العربية
中国
Français
Deutsch
Ελληνική
हिन्दी
Italiano
日本語
Português
Русский
EspañolEZHAVA
'Ezhava' is the largest and one of the major progressive communities in Kerala, a south Indian state. They have made a mark in economic and political panorama of the state and contributed enormously to the literature and culture of the state. They are also found amongst the Malayalee diaspora around the world. They are today a social group sharing a common history from the pre-social reform era, when caste was an integral part of the political, economic, legal and social order across Kerala State. Folkfore tradition and written records show that ezhavas were martial class.Bardwell L. Smith, Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia.(BRILL publications, 1976,ISBN 9004045104), Page 27 [1] Bardwell L. Smith, Vadakkan and Thekkan Pattukal.(Sri Rama Vilasom Press, 1967),Page 128 - 148 Nagam Aiya, Travancore State Manual by Nagam Aiya The folk songs, ''Vadakkan Pattukal'', composed about 400 hundred years back are full of description of the military exploits of ezhava heroes. Ezhavas served in the armed forces of all important kings of the region, such as Zamorins of Calicut, the Kings of Travancore and Cochin Rajas. Many from community had become ''Kottaram Vaidyan''(Palace Physician) of all important kings of the region.Bardwell L. Smith, Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia. (BRILL publications, 1976,ISBN 9004045104), Page 27 [1] Bardwell L. Smith, Vadakkan and Thekkan Pattukal.(Sri Rama Vilasom Press, 1967),Page 128 - 148 Nagam Aiya, Travancore State Manual by Nagam Aiya [3] They enjoyed better status before the arrival of Brahmins from North. Historically, they never found a place in the four-tier caste system of Hindu. They were engaged in many professions and many were Warriors, Ayurvedic physicians, Astrologist, Arrack brewers, Traders(including coconut business), Toddy Tappers, Spiritualists, Traditional Toxicologists, Devil worshippers and Dancers, sorcerists, farmers, weavers etc. The ezhavas are also known as ''Thiyya''s or ''Billava''s in some of part of Kerala especially Malabar areas.
There are many hypotheses based largely on the etymological origins of the word ''Ezhavan'' as well as spiritual practices and folklore associated with Ezhavas. Some lexicographers have traced the etymology of the word Ezhava/Thiyya to ''Ezham'' (or Eelam)/''Dweep'' being a word originating from the ancient Pali language (the main language of Theravada Buddhism) for the island of Sri Lanka. As per the folk songs, Ezhavas were the progeny of the four bachelors that king of Sri Lanka sent to Kerala at the request of the Chera king ''Bhaskara Ravi Varma'' in the 1st Century AD. These men were sent, ostensibly, to set up Coconut farming in Kerala. Another version of the story is that the Sri Lankan King sent eight martial families to Kerala at the request of a Chera King to quell a civil war that erupted in Kerala against him. Some other lexicographers have deciphered this word to Ilam one of the provinces of Iran. Some others state that ezhavas were descendants of Shivite religion who were called ''ishivars''. However, as in the case of most other communities in Kerala, an extensive haploid genotyping study alone can unravel the true ethnicity and migratory origins of the Ezhavas. K R Narayanan, Ezhavar Oru Padanam Vevekodayam publications, 1967) page27 EMS Namppothirppadu, Keralam Malayalikalude Mathrubhumi Desbhimany publications, VOl1, 1947 ) page27 NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum
Main articles: Origin of ezhava caste
In the bygone era, many Ezhavas were notable as Ayurvedic physicians, warriors and traders. In fact one of the early translations of Ashtānga Hridayam (a celebrated Sanskrit treatise on Ayurveda) to Malayalam was by an Ezhava physician,'' Kayikkara Govindan Vaidyar''. After the arrival of Namboothiri Brahmins and with the establishment of Vedic system, Ezhavas were discriminated and subjugated to take up lowly placed jobs like toddy tapping, selling and making of arrack, palm wine etc. Vast majority were farmers and was placed outside the Varna system classifying them as Avarna by this new ruling class. However many were wealthy and some others were masters in various fields such Ayurveda(medicine), martial arts (Kalaripayattu, Varma Kalari etc), Astrology, Siddha, ''Manthravaadam'', Spirituality, Merchant Trading, Visha chikitsa etc. Also, there were many distillers and weavers from this community.Bardwell L. Smith, Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia. (BRILL publications, 1976,ISBN 9004045104), Page 27 [4] Bardwell L. Smith, Vadakkan and Thekkan Pattukal.(Sri Rama Vilasom Press, 1967),Page 128 - 148 Nagam Aiya, Travancore State Manual by Nagam Aiya [3]
There were in fact several acclaimed Ezhava Ayurvedic scholars. The first Malayalam book published by the Dutch in 1675 titled 'Hortus Indicus Malabaricus' speaks in its preface about a Vaidyar (doctor) Mr.Karappuram Kadakkarappally Kollattu Veettil Itty Achuthan(of present-day Alappuzha district), a reputed vaidyar of the community as the main force behind the book and it is he who had edited the book to reach its present form. Founder of famous chandrika soap Shri C.R. Kesavan Vaidyar belonged to this caste. He was awarded "Vaidyaratnam" title by K.C. Manavikraman ''Zamorin'' of Kozhikode in 1953. Famous Thirumanakkal Vvaidyasala in idukki and Kannur Ayurvedic Multi Speciality Hospital in Wayanad are owned by Ezhava vaidyars. Famous Ayurvedic scholar from Kochi New Udaya Pharmacy and Ayurvedic Laboratories (Nupal) were established in 1960 by Sri N. K. Padmanabhan Vaidyar, who hails from a well-known traditional Ayurvedic family. Their product kamilari is now famous among patients having liver diseases. Vallabhassery Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Firm established in the Ayurvedic field since 1833 by Vallabhasseril family of Thiruvalla.
One of the early translations of Ashtanga Hridaya (a celebrated Sanskrit treatise on Ayurveda) to Malayalam was by an Ezhava physician, Kayikkara Govindan Vaidyar. Kuzhuppully and Pokkanchery families in Thrissur and Calicut respectively are traditional families of Ayurvedacharyans. Cholayil family is one of the most famous and respected ezhava Ayurvedic families in Kerala. Their beauty products like ''Cuticura'' and Medimix (soap) are very popular across India. Ezhava physicians were the chief Ayurvedic physicians of the Travancore Royal family. Venmanakkal family (related to the Chavercode family) was the first family to learn Ayurveda from the Pali language in addition to the Ayurvedic knowledge from Sanskrit. Uracheril Gurukkal instructed Herman Gundert in the field of Sanskrit and Ayurveda, and Uppot kannan, who wrote interpretation of Yogamrutham(Ayurvedic text in Sanskrit by Ashtavaidyans), were also acclaimed Ezhava Ayurvedic scholars. [6]Bardwell L. Smith, Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia. (BRILL publications, 1976,ISBN 9004045104), Page 27 [4] Bardwell L. Smith, Vadakkan and Thekkan Pattukal.(Sri Rama Vilasom Press, 1967),Page 128 - 148 Nagam Aiya, Travancore State Manual by Nagam Aiya [3]
Many ezhava families were practitioners of Visha chikitsa (Toxicology) for decades though it has been discontinued by many of these families now. This chikitsa include treatment and cure of poison incurred from snake-bite, scorpion bite etc. ''Theraickal Tharavadu'', an ezhava family from eroor, Ernakulam, were the Visha Vaidyars of Cochin royal family. Keralakaumudi, Sree Narayana Directory, (kaumudi Publications, 2007)The Saint Sree Narayana Guru's maternal uncle was a famous Visha Vaidyar of the Chiryinkilil area. Some of the families who were famous in this treatment were Chavarkode vaidyars of Trivandrum, Aneppil family of Kollam, Kavil and Muloor families of Central Travancore etc.
Ezhavas strived to maintain a their martial tradition. The Cheerappanchira Tharavad (Muhamma, Alapuzha) that supplied palace guards to the Royal House of Pandalam and the Valiya Mundakkal tharavadu of eastern Kollam that had men enlisted with the Army of Venad kingdom find mention in the annals of history preserved in certain old records. Cheerappanchira Kalari was the place where Lord Ayyappan gained special martial arts knowledge. In fact many of the foot soldiers in royal armies were of Ezhava origin. ''Puthooram veedu'', family of Legendary Aromal Chekavar and Unniarcha, had rich martial traditions. Panickers from ''Varanappally Tharavadu'' in Central Travancore were military commanders of Kayamkulam Kingdom for many centuries. Channars of Alummoottil Tharavad, an Ezhava family of renown from the central Travancore, were also Warriors and Kalari trainers. The army of the Maharaja of Kayamkulam and Travancore took recruits to infantry and light cavalry from this Tharavadu during the 17th and 18th century. Similarly, the Lakshana Panicker family of Kollam district(bordering Alappuzha) were reputed practitioners of kalaripayattu and were enrolled as trainers for the army of Maadathumkoor kingdom (present Mavelikkara). Famous kalari Panickers/Chekavars of Melathil Tharavad at Thoduvetty of Kanyakumari district,in the southern part of erswhile Travancore Kingdom, has safeguarded the Great Maharaja Marthanda Varma, by giving protection to His Highness, while in exile. Arattapuzha Velayudha Panicker in Haripad was a ezhava warrior lived in the 19th century who fought against the caste oppression by the so called upper castes. Kalari Panickers from an ezhava tharavaad based at Kulathoor wre trainers of famous Ettuveetil Pillamars. Their descendants have looked after the Chamundi Devi (Kalari devatha) temple at Thozhuvancode, Thiruvananthapuram.Bardwell L. Smith, Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia (BRILL publications, 1976,ISBN 9004045104), Page 27 [9] Vadakkan and Thekkan Pattukal.(Sri Rama Vilasom Press, 1967),Page 128 - 148 Nagam Aiya, Travancore State Manual by Nagam Aiya [3]
Main articles: Chekavar
Main articles: Channar
Main articles: Panicker
''Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker'', was an Ezhava warrior lived in the 19th century in Kerala who has also fought against the caste oppression by the upper castes.His original name was ''Kalisseril Velayutha Chekavar''.NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum InnumDr Filippo Osella and Caroline Osella, Social Mobility In Kerala: Modernity and Identity in Conflict (Pluto Press, 2000,ISBN 074531693X), Page 156 to 158[11].
Main articles: Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker
''Aromal Chevakar'', ''Unniarcha'' etc are legendary warrior figure of ''Vadakkan Pattukal'' (Northern Ballads). The songs and chronicles have to this day kept the legend alive. He was born in the famous Puthooram Veedu of Malabar. Bardwell L. Smith, Vadakkan and Thekkan Pattukal.(Sri Rama Vilasom Press, 1967),Page 128 - 148
Main articles: Aromal Chekavar
Main articles: Unniarcha
''Kuroolli Chekon'', known as 'Kadathanadan Simham', was an Ezhava warrior lived in the 19th century in South Malabar who has also fought against the caste oppression by the Savarnas NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum Vishnumangalm Kumar,Kuroolli Chekon: Charithram Thamaskaricha Kadathanadan Simham(Keralasabdam, 2007-9-2),Page 30-33
Main articles: Kuroolli Chekon
It is interesting to note that the name Thiruvalla comes from colloquial form of ''Thiruvallabhavaram'' named after the deity ''Thiru Vallabhan'' of the Thiru Vallabhasseril temple. This temple is the family temple of ''Vallabhasseril'' ''Tharavad'', a famous kalari family of Central travancore. Vallabhasseril was a very powerful tharavad under Panthalam Raja, which provided him with all the necessary security forces of those times. Once upon a time, this tharavad controlled the ‘Niranam thura’ (a small harbor at Niranam) as the main navigators with their own ''Kalari'' and ''Vallabha Kshethram''. The famous Aryabhada Swamikal had described this family as ''Soorya vamsajar'' of Travancore in his books. It was Sri Vallabhassery Govindan Vaidyar, from this family, who presented the idea of organizing a pilgrimage to Sivagiri to the Narayana Guru. NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum
Main articles: Thiruvalla
This was a great warfare, part of southern style of Kalarippayattu, practised by the Ezhava Kalari warriors to defeat/kill the enemy without any external injuries and were called ''Marmamanis''. Its supposed to be the master of all arts, royal to its name, trained by special ''Asaans''(super masters). This Asaan of special rank was a super master over 108 Kalaries, who were the real kingmakers during ancient wars among naduvazhis(Local Cheiftians).
