The real sword of Ananthapadmanabhan (Photo taken
on 1-4-2013). It is present in the house of Kumari Kavinger K.P.
Varatharajan.
|
Reference:
Note:1. Whenever Prince Marthanda Varma was in danger, he used to think of Ananthan. The latter used to appear in the danger spot to save him. He could not tell whether it was due to his divine power or due to the supernatural or magical power of Ananthan. This happened on many occasions. C.V. Raman Pillai’s narration does indicate that Ananthan possessed some supernatural or magical powers.
8
The lancers had no evidence to show that Prince Marthanda Varma was killed in the Battle of Mankode. They narrated what happened at Mankode to Pappu Tambi.
The infuriated Pappu Tambi asked the guards in the Kalkulam Fort to arrest the man who killed the
lancers to save the Prince.
The guards trampled over the feelings of
the people and dragged many suspects to the Kalkulam Fort. Their
kith and kin followed them. One of the suspects had no connection with the Mankode incident. Hence, he could not
furnish the required information to Pappu
Tambi. In a minute his innocent
head- according to C.V. Rama Pillai- rolled in the dust.
Soon more guards returned bringing in more
and more suspects. All suspects belonged to the community of Ananthan Perumal. None of them were able
to enlighten the enraged Tambi. They
too paid their penalty with their lives. “Soon the palace courtyard became
filled with corpses, and the air reeked with the sickening stench of clotted
human blood and the plaintive cries of the innocent victims”. After some time,
the guards brought another suspect. A mini revolt occurred in the fort as some
guards resented the action of Pappu
Tambi and turned against him.
Ananthan Perumal requested Prince Marthanda Varma to enter the fort with the support
of the assembled crowd to seize power. But the latter refused to do so. The
Prince considered the suggestion a suicidal one, for he suspected the presence
of guns in the fort.
Instead, Prince Marthanda Varma requested Ananthan
Perumal to take him to the Madura King.
Photo: The idea of Prince Marthanda Varma as given in the
folk songs -Tamil)
9
Prince Marthanda Varma, Ananthan Perumal,
Mundan, Mekkode Asan and others discussed various
options. The Prince wanted to confront the Tambi
brothers with the help of
Madura forces. But Mundan said that there was heavy security
at Aralvaimozhi pass and
the act of crossing that pass would be very risky. He suggested that Thanumalai of Pottayadi would welcome the Prince. He added
that he knew many hiding places near Pottayadi.
The Prince, Ananthan and Mekkode
Asan obliged.
They set out for Pottayadi – a border place about 40 km away
from Mankode. They avoided
Kottar, Suchindram and Parakai because Tambi brothers had many
supporters in those places.
They reached the house of Thanumalai in the morning.
Thanumalai gave them milk, honey, banana
and flour balls.
It was a great escape.
Later, it was this Thanumalai who supplied rice to the armed forces
of King Marthanda Varma during his annexation of many small
kingdoms.
A folk song in Tamil narrates the great
escape. An approximate translation of that Tamil folk song (Pages 17 to
20) is given below.
“On hearing the
lord, Ananthan became silent
The messenger (The Oottan)
began to talk
There are many wicked people in
Thovalai
If you want to go to foreign
country
I know many tricks near
Pottayadi
My master Thanumalai will
render all helps
He has hundreds of slaves
Thousands of relatives
His kith and kin are on
either side of the thorn fort
Azhagappar also would send his
force
There were many suggestions
Concluded without wasting time
They made a bamboo ladder
Requested the lord to sit over
it
Four men carried and forty
followed
Ananthan and Oottan with open
eyes
All single minded
Shunning broad path and big
villages
They ran in the moonlit night
They passed Manthankad and
Kuzhimaikad
Went through Valliyaru and
Veeppanad
Avoiding Veeranarayanachery
Entered Ayiramkanam Kuttikad
Keeping away
Kaliyankad, reached Peruvilai
Cock crew when they went near
Panchavankad
Without going near Kottar they
went towards Parakai
Then they passed through
Vaiyanivilai and pond
Walking through the out-skirts
of Suchindram
They passed Mulaikad and Kalkad
There were signs of daybreak
when they crossed Pazhayaru
Chose to go
through Punnaikkavu and Ethankad
After that they saw Adukku
Pottai
Crossing the broad pass, they
went beyond Pottai
And stood near the door of
Thanumalai”.
Photo: Mention of Thanumalaya Perumal in
the folk songs in Tamil
Reference:
InTamil, the Oottan Kathai Nattupura Varalattu
Kathi Padal of Marthanda
Varma era.
10
Demands of Prince
Marthanda Varma
After talking to Ananthan Perumal, Thanumalai,
Mundan and others at Pottayadi, Prince Marthanda Varma said that:
1. Ananthan must meet Nava Kodi Narayanan of Kottar
to fetch gold and silver.
2. Vadakkan
Sahib must bring Peerukkannu Sahib of Midalam. This was to talk in Hindustani to the rulers of Nabab at Madurai
and
3. Mundan must roam at Thovalai disguised as Prince Marthanda Varma to spread the rumour that the
Prince was in that area.
Accordingly, they left Pottayadi to carry out the work detailed to
them. The Prince remained in the house of Thanumalai.
Photo: Demands of Prince Marthanda Varma
as mentioned in the folk songs- in Tamil.
Reference: In Tamil- Thiruvadi Desam Thiruppavur Parambarai Maaveeran Ananthapadmanabhan
Varalaru by K.P. Varatharasan.
11
When Ananthan
Perumal and his disciples
were secretly returning to Pottayadi to report to Prince Marthanda Varma, Tambi-brothers came in a cavalry and surrounded
them at Panchavankad a
place near to the present
Holy Cross College, Nagercoil.
Ananthan and his men had no hiding
place. It became a life and death problem to them. Ananthan had two options - to kill or be
killed. He opted for the former.
