Kodungallur Kovilakam is a palace of royal family of the late medieval Kingdom of Kodungallur (Cranganore), which is the modern-day Kerala.
Kingdom of Kodungallur
Kodungallur was a feudal principality subordinate to the rulers of the Kingdom of Cochin. Kingdom of Kodungallur was under the protection of the Dutch East India Company after 1707 (After the death of Aurangazeb) for a few years before returning to its allegiance to the Zamorin. Kodungallur Royal Family had two branches at Cirakkal Kovilakam and at Puttan Kovilakam.
Architecture of Kodungallur Kovilakam
The Cirakkal Kovilakam has two "nalukettu" structures, one larger than the other. The main residential building and two more old buildings, a water tank (known as "padakulam"), the family temple (dedicated to Talattil Bhagavati, a Hindu goddess) and Sarpakkavu are all within the Kovilakam Complex. Kodungallur Kovilakam was renowned as a "Gurukulam", centre of learning.
Cultural Heritage in Kodungallur Kovilakam
The scholars from all over present day Kerala state used to come to live in the palaces and study Sanskrit and Vedic science. The eminent scholars from this Kovilakam have contributed to Malayalam and Sanskrit literature. According to Kodungallur Kovilakam Venmani Achan Namboodiribad, Kerala`s `Guru Kulams` or the famed centres of learning were for many decades centred on the Kodungalloor Kovilakam. All those who were born there contributed immensely to Malayalam literature.
Family Tree in Kodungallur Kovilakam
Venmani Achan Namboodiripad was born in the year 1816 at Venmani Illam in Vellarapilli, Alwaye, as the only son. Achan married Sreedevei Antharjanam in 1838 and had one son, Venmani Mahan Namboodiripad. Later, he married Kunjikutti Thamburatti of the Kodungalloor Kovilakam. He had two children from this marriage: Kunjikutan Thamburan and Kunjunni Thamburan. Achan died at the age of 74. Venmani Mahan Namboodiripad also lived for several years in Ernakulam, Thripunithura, Kodungaloor and Kottayam. It was at the Kodungalloor Palace that Mahan found his calling as a poet. Kathollil Achuta Menon.