Main articles: Varma Kalari
Trading, especially coconut business was one of the traditional occupations of the community. Some became rich after having export business with British and other Europeans. As per the Census in 1931 of Travancore, number rich business people among the community was better compared to Malayali Sudra(Nairs) and Nanchinattu Sudras(Vellalas), even after being denied government jobs. However, since community was large and support from King and his ruling department was nil, this has not helped the community as a whole. A good number of members were also in toddy tapping as the toddy was used as component in Ayudvedic medicine as well as it was being used as a hard drink. However they were limited one or two families in each village. However, Savarna and their squealers have labeled the entire community as toddy tapers. Large number families also were into arrack brewing as well. Sree Narayana Guru reded against both of these professions and hence many have left these professions. But still some of the families continued this and became quite rich. Thomas Johnson Nossiter and Frederick Albert Cook, Communism in Kerala: A Study in Political Adaptation (C. Hurst & Co Publishers, 1982, ISBN 0905838408), Page 21 Keralakaumudi, Sree Narayana Directory, (kaumudi Publications, 2007), page 21[12]
Swami Ayyappan lived at Pandalam palace only for a short period of 18 years. During this time he mastered all martial arts from various Kalaries. The Kalari where he spends more years was at Cheerappanchira , an ezhava family, near Sherthalai. It is believed that one young girl of Cheerappanchira family fell in love with the Lord and requested to accept her as wife. But Ayyappan turned down her request and to be a “Brahmachari”. She was offered a seat at Sabarimala known as Maalikapurathamma. Ayyappan promised her if thereis no “Kanni” Ayyappans to come to Sabarimala then he would marry her. It is a custom that every Kanni Ayyappan should deposit “Saram” (arrow of soft wood) at Saramkuthy as a mark of their arrival.NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum
Main articles: Maalikapurathamma
''Sree Muthappan'' is the most popular local god in the Kannur district of north Kerala, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Muthappan history is associated with thiyya community. The sole authority of administration of Parassani Matappura is entrusted with the Matayans(members of Parassani Matappurakal family, an ezhava family who is assiciated with the legent of muthappan) of Parassani Kadavu from kannur.
Main articles: Muthappan
This is a ceremonial procession of members of the Ambanattu Panikkar family memebrs, bringing pots of honey as ritual offering to the deity at Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Ambalappuzha.Its also called ''Ambanattu Panikkar Pallivetta''. The land where the temple was built was belonging to a rich Ezhava landlord and kalari asaan Ambanattu Panikker. While the rajah of Ambalapuzha dynasty and Vilwamangalathu Swamiyar were going through the waterways,it so happened that they could hear a luscious sound of flute coming from a nearby huge and luxuriant peepul tree.To his astonishment Swamiyar saw Sree Krishna sitting on a branch of the peepul tree playing his flute and suddenly diappeared. To his astonishment Swamiyar saw Sree Krishna sitting on a branch of the peepul tree playing his flute.NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum
Main articles: Ambalappuzha
Padmanabhaswamy temple is one of the seven Parasurama kshetras in kerala built during ''brahmaization'' of kerala. One of the legend related to this temple says, an Ezhava couple had seen the lord vishnu in the form of a child and the child had taken morsels of rice from the hands of the couple. After hearing this, the king of travancore has built a temple for Anantha Padmanabha here.In memory of this legend, ''naivedyam'' (offering rite from the temples in kerala) prepared of rice is offered to the deity here in a coconut shell. Link [1]
NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum
Main articles: Padmanabhaswamy temple
Popular in north Kerala, Theyyam incorporates dance, mime and music and preserves the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures; attaching great importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of ancestors. The headgear and other ornamental decorations are spectacular in sheer size and appearance. This particular dance form is also known as Kaaliyattam. Theyyam is also performed by Vaniya, Kammala, Saliya and Maniyani communities apart from thiyyas. The main deities of ezhavas are ''Vayanattu Kulavan, Kathivannur Veeran, Poomaruthan, Muthappan'' etc. Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795) Krishna Chaitanya, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Abhinav Publications, 1987 ,ISBN 8170172098)
Arjuna nritham, Art & Culture of Kerala Arjuna nritham (the dance of Arjuna) is a ritual art performed by men of Ezhava Community and is prevalent in the Bhagavathy temples of south Kerala, mainly in Kollam, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. Arjuna, the most valiant of the five heroic brothers - the Pandavas - of the epic Mahabharatha, was also a renowned singer and dancer and is said to have propitiated goddess Bhadrakali by a devotional presentation.
Arjuna nritham is also called ''Mayilppeeliyattam'' as the costume includes a characteristic garment made of mayilppeeli (Peacock feathers). This garment is worn around the waist in a similar fashion as the uduthukettu of Kathakali. The performers have their faces painted green and wear distinctive headgears. The all night performance of the dance form is usually presented solo or in pairs.
The songs which are strictly rhythm based are called Kavithangal and deal with various themes of the Puranas (ancient Hindu scriptures). Each Kavitham is composed to suit a specific rhythm. Before each song the dancers explain the intricacies of the particular rhythm about to be employed and how this rhythm is translated into dance movements.
The various dance movements are closely similar to Kalarippayattu techniques. Percussion instruments like the chenda, maddalam, talachenda and ilathalam (cymbal) form the musical accompaniment. Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795)
A folk dance prevalent among the ezhavas of Malabar, usually perfromed in Bhagavathy temples as a ritual offering during the month of Meenam (March - April). Poorakkali requires specially trained and highly experienced dancers quite thorough with all the techniques and feats of Kalaripayattu, a system of physical exercise formerly in vogue in Kerala. Standing round the traditional lamp, the performers, dance in eighteen different stages and rhythm, each phase being called a Niram. Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795)
This martial folk-dance prevalent among the ezhavas of in Alappuzha, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Palghat and Malappuram districts. Its also performed by Christians and some other Hindu communities. It had its origin during the day when Kalaripayattu, the famous physical exercise of swordplay and defence, was in vogue in Kerala. The performers dance with swords and shields in their hands, following the movements of sword fight, leaping forward, stepping back and moving round, all the time striking with the swords and defending with shields. Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795)
Theeyattu is a solo dance-drama performed in front of the Kalam (ritual drawing with coloured powders) in some of the Bhagavathy temples of Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Thripunithura and neighbouring areas. The most popular story narrated through a Theeyattu performance is that of the duel between goddess Kaali and the demon Daarikan
Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795) Krishna Chaitanya, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Abhinav Publications, 1987 ,ISBN 8170172098)
Literally, Aivarkali means the play of the five sets. This was a ritualistic art form performed in almost all important temples of Kerala. Today it is found in central Kerala. This is also known as Pandavarkali, which means the play of the Pandavas, (the five heroes of Mahabharatha), and is performed by the following communities: Ezhava, Asari, Moosari, Karuvan, Thattan and Kallasari.
This ritualistic dance is performed beneath a decorated pandal with a nilavilakku at its centre.
The performers numbering five or more with their leader called Kaliachan enter the performance area after ritualistic bath, with sandal paste over their foreheads. They will be dressed in white dhoti and will have a towel wrapped around their heads. Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795)
Ezhavas followed, Tharavadu, which was a system of joint family practised by some Malayalee communities. Each Tharavadu has a unique name. The family lived together in this type Tharavadu comprised of a mother, her brothers and younger sisters, and her children. The oldest male member was known as the ''Karanavar'' or ''Mooppar'' and was the head of the household and managed the family estate. As joint families grew and established independent settlements, the branches modified the names in a such way that the main Tharavadu names are identifiable, yet Sakha (or ''Thavazhi'', i.e. Thay Vazhi which means ''Through Mother'') had a distinct name. For ezhavas in Travancore and Malabar ''Tharavad name'' were identified through their Mother's house (''Thavazhi'') but some other families in Cochin area (except in Kanayannur Taluk) were identified through by their father's ''Tharavadu''. This system of inheritance were matrilinear and were know as Marumakkathayam. However, now-a-days, most of the families follow ''Makkathayam''(patrilinear) system of family inheritance.
Main articles: Tharavadu
Main articles: Marumakkathayam
The snake worship(''Nagaradhana'') was prevalent among many ezhava families all over Kerala, but was most common among Malayalee and Tulu Billavas of North Malabar and Tulu Nadu. ''Sarpa Kavu'' (meaning ''Abode of the Snake God''), small traditional forest(mostly man made) of green pockets, would have idols of snake gods and worshipped. For ezhavas, billavas and other similar communities, these sarpakavus can be any corner of the Tharavadu except eastern side while for some other communities like Nairs it would be on the southwest corner of the Tharavadu. Keralakaumudi, Sree Narayana Directory, (kaumudi Publications, 2007)
It was a rutual performed in temples expecially Devi, Bhagavathy, Durga temples. Though this was found among many communities, it was very common with ezhavas. Animals were sacrificed as part of the ritual. Kuruthy was also perormed before padayani and Mudiyet in South Central Kerala. And in North Kerala, it was perormed with Theyyam and Pana. Sree Narayana Guru took the initiative to stop this ritual and now-a-days its not so common in Kerala. Keralakaumudi, Sree Narayana Directory, (kaumudi Publications, 2007)
This type of marrige was prevalent among some Ezhava Pramanis(rich among the community). The ''thaali'' ( a gold necklace tied around the bride's neck) tying rite took place before the onset of puberty. During this ceremony the girl was forced to marry a man (from same community unlike other castes which followed this cutsom) whose horoscope matched with that of the girl. Though that man becomes her ''mock'' husband, he could simply leave the girl after the completion of the ritual. Sree Narayana Guru opposed this strongly and took the initiative to simplify marriage customs and celebrations. Keralakaumudi, Sree Narayana Directory, (kaumudi Publications, 2007)
David Smith, Hinduism and Modernity(Blackwell Publishing, 2003), ISBN 0631208623
Main articles: Kettu Kalyanam
The arrival of Namboothiris heralding an era of Hinduism, might have initiated the ostracization the Ezhavas. There is a much disputed claim that the legend of Onam marks the conversion of Buddhist Kerala to Hinduism. Accordingly, Ezhavas are the descendants of those Buddhists. The violence towards the Viharas, or the abodes of Budhist monks, was soon to follow. The economic condition of the Ezhavas was abysmal at the turn of the last century. Social taboos had reduced them to a state of abject penury.
Till 18th century, females of non-Brahmin class, were allowed to wear only a single loin cloth is girdled round the waist leaving the upper part exposed. In this respect males and females, rajas and nobles, rich and poor are equal. None of the Hindu ladies except Brahmins thought that the breast was to cover; and to them to cover the breast was an act of immodesty. There are instances of cruelties inflicted upon the ladies for violating these laws. An Ezhava lady who happened to travel abroad and returned well dressed was summoned by the Queen of Attingal and her breast was cut off for covering them. In Travancore a riot occurred when a group of upper caste men assaulted a lady of Ezhava caste for wearing cloth below her knees. In 1859 another riot took place in Travancore and continued for several days, when the ladies of channar caste started to cover the breast. The revolt was called ''chela kalapam (cloth revolt)''. It became very important that later scholars regarded it as a part of the struggle for independence. Lloyd I. Rudolph, Susanne Hoeber Rudolph, The Modernity of Tradition: Political Development in India (University of Chicago Press, 1967, ISBN 0226731375) Ilamkulam Kunhan Pilllai, Studies in Kerala History C. Kesavan - Oru Jeevitha Samaram
A sizeable part of the Ezhava community, especially in central Travancore and in the High Ranges, embraced Christianity during British rule, fed up with the injunctions of caste system enforced by the Monarchical state. In Kannur, The Protestant Missions have been at work since the first half of the 19th century when the Basel German Evangelical Mission was founded by Dr.H.Gundert. Most of their converts were from the Thiyya community. The ''Ezhava Memorial'' was a charter of human rights drafted by the Ezhava community, the endorsement of which by the Travancore State was a condition that they set forth, were they not to convert to Christianity en masse. It was a quirk of history that Sree Narayana Guru was to arrive on the scene, but for which the mass exodus of Ezhavas to rival faiths would have reduced the Hindus to a minority in Kerala. He decried conversion made for any kind of materialistic or temporary benefits, convenience, or as an escape from discrimination and religious persecution. These principles form the criteria for his support of conversions and re-conversions. For example, a family of the Kannoor community converted to Christianity for certain benefits, but not out of any change of belief. After some time this family desired to convert back, but their previous community opposed this re-conversion. Narayana Guru intervened and asked all the family and community leaders concerned to take back the family into the community. His arguments were convincing, and an amicable return was effected. In Neyyatinkara town, there were some families who converted to Christianity due to the discrimination and religious persecution existing at that time against the lower strata of Hindus. But after witnessing the progress made due to the work of Narayana Guru and his disciples, these families wanted to convert back to Hinduism. Again, the opposition of their community was overcome, and Narayana Guru happily converted them back. Surendra Kumar Srivastava and Akhileshwar Lal Srivastava, Social Movements for Development (Chugh Publications, 1988, ISBN 8185076340), Page 167
In the village of Vazhappalli, near Changanassery, there were a limited number of families of a community known as Pichanaattu Kuruppanmar. They were small in number, and in a very difficult situation during Narayana Guru's time. In some respects they were considered low in the social stratum. But at the same time they were allowed entry into the temples and adjacent roads. However, the Hindu communities at the higher end of the social stratum did not accept them. This, coupled with the limited number of members in their own community, made it difficult for them to function socially, and they faced increasing isolation. Finally, the leader of this group, Mr. Krishnan Vaidyar, converted to Christianity--a conversion of convenience. Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker, a disciple of Narayana Guru, informed him of the situation. Panickar requested that the Pichanaattu Kuruppanmar be better integrated into the community so that such conversion could be avoided in the future. Narayana Guru accepted this proposal, and then personally accepted the Pichanaattu Kuruppanmar into the community at a large public meeting which included leaders of other religious groups. Surendra Kumar Srivastava and Akhileshwar Lal Srivastava, Social Movements for Development (Chugh Publications, 1988, ISBN 8185076340), Page 167
Main articles: Kuruppanmar
In 1921 an extensive effort to reach a thousand Ezhava Families living in the coastal areas of Alappuzha and hilly area of Pathanamthitta was set on foot by an independent committee, in relation with the CSI church. With Miss Isabel Baker's (CMS Missionary) generous contribution, a school, hospital and a coir factory were established under the title ''Karappuram Mission'' in the Shertellai area, and as a result, thousands Ezhava Families were converted in areas of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta. Surendra Kumar Srivastava and Akhileshwar Lal Srivastava, Social Movements for Development (Chugh Publications, 1988, ISBN 8185076340), Page 167
The well-known Moplah, of Malappuram, revolts are said to have begun with the murder of a Nair landlord after he ripped off the blouse of an Ezhava woman convert, who had dared to appear before him clothed above the waist, stood within 30 yards of him and called him by his name. The revolts were mostly a series of attempts to take over land by groups of armed Muslim tenants or suicidal attacks on landlords known for their atrocities, culminating in the 1921-22 Moplah rebellion. Thus even the militant (and sometimes reactionary) Islam of the Moplah Muslims had its roots in their struggles against the stranglehold of the Hindu upper-caste landlords and the British. A large section of ezhavas converted into Islam during Moplah Rebellion either due to the discrimination from upper-caste or due to threat from Moplahs.