Instantly, he unsheathed his sword from
its scabbard and took a few deliberate steps to engage them. Then, walking back
and forth he stretched his sword. In the ensuing battle, he slaughtered his
enemies with lightning speed. Some managed to escape his sword and ran for
life. Along with the dead bodies were the fatally wounded Tambi brothers.
Photo: Battle of Panchavankad as
mentioned in the folk songs -in Tamil
The wounded Tambi brothers requested Ananthan to kill them. But the latter refused
to do so. He said that he could not do anything without the specific orders
from Prince Marthanda
Varma.
The news spread like wild fire. The people
converged in large numbers. They saw the mortally wounded Tambi
brothers.
The supporters of Tambi brothers deserted the Palace at Nagercoil and
the people seized the Palace without
any resistance.
The supporters of Tambi brothers regrouped
at Kalliyankad, a place near to Parvathipuram in Nagercoil.This place is about 4 kilometre away from Panchavankad. However, the Ananthan men ambushed them and killed
them.
A few women survived. One among them was
the sister of Tambi brothers called Kochu
Thnagai.
However, Kochu Thangai, instead of being killed by the Ananthan men, plucked her own tongue and committed suicide.
She was a virgin. There was a belief that
the virgins possessed some divine power. There exists a temple to remember her.
It is called Kalliankattu Neeli Temple.
Many people visit this temple.
The statue of Kalliankad Neeliplaced on an alter in front of theKalliankad Neeli temple.
Photo: The renovated Kalliyankad Neeli temple. The stone inscriptions are not seen after
the renovation.
Photo:
Kalliankad Neeli temple
Prince Marthanda Varma heard the news and heaved a sigh of relief. Accompanied by Thanumalai, he reached Nagercoil. The wounded Tambi
brothers were shown to him.
He noticed that they would not survive. He then issued orders to kill them and
bury them after putting some rice into their mouth. Their tombs are at a place
near the Palace in Nagercoil.
Note: 1.The present Office of the Superintendent of Police
functions at the old Palace in Nagercoil.
References:1. In Tamil- Oottan
Kathai Naattuppura Varalattu Kathi, (The
Tamil folk song of Marthanda
Varma era).
2. The people later named many places around Panchavankad after Ananthan such as Ananthan
kal, Ananthan kulam, Ananthanadar Kudiyiruppu
12
Mundan stayed at a ruined hut in Thovalai. He wandered around that area
disguised as Prince Marthanda
Varma in the morning. The soldiers of Tambi brothers mistook him as Prince Marthanda Varma and caught him at Rajavoor. At that time, he
was eating balls composed of jaggery and sesame. Then they tied him in a ladder
and carried him towards Nagercoil just to produce him before Tambi brothers.
Now they stumbled upon the news that Tambi brothers had been fatally cut in a battle.
They, therefore, took him towards Pottayadi.
When they reached Pottayadi, Mundan smiled at them.
Infuriated by this, Madhava
Madambi immediately cut him into two pieces with his sword. This
incident occurred at the base of a Marutha tree in Pottayadi.
The news about the death of Mundan deeply moved Prince Marthanda Varma. He sent Ananthan, Thanumalai and Vadakkan Pattani (an assistant of Ananthan) for performing the last rites.
Mundan was buried below
the marutha tree.
Photo: Mundan mentioned in the folk songs in Tamil
Photo: Murder of Mundan mentioned in the folk songs in Tamil.
Reference: In Tamil –Oottan Kathai Varalattu Naattupura Kathai Padal Pages 27-28 (Tamil
Folk songs)
13
The destruction of the
enemies
After the death of Thambi brothers, the rebels and the petty chieftains became very refractory. As a
result, anarchy and confusion in their worst forms stalked the land.
Further, Prince
Marthanda Varma came to know
– through spies and well-wishers – that they were waiting for a chance to
eliminate him.
Above all, he considered the death
of Mundan as his own death. Therefore, he
declared war against his enemies. He issued orders to Anandan to destroy, kill or capture all those
who wanted to kill him.
Accordingly, Anandan destroyed the houses of the
hardcore rebels in every community in many places-Melankode, Neyyattinkara, Vanchiyoor (later Thiruvananthapuram) included.
All those who resisted his attack were killed. In some places women were
captured and auctioned.
In the present-day standards (2026) those
acts could be construed as human rights violations. The only consolation is
that an act of murder is not a murder if it is committed by a soldier.
In this way, Ananthan suppressed the internal revolt
and put the throne on the head of Prince
Marthanda Varma.
Photo: The reaction of Prince Marthanda
Varma to the murder of Mundan in the Tamil folk songs.
Note: King Rama Varma died in 1728 and Prince Marthanda Varma became the King
in 1729 only.
|
|
|
The
sword of Anantha Padmanabhan in the
hand his 10th descendant, Mr.K.P.
Varatharasan. |
Photo: Below: Mr. Murugaprasad, the 11th descendant of Ananthan Perumal
14
The transformation of
Mundan into a deity
After,
thus, ascending the throne of Venad-in
1729- King Marthanda Varma wanted to perpetuate the memory of Mundan.
He issued orders to construct a temple at
the place where he had been murdered.
The main deity in that temple is Mundan. The temple is called Mundaswamy koil. To celebrate the festival every
year, he granted enough land.
Besides, he issued orders to construct a
separate alter for the statue of Mundan in every temple in Venad and perform puja using jaggery and sesame.
Photo: The statue of Mundan
on the alter at the Kalliankad Neeli
temple.
Photo: Another statue of Mundan in the Kalliankad
Neeli temple
Thus, Marthanda
Varma raised Mundan to the status of a deity because
he died for him. He simply saw every selfless human being as an incarnation of
God.
No other King had done like this for a
slave.
Photo: Transformation of Mundan into a deity as mentioned in the
Tamil folk songs.
Note: 1. The
Tamil Nadu Devasom Board celebrates
the festival of Mundan in the last Friday of the Tamil month Aadi.
2. The people of Pottayadi consider Mundan as their family deity.
3. Pujas (prayers) are performed with jaggery and sesame
because Mundan was eating balls
composed of jaggery and sesame when he was caught.
