Wheel chair and Walker etc. Major benefactors to the activities of the charitable trust are Johny Palangattil ( Rs. 2 lakhs)who provided Educational aid , Sam Vallianoor who provided the Medical aid and Thomas Chandy whose mother belongs to the Kottoorethu Mathilunkal branch provided (Rs. 30,000) fans for the centenary hall.

1994	-  Kudumbavartha

	An in-house news letter of the family named Kudumbavartha which contains news of the family 	members and activities of Kudumbayogam  is published by the Kudumbayogam. Padmasri Dr. P.M. Joseph released  the first issue. M.L.George was the first chief editor and he was succeeded by V.J. John.

Kudumba Sangamom The first Kudumbasangamom was conducted in connection with Onam in 1994 . Bishop Dr.K.C.Seth was the chief guest. The second Kudumba Sangamom held on October 2nd ,1995 had Dr. Alexander Jacob IPS for chief guest. Cinema actor M.G.Soman was the chief guest of the third Kudumba Sangamom held on Gandhi Jayanthi day 1996 . The Education and PWD Minister P.J. Joseph was the chief guest of the fourth Kudumbasangamom held on Onam 1997 .Mathew T. Thomas , Minister of Transport was the Chief guest of the fifth Kudumba Sangamom held on Onam 2006.

1998 - Calendar Since 1998 the Mukkathu kudumbayogam has been bringing out a calendar every year with the updated phone numbers of the family members under the leadership of P.C John Vankarumbil.

2000 -2001 Centenary celebrations Centenary celebrations were organized by a 101 member committee with 14 sub committees under the leadership of President K.C.Koshy, Rev. George Mathew (Mukkathu Kudumbayogam Eastern Region President), Rev. Mathew P. Thomas 9 Chairman), George Philip(Working Chairman), Vice Chairmen - V.A Abraham , Joy Koshy, General Conveners – Philip Abraham, T.K. Thomas, V.J. John, Conveners – Koshy Mathew, Kurian Varghese and Executive Committee members M.V Joseph, Prof Babu Zachariah, Adv.K.G.Joseph, Abraham Koshy, Varky Asariparambil, Sabu Joseph, C.Chacko, K.M.Mathai, Shaji Kannanthanam, Sunny Joseph, P.C.John, K.K.John, Iype, T.C.Joseph, V.A.Varghese, Aleyama Koshy, Suja Thomas, Kunjunjama George, V.T.John, Domic and George Benjamin . A torch lit from the resting place of founder president Rev. Mammen Joseph Kathanar , a flag from the ancestral Kallada Thulasssery manapurathu St . Marys Church and a flag mast from Eastern Region Kudumbayogam were brought to Bethel junction , Chengannur town from where they were taken to the meeting place - Rev.Mammen Joseph kathanar nagar. Inaugural meeting : The inaugural meeting was held on 2000 Dec 25. The meeting was presided over by K.C.Koshy was inaugurated by Minister RamakrishnaPillai. Head of Marthoma Church Philipose Mar Chrisostom gave the message and Bishop Sam Mathew of Church of South India laid the foundation stone for the centenary hall. Members of parliament(M.Ps), M.L.As ,Municipal Chairman,and Panchayat Presidents were present. 2001 Centenary Religious Convention :A three day religious convention was held in connection with the centenary celebration in the month of March 2001. It was inaugurated by the Bishop of St. Thomas Evangelical Church Bishop M.K.Koshy Women’s Meet : A women’s meet of the Mukkathu Kudumbayogam was held on September 3 , 2001.. The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sarika Devi inaugurated the meet. Youth Meet : The youth meet of the Mukkathu Kudumbayogam was held on September 21, 2001. Thomas Varghese inaugurated it. Concluding meeting: The concluding meeting of the centenary was on December 29 ,2001 . Head of Kollam Bhadrasanam of Orthodox Church Mathews mar Epiphanios , Gevarghese mar Thimothios of Malankara Catholic church , Minister C.F. Thomas , Ex.M.P. Thomas Kuthiravattom,Municipal and Panchayat members graced the occasion. 2001 The third edition of family history published under the leadership of V.John Vallianoor , VA Abraham , John Thomas and Philip Abraham.

Centenary Auditorium In December 25th, 2003 Supreme head of Marthoma Church Philipose mar Chrysostom consecrated the auditorium which cost lakhs of rupees. The auditorium is used for social , cultural and sports activities.

2006 -  Mukkathu Shuttle badminton Tournament

  The tournament has been held annually from 2006 under the leadership of Sunny Joseph Philip Kaplasseril, Koshy Mathew Kavarattu and Philip Abraham Inchakalodil. Trophies and cash awards are given away to the first , second and third place winners.  

Release of Sacred Music Video CD – Rakashakente Paathe : The video C.D. sung by family choir and produced by Kudumbayogam under the leadership of Prof Abraham Thomas, Punnose George Moothedath(Jeboy ) , Jolly Thomas Mukkath, Arun Babu Zachariah was released by Minister for Transport Mathew T.Thomas in 2006.

A seminar on ‘Development needs of Chengannur’ The seminar was organised in 2006 under the leadership of Mukathu Kudumbayogam .PC.Vishnunath ,M.L.A., Municipal Chairman, political and social leaders participated .

Holy Night Carol Competition - In memory of three illustrious priests of the family the Mukkathu Kudumayogam conducts a carol competition to select the best choir in and around Chengannur. Choirs winning the first three prizes are given cash awards in addition to the rolling trophies. The team that comes first is awarded the Kottoorethu Mammen Joseph Kathanaar memorial rolling trophy , second place team is awarded the Bishop John Varghese memorial rolling trophy and the third place team is awarded the Rev. M.P. Job Moothedath memorial rolling trophy. The Head of Marthoma Church His Grace Dr. Philipose Mar Chrisostam was the chief guest of the first Holy Night Carol Competition 2006 which was inaugurated by Fr.Siby Kannanthanam . Thomas Chandy MLA gave away the prizes. In the absence of Bishop Thomas Mar Athansius of the Orthodox Church Fr. M.K.Varghese Cor Episcopa presided over the Holy Night Carol Competition held in 2007. Family tree of Thomman Thomman

Thomman Thomman married Kaandamma of Puthencavu ,Puthenpurackel.They had two sons and a daughter .Elder son Thomman Koshy settled in Parakal Kizhakethil house while the younger son Thomman Thomman settled in Mukkathu house.(page 60 Mukkathu Kudumbacharithram – 3rd edition) (page 60 : M. K. – 3rd edition)

(1)Thomman Thomman ( 2 sons)

(2) (A)Thomman Koshy –Parackal Kizhakethil 2 (B)ThommanThomman- Mukkathu

2A) Thomman Koshy – Parackal Kizhakethil had 5 sons ( one son died young)

3 (A) I -Koshy Kochandy- Thazhavanethu

3(A) II - Koshy Kunjachen – Valiyaparambil (no decendants)

 						                                                    3(A)III -  Koshy Pothen - Kaplaseril   ( no descendents)

3(A)IV - Koshy mammen (no decendants)

3(A)V - Koshy Cherian- Parackal kizhakethil
(page 60: M. K. – 3rd edition)

2 (B)ThommanThomman- Mukkathu

3(B)I - Thoman Varkey – Vaikethethu (no descendents)

3(B)II - Thomman Kujunaina-Pattanthanethu

3(B)III - Thomman Ouseph-Mathilunkal

3(B)IV - Thomman Ittycheria-Mukkathu