Main articles: Moplah
During Vaikom Satyagraha in 1922, at the instance of Mahatma Gandhi, a few Akalis came to Vaikom in support of sathyagrahis. After successful completion of Satyagraha and the Temple Entry Proclamation, some of the Akalis stayed back. Some ezhava youth were attracted by the discliplined life and joined Sikhism. During the same period, Ambedkar exhorted people that if you don't get self-respect and dignity in your own religion, you should get out of it. This also prompted many ezhavas to join Sikhism. However, after the significant growth Ezhava movement, many families later re-converted to Hinduism and hence numbers of Sikh became dwindled.
When in 1896 a ''Ezhava Memorial'' signed by more than 13,000 representative ezhavas of Travancore was submitted to the government praying for the recognition of the right of the Ezhavas to enter the government service, the upper caste Hindus of the state prevailed upon the Maharajah not to concede the prayer. The memorialists sought only privileges that were already enjoyed by the Christians and the Muslims. P. Chidambaram Pillai in Right of Temple Entry says, ''The Thiyya Hindu of Hindu Travancore has not as much right of free citizenship as the lowest Hindu in the Mohammadan state of Hyderabad or the lowest Hindu of Christian British India. To be a Hindu in the Hindu state of Travancore is not a privilege for the non-caste Hindus; it is not a mere handicap; it is a curse; it is an insult.'' In dejection many of the Ezhavas embraced Christianity as borne out by the fact that the Christian population of Travancore which stood at six lakhs in 1901 increased to 17 lakhs in 1931. And when their fight for equity was not taking the Ezhavas anywhere, their leadership threatened that they would convert en masse, rather than stay as helots of Hindu society. The alert Diwan, Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, realised the imminent danger and prompted the Maharajah to issue the proclamation. Otherwise, the history of Kerala would have been quite different. Dr.Palpu, Treatment of Tiyas in Travancore
Main articles: Temple Entry Proclamation
Ezhavas do not normally use any distinct surnames. However, occupational surnames like Panicker, Asaan, Channar, Vaidyar, ''Mudalali'', thampan, chekavar, chekavan, ''chekon'', valiyachan, achan, chanatty, panikkathy, chekothy, thanpatty, Amma, karanavar, kutty, Thandan(Mostly in malabar), Thandar and to some extend Thampi, were fairly common till the early 20th century . Panicker, Thampan is still being used by Ezhavas in south Kerala. Some of these surnames like Asaan, Vaidyar, ''Mudalali'', thampan, valiyachan, achan, Amma were also used by some of the Hindu and Cristian communities of Kerala.
''Billava'' is a name of the caste found mainly in costal Karnataka and Kasargode District of Kerala. They were engaged in Martial Arts (Garadi), Toddy tapping, Ayurvedic and liquor business. This community is coming under the spell the 19th century Great Saint and Prophet His Holiness Sree Narayana Guru's teachings.
Main articles: Billava
''Poojari'' is a is a sub-sect of Billava community of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, a south Indian state.They had very important role in Nema or Bhuta Kola which is a kind of spirit-worship. This sub-sect of Billawa community was perforforming the ''Pooja'' activity during spirit-worship.
Main articles: Poojary
Nadar caste is a Tamil speaking caste found in Tamil Nadu and south Trivandrum in Kerala, engaged in Toddy tapping, Ayurvedic and liquor business and martial arts. In suth Kerala Ezhavas were addressed as channars earlier. Nadars were also called channars in some parts of south Tamil Nadu. Also, Ezhava or similar identity caste are not much found in Tamil Nadu but is strong in all other three south Indian states. The toddy tapping community of Andhra Pradesh says they are descendants of nadars of Tamil Nadu but called themselves as Ediga or Dheyaramakkalu, name resembling to ezhava or thiyya of Kerala. In South Travancore, Ezhava women wore Pampatam (ear ornaments) just like their cousins Nadar women of Nadar caste. (Though In north and central Travancore and other parts of kerala, the earrings of Ezhava women were the ''Attukam Sankhu Chakkaram'' and 'Attiminnu'' was the ear/neck ornament.)
Main articles: Nadar caste
When Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) yogam is formed, its first General Secretary, Kumaran Asan, read out the constitution and byelaws of the SNDP Yogam to the Sree Narayana Guru. As per the original by-law the word ''samudaayam'' (means community) that was given in the constitution was limited to those communities known as Ezhava, Thiya, Billava and Nadar. The Guru objected to the definition of the word ''samudaayam'' (means community) that was given in the constitution.NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum The true nature of ethnic-relationship between these two communities can be established only through further research.
Sree Narayana Guru a Prophet, sage and social reformer early 20th century, paved the way for improvement in the spiritual freedom and other social conditions of the Ezhava and related communities in kerala and other parts of the country. Also the Ezhava community's largely undisputed acceptance of Sree Narayana Guru as their spiritual, social and intellectual mentor and guiding spirit adds a major and unifying facet to community integrity and identity today. NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum [13] [14] The community has prospered thanks to the pioneering efforts of by the community leaders. They are classified under OBC (Other backward castes), and enjoy the privileges of reservations of jobs in Government service, and in admission to Educational Institutions for financially backward students. Cyriac K. Pullapilly, The Izhavas of Kerala and their Historic Struggle for Acceptance in the Hindu Society
Community has produced many spiritual leaders including saint, sage and prophet Sree Narayana Guru. He was also was one of India's greatest social reformers from India. He kindled the spirit of rebellion among the suppressed people of Kerala and challenged the centuries old practices of untouchability and social ostracism, which kept them outside the mainstream of society and religion. He was the main inspiration behind the formation of SNDP Yogam, a social and spiritual movement in Kerala that has strived since then for enlistment of the Ezhava community.[15] [16]
Main articles: Narayana Guru
''Sree Malayalaswami'' who established Vyasashram Andhra Pradesh was born in ezhava family in Kerala was regarded as a social reformer and spiritual Guru in Andhra Pradesh
Some of the other Spritual Gurus include:
★ Nataraja Guru
★ Sree Malayalaswami of Andhra Pradesh, a disciple of Narayana Guru
★ Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati (His name in the Purvashrama was Jayachandran Panicker)
★ Guru Muni Narayana Prasad
★ Swami Bodhananda
★ Vagbhatananda Gurudevar
★ Bhikshu Dharmaskandha
★ Karunakara Guru (Founder of Santhigiri Ashram)
★ Brahmashri Swami Saswathikananda
★ Brahmashri Swami Sookshmananda
★ Paravoor Sreedharan Thanthrikal
★ Sree Narayana Guru
★ Sree Malayalaswami of Andhra Pradesh, a disciple of Narayana Guru
★ Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker
★ Mahakavi Kumaran Asan Poet and Social reformer
★ Sahodaran Ayyappan
★ Dr.P.Palpu Leader of Sree Narayan Movement and community
★ Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker Great poet and a prominent social reformer
★ C.V.Kunhiraman Founder of Kerala Kaumudi
★ T.K.Madhavan
★ Mithavaadi Krishnan
★ I.K.Kumaran Freedom Fighter - Mahe
The community has produced some of the best writers and poets in Malayalam, who are known internationally. Sree Narayana Guru was a great poet and a literary figure not only amoung Malayalam literature but also in Tamil and Sanskrit. Kumaran Asan is one of the behemoths among Malayalee poets, was also known as one of the the triumvirates (Kavithrayangal) of modern Malayalam literature. Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker (known as ''Sarasa Kavi'' meaning humour poet) was one of the great poets of Malayalam.
''Kumaran Asan'' was a Malayalam poet, philosopher and social reformer of kerala. More than that he is one of honored disciple of Sree Narayana Guru. Kumaran Asan was known as one of the famous ''triumvirate poets of Kerala'' in the first half of the 20th century. He was born in an Ezhava family in April 1873.Karimpumannil Mathai George,Kumaran Asan. (Sahitya Akademi, 1972)
Main articles: Kumaran Asan
Some famous ezhava writers and poets include;
★ Sree Narayana Guru
★ C.V.Kunhiraman Founder of Kerala Kaumudi.
★ Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker
★ Perunnelli Krishnan Vaidyar
★ Velutheri Kesavan Vaidyar
★ Pallathu Raman
★ Moorkoth Kumaran Disciple of Narayana Guru from Malabar.
★ Moorkoth Kunhappa was associate editor of Malayala Manorama,
★ Moorkoth Ramunni IAS (Retd). Follower of Narayana Guru.
★ S. K. Pottakkat Jnanpith Award winner for Oru Desathinte Katha
★ M.P.Appan
★ Dr.K.Prasannarajan Noted critic, Kerala Sahitya Academy Award winner
★ Sukumar Azhikode
★ Mayyanad K Damodharan BA
★ Dr. A. Aiyappan Eminent anthropologist, former Vice Chancellor of Kerala University
★ K.Sukumaran(Malabar)
★ Potheri Kunhambu Vakkeel the first chairman of Kannur Municipality
★ Prof.M.K.Sanoo
★ M. Mukundan
★ O.V.Vijayan
★ Dr.Vellayani Arjunan
★ Dr.R.Gopimony (Former Professor & Head,Dept. of Plant Breeding & Genetics,Kerala Agriculture University)
★ Perumbadvam Sreedharan Noted novelist
★ C.V.Sreeraman Noted Short story writer
★ M.R.Chandrasekharan Noted critic
★ P.K.Balakrishnan Writer of famous Ini Gjaan Urangatte
★ Kovilan Noted writer and Kendra sahithya akadami award winner
★ P.Valsala, well-known Malayalam short-story writer
★ K.P. Sudheera, novelist
★ K.C.Padmanabhan, novelist
★ UKKumaran, novelist. Vice-president, Kerala Sahithya Academy
★ A.P. Udhayabhanu
★ Ponkunnam Damodaran
★ K.B Vasanthakumar Noted Poet & Lyricist Kollam
★ K.P.Appan Noted critic
★ Kandachira Babu Noted poet
★ B.Rajeevan Noted critic
★ K.Surendran Noted novelist
★ G.Vivekanandan Noted novelist
★ Dr. T.Bhaskaran
★ M.C.SwarupRadio Jockey
★ E.Vasu
★ G.N.Panicker
★ Velayudhan Panickasseri Noted historian
★ Manjula Padmanbhan
★ Rathna Singh Noted Jurist,DG Prosecutions and Advocate General of Kerala
★ T. N. Prakash Noted short story writer.
★ Dr.V.Samabasivan The Kathaprasangam Supremo
★ Haridas Valamangalam
★ Thottam rajasekharan Writer and former Civil Servant
★ Dr.P Palpu
★ T.K.Madhavan
★ R. Sankar Former SNDP Yogam General Secretary
★ Vellapally Natesan SNDP Yogam General Secretary
★ A.S.Pathap Singh Former SNDP Yogam President
★ Adv.Gopinathan Former SNDP Yogam General Secretary
★ Dr.K.K. Rahulan Former SNDP Yogam President
★ Kamalasanan Panicker Former SNDP Yogam President
★ Adv.C.K. Vidyasagar Former SNDP Yogam President
★ Dr.Itty Achuthan Wrote the text for the monumental work "Hortus Malabaricus" . This was published from Amsterdam in 1678 by Henry Van Rheede in 12 volumes and is a treatise on the plant wealth of Malabar.
★ Dr. Sreedran Kakkanatt was born in Cherai, Ernakulam district, he was the first Homeopathic Doctor in Kerala who won Dr. Hahnemann award.