4. In expiation of the sins incurred by the war, alters
were constructed in many temples and pujas performed for the victims. Pujas are being performed in many places
even today (2026)
5. It was customary to deify men and kings for their valour
or for their service to society in the Venad
kingdom. King Kulasekara Perumal
is worshipped as a deity in the Melancode temple as Kulasekara Thamburan.
15
After consolidating his position as the King of Venad, Marthanda
Varma, wanted
to annex Aattingal (also called Attungal).
It is said that Aattingal had claimed sovereignty over Venad. According to some historians both Marthanda Varma and the Queen of Aattingal - called Tamburetties - belonged to the same Chera clan. But she had taken some
decisions affecting the sovereignty of Venad
(Refer back – Chapter 4).
Therefore, Marthanda Varma issued orders to his Principal
Commander, Ananthan Perumal,
to attack Aattingal. Ananthan had become such a terror, the Rani of Aattingal surrendered without resistance. She was pensioned
off.
Kilimannoor, ruled by the members of the Venad family, was also annexed. Later, he
granted autonomous status to it. The reason was that this county had defeated
the Dutch in a small battle.
Kollam was attacked in 1731 and a
treaty was signed.
References:
1.History of
Travancore by Nagam Iyya.
2. Thiruvadi
Desam Thiruparpur Paramparai Maaveeran Ananthapadmanabhan Varalaru.
3.The Queen of Auttugal was a powerful ruler. She had a
large territory of her own independent of Venad. It is said that Auttingal and
Tiruppapur were two ‘Swarupams’
Note: Some historians say that the King of Kollam was the
cousin of King Marthanda
Varma.
16
Dalawa Arumugam Pillai died in 1736. Then the King, Marthanda
Varma, appointed his younger
brother, Thanu Pillai, as
the Dalawa (Chief Secretary). He
also died in 1738. After that Rama
Iyen became the Dalawa.
Ananthan Perumal did not want to become a Dalawa just for the sake of it. In fact, Rama Iyen was appointed only at the instance of Ananthan Perumal.
Now, the King wanted Ananthan Perumal to attack Kayamkulam as a preparatory step to capture Cochin. Ananthan Perumal refused. He requested the King not
to be reckless. He pointed out the presence of guns in the hands of the enemies
and returned to the Palace at Charode along
with eight other Asans.
The King and the Dalawa stayed in Kayamkulam
like the birds without wings.
17
While the King, Marthanda Varma, and the Dalawa (equivalent to present day Chief Secretary), Rama Iyen, were undertaking
negotiations with the King of Kayamkulam,
the Dutch East India Company landed at Colachel to invade Venad.
As the Venad
force was concentrated at Kayamkulam, Ananthan Perumal immediately requested Mankode Asan, Orappanavilai Asan,
Chellamkonam Asan, Mekkode Asan, Athankode Asan, Nadutheri Asan and their disciples to send their men
with whatever weapons like chopper to Colachel.
Ananthan gathered information and
intelligence from the local fishermen. He equipped his infantry with spears and
swords and organized into an offensive formation. The preparation took about
three weeks.
Ananthan had little experience with guns. But his father had taught him
deception and guile to deflect the energies of his opponents and strengthen his
own position. After waiting for some days, he decided to take a calculated
risk.
He entered Colachel at the front of a small cavalry unit
and charged into a large contingent of well armoured Dutch. Slaughter followed, and the Dutch infantrymen fell to the ground. The other Asans and their disciples also made a
lightning strike and started decimating them.
His attack was the most ruthless. The Dutch were not sure where an attack from Ananthan forces might come. They simply
could not manoeuvre against the Ananthan forces. In
fact, they could not neutralize his attack in any way. They did not want to put
up a fight as the strategic advantage of guns and cannons were of no use to
them and surrendered on 31 July 1741.
Inclement weather, a fire in the depot and
lack of reinforcement contributed to the surrender.
The Dutch
saw the resolve of a horse man fighting for his country on his own soil
although they told their company that they had lost to ‘base people’.
The battle was over within a day. Many in
the Dutch died. Only 24 lived. They
surrendered. Among them was their captain, Eustachius De
Lannoy.
Besides, Ananthan got 389 muskets,
a few pieces of cannon and many swords.
Ananthan was very magnanimous in
victory. He promised that no retribution would accrue to them.
An artist’s description of De Lannoy surrender before Ananthan
Courtesy: Colachel war
memorial
De Lannoy surrender picture portrayed in
the Padmanabhapuram Palace Museum.
The picture depicts that De Lannoy
surrendered before King Marthanda Varma
at Colachel. The King did not go to Colachel. Ananthan produced De Lannoy before King Marthanda Varma at Kalkulam
Palace.
References.
1. Naattu Varalaru by T.K.
Velu Pillai.
2. Travancore State Manual by V.Nagam Iiya
3. From the oral tradition as narrated by the
10th descendant of Ananthan
Perumal, Mr. K.P. Varatharasan, in the month of April 2013 to the present
writer.
4. The Dutch are,
at present, known as the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands.
18
When the King, Marthanda Varma, and the
Dalawa, Rama Iyen, reached
Kalkulam Palace, Eustachius De
Lannoy had already been
captured. Ananthan produced the Dutch prisoners before the King in the Kalkulam Palace. The latter pardoned De Lonnoy and requested him to modernize his
army after European style. He obliged. He was, thus, made the
captain of the Venad Army.
De Lonnoy modernized the Venad
Army by introducing better
firearms, uniform and discipline.
De Lonnoy then led the Venad Army for the
subsequent expansion of territory up to Kayamkulam because martial arts were no longer an
answer to guns.
At the same time, Ananthan
Perumal was raised to the
status of a celebrity.
Venad celebrated the victory over the Dutch in an unprecedented scale. In
fact, Ananthan became the celebrity
of the nation.