★ Dr Padmanabhan Palpu LMS, DPH (Cantab) FRIPH (London)
★ Kayikkara Govindan Vaidyar translated the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita to Malayalam from Sanskrit
★ Late Dr.C.O.Karunakaran The founder of Thiruvananthapuram Medical college and its first principal. This is the first medical college in Kerala state. He was the president of the Indian Medical Association. Is the younger brother of the late C.O.Madhavan, former Chief Secretary.
★ Dr.Sudheendra Ghosh- Famous pulmonologist of Trivandrum.Head of department,Respiratory medicine,Pulayanarkottah,Trivandrum.Nephew of late Dr.C.O.Karunakaran
★ Late Ochilath Krishnan Vaidyan founder of ''Cochin Arya Vaidya Sala''[2]
★ Late ''Ayappan Kochappan Vaidyan'' Famous Vaidyar, father of Ochilath Krishnan Vaidyan
★ Perunnelli Krishnan Vaidyar
★ Velutheri Kesavan Vaidyar
★ Dr.C.K.Ramachandran Former professor of medicine, Calicut Medical College
★ Dr.Ayyathan Gopalan Psychiatrist, Supdt Mental Hospital, Freedom fighter (grandfather of ex-minister Adv. A.Sujanapal)
★ Dr.N.Vijayan, Psychiatrist, Supdt Mental
★ Hospital,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Dr.S.Santhakumar, Psychiatrist, Supdt Mental Hospital,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Dr.K.Jagadeesh, Founder K.J Hospital, Chennai
★ Dr.C.I.Gopalan, Director, Ernakulam Medical center.
★ Dr.K.C.Prakashan, Director, Elite Hospital
★ Dr.M.Thankavelu, Principal, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, Advisor, World Health Organisation
★ Dr.C.K.Gopi, Physician and cardiologist. Reported the rare heart disease, endomyocardial fibrosis in Kerala.
★ Dr.K.Sugathan, Cardiologist, Professor, Supdt. Medical College Hospital. First Ezhava to get the postdoctoral doctorate (D.M.) in any medical speciality
★ Dr.K.Rajogopalan D A M (Diploma in Ayurveda) and M B B S. Recipient of many awards including Padmasree. President of Association of Ayurvedic physicians of Kerala
★ Dr.G.Vijayaraghavan Famous cardiologist. Now the Vice Chairman of KIMS Hospital,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Dr.C.G.Bahulayen Famous cardiologist
★ Dr.Sudhayakumar, Cardiologist, Principal, Medical College, Kottayam
★ Dr.P.Chandramohan, Cardiothoracic surgeon, Now Vice Chancellor of Kannoore University
★ Dr T.K Ravi Ayurvedic Physician and Managing Director of Cochin Ariya Vaidya Sala and Nursing Home Eroor,Tripunithura,Kochi.
★ Dr.V.K.Jayapalan, Director of Medical Education
★ Dr.Umadathan, Director of Medical Education
★ Dr.K.Sudhakaran, Managing Director, New Al Al Ain Medical Center, UAE (Native of Mayyanad)
★ Dr.K.R.Rajappan, Director, Specialist's Hospital, EKM
★ Dr.K.Balaraman, Retd. Director of Health Services, Kerala State and the eldest son of the famous physician the late Dr.C.O.Karunakaran.
★ Dr.M.K.Madhavan Retd. Deputy Director of Health Service, Kerala
★ Dr.Shaji Prabhakaran Wellknown Neurologist and Former Principal & HOD, Trivandrum Medical College. Chairman-Medical Mission Hospital.
★ Dr.S.Govindan Surgeon, professor. Founder of Govindan's hospital, General Hospital jn., Thiruvananthapuram
★ Dr.K.Sivarajan, Surgeon, Professor of surgery
★ Dr.K.Devadas Famous pediatrician
★ Dr.G.Velayudhan Founder of GG Hospitals, Kumarapuram, Thiruvananthapuram
★ Dr.V.P.Raman(Late) Founder Ashoka Hospital, Kozhikode, first private Hospital in Kerala
★ Dr.S.R.Anil Pediatric cardiologist
★ Dr.C.K.Sugathan Former Director of Thiruvananthapuram Dental College.
★ Dr.S.Narendranath Famous gastroenterologist..
★ Dr.R.V.Jayakumar Famous physician and endocrinologist, From Mayyanad.
★ Dr.Ullas Prasannan GG Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram
★ Late Dr.K.Damodharan Famous Surgeon & Founder of Devi Clinical Laboratory,Kollam (Est.1970).First Clinical Laboratory in kollam .
★ Dr.Kanakarajan famous E.N.T Specialist Holycross hospital,Kottiyam
★ Dr.D.AnilRoby Cardiologist & Managing Director of KDM Hospital,Kollam.
★ Dr. N. Prabhakaran . Professor of Psychiatry at Medical College Trivandrum, Alleppey and Calicut. Has authored several books on Psychiatry, contributed articles to leading newspapers and journals. Established the Divya Prabha Group of concerns.
★ Dr. C. Gokulan Famous gastroenterologist.Consultant at PVS hospital,Calicut.Obtained his F.R.C.P(Glasgow) in 2007.
★ Late Dr. P.Madhavan . St.Isabala Hospital. Chennai
★ Late Kakat Kunger Vydyar (1837 -1921) Mahe
★ Dr. Suseela Prabhakaran Founder Director of Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Adviser in Ophthalmology to the Government of Kerala. Currently Chief of Divya Prabha Eye Hospital, Trivandrum.
★ Late Dr.P.A.Govindan Vaidyar Myladil,Changanacherry
★ Late Kunjan Velu Vaidyar Known as 'K.V.Chandrasserry' Palluruthy,Ernakulam.
★ Late Vairavan Vaidyar,1834 renowned famous Ayurveda Acharya.Founder of chavarcode Ayurveda family. S/o Ayurveda Physician SANKARAN Vaidyar.
★ Late Marthandan Vaidyar-1886,Kunju Sankaran Vaidyar-1885,CV Madhavan Kutty Vaidyar-, CV Marthandan Vaidyar-1889 Second Generation physicians of 'chavarcode Ayurveda family'. Marthandan Vaidyar was known as 'kottaram vaidyan', since he was posted as the chief consultant physician of travancore palace. Later lots of treatment histories he made and received valuable rewards from the Maharaja of Travancore.
★ Late Third Generation physicians of 'Chavarcode Ayurveda family'.
★ Dr. Bharathan ,Thalaserry - founder of Santhosh Hospitals, famous piles specialist.
★ Dr.Gopalan Goudaman,MS,MCh,FRCS Cardiothoracovascular Surgeon,Kollam,HOD in King Fahad Hospital,Jisan,Saudi Arabia.
★ Late Dr.Albert Kallat Famous Anaesthetist,Mahe
★ Dr K P Haridas Famous surgeon and Chairman & Managing Director of Lords Hospital,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Vaidyavachaspathy Sri N. K. Padmanabhan Vaidyar, Founder of New Udaya Pharmacy and Ayurvedic Laboratories (Nupal) was established in the city of Cochin Link[3]
★ C.P.SudhakaraPrasad Advocate General of Kerala
★ P. Vijayaraghavan Famous criminal lawyer of Kollam
★ V. Sugathan Special Prosecutor in Kalluvathukkal hooch case
★ Panakkal Velayudhan (Late) Famous lawyer and social reformer of Kozhikode
★ K. Sadanandan Famous lawyer and social reformer
★ M.Ratna Singh Former Advocate General of Kerala[4]
★ V.Ayyappan Former Advocate General of Kerala
★ S.Sudhakaran Former Advocate General of Kerala
★ Kallada Sukumaran Former Director General of Prosecutions
★ LateT.V.Prabhakaran Eminent criminal Lawyer
★ K.P.Dantapani Eminent High Court Lawyer
★ Dr. G. Mohan Gopal former Director (Vice Chancellor), National Law School of India, Bangalore; former Chief Legal Counsel of the World Bank, Washington, DC; former Adj. Professor, Georgetown University Law Center, now Director of the National Judicial Academy of India, Bhopal
★ A.Sudhi vasudevan eminient lawyer in kerala High court and grandson of Rao Sahib Atiyolil Appu.
★ Adv.K.Babyson PSC Board Member.
★ Adv.K.Kusumam Eminent lawyer in kerala High court,family court.
★ Ramu Kariat Film director, directed president's gold medal-winning film ''Chemmeen''
★ Manoj Night Shyamalan Famous Hollywood writer director of movies like ''The Sixth Sense'', ''Unbreakable'', ''Signs'' and ''The Village''
★ S L Puram Sadanandan Great drama director
★ I.V. Sasi Film director
★ Sathyan Anthikkad Film director
★ JoshyTop-Ranking Action Film director
★ Shaji N. Karun Famous cinematographer director of many award-winning films
★ Srinivasan Actor, writer and director
★ Sonu Sisupal Film Director
★ Pavithran Film director
★ Rajeev Anchal Film maker and famous sculpturer
★ K.K.Rajeev Serial Director
★ K. S. Sethumadhavan Film Director
★ O. MadhavanGreat drama director
★ M.N.Thampi Film Director (Padaswaram)
murali
★ Sreenivasan actor, director
★ Thilakan Famous Film actor
★ Mukesh Film actor
★ Shammi Thilakan Film actor
★ Samvrita Sunil Film actres
★ Chippi Film and TV actress
★ Ramya Model, Film and TV actress and Sister of Chippi
★ V.K. Sriraman Film actor
★ Ratheesh Film actor
★ K.R.VijayaFilm actress
★ Eva PavithranFilm actress and daughter of Director late
★
★ Pavithran
★ Kavya Madhavan-
★ KPAC Lalita
★ Mala Aravindan
★ Kunhandi Film actor
★ Kuthiravattom Pappu Film actor
★ Indrans Actor
★ Manoj K Jayan Actor
★ S Gopalakrishnan Actor
★ Kalakkal Kumaran Noted actor
★ Parur Bharathan Noted actor
★ Harisree Ashokan Noted comedian
★ Salim Kumar Noted comedian.
★ Devan Noted actor and politician
★ Vijayasree Film actress of 1970s (her mother belonged to the Ezhava community)
★ Late RaniChandra
★ Raghavan Malayalam actor
★ Jishnu (actor) Film Actor
★ Kaviyoor Revamma
★ M.K.Arjunan Famous music director
★ Jayan and Vijayan JayaVijaya, musicians
★ Raveendran Famous music director
★ Gayathri Play back singer
★ Vidhu Prathap [5] Play back singer
★ Vineeth Srinivasan Top Play back Singer
★ Pradeep Palluruthy
★ V.S. Achuthanandan Chief Minister of Kerala
★ R. Sankar Former Chief Minister of Kerala
★ C. Kesavan [6] Former Chief minister of Travancore-Cochin,born in mayyanad.
★ A.P. Udhayabhanu Freedom fighter, Congress leader and ex-MLA and former President of Thiru-kochi Pradesh Congress Committee.
★ Vayalar Ravi [7] Indian National Congress leader and Union Cabinet Minister
★ Vakkom B. Purushothaman [8] FormerFinance Minister of Kerala & Former Lt: Governor of Andaman
★ T.K. Ramakrishnan Former Home Minister and Opposition Leader of Kerala
★ Kallat Krishnan, Trade Union leader and Freedom fighter
★ M. Kanaran, Trade Union Leader, Freedom fighter
★ C.H. Kanaran, Trade union leader, Freedom fighter
★ C.K. Kumara Panikker, Vayalar Stalin
★ Dr.E.K. Madhavan, Congress Leader, Former Minister.
★ K.K. Viswanathan [9] Former Governor of Gujarat & Former President of SNDP Yogam
★ Pinarai Vijayan Politbureau Member of CPM
★ E. Balanandan Politbureau Member of CPM
★ P. Ravindran Former Minister
★ T.K.Madhavan
★ K. Anirudhan Former MP, Former MLA
★ K. Pankajakshan RSP leader and Former Minister of Kerala
★ Arangil Sreedharan First Ezhava Union Minister
★ Mullapally Ramachandran Former Union Minister
★ K.R. Gowri Amma Founder leader of JSS and Former Minister
★ K.P. Prabhakaran Former Health Minister of Kerala
★ K.P. Rejendran Revenue Minister of Kerala
★ V.M.Sudheeran Former Health Minister of Kerala
★ N. Sreedharan(NS)One of the chief organisers of Communist Party in Central Travanore and Former CPM Secretariat Member
★ Babu Divakaran Former Labour Minister of Kerala
★ Adoor Prakash Former Food Minister of Kerala
★ Susheela Gopalan Former Industry Minister of Kerala
★ Krishnan Kaniyamparampil Former Agriculture Minister of Kerala
★ K.P. Viswanathan Former Forest Minister of Kerala
★ C.V. Padmarajan Former Electricity Minister of Kerala
★ M. Kamalam Former minister
★ M.T. Padma Former Fisheries Minister of Kerala
★ Kadavoor Sivasadan Former Electricity Minister of Kerala
★ V.V.Raghavan Former Agriculture Minister of Kerala
★ Thachady Prabhakaran Former Finance Minister of Kerala
★ N. Sreenivasan Former Excise Minister of Kerala
★ J. Chitharanjan Former Health Minister of Kerala
★ M.K. Raghavan Former Labour Minister of Kerala and SNDP Yogam President
★ T.K. Divakaran RSP leader and Former Public Works Minister of Kerala
★ N.N. Krishnadas [10] Member of Parliament
★ C.V. Padmarajan Former Finance Minister and vice chairman of the Kerala State Planning Board
★ K. RadhaKrishnan Former Mayor, Thrissur Municipal Corporation
★ S.Damodaran Former Member of Legislative Assembly and Coir Corporation Chairman
★ S. Kumaran Former Member of Parliament and CPI polit bureau member
★ C.K. Chandrappan Former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha).
★ Veliyam Bharghavan President, CPI
★ Susheela Gopalan Former Industry Minister of Kerala
★ V.N Purushothaman [11] Former Member of Legislative Assembly , Congress Leader, Last Mayor, Mahe and Dy Speaker, Puducherry
★ P. Vijayadas Former Member of Legislative Assembly and Chairman Trivandrum Dist Coop Bank
★ Adv.A. Sampath Former Member of Parliament (lok Sabha)
★ Late M.P Padmnabhan, Mayor, Thiruvanathapuram
★ C. Jayan Babu, Mayor, Thiruvanathapuram
★ P.K. Gurudasan, Labour Minister
★ K. Balakrishnan (Kaumudi), Former MP, Former MLA, orator and an able organiser who was instrumental in fostering illustrious talents in the realms of art and literature."Balan", as he was affectionately addressed, provided opportunities to the eminently gifted Satyan (film actor), Vaikom Muhammed Bashir (writer) and Prof M Krishnan Nair (literary critic)
★ P.Viswabharan, Former MP, Former MLA
★ E. Valsaraj, Health Minister, Puducherry
★ K.P.Krishnadas(Das), Global Consultant for Leather & Footwear, Hong Kong
★ Dr.K.Malathy M.Sc Chemistry, Ph.D Biochemistry, M.Sc Applied Nutrition, Diploma Forensic Toxicology, Cert. Nutrition, Ex-WHO Fellow. Served as the State Nutrition Coordination Officer to Govt.of Kerala, Joint Chemical Examiner to Govt. of Kerala and currently retired consultant of forensic toxicology and nutrition. Author of 14 books in nutrition, toxicology and allied health sciences. Regular columnist for the past 10 years in famous Malayalam magazines like Mathrubhumi, Aarogya Maasika.
★ C.R. Kesavan Vaidyar (Chandrika Soap) Philanthropist
★ Prof.K.Balarama Panicker, Former Principal Sanscrit College Thiruvananthapuram, Father of Dr. B.Umadathan, Director of Medical Education.
★ Dr.S.Balaraman Member and former acting Chairman of the first Kerala State Human Rights Commission. Also former Registrar of the Calicut University and Vice-Chancellor of the Cochin University of Science and Technology(CUSAT). A highly respected and widely known leader of the human rights movement in Kerala State. At present the Patron of the Civil Rights and Social Justice Society (CRSJS).
★ Vainu Bappu, Famous astrophysicist. A Thiya among the stars (an asteroid located between mars and venus is named after him)
★ Er.Asokan ,Chartered engineer, businessman , founder BOTCO ENGINEERING & contractors Kollam
★ Late K.Sukulal Director, IHRD
★ W.Dharan , famous geologist,one of the early ezhavas to graduate from Oxford university.
★ Janakiammal, Famous botanist. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru invited her to come and work in India.
★ Dr.K.Pavithran, World renowned Rice Genetics Scientist, MSc from Birla Institute of Technology and Science [BITS Pilani], PhD from Central Rice Research Institute, Formerly Professor of Genetics and Plant breeding at the University of Calicut, Fellow of the Newyork Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences and Founder Secretary of The Gregor Mendel Foundation, Calicut University. Has attended and presented research papers in various international conferences across the World.
★ Dr.K.S.Manilal, famous botanist. One of the few taxonomists of the world. He translated Hortus Malabaricus into English for the first time from Latin
★ Dr.K.N.Raj, world famous economist, founder of CDS and former Vice-Chancellor, JNU.
★ Late Er.T.C.Raman,Project Engineer/Lead Surveyor for Kollam -Thiruvananthapuram Railway Line. His proposal for re-routing the line through coastal area was found to be more economical and shorter than the original design and approved by the Govt. Present Line pass through his Native Place Mayyanad, Kollam.
★ K.G Sukumaran First Architect in Kerala
★ Jiji Ramesh, General Manager, Cochin International Airport
★ Sajith Vijayarahgavan, Director, Vocational Higher Secondary,Govt of Kerala
★ M.N.Prasad Former Chairman of the Indian Railway Board.
★ K.K.Damodaran nuclear physicist and former Head of Training at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
★ K.Sukumaran, Founder of ''Kerala Kaumudi'' newspaper
★ Dr.T.K.Ravindran, Former Vice-Chancellor
★ Dr.N.Babu, Former Vice-Chancellor and Ex.Travancore Devaswam Board President.
★ Prof.M.K.Prasad, Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor
★ Prof.K.Ravindran,Mayyanad: Founder Principal of Mahatma Gandhi College, Mahe; also former Principal of Tagore Arts College, Pondicherry
★ S.Jadu Former head of Study on Cost of Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India
★ K.V.Deyal Noted environmentalist
★ Dr.D.AnishRoshi Noted scientist in Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics. Faculty Member Raman Research Institute
★ Late Dr.R.Prasanan A distinguished Administrator and Author. Former Secretary, Kerala Legislative Assembly; former Chairperson of Kerala Public Men Anti-Corruption Commission and former member of the National Minorities Commission.
★ Late K.Vasudevan- Coal India
★ Dr Pushpangadan Former Director of Botanical Garden, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram
★ K Rajendrababu Former Director of Museums & Zoos, Kerala; Noted Writer
★ P.Jameela Joint Director, Police Forensic Science Lab
★ A.Sukumaran IRSE, Railway Engineer, General Manager, Metro Railway, Kolkata
★ K. Pushparaj Former Exucutive Director, FACT Ltd
★ D. B. Ram Mohan Former Managing Director TCC Ltd
★ A.Asokan Director Marketing, FACT Ltd.
★ Prof K. Raghavan Former Principal Sanskrit College Thiruvananthapuram
★ T.P.Girish Former Executive Director, Hindusthan Copper Corp;Gov. Of India, Kolkotta
★ K K Anirudhan(BA,Mcom,LLB,ACS,AICS,AIBIM) General Manager,IRBI
★ P.Vijayachandran. Former Managing Director of KTDC, Travancore Cements Kottayam &ODEPC, Former CMD Xstream Software (India)& Past Chairman Institution of Engineers(India) Past President, Thiruvananthapuram Management Association.
★ K.P.Sreedharan Winner of Best Farmer Award, Consultant for Agriculture & Farming, Mahe
★ Rao Sahib Atiyolil Appu,Deputy Collector of Malabar during British rule and M.L.A,Madras Assembly 1951 from Chevayur,Calicut
★ Dr.K.I.Vasu, former Director, CECRI and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor, CUSAT.
★ Ajay Jadeja Cricket Player.. His mother is an Ezhava from Alappuzha.
★ Suresh Babu Former Olympian
★ [Kariandi Pullambil Sarojini Ret;Indian Law Service
★ Pullambil Kariandi Padmanabhan - Business man -Monte -Carlo
★ S.D.Shibulal One of the Founders of Infosys
★ M.P. Govindan (Late) Cashew exporter from Quilon and from the well known Mulleth family
★ M.P. Kesavan (Late) Cashew exporter from Quilon, philanthropist, from the well known Mulleth family
★ N.Sundareshan (Late) Cashew exporter from Quilon and Founder member of SN Trust.
★ Ravi Karunakaran Business stalwart in the coir industry was born in the famous Karthikkazhikathu family of S.Paravur.
★ P.V.Gangadharan Film producer and Grihalakshmi Films and vice president of Federation of International Film Producers association.
★ P.V.Chandran Chairman of Kerala Transport Company and PVS Hospitals and Managing Editor of Mathrubhumi,Grihalakshmi
★ M.G Pushpakaran Managing Director, Phoenix Trading Company,Dubai-based NRI (Philanthropist and Businessman)]
★ M.P.Paramoo Cashew exporter from Kollam.(late)
★ T.R.Raghavan Founder of Elite Group
★ T.R.Raghulal Managing Director, Elite foods
★ S.Sujathan Managing Director, CROWN maritime.
★ T K Mohandas Managing Director, Praful International,SouthEnd International.
★ K.S.Chathunny Founder of Elite Group
★ Gokulam Gopalan Founder of Gokulam Group and Gokulam Park Inn 4 star,Kochi,Chennai,Calicut.
★ Dr.Sidhan Founder of Medimix, Cuticura
★ C.Kesavan Vaidyar Founder of Chandrika Soaps.
★ M.P.Purushotaman Founder of Empee Hotels & Distilleries
★ Kattikulam Bharathan Founder of Kumar Fashions,Paris,France
★ G.Mohandas Founder of Hotel South Park & Mohandas College of Engineering,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Polakulam Narayanan Founder of 5 Star Hotel The Renaissance and Polakulam Group
★ K P Raju,NAGPUR based industrialist and founder of SL Group of Industires, as well as renowned social worker.
★ Ramesan Contractor Founder of the Rajadhani Group,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Natesan Founder of the Natesan's Antiqarts,Bangalore.Natesan's, a family of art lovers patronise master craftsmen who work their magic on bronze, stone, silver and wood to create exquisite objects d' art. For over sixty years the artifacts and authentic antiques from Natesan's have delighted connoisseurs round the world.
★ K.N.Ittaman Founder of Pyary Soaps.
★ K.N.Satyapalan (Late) KNS Hospital, Kottarakkara.
★ Kilimanoor G Chandrababu Sree Dhanya Constructions.Thiruvananthapuram.
★ Dr.Biju Ramesh Managing Director of the Rajahdhani Group and the son of Rameshan Contractor.
★ K.P.Mohan Founder of Karickal Industrial Corporation & Karickal Estate Group.
★ K.Sreekumar Founder of Quilon Consulting Engineers and contractors & Quilon Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd
★ K.Karnan Founder of Nirapara Rice
★ P.M.Nanu, MD, Bombay Chit & Finance, Mumbai
★ K.Muraleedharan, Managing Director, SFC Group of companies,Abudhabi
★ Dr.V.K. Jayakumar Founder of Sabarigiri Schools & Hospital, Anchal, Kollam.
★ M.P.Moothadath Founder of Sree Narayana Engineering Industries and main patron of the Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi Mandiram at Varkala
★ S Prince, MD, KAVYARJUN GROUP OF COMPANIES, www.imsi.biz Golden Leaf Tea, Esmart, Inflex . Kochi, Dubbai, Ajman, Muscut.
★ V.Sadasivan Prayar Oachira. Chairman & Founder of Vasukkutty Group. Coir Exporting, Hotels, Abkari.
★ Shine Gopal Founder & CEO IMark Resources
★ Ajith Balakrishnan Chairman & Founder of www.rediff.com
★ R.P.Lalaji CEO, Seaview Support Systems Pvt. Ltd. Technopark,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Damodaram, Founder RKV group,Thiruvananthapuram
★ R.Jayachandran Director, Narmada Group of Companies, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He is also a well known human rights activist and the founder-Secretary of the Civil Rights And Social Justice Society(CRSJS).
★ Rajendra Prasad POMSY Foods, Oachira, Kerala
★ V.J.Reji Vasanth Founder & CEO Mibiz Group Kerala, India
★ Pradeep Kumar, MD, Kelvin Business Forms (P) Ltd., Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
★ M.Suresh Kumar, Seagull International, Mumbai
★ Binukumar Purushothaman, Sr. Managar, mmO2 UK
★ Jugul Thachery Founder and CEO, ChaYoWo Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, promoters of the gaming portal www.gamezindia.com
★ Thadathil Raman Chekavar Velayudhan Former CEO, Coir Worker's welfare Fund Board and an astrologist
★ Manoj Karayil Thekkoott Narayanan, Founder & CEO, Polarizone Technologies, Kualalumpur
★ Prathap Suthan National Creative Director, Grey Worldwide
★ V.V .Prasad Travancore Mats and Mattings (Indias no 1 Jute Exporters
★ R.K.Krishnakumar Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Taj Group of Hotels
★ S.R.Anoop MD, Wave Online Infoway (P) Ltd, Kochi
★ V.B Binu Chairman of Oil Palm India Pvt Ltd
★ Milan Radhakrishnan- Mybra India Pvt Ltd
★ Saylien Radhakrishnan-Mybra India Pvt Ltd
★ Gopi Panicker, Noted Handloom Industrialist in Thiruvananthapuram. Padmasree Winner.
★ A P Kunhikannan, CHENNAI Based business person and founder of " Malayala kalagramam" as well as social worker.