King Marthanda Varma decided to perpetuate the name of Ananthan even during his life time. He
gave greater importance to the name of Ananthan
over his own name. Thus, he renamed the Kalkulam Kottaram (Kottaram = Palace) as Padmanabhapuram Kottaram and the name of the capital of Venad as Padmanabhapuram. This happened in 1744. Having
stayed in the house of Ananthan
Perumal, he knew that the pet name of Ananthan
Perumal was Padmanabhan.
Photo: Padmanabhapuram
Palace mentioned as Kalkulam Palace
in the folk songs -Tamil.
Immediately, the people followed suit.
Thus, he is the namesake of:
1. Ananthan Palam
2. Ananthan Theppakulam
3. Ananthan Kulam
4. Ananthan Konam
5. Anantha Nadar Kudiyiruppu
6. Anantha Padmanabhapuram
7. Sree Padmanabha Nalloor
8. Anantha Mangalam
9. Padmanabhan Thittai
10.Ananthan Kaadu.
And 11.Ananthan Paarai are some of the places
named after Ananthan Perumal by the people.
The people wanted to construct a beautiful
(In Tamil – Azakia) hall (In Tamil- mandapam) in the name of Ananthan Perumal through public subscription. The
hall was not constructed but the proposed site got the name Azakiamandapam.
Then, King
Marthanda Varma -to the discomfiture of many- started giving large areas of
land to Ananthan Perumal. He granted land to Mankode Asan, Nadutheri Asan,
Chellamkonam Asan, Mekkode Asan, Palavilai Asan and Athankottu Asan also for lending their support to Ananthan Perumal.
He granted Ananthan Perumal about
1,40,000 acre of land in different parts of Venad through 24 copper edicts.
A copper edict given to Ananthan Perumal still exists in the hand of the 10th descendant of Ananthan Perumal. The present writer saw it on 1
April 2013. In that copper plate, the King clubbed his name and his pet- name
into one. Thus, his name became Ananthapadmanabhan.
Photo:A copper edict (document) given to Anantha Padmanabhan by King Marthanda Varma.
The salient features of the copper edict
are:
1. King Marthanda Varma acknowledged Ananthapadmanabhan
as his relation.
2. He called him Brammakula
Shathriyan.
3. He extolled him as
his right hand.
4. He praised publicly that he
protected his life on many occasions.
5. He disclosed that he dedicated
his life for him.
6. He said that he had extirpated
his enemies.
7. He proclaimed that he was
giving the properties because of his unlimited happiness.
Reference: Maaveeran Ananthapadmanabhan Varalaru
by.K.P. Varatharasan.
Note:
1.Two inscriptions at the Bhagavatyhi temple at
Valvachagostam in Kalkulam prove that Venad was under the sovereignty of Sri
Vira Revi Varma Perumal from 795 to 798 M.E.(1620 A.D.-1623 A.DD). The word
Travancore is not seen.
2.John Nieuhoff, the Chief Director of the Dutch Company at
Quilon on the year 1664 in “Voyages and Travels” mentions ‘Kalkolang’
(Kalkulam) as the chief residence of the King.
3. The proceedings of the ryots (farmers) held at Kadukkara
on the 16th of Kartikai 898 (1722 A.D.)
mentions the sovereign at Kalkulam (and not Padmanabhapuram).
4.Even today (2026) the Padmanabhapuram Palace is situated
in the Kalkulam village in the Kalkulam Taluk.
5. The other copper plates given to Ananthan Perumal suffered destruction when the opponents of Ananthan Perumal set fire to his house at Thachanvilai later and many properties did not
come under the possession of his descendants.
6. An expert in the Department of Archaeology, Government
of Kerala, had officially authenticated the writing in the copper plate as that
of Marthanda Varma era.
7. The population of Venad
during the times of Marthanda Varma was not much (Refer the note under Chapter
21).
8. King
Marthanda Varma had conferred
many privileges to De Lannoy. The latter lived in a stone
fort at Udayagiri in
Puliyurkuruchi near Padmanabhapuram Fort. He allowed him to live like a king. When he died in 1777, King Karthigai Thirunal Rama
Varma - successor of King Marthanda Varma - interred him at Udayagiri Fort with full state honours and
constructed a chapel over it. Thus, he virtually raised De Lannoy to the status of a saint of the Catholic Christian faith.
He did it despite the allegation that De
Lannoy had been instrumental in converting an official of King Marthanda Varma-Neelakanda Pillai- into the Catholic
Christian faith after changing his name into Devasahayam Pillai. The fort and the tomb still exist in their
original form. No other tomb anywhere in the Kanyakumari District is as
beautiful as this one. The remnants of the chapel also exist today (2026). The
tomb of his wife,Margette De Lannoy,
could be seen on one side. The tomb of his son, John De Lannoy who died for the King in the battle of Kalakkadu, also could be seen on the
other side. No other king honoured his enemy captain like this. In fact, this
has no parallel anywhere in the world. It is simply incredible.
The tombs
are now being protected by the Department of Archaeology although the
protection is not up to the minimum standard. However, they are an important
tourist centre in the Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu State in India.
Recently, a few descendants of De Lannoy - living in the Netherlands - called at Udayagiri Fort and
expressed their gratitude to King
Marthanda Varma and his
successors.
Photos from top to bottom: 1.
Padmanabhapuram Palace during the times of Marthanda Varma. 2. Padmanabhapuram
Fort 3. Padmanabhapuram fort on the northern side (A reflexion of the very poor
maintenance). 4. Padmanabhapuram fort gate 5. Padmanabhapuram fort southern
side inside view.6. Udayagiri fort where De Lannoy lived- showing its poor
maintenance.7. De Lannoy Tomb gate.8.Tamil inscriptions near De Lannoy chapel
9. De Lannoy chapel remains.10. Structure over De Lannoy Tomb, apparently, a
later construction. 11. Tombs of De Lannoy, his wife and son. 12. De Lannoy
Tomb close-up view 13. About De Lannoy tomb in Tamil seen near the chapel.