★ N S Babu,Founder and Chairman, Bharathi Clays Pvt Ltd, Thiruvananthapuram
★ Niran VinodFreelance Graphic Designer
★ Er A Omanakuttan (Madhu, Al Ain)Founder of Al Salam Group, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Hailing from Pandanadu, Chenganoor)
★ The late K. Sukumaran B.A Founder Editor, Kerala Kaumudi
★ Kampisseri Karunakaran Chief Editor Janayugam
★ The late A.P.Udayabhanu Associate Editor Mathrubhumi,Calicut
★ The late K. Balakrishnan Founder Editor, Kaumudi Weekly
★ N.Ramachandran Editorial Advisor, Kerala Kaumudi
★ Piravanthoor Sasidharan News Editor, Kerala Kaumudi
★ The late P. Vijayaraghavan Kerala Kaumudi
★ B R P Bhaskar, Noted TV and print media personality
★ M.S. Mani Chief Editor, Kerala Kaumudi
★ B.C.Jojo Editor, Kerala Kaumudi
★ N.R.S. Babu Editor, Kalakaumudi
★ P.M. Manoj, Desabhimani
★ R.S. Babu Bureau Chief, Desabhimani
★ Rajeev Srinivasan Columnist, [12]
★ T K Harshan Managing Director, Stark Communications; Brain behind Kerala Tourism's marketing message - 'God's own country'
★ V.Jagannathapaniker Founder EENADU news paper.
★ T Parvathy TV anchor
★ Rajeev Devaraj TV Journalist Manorama TV
★ Cynthia Chandran TV Journalist
★ Harish Govind City editor 'The Hindu'
★ K Raveendran Noted Dubai-based business journalist and columnist
★ N.RajanBabu Kollam Bureau Chief, Kerala Kaumudi
★ Late C.O.Madhavan Former Chief Secretary and the first (nominated) Mayor of Trivandrum. Is the elder brother of the famous Physician the late Dr. C.O.Karunakaran.
★ Late G.Raman IPS officer and former DSP of erstwhile Travancore. Is the younger brother of the famous Chief Justice late Sri. Sankaran.
★ Late N. Chandra Bhanu IAS Rtd. Former Chief Secretary, Kerala State
★ T.N.Jayachandran IAS Rtd. Former Additional Chief Secretary, Kerala state.
★ K.R.Rajan IAS Rtd. Chairman, Specialist Hospital, Ernakulam
★ Late K.S.Raghavan Former Secretary to the Government of Kerala.
★ Late PV Pavithran IPS
★ K.Ramachandran IAS Rtd. Former Secretary to Government of Kerala and Chairman Kerala Water Authority. (Is currently the Patron of Kerala Cricket Association and also the Chief organiser of the famous Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Show held annually at Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala;this is reputed to be the biggest such show in the whole of Asia). He is the second son of the famous Physician the late Dr. C.O.Karunakaran and the son-in-law of the former Government Secretary the late K.S.Ragahavan.
★ K Thrivikraman IAS (Rtd). son-in-law of late Sri W C Narayanan former district and sessions judge .
★ D.Ravi IAS Former Travancore Titanium Chairman, Idukki Collector
★ Late M. Gopalan IPS Rtd. Former IGP of Kerala and former Director of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). As Inspector General of Police of Kerala, M. Gopalan was the head of the police force in Kerala for some 5 years during which he laid down the institutional and governance framework that governs the police in Kerala up to now. He was a strong voice humanizing the police and making them subject to the rule of law. He is therefore considered to be the architect of the modern Police force in Kerala. He is the eldest son of the late C.O.Madhavan, former Chief Secretary; eldest brother of M. N. Prasad, former Chairman, Railway Board; and father of Prof. G. Mohan Gopal, Director of the National Judicial Academy of India/former Director of the National Law School of India, Bangalore
★ Late P.P.Venugopal - Retd. Dy.Supdt of Police
★ Moorkoth Mathamal Narayanan - I.P.S. Retd.- Supdt. of Police
★ S. Chandrasekharan Former DGP of AndhraPradesh, Recipient of Gold Medal from N T RamaRao
★ K.E.Rammohan Former Director General BSF
★ M.K.Bhadrakumar Former Ambassador, Turkey.
★ Padmanabhan IFS Manjula Padmnabhan is his daughter.
★ T M Manoharan IFS Chairman, KSEB, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
★ P.N.Surendran IFS (Indian Forest Service), Rtd Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
★ Dr.K.S.Sugathan IAS, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Home, Govt. of India.
★ V.R.Rajeevan Additional DGP
★ P.Vijayan Former Director General of Police Kerala.
★ Ramesh Chandra Bhanu IPS Additional DGP & currently the Transport Commissioner, Kerala State.
★ K.G.Premsankar Additional DGP
★ Jeeja Madhavan Harisingh Additional DGP, Bangalore and Second female IPS officer of India after Kiran Bedi
★ M.Sugathan IPS Rural SP, Trivandrum
★ T.P.Senkumar IPS IG
★ S.Balaji IPS UP Cadre, Member of Special Investigation Team-Rajiv Gandhi Assassination ,Native of Mayyanad, Kollam
★ Asha Thampan IPS IG, Jharkand
★ K.Jyothilal IAS Chathannoor,Kollam
★ Dr.B.Ashok IAS Now Pathanmathitta Collector
★ K.S.Money IAS Now Chairman, Agricultural and Processed foods Export Dev. Authority (APEDA), New Delhi
★ V.Madhu.IAS, 1978 Batch, Karnataka,served as Commissioner of Commercial Taxes-Karnataka, KPTCL MD, Mangalore and Hassan Deputy commissioner, Joint Secretatry Parliament secretariat, now M.D Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation. Native of Mayyanad,Kollam.(www.bmrc.co.in)
★ Palpu Sanathanan Former Ambassador, Morocco. Son of Dr. Pathmanabhan Palpu.
★ Late.Mr.T.P Gopinathan.IPS Former City Police Commissioner-Trivandrum, Native of Mayyanad,Kollam.
★ E.Sreenivasan Former Under Secretary to Govt., Puducherry
★ Deepan Bhadran IPS 2007 Batch. Native of Mayyanad in Kollam district,S/o M.KrishnaBhadran. Former Superintendent of Police,Crime Branch,Kollam
★ K.Vijayachandran FIE Former Chairman Kerala state Industrial Development Corporation,presently Chairman Cochi Policy Initiative
★ Rtd. Air Commodore K. Ravindranath. Son of former Chief Minister of Kerala C. Kesavan and elder brother of Ex. MP K. BalakrishnanMayyanad.
★ Air Commodore Ram SreedharanHelicopter Pilot and Flying Instructor
★ Colonel Moorkoth Giridhar Thalassery
★ Lt.Colonel E.Pavithran (Retd.) Calicut.
★ Major Gen S.N.Rajan Army Service Corps, Western Command, has been awarded the President's Visisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2005. He is a native of Mayyanad in Kollam district.
★ Air Marshal S. Radhakrishnan Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of the IAF’s Training Command, Bangalore.
★ Capt.G.Narendra Former Chief Pilot Instructor, Madras Flying Club
★ Capt.N.Jai prakash Present Chief Pilot Instructor, Madras Flying Club
★ Late Capt. D. Raj kumar Former Chief Pilot Instructor, Kerala Flying Club. He died in an Air-show accident at Bangalore.S/o of ''RKV Damodharan''.
★ S.Padmanabha Panicker (Varanappallil) First Ezhava Magistrate
★ AyyaVu Kutti Judge
★ Justice K.Sankaran Former Chief Justice
★ Justice T.C.Raghavan Former Chief Justice
★ Justice K.Sreedharan Former Chief Justice
★ Justice Mrs K.K.Usha Former Chief Justice
★ Justice Sadashivan
★ Justice K.Sukumaran
★ Justice D.Sreedevi
★ Justice A.Lakshmikutty
★ Justice K.K.Narendran
★ Justice R. Rajendra Babu
★ Justice G.Sasidharan
★ Justice G.Sivarajan
★ Justice K.Hema
★ Justice K.R.Udayabhanu
★ Justice S. Siri Jagan,Native of Mayyanad in Kollam district
★ Justice S.Padbhnabhan
★ Justice T.V.Ramakrishnan
★ Justice C.S.Rajan
★ Late W C Narayanan BA,BL retired District judge and former chairman of minimum wages committee,kerala
★ late Atiyolil vasudevan retired District judge and son of Late Rao Sahib Atiyolil Appu
★ Late P.K.Lekshmanan Retired District judge,(MP,MLA and former Law Secretary Govt. Of Kerala)
★ Shri V.S.Achuthanandan
★ Shri P.K.Gurudasan
★ Shri K.P.Rajendran
★ Shri Mullakkara Rathnakaran
★ Shri C.Divakaran
★ Shri Binoy Viswam
★ Shri E.Valsaraj - Health Minister, Puducherry
★ K.V.Kungjiraman from Uduma
★ K.Kungjiraman from Trikkarpur
★ M.Prakasan from Azhicode
★ K.Sudhakaran from Cannanore
★ Kadannappally Ramachandran from Edakkad
★ P.Jayarajan from Kuthuparamba
★ K.K.Shylaja from Peravoor
★ Binoy Viswam from Nadapuram
★ K.K.Lathika from Meppayur
★ A.K.Saseendran from Balusseri
★ V.S.Achuthananandan from Malampuzha
★ A.Achuthana from Chittur
★ M.Chandran from Alathur
★ Adv.V.S.SunilKumar from Cherpu
★ A.K.Chandran from Mala
★ K.P.Rajendran from Kodungallur
★ C.M.Dineshamani from Palluruthy
★ K.Babu from Thrippunithura
★ K.K.Jayachandran from Udumbanchola
★ V.N.Vasavan from Kottayam
★ P.Thilothaman from Sherthalai
★ C.K.Sadasivan from Kayamkulam
★ K.C.Rajagopal from Aranmula
★ Adoor Prakash from Konni
★ Mullakkara Rathnakaran from Chadayamangalam
★ C.Divakaran from Karunagapally
★ P.Gurdasan from Quilon
★ Adv.N.Anirudhan from Chathanoor
★ Anathalavattom Anandan from Attingal
★ J.Arundhathy from Vamanapuram
★ E.Valsaraj from Mahe (Puducherry State)
★ Vayalar Ravi Rajyasabha MP And Centre Minister
★ A.Vijayaraghavan Rajyasabha MP
★ P.R.Rajan Rajyasabha MP
★ Varkala Radhakrishnan from Chirayinkeezhu
★ C.K.Chandrappan from Thrissur. Son of Late CPI leader C.K. Kumara Panicker (Vayalar Stalin)
★ N.N.Krishnadas from Palakkadu
★ P.Karunakaran from Kasarcode
★ Sathi Devi
1. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia.Page 27
2. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia.Page 27
3. Alummuttil
4. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia.Page 27
5. Alummuttil
6. Travancore State Manual
7. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia.Page 27
8. Alummuttil
9. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia Page 27
10. Alummuttil
11. Social Mobility In Kerala: Modernity and Identity in Conflict P 156 to 158
12. Communism in Kerala: A Study in Political Adaptation, P 22
13. Journal of Asian and African Studies Page 35
14. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia
15. Journal of Asian and African Studies Page 35
16. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia
# ''Malabar Manual'' by William Logan
# ''The Social History of India'' by S. N. Sadasivan
# ''Keralacharitra Patdanangal'' by Velayudhan Panikkaserry
# ''Buddhism in Kerala'' by PC Alexander
# Malikappurathamma
# Ambanattu Panikkar Varavu
# Ambanattu Panikkar Varavu
# Ambanattu Panikkar Varavu
# Ampalappuzha
# Valabhasseril and Panthalam Kingdom
# Thiruvalla Name
# Soorya vamsajar of Travancore
# Kesevan Vaidyar
# cholayil Family
# vallabhassery Family
# Alummoottil Website
# kaumudi global
# History and culture of Kerala
# Traditional Arts
# Aivar Kali
# Pichanaattu Kuruppanmar
# Moplah Rebellion
# List Famous Ezhava Tharavadus
# Guru about Samudayam
# Cheerappanchira Tharavad temple website
# Cheerappanchira Tharavad webiste
# Origin of Ezhavas
# Successes and failures of the Kerala Model
# Varma Kalari
# SNDP
# Ezhava Net
# Ezhava Website
# SNA
★ Channar An warrior section of ezhava
★ Chekavar An warrior section of ezhava
★ Billava A Tulu and A Malayalam community
★ Goud or Ediga A Telugu community
★ Ediga or Idiga A kannada community. Also called Deevaru in karanataka.
★ Iluvar A Tamil community from Tamil Nadu
★ Nalavar A Tamil community from Srilanka and not found in Tamil Nadu
★ Durave Srilankan Ezhava community speaks simhala
★ Nadar caste Nadar caste of Tamil Nadu.
★ Namadari caste of Central India.
★ Bhandari caste A Marathi community
Sri Narayana Guru : Spiritual Teacher, One of the greatest Social reformers in India
Meanings and origin of word Chekavan
A traditional Ezhava House with Sarpa Kavu
Sivagiri : The Spiritual Mutt of the Community
The Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, Mangalore, Built By Swami Narayana Guru
Theories of origin
There are many hypotheses based largely on the etymological origins of the word ''Ezhavan'' as well as spiritual practices and folklore associated with Ezhavas. Some lexicographers have traced the etymology of the word Ezhava/Thiyya to ''Ezham'' (or Eelam)/''Dweep'' being a word originating from the ancient Pali language (the main language of Theravada Buddhism) for the island of Sri Lanka. As per the folk songs, Ezhavas were the progeny of the four bachelors that king of Sri Lanka sent to Kerala at the request of the Chera king ''Bhaskara Ravi Varma'' in the 1st Century AD. These men were sent, ostensibly, to set up Coconut farming in Kerala. Another version of the story is that the Sri Lankan King sent eight martial families to Kerala at the request of a Chera King to quell a civil war that erupted in Kerala against him. Some other lexicographers have deciphered this word to Ilam one of the provinces of Iran. Some others state that ezhavas were descendants of Shivite religion who were called ''ishivars''. However, as in the case of most other communities in Kerala, an extensive haploid genotyping study alone can unravel the true ethnicity and migratory origins of the Ezhavas. K R Narayanan, Ezhavar Oru Padanam Vevekodayam publications, 1967) page27 EMS Namppothirppadu, Keralam Malayalikalude Mathrubhumi Desbhimany publications, VOl1, 1947 ) page27 NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum
Main articles: Origin of ezhava caste
Past Occupations
In the bygone era, many Ezhavas were notable as Ayurvedic physicians, warriors and traders. In fact one of the early translations of Ashtānga Hridayam (a celebrated Sanskrit treatise on Ayurveda) to Malayalam was by an Ezhava physician,'' Kayikkara Govindan Vaidyar''. After the arrival of Namboothiri Brahmins and with the establishment of Vedic system, Ezhavas were discriminated and subjugated to take up lowly placed jobs like toddy tapping, selling and making of arrack, palm wine etc. Vast majority were farmers and was placed outside the Varna system classifying them as Avarna by this new ruling class. However many were wealthy and some others were masters in various fields such Ayurveda(medicine), martial arts (Kalaripayattu, Varma Kalari etc), Astrology, Siddha, ''Manthravaadam'', Spirituality, Merchant Trading, Visha chikitsa etc. Also, there were many distillers and weavers from this community.Bardwell L. Smith, Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia. (BRILL publications, 1976,ISBN 9004045104), Page 27 [4] Bardwell L. Smith, Vadakkan and Thekkan Pattukal.(Sri Rama Vilasom Press, 1967),Page 128 - 148 Nagam Aiya, Travancore State Manual by Nagam Aiya [3]
Ayurvedic Vaidyars
There were in fact several acclaimed Ezhava Ayurvedic scholars. The first Malayalam book published by the Dutch in 1675 titled 'Hortus Indicus Malabaricus' speaks in its preface about a Vaidyar (doctor) Mr.Karappuram Kadakkarappally Kollattu Veettil Itty Achuthan(of present-day Alappuzha district), a reputed vaidyar of the community as the main force behind the book and it is he who had edited the book to reach its present form. Founder of famous chandrika soap Shri C.R. Kesavan Vaidyar belonged to this caste. He was awarded "Vaidyaratnam" title by K.C. Manavikraman ''Zamorin'' of Kozhikode in 1953. Famous Thirumanakkal Vvaidyasala in idukki and Kannur Ayurvedic Multi Speciality Hospital in Wayanad are owned by Ezhava vaidyars. Famous Ayurvedic scholar from Kochi New Udaya Pharmacy and Ayurvedic Laboratories (Nupal) were established in 1960 by Sri N. K. Padmanabhan Vaidyar, who hails from a well-known traditional Ayurvedic family. Their product kamilari is now famous among patients having liver diseases. Vallabhassery Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Firm established in the Ayurvedic field since 1833 by Vallabhasseril family of Thiruvalla.
One of the early translations of Ashtanga Hridaya (a celebrated Sanskrit treatise on Ayurveda) to Malayalam was by an Ezhava physician, Kayikkara Govindan Vaidyar. Kuzhuppully and Pokkanchery families in Thrissur and Calicut respectively are traditional families of Ayurvedacharyans. Cholayil family is one of the most famous and respected ezhava Ayurvedic families in Kerala. Their beauty products like ''Cuticura'' and Medimix (soap) are very popular across India. Ezhava physicians were the chief Ayurvedic physicians of the Travancore Royal family. Venmanakkal family (related to the Chavercode family) was the first family to learn Ayurveda from the Pali language in addition to the Ayurvedic knowledge from Sanskrit. Uracheril Gurukkal instructed Herman Gundert in the field of Sanskrit and Ayurveda, and Uppot kannan, who wrote interpretation of Yogamrutham(Ayurvedic text in Sanskrit by Ashtavaidyans), were also acclaimed Ezhava Ayurvedic scholars. [6]Bardwell L. Smith, Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia. (BRILL publications, 1976,ISBN 9004045104), Page 27 [4] Bardwell L. Smith, Vadakkan and Thekkan Pattukal.(Sri Rama Vilasom Press, 1967),Page 128 - 148 Nagam Aiya, Travancore State Manual by Nagam Aiya [3]
Traditional Toxicology
Many ezhava families were practitioners of Visha chikitsa (Toxicology) for decades though it has been discontinued by many of these families now. This chikitsa include treatment and cure of poison incurred from snake-bite, scorpion bite etc. ''Theraickal Tharavadu'', an ezhava family from eroor, Ernakulam, were the Visha Vaidyars of Cochin royal family. Keralakaumudi, Sree Narayana Directory, (kaumudi Publications, 2007)The Saint Sree Narayana Guru's maternal uncle was a famous Visha Vaidyar of the Chiryinkilil area. Some of the families who were famous in this treatment were Chavarkode vaidyars of Trivandrum, Aneppil family of Kollam, Kavil and Muloor families of Central Travancore etc.
Warriors and Kalari Traditions
Ezhavas strived to maintain a their martial tradition. The Cheerappanchira Tharavad (Muhamma, Alapuzha) that supplied palace guards to the Royal House of Pandalam and the Valiya Mundakkal tharavadu of eastern Kollam that had men enlisted with the Army of Venad kingdom find mention in the annals of history preserved in certain old records. Cheerappanchira Kalari was the place where Lord Ayyappan gained special martial arts knowledge. In fact many of the foot soldiers in royal armies were of Ezhava origin. ''Puthooram veedu'', family of Legendary Aromal Chekavar and Unniarcha, had rich martial traditions. Panickers from ''Varanappally Tharavadu'' in Central Travancore were military commanders of Kayamkulam Kingdom for many centuries. Channars of Alummoottil Tharavad, an Ezhava family of renown from the central Travancore, were also Warriors and Kalari trainers. The army of the Maharaja of Kayamkulam and Travancore took recruits to infantry and light cavalry from this Tharavadu during the 17th and 18th century. Similarly, the Lakshana Panicker family of Kollam district(bordering Alappuzha) were reputed practitioners of kalaripayattu and were enrolled as trainers for the army of Maadathumkoor kingdom (present Mavelikkara). Famous kalari Panickers/Chekavars of Melathil Tharavad at Thoduvetty of Kanyakumari district,in the southern part of erswhile Travancore Kingdom, has safeguarded the Great Maharaja Marthanda Varma, by giving protection to His Highness, while in exile. Arattapuzha Velayudha Panicker in Haripad was a ezhava warrior lived in the 19th century who fought against the caste oppression by the so called upper castes. Kalari Panickers from an ezhava tharavaad based at Kulathoor wre trainers of famous Ettuveetil Pillamars. Their descendants have looked after the Chamundi Devi (Kalari devatha) temple at Thozhuvancode, Thiruvananthapuram.Bardwell L. Smith, Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia (BRILL publications, 1976,ISBN 9004045104), Page 27 [9] Vadakkan and Thekkan Pattukal.(Sri Rama Vilasom Press, 1967),Page 128 - 148 Nagam Aiya, Travancore State Manual by Nagam Aiya [3]
Main articles: Chekavar
Main articles: Channar
Main articles: Panicker
Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker
''Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker'', was an Ezhava warrior lived in the 19th century in Kerala who has also fought against the caste oppression by the upper castes.His original name was ''Kalisseril Velayutha Chekavar''.NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum InnumDr Filippo Osella and Caroline Osella, Social Mobility In Kerala: Modernity and Identity in Conflict (Pluto Press, 2000,ISBN 074531693X), Page 156 to 158[11].
Main articles: Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker
Warriors Of Northern Ballads
''Aromal Chevakar'', ''Unniarcha'' etc are legendary warrior figure of ''Vadakkan Pattukal'' (Northern Ballads). The songs and chronicles have to this day kept the legend alive. He was born in the famous Puthooram Veedu of Malabar. Bardwell L. Smith, Vadakkan and Thekkan Pattukal.(Sri Rama Vilasom Press, 1967),Page 128 - 148
Main articles: Aromal Chekavar
Main articles: Unniarcha
Kuroolli Chekon
''Kuroolli Chekon'', known as 'Kadathanadan Simham', was an Ezhava warrior lived in the 19th century in South Malabar who has also fought against the caste oppression by the Savarnas NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum Vishnumangalm Kumar,Kuroolli Chekon: Charithram Thamaskaricha Kadathanadan Simham(Keralasabdam, 2007-9-2),Page 30-33
Main articles: Kuroolli Chekon
Niranam thura
It is interesting to note that the name Thiruvalla comes from colloquial form of ''Thiruvallabhavaram'' named after the deity ''Thiru Vallabhan'' of the Thiru Vallabhasseril temple. This temple is the family temple of ''Vallabhasseril'' ''Tharavad'', a famous kalari family of Central travancore. Vallabhasseril was a very powerful tharavad under Panthalam Raja, which provided him with all the necessary security forces of those times. Once upon a time, this tharavad controlled the ‘Niranam thura’ (a small harbor at Niranam) as the main navigators with their own ''Kalari'' and ''Vallabha Kshethram''. The famous Aryabhada Swamikal had described this family as ''Soorya vamsajar'' of Travancore in his books. It was Sri Vallabhassery Govindan Vaidyar, from this family, who presented the idea of organizing a pilgrimage to Sivagiri to the Narayana Guru. NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum
Main articles: Thiruvalla
Varma Kalari
This was a great warfare, part of southern style of Kalarippayattu, practised by the Ezhava Kalari warriors to defeat/kill the enemy without any external injuries and were called ''Marmamanis''. Its supposed to be the master of all arts, royal to its name, trained by special ''Asaans''(super masters). This Asaan of special rank was a super master over 108 Kalaries, who were the real kingmakers during ancient wars among naduvazhis(Local Cheiftians).
Main articles: Varma Kalari
Trading, Toddy Tapping, Brewing Arrack
Trading, especially coconut business was one of the traditional occupations of the community. Some became rich after having export business with British and other Europeans. As per the Census in 1931 of Travancore, number rich business people among the community was better compared to Malayali Sudra(Nairs) and Nanchinattu Sudras(Vellalas), even after being denied government jobs. However, since community was large and support from King and his ruling department was nil, this has not helped the community as a whole. A good number of members were also in toddy tapping as the toddy was used as component in Ayudvedic medicine as well as it was being used as a hard drink. However they were limited one or two families in each village. However, Savarna and their squealers have labeled the entire community as toddy tapers. Large number families also were into arrack brewing as well. Sree Narayana Guru reded against both of these professions and hence many have left these professions. But still some of the families continued this and became quite rich. Thomas Johnson Nossiter and Frederick Albert Cook, Communism in Kerala: A Study in Political Adaptation (C. Hurst & Co Publishers, 1982, ISBN 0905838408), Page 21 Keralakaumudi, Sree Narayana Directory, (kaumudi Publications, 2007), page 21[12]
Social Stratification
Malikappurathamma
Swami Ayyappan lived at Pandalam palace only for a short period of 18 years. During this time he mastered all martial arts from various Kalaries. The Kalari where he spends more years was at Cheerappanchira , an ezhava family, near Sherthalai. It is believed that one young girl of Cheerappanchira family fell in love with the Lord and requested to accept her as wife. But Ayyappan turned down her request and to be a “Brahmachari”. She was offered a seat at Sabarimala known as Maalikapurathamma. Ayyappan promised her if thereis no “Kanni” Ayyappans to come to Sabarimala then he would marry her. It is a custom that every Kanni Ayyappan should deposit “Saram” (arrow of soft wood) at Saramkuthy as a mark of their arrival.NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum
Main articles: Maalikapurathamma
Sree Muthappan
''Sree Muthappan'' is the most popular local god in the Kannur district of north Kerala, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Muthappan history is associated with thiyya community. The sole authority of administration of Parassani Matappura is entrusted with the Matayans(members of Parassani Matappurakal family, an ezhava family who is assiciated with the legent of muthappan) of Parassani Kadavu from kannur.