19
The death of
Ananthapadmanabhan
When Venad was celebrating the heroic deeds of Ananthapadmanabhan, Dalawa Rama Iyen wanted to go a step ahead of others.
He announced that a State
Dinner would be held once a
month at his official residence in Aruvikkarai to felicitate Ananthapadmanabhan. This had the blessing of the Queen of Venad also. This Dinner went on smoothly for
two and a half years.
However, on the Kollam Year 28 Chingam 925, during the State
Dinner at Aruvikkarai, Velan and Kuttan
– two servants of Dalawa-cut Ananthapadmanabhan at his stomach with their sword. Ananthapadmanabhan was not bearing any shield at that
time. As they cut him while he dined, he could not defend his life.
Ananthanpadmanabhan tied his intestine with a long cloth and
rode to Thachanvilai on his horse. He died after
reaching Thachanvilai . His horse also died as it had been
also wounded.
The melancholy news of passing away of Ananthapadmanabhan deeply moved King Marthanda Varma. Flanked by a retinue of bodyguards, he
rushed to Thachanvilai, attended the funeral and returned to Padmanabhapuram Palace.
The body of Ananthapadmanabhan now lies interred at Thachanvilai.
Note: Dalawa is equivalent in rank and
power to the Chief Secretary to a present-day government.
Reference:Thiruvadi Desam Ananthapadmanabhan varalaru by K.P.Varatharajan
Transformation of
Ananthapadmanabhan into a deity
Perhaps because of the feeling that Lord Perumal Swamy appeared in the shape of Ananthapadmanabhan, protected him -and his nation - like a
guardian angel and disappeared for good, King
Marthanda Varma renamed Perumal Swamy Kovil at Vanchiyoor
into Sree Anatha Padmanabha Swamy Kovil. This is the present Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
Accompanied by the entire Royal family,
officials and priests, His Highness proceeded to the newly named Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Koil.
His Highness then laid his State Sword before the deity on the Ottakkal Mandapam and dedicated his whole territory to
the above deity. After that, His Highness assumed the management of the country
as the disciple (Dasan) of that deity. Here, His Highness did not
distinguish between Lord Perumal
Swamy and his Kalari Master, Ananthapadmanabhan. His
Highness simply transformed the latter into
the tutelary deity of the Royal family.
Alternatively, His Highness combined Lord Perumal Swamy with Ananthapadmanabhan..
His Highness then changed his own name
into a regnal name called Sree
Padmanabhadasan Vanchi Bala Marthanda Varma Kulasekara Perumal. He suffixed his name with Perumal presumably
because the Royal family was fast discarding this suffix.
This happened six months after the death
of Ananthapadmanabhan
in the Kollam Year, 5 Makaram 925.
Here, His Highness went a jump ahead of
what he did to Mundan.
No other King had ever done like this.
Further, His Highness converted Vanchiyoor
into Thiruvananthapuram (Thiru + Anantha + Puram = Thiruvananthapuram) after Ananthapadmanabhan.
Furthermore, as his ancestors ruled
from Thiruvithamkode, he changed the name of Venad into Travancore. Thus, the amalgamated country got
a new name for the first time and the History of Travancore started from that
day.
References:
1. Travancore Manual by Nagam Iiya.
2. Ananthapadmanabhan Varalaru by K.P.Varatharasan.
Note: 1. According to the temple chronicles, Sree Anantha
Padmanabhaswamy Kovil had been called Perumal Swamy Koil dedicated to Maha
Vishnu from the 7th century to till
Marthanda Varma changed its name.
2.Maha Vishnu had been the tutelary deity of the Royal
House of Venad. The oldest existing stone sculpture of Maha Vishnu in the
reclining form -cut in a single piece of stone- is the one found in
Thiruvithancode. It is now kept in the Padmanabhapuram Palace Museum. This
shows that the temple at Thiruvithancode was dedicated to Maha Vishnu and it
was the tutelary deity of the Venad kings. It is believed that the Sri
Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram had the roots in Thiruvitankode.
It is shown below Courtesy Padmanabhapuram Palace Museum
3. Now a small area in Thiruvanathapuram possesses the name
Vanchiyoor. The present District Court functions at Vanchiyoor.
4 Perumal is the family name of the Brammakula
Shathriyans. The kings of Venad suffixed this word with their names
although ‘Varma” appears like a suffix in many names.
5. When Dalawa Rama Iyen fell ill in 1756, His Highness
Marthanda Varma sent heir-apparent Rama Varma to ascertain from the Dalawa his
wishes as to the way his name should be perpetuated. He disclaimed any personal
right to the proposed honour. He said that he accomplished all his aims. However,
he added that he was only sorry that he was not permitted to conquer and annex
Cochin. The King chose not to construct any memorial for him.
21
Ananthapadmanabhan
after the times of Marthanda Varma
The successors of His Highness Marthanda Varma named many places and institutions
after the name of Ananthapadmanabhan for many years. When a court was
established at the heart of Thuckalay, it
was named Padmanabhapuram Court. Similarly,
the Government Hospital at Thuckalay was named Padmanabhapurm Hospital. He
is the namesake of many other places and institutions. Ananthan
Kal, Ananthan Kulam, Ananthan Victoria Marthandan Kayal and Padmanabhapuram
Muncipality originated from his name.
The most outstanding one was Anantha Victoria Marthandan (AVM)
Canal sanctioned in 1860.
Uttram Thirunal Maharaja came
to the South to commence the excavation work of the canal in the same year. A
canal of this magnitude cannot be dug even by spending Re.10,000 crore today
(2013).
Recently, the Government of India named
the train plying between Thiruvananthapuram
and Chennai via Nagercoil as Ananthapuri
Express although the Government
did not say that it wanted to honour Ananthapadmanabhan.
Besides, many people name their children
after Ananthapadmanabhan. The name of the son of the present King of Travancore, Utharadam
Thirunal Maharaja, is Anantha Padmanabhan.
Now (2026) there exists a demand to construct
a memorial for Ananthapadmanabhan in Thachan vilai without
causing any damage to the virginity of the place. For this, the government will
have to acquire about five acre of land in and around Thachan vilai
after giving compensation.
However, some
people in the Venad area, latently, oppose it saying that such a
memorial would affect their security and diminish the relative importance of
their communities. For this, they club the Perumal clan with the
dominant community of the Venad area.
Thus, some
people in all communities think that the heroic deeds of any man must be
recognized wherever he is born. They say that the people are born equally, and
the heroic deeds of any man should not be confined to a community and
suppressed. Another section thinks that such a recognition would affect them
because their communities did not produce such people. The latter class of
people claim that a memorial would disrupt peace in this region.
Some even claim that the word Anantha stands for an obscure king of Venad. However, seldom the people know that
the nomenclature is based on the name Ananthapadmanabhan mentioned in this book. Only
enlightened people can solve this problem.
However, the stiff opposition to his
memorial anywhere near Thachan vilai
indicates that the story of Ananthapadmanabhan
as narrated in this book is true.
Note:1. A victory pillar had been erected at Colachel to commemorate the victory of Venad over the Dutch East India Company. The name "Venad" is missing. But, Travancore and the Conch-shell
(Turbinella pyrum) symbol of Travancore could be seen on the pillar.
Venad became Travancore only in 1750. The symbol also was
adopted later.
Photo: Victory Pillar at Colachel.
Photo: Conch-shell symbol atop the victory pillar at
Colachel
Photo: Instead of mentioning Venad, the victory pillar mentions Travancore.
2. The population of Travancore -according to the Census
taken on the 18th May 1875 - was 23,11,379. The population of Kerala as per the
2011 Census was 3,33,67,677. One must compare this with the AVM canal. Further,
one could envisage the population during the times of Marthanda Varma.
3. Duarte Babboa
who visited Malabar, Coulam (kollam)
and Venad around 1514 A.D. calls Venad as Triangoto (Thiruvitancode).
4. When India became independent, the kings had to
surrender their kingdoms to the Indian Union. They, however, could take their
movable properties. The King of Travancore
alone did not claim any right over the jewels -running into billions of dollars
- present in the Sri Padmanabhaswamy
Temple at Trivandrum
Several sculptures like these kept in the Padmanabhapuram Palace Museum provide a historic window into the
early Venad society and culture.
1. Thiruvadi Desam Thirupparpur Parambarai Maaveeran
Ananthapadmababhan Varalaru by K.P. Varatharajan.
2. Travancore State Manual by V. Nagam Iiya.
3.."Times of Marthanda Varma"by Ibrahim Kunchu.
4. "Naattu Varalaru" by T.K. Velu
Pillai
5. Wikipedia
6. Oottan Kathai Nattupura Varalattu Kathai Padal.
7. Anatomy of a folklore “Ottan Kathai” A Deified Spy and
his King Vira Marttanda Varma by Dr. M. Immanual
8. Maaveeran Ananthapadmanabhan by Dr.P. Sarveswaran and
Dr. M. Immanual
9. A Madonna of India by V. Sabarimuthu
10. www.howeverythinghappenedinindia.blogspot.com
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Sabarimuthu,V
(2006)
Curriculum Vitae of
the Author
Sabarimuthu V
Lecturer
(Retd) Vellicode, Mulagumoodu PO, PIN : 629167,
Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India
Qualification
M. Sc. (Chemistry) :
Mar Ivanios College, Trivandrum, India (1973)
B. Sc. (Chemistry) :
Scott Christian College, Nagercoil, India (1971)
Profession
Lecturer of Chemistry: Lekshmipuram
College of Arts and Science, Neyyoor, India (1974 - 2007)
Publication
‘Consolidated
report on the National Adult Education Programme (1980)’:
This
publication was considered as a pioneering work in the field of adult education
and was distributed to all universities and 700 and odd colleges all over India
by the then adviser to the Government of India, Prof. L.R. Shaw, as a model.
Self - book publication
through the IJDJ Publications
‘An
Unconventional Approach to Inorganic Chemistry (1994)’:
The American
International Publishers (AIP) reviewed this book and described it as ‘a
valuable addition to the resources of educators’. It was a recognized reference
book for the chemistry students of the M.S. University, Tirunelveli.
Self-book publication
through Amazon.com
English
1. English
Grammar
2. A
New English Grammar for the Beginners.
3. The
Predicate Theory
4. Verb
Theory VS Predicate Theory
Chemistry
1. Atomic
Structure
2. Atoms,
Ions, Environment and Reactivity
3. The
Transition Elements
History
Ananthapadmanabhan
Contemporary History
1. Momentous
Months
2. 13
Months in Office.
3. Prime
Minister Mr. A.B. Vajpayee and the Abdication of Power
4. The
Warring Among Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Dr.Manmohan Singh and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi
5. A
Madonna of India Volume 1
6. A
Madonna of India Volume 2.
7. The
Pranab Effects, Volume 1
8. ‘We
will strange you’ Volume 1.
- Chief
Justice Ranjan Gogoi Volume 1
- Chief
Justice Ranjan Gogoi Volume 2
- A
Revolution without bloodshed Volume 1
- A Revolution without bloodshed Volume 2
13.A
World without Liberty
14.The
Taliban and the USA
15.The
Supreme Court of India and the Nature of the Judges
16.THE
UKRAINE WAR AND THE LAW
17.Ukraine
War and India.
18.NATO
and Russia
19.Despotism
in India and Ukraine
20.Indian Democracy vs North Korean
Democracy
Social work
The
Tamil Medium RC Middle School in my village, Vellicode, lagged behind many
schools in English, At the instance of the headmaster, voluntarily taken
English grammar classes to his students for seven years at the rate of about 20
classes of 60 minutes duration per year. This school has been securing the
first rank among about 100 schools for the last five years.
Conducted some English grammar classes
in two other schools for some time.
Political work
One
thousand two hundred and ninety- eight letters have been sent to the President
of India and the Supreme Court of India since June 2001 to secure freedom to
Indians consistent with the Constitution of India. The concealment of the
letters indicates that the Indians are mere slaves and that they have no
freedom to choose their own leaders.
Important blog
1.www.englishgrammarredefined.blogspot.com
2.www.howeverythinghappenedinindia.blogspot.com
3.Temples-and-churches
blogspot.com
4.History
of Vellicode blogspot.com
YouTube videos
Videos
on English Grammar could be seen under
“Sabarimuthu Grammar Classes). Videos on Politics, Economics and
Chemistry(Tamil) have been uploaded in the YouTube. The YouTube channel
link is given below.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBZWHucZhQsy6eqysw_7gvg?view_as=subscriber
The
videos on English grammar demolish the core area of English grammar and present
a new one.
Acknowledgements
(Common to my books)
The
publication of many books might not have happened without the valuable
co-operation and assistance of all the members of my family consistent with
their capabilities and opportunities. My wife, M. Stella Bai, is virtually a
co-author, elder son S. James, younger son S. Delight, elder daughter S. Irene
and her husband John Franklin, younger daughter S. Jasmine Madonna and her
husband B. Godwin Bright and even my grand – daughter J. Jessica Lauren helped
me in one way or other. Contributions of James and Delight are outstanding. All
are entitled to very special acknowledgement and thanks.
Many
in my family reared me for my education. Not a day passes without remembering
my father, Mr. T.Vyakappan, mother, Mrs. R.Vyakulamarial, maternal uncle Mr.
R.Maria Michael, aunt Rev.Sr. R. Veronica, aunt Mrs.R. Theresammal, her husband
Mr. Devasahayam and Bishop of Vellore
Rt. Rev. Antony Muthu. Maternal uncle
Mr. R.Maria Sebastian and his wife Mrs. Thangammal gave me food on many
occasions. Uncle Mr. T. Maria Soosai B.A. B.L. and his wife also took care of
me for eight months during my M.Sc., My Uncle Maria Mickael stood like a rock
for my education after my Pre-University Course. But for him, I might not have
got a degree at all.
I
studied in the Primary School, Vellicode, Alwain Middle School, Kalluvilai and
Government High School, Thuckalay. A teacher stuck me mercilessly thinking that
I stood in a place disrespectfully. I discontinued my education. Another
teacher, Mr. Maria Nesan Nadar, sent two class mates – Thavithu and Kutty Nadan
– to my house to console me. Then I went to school. I remember them now.
Dr. John D.K. Sunder Singh and his brother, Jaya
Singh, admitted me in the Scott Christian College, Nagercoil. At the instance
of Bishop Rt.Rev. Antony Muthu, Arch Bishop Most. Rev. Benedict Mar Gregories
granted me admission in the Mar Ivanios College, Trivandrum for post-
graduation.
Mr. Jesuadimai contractor and Mr. A. Pauliah M.L.A. helped
me for my appointment in the Lekshmipuram College, Neyyoor in 1974. I was
ousted from service after 14 months. Mr. Regunandana Kumar, Mr. A.
Sankaranaraynan, Member of Syndicate, Madurai Kamaraj University, Mr. Paul
Varnan and Mr. Devasahayam IAS helped me for my reinstatement.
I remember with respect Mr. Maria Arulappan, Mr.
Dhachayini Amma, Mr. Innasimuthu, Mr. C. Francis, Mr. Soosai Muthu, Mr. Arulappan, Mr. Thambi Sir, Mr. A.Israel, S.
Parameswari Amma, Mr. Maria Nesan Nadar M.A. B.T., Mr. Moni, Mr.John I.James
B.A. B.T., Mr. Revindra Nath B.Sc. B.T, Mr. Sthanunathan Thambi B.A.B.T, Mr. V.
Thomson B.A.B.T, Mr. Theodore I.J. Kumarsingh M.Sc. Mr. R.S.A. Sunder Singh
M.Sc. Mr.I. Stalin M.Sc, Dr. V.S.David Raj M.Sc, Ph.D., Dr. Nambisan M.Sc.Ph.D;
Dr. Scaria M. Chakalackal M.Sc, Ph.D. Mr, Ramasamy M.Sc. Prof. George M.
Varghese and all my other great teachers.
Many in my wife’s family are a source of
encouragement and happiness. My father-in-law Mr. A. Martin, Mother-in-law-
Maria Retnam, brother - in-laws- Mr. Robin Edward Martin B.Sc, Mr. Clement Joe
Martin and Dr. Leenus Jesu Martin M.E. Ph.D. and father-in-law’s brother Rev.
Fr. A. Jockim and many others take great pride in my achievements. Further, I
respectfully acknowledge the happiness of my close relatives - Mrs. Philomena,
Mrs. and Mr. T. Retna Swamy M.A., Mrs. and Mr. Bright Xavier M.A. and Mrs. and
Mr. Xavior Oscar Dhas M. Sc.
I
think of the selfless services of Mr. P. Thankaswamy, founder Secretary
Lekshmipuram College, Mr. Sundaram Pillai who donated Re.50,000/- in 1974 for
protecting the college from disaffiliation and all those who selflessly worked
and contributed for the Lekshmipuram College, Neyyoor.
I
remember Thiruvatti Mr. C.Antony Joseph,
Swamithara Vilai Mr.A.Arulappan,
Madathattuvilai Mr. Soosai Michael, Erattan Vilai Mariakkon, Mr. Innasimuthu
and Mr. Joseph, Kattuvilai Mr. Sabariyaradimai,
Kizhakkuvilai Mr. Michael and Mr. Joseph, Vellicode Mr. R. Muthaiah
B.Com, Mr. I. Sabarimuthu B.E., and all other members of the ‘Gent’s
Federation’ Vellicode for inculcating a reading habit in my early days.
I
gratefully remember Dr.Achan Alex, Dr. Maman Thomas and Dr. Venugopalan Nair of
Medical College, Trivandrum, Dr. K. Rajendra Retnam (Braine and Spine Centre,
Tirunelveli), Dr. Dilip Pande and Dr. N.D. Ramanujam Neurologist, of VHS
Adayar, Chennai, Dr. A. Berty MCH, Medical College, Nagercoil Dr. Sebasan, Dr.
George M.D., Dr. Selvam, Dr. Arun M.D, Dr. S. Anto ENT, Dr.S.Rex M.D.S.,
Dr.S.K.Ranjith Kuman M.S, Dr. Narendra Nath, M.D., Dr. Jayakumar and all other
selfless doctors.
I
respectfully remember Kizhakkuvilai Mr. Varuvel Nadar and my relation,
Pulippanam Mr. Devaraj.
I acknowledge
my great colleagues - Mr. A. Francis M.A., Mr. C. Bhagavandhas M.A., Dr.Edwin
Sam M.A.Ph.D, Mr. A.M. Mathew M.Sc. C. Augustine M.A. Mr. Anantharaman Iyer
M.Sc., Mr. Russel Raj M.A., Mr. Issac M.A., Librarian Mr. Kumaavel Renganathan,
Mr. Pauliah M.Sc; Mr. Govinda Swamy M.A. Mr. Selvin David M. Sc, Mr.
Ramachandran M.A., Mr. Chithambara Thanu M.A., Mr. S. Rajagopalan M.A; Mr. K.
Rajagopal M.A; Mr. S. Murugesan M.Sc. S. Kumara Velu M.Sc;Librararian Mr.
Saravanan, Dr. Padmanabhan M.A. Ph.D, Dr. Ramalingam Pillai M.Sc. Ph.D, Dr.
Sukumaran M.Sc,Ph.D., Mr. Ravikumar M.A., Dr. David Raja Bose M.A. Ph.D., and
Mr. Neelakandan M.A. - in the Lekshmipuram College, Neyyoor and my friends –
Kizhakkuvilai Yesudhason, Kizhakkuvilai Mr. V. Laurence, Mr. Melavilai Thobias,
Puthuvilai Mr. Rajendran, Kattuvilai Mr.Sabariyaradimai, Mr.M. Gopalan M.A,
B.L.Advocate, Mr. Nesaiyan teacher, Dr. R. Sathia Dhas M.A. Ph.D,Avarivilai
Barnapaus, Mr. M. Devadhason M.A, Mr.
Thanka Raj M.A. B.Ed and Mr. Devasahayam
teacher.
Lekshmipuram College Principal Mrs. Daisy David M.A.
appointed me as the Programme Officer of Adult Education. It was a turning
point in my career. I am grateful to her. My publication on the National Adult
Education Programme (NAEP), 1980, was distributed to 80 universities and 700
and odd colleges all over India by Prof. L.R.Shah, the then adviser to the
Government of India as a model. This boosted my self-confidence and the
standing among the teachers. I must thank them. In fact, it was a great
motivation to do more and more.
Headmaster Mr. Irudhayadhason gave me a chance to
teach English Grammar to children. The teachers and the students co-operated. I
utilized it to demolish the core area of English grammar and to supply a scientific
one. When my peers – AIs included- said that I did something profound, I
virtually became the celebrity of the English world. The English learners all
over the world will be benefitted one day or other. I am indebted to him, the
teachers and the students.
The
Indian political system comprising the successive Presidents since Mr. K. R.
Narayanan and virtually all political leaders contributed their share for my
development in one way or other. Many leaders like Mr. H.D. Deve Gowda, Mr.
A.K. Antony acknowledged my letters for freedom. At one time, I dropped
different letters to more than 250 Members of Parliament. I could not contact
all due to practical difficulties. All leaders digested my letters without the
slightest disagreement.
Prime
Minister of England Mr. Tony Blair, Prime Minister of England Gordon Brown,
Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dr.Dr. Jan Peter Balkenende, Her Royal
Highness the Queen of Travancore Gouri Lekshimi Bai and many other world
leaders acknowledged and gave their opinions to my letters for freedom and
liberty. Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth ‘lighted fire’ on two occasions. I
described her as a Madonna of England. The Emperor of Japan ‘lighted fire’ as
mentioned in the book, ‘A Madonna of India’.
I sent many letters by post to the learned judges of
the Supreme Court of India since June 2001. I thought that they would revolt
against the BALCO judgment. It did not happen. Then I sent emails to the
Supreme Court of India, President of India, Central Bureau of Investigation
(CBI), Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and Election Commission of India
(ECI). After that a few letters were sent to the Secretary General of the
United Nations (UN). After Mr. Ram Nath Kovind assumed power as the President
of India, I remained quiet for a few months. However, he alienated the Essar
Oil to Russia. He could not give any relief to Justice Karnan. Further, Finance
Minister Mr. Arun Jaitely described privatization as an art in India, and
started taking speedy steps to alienate the Air India. Therefore, I resumed
sending emails to the President of India with great intensity pointing out his
constitutional duty.
However, as my letters did not fetch liberty to
Indians, I submitted the letters to International Court of Justice. I have
submitted 1298 letters to competent authorities since 2001. I converted my
letters into books through Amazon.com
However, the Indian system continues to change the
Constitution of India in the pretext of amendments, appoints illegal judges,
alienates public assets and denies liberty.
India is replete with intellectuals. There are many
great achievers in India. However, this work is a great achievement for the 1400
million people of India. That I could achieve it without a word of support from
the media is a source of great satisfaction.
I
repeatedly sought the help of the media all over the world in the fond hope
that due publicity would bring freedom and liberty to Indians.
However, everyone possessing power denies
liberty. The logical extension of this condition is that when I propounded a
scientific theory for English grammar to rescue our children from the traumas
of wrong grammar, the world did not know it.
Notwithstanding
everything, the soil of my village, Vellicode, the college I worked -
Lekshmipuram College, Neyyoor - and India is responsible for my growth.
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Finally,
I am very grateful to all those who helped me in one way or other.
Sabarimuthu. V. (August 17, 2026)
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Note: The paperback edition of this book,
Ananthapadmanabhan, can be purchased from the Amazon.com
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