Main articles: Muthappan
Ambanattu Panikkar Varavu
This is a ceremonial procession of members of the Ambanattu Panikkar family memebrs, bringing pots of honey as ritual offering to the deity at Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Ambalappuzha.Its also called ''Ambanattu Panikkar Pallivetta''. The land where the temple was built was belonging to a rich Ezhava landlord and kalari asaan Ambanattu Panikker. While the rajah of Ambalapuzha dynasty and Vilwamangalathu Swamiyar were going through the waterways,it so happened that they could hear a luscious sound of flute coming from a nearby huge and luxuriant peepul tree.To his astonishment Swamiyar saw Sree Krishna sitting on a branch of the peepul tree playing his flute and suddenly diappeared. To his astonishment Swamiyar saw Sree Krishna sitting on a branch of the peepul tree playing his flute.NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum
Main articles: Ambalappuzha
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Padmanabhaswamy temple is one of the seven Parasurama kshetras in kerala built during ''brahmaization'' of kerala. One of the legend related to this temple says, an Ezhava couple had seen the lord vishnu in the form of a child and the child had taken morsels of rice from the hands of the couple. After hearing this, the king of travancore has built a temple for Anantha Padmanabha here.In memory of this legend, ''naivedyam'' (offering rite from the temples in kerala) prepared of rice is offered to the deity here in a coconut shell. Link [1]
NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum
Main articles: Padmanabhaswamy temple
Culture
Theyyam or Kaliyattam or Theyyatom
Popular in north Kerala, Theyyam incorporates dance, mime and music and preserves the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures; attaching great importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of ancestors. The headgear and other ornamental decorations are spectacular in sheer size and appearance. This particular dance form is also known as Kaaliyattam. Theyyam is also performed by Vaniya, Kammala, Saliya and Maniyani communities apart from thiyyas. The main deities of ezhavas are ''Vayanattu Kulavan, Kathivannur Veeran, Poomaruthan, Muthappan'' etc. Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795) Krishna Chaitanya, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Abhinav Publications, 1987 ,ISBN 8170172098)
Mayilattam or Arjuna Nritham or Mayilpeeli Thookkam
Arjuna nritham, Art & Culture of Kerala Arjuna nritham (the dance of Arjuna) is a ritual art performed by men of Ezhava Community and is prevalent in the Bhagavathy temples of south Kerala, mainly in Kollam, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. Arjuna, the most valiant of the five heroic brothers - the Pandavas - of the epic Mahabharatha, was also a renowned singer and dancer and is said to have propitiated goddess Bhadrakali by a devotional presentation.
Arjuna nritham is also called ''Mayilppeeliyattam'' as the costume includes a characteristic garment made of mayilppeeli (Peacock feathers). This garment is worn around the waist in a similar fashion as the uduthukettu of Kathakali. The performers have their faces painted green and wear distinctive headgears. The all night performance of the dance form is usually presented solo or in pairs.
The songs which are strictly rhythm based are called Kavithangal and deal with various themes of the Puranas (ancient Hindu scriptures). Each Kavitham is composed to suit a specific rhythm. Before each song the dancers explain the intricacies of the particular rhythm about to be employed and how this rhythm is translated into dance movements.
The various dance movements are closely similar to Kalarippayattu techniques. Percussion instruments like the chenda, maddalam, talachenda and ilathalam (cymbal) form the musical accompaniment. Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795)
Poorakkali
A folk dance prevalent among the ezhavas of Malabar, usually perfromed in Bhagavathy temples as a ritual offering during the month of Meenam (March - April). Poorakkali requires specially trained and highly experienced dancers quite thorough with all the techniques and feats of Kalaripayattu, a system of physical exercise formerly in vogue in Kerala. Standing round the traditional lamp, the performers, dance in eighteen different stages and rhythm, each phase being called a Niram. Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795)
Parichamuttu Kali
This martial folk-dance prevalent among the ezhavas of in Alappuzha, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Palghat and Malappuram districts. Its also performed by Christians and some other Hindu communities. It had its origin during the day when Kalaripayattu, the famous physical exercise of swordplay and defence, was in vogue in Kerala. The performers dance with swords and shields in their hands, following the movements of sword fight, leaping forward, stepping back and moving round, all the time striking with the swords and defending with shields. Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795)
Thiyyattu or Theeyattu
Theeyattu is a solo dance-drama performed in front of the Kalam (ritual drawing with coloured powders) in some of the Bhagavathy temples of Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Thripunithura and neighbouring areas. The most popular story narrated through a Theeyattu performance is that of the duel between goddess Kaali and the demon Daarikan
Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795) Krishna Chaitanya, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Abhinav Publications, 1987 ,ISBN 8170172098)
Aivar Kali
Literally, Aivarkali means the play of the five sets. This was a ritualistic art form performed in almost all important temples of Kerala. Today it is found in central Kerala. This is also known as Pandavarkali, which means the play of the Pandavas, (the five heroes of Mahabharatha), and is performed by the following communities: Ezhava, Asari, Moosari, Karuvan, Thattan and Kallasari.
This ritualistic dance is performed beneath a decorated pandal with a nilavilakku at its centre.
The performers numbering five or more with their leader called Kaliachan enter the performance area after ritualistic bath, with sandal paste over their foreheads. They will be dressed in white dhoti and will have a towel wrapped around their heads. Ronald M. Bernier, Temple Arts of Kerala: A South Indian Tradition (Asia Book Corporation of America, 1982 ,ISBN 0940500795)
Customs
Family System And Tharavadu
Ezhavas followed, Tharavadu, which was a system of joint family practised by some Malayalee communities. Each Tharavadu has a unique name. The family lived together in this type Tharavadu comprised of a mother, her brothers and younger sisters, and her children. The oldest male member was known as the ''Karanavar'' or ''Mooppar'' and was the head of the household and managed the family estate. As joint families grew and established independent settlements, the branches modified the names in a such way that the main Tharavadu names are identifiable, yet Sakha (or ''Thavazhi'', i.e. Thay Vazhi which means ''Through Mother'') had a distinct name. For ezhavas in Travancore and Malabar ''Tharavad name'' were identified through their Mother's house (''Thavazhi'') but some other families in Cochin area (except in Kanayannur Taluk) were identified through by their father's ''Tharavadu''. This system of inheritance were matrilinear and were know as Marumakkathayam. However, now-a-days, most of the families follow ''Makkathayam''(patrilinear) system of family inheritance.
Main articles: Tharavadu
Main articles: Marumakkathayam
Snake Worship
The snake worship(''Nagaradhana'') was prevalent among many ezhava families all over Kerala, but was most common among Malayalee and Tulu Billavas of North Malabar and Tulu Nadu. ''Sarpa Kavu'' (meaning ''Abode of the Snake God''), small traditional forest(mostly man made) of green pockets, would have idols of snake gods and worshipped. For ezhavas, billavas and other similar communities, these sarpakavus can be any corner of the Tharavadu except eastern side while for some other communities like Nairs it would be on the southwest corner of the Tharavadu. Keralakaumudi, Sree Narayana Directory, (kaumudi Publications, 2007)
Kuruthi
It was a rutual performed in temples expecially Devi, Bhagavathy, Durga temples. Though this was found among many communities, it was very common with ezhavas. Animals were sacrificed as part of the ritual. Kuruthy was also perormed before padayani and Mudiyet in South Central Kerala. And in North Kerala, it was perormed with Theyyam and Pana. Sree Narayana Guru took the initiative to stop this ritual and now-a-days its not so common in Kerala. Keralakaumudi, Sree Narayana Directory, (kaumudi Publications, 2007)
Marriage
Thali Kettu Kalyanam (Mock marriage ceremony)
This type of marrige was prevalent among some Ezhava Pramanis(rich among the community). The ''thaali'' ( a gold necklace tied around the bride's neck) tying rite took place before the onset of puberty. During this ceremony the girl was forced to marry a man (from same community unlike other castes which followed this cutsom) whose horoscope matched with that of the girl. Though that man becomes her ''mock'' husband, he could simply leave the girl after the completion of the ritual. Sree Narayana Guru opposed this strongly and took the initiative to simplify marriage customs and celebrations. Keralakaumudi, Sree Narayana Directory, (kaumudi Publications, 2007)
David Smith, Hinduism and Modernity(Blackwell Publishing, 2003), ISBN 0631208623
Main articles: Kettu Kalyanam
Struggle For Egalitarianism
The arrival of Namboothiris heralding an era of Hinduism, might have initiated the ostracization the Ezhavas. There is a much disputed claim that the legend of Onam marks the conversion of Buddhist Kerala to Hinduism. Accordingly, Ezhavas are the descendants of those Buddhists. The violence towards the Viharas, or the abodes of Budhist monks, was soon to follow. The economic condition of the Ezhavas was abysmal at the turn of the last century. Social taboos had reduced them to a state of abject penury.
chela kalaapam(cloth revolt)
Till 18th century, females of non-Brahmin class, were allowed to wear only a single loin cloth is girdled round the waist leaving the upper part exposed. In this respect males and females, rajas and nobles, rich and poor are equal. None of the Hindu ladies except Brahmins thought that the breast was to cover; and to them to cover the breast was an act of immodesty. There are instances of cruelties inflicted upon the ladies for violating these laws. An Ezhava lady who happened to travel abroad and returned well dressed was summoned by the Queen of Attingal and her breast was cut off for covering them. In Travancore a riot occurred when a group of upper caste men assaulted a lady of Ezhava caste for wearing cloth below her knees. In 1859 another riot took place in Travancore and continued for several days, when the ladies of channar caste started to cover the breast. The revolt was called ''chela kalapam (cloth revolt)''. It became very important that later scholars regarded it as a part of the struggle for independence. Lloyd I. Rudolph, Susanne Hoeber Rudolph, The Modernity of Tradition: Political Development in India (University of Chicago Press, 1967, ISBN 0226731375) Ilamkulam Kunhan Pilllai, Studies in Kerala History C. Kesavan - Oru Jeevitha Samaram
Religious Conversions
Conversion to Christianity
A sizeable part of the Ezhava community, especially in central Travancore and in the High Ranges, embraced Christianity during British rule, fed up with the injunctions of caste system enforced by the Monarchical state. In Kannur, The Protestant Missions have been at work since the first half of the 19th century when the Basel German Evangelical Mission was founded by Dr.H.Gundert. Most of their converts were from the Thiyya community. The ''Ezhava Memorial'' was a charter of human rights drafted by the Ezhava community, the endorsement of which by the Travancore State was a condition that they set forth, were they not to convert to Christianity en masse. It was a quirk of history that Sree Narayana Guru was to arrive on the scene, but for which the mass exodus of Ezhavas to rival faiths would have reduced the Hindus to a minority in Kerala. He decried conversion made for any kind of materialistic or temporary benefits, convenience, or as an escape from discrimination and religious persecution. These principles form the criteria for his support of conversions and re-conversions. For example, a family of the Kannoor community converted to Christianity for certain benefits, but not out of any change of belief. After some time this family desired to convert back, but their previous community opposed this re-conversion. Narayana Guru intervened and asked all the family and community leaders concerned to take back the family into the community. His arguments were convincing, and an amicable return was effected. In Neyyatinkara town, there were some families who converted to Christianity due to the discrimination and religious persecution existing at that time against the lower strata of Hindus. But after witnessing the progress made due to the work of Narayana Guru and his disciples, these families wanted to convert back to Hinduism. Again, the opposition of their community was overcome, and Narayana Guru happily converted them back. Surendra Kumar Srivastava and Akhileshwar Lal Srivastava, Social Movements for Development (Chugh Publications, 1988, ISBN 8185076340), Page 167
Pichanaattu Kuruppanmar
In the village of Vazhappalli, near Changanassery, there were a limited number of families of a community known as Pichanaattu Kuruppanmar. They were small in number, and in a very difficult situation during Narayana Guru's time. In some respects they were considered low in the social stratum. But at the same time they were allowed entry into the temples and adjacent roads. However, the Hindu communities at the higher end of the social stratum did not accept them. This, coupled with the limited number of members in their own community, made it difficult for them to function socially, and they faced increasing isolation. Finally, the leader of this group, Mr. Krishnan Vaidyar, converted to Christianity--a conversion of convenience. Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker, a disciple of Narayana Guru, informed him of the situation. Panickar requested that the Pichanaattu Kuruppanmar be better integrated into the community so that such conversion could be avoided in the future. Narayana Guru accepted this proposal, and then personally accepted the Pichanaattu Kuruppanmar into the community at a large public meeting which included leaders of other religious groups. Surendra Kumar Srivastava and Akhileshwar Lal Srivastava, Social Movements for Development (Chugh Publications, 1988, ISBN 8185076340), Page 167
Main articles: Kuruppanmar
Karappuram Mission
In 1921 an extensive effort to reach a thousand Ezhava Families living in the coastal areas of Alappuzha and hilly area of Pathanamthitta was set on foot by an independent committee, in relation with the CSI church. With Miss Isabel Baker's (CMS Missionary) generous contribution, a school, hospital and a coir factory were established under the title ''Karappuram Mission'' in the Shertellai area, and as a result, thousands Ezhava Families were converted in areas of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta. Surendra Kumar Srivastava and Akhileshwar Lal Srivastava, Social Movements for Development (Chugh Publications, 1988, ISBN 8185076340), Page 167
Moplah Rebellion
The well-known Moplah, of Malappuram, revolts are said to have begun with the murder of a Nair landlord after he ripped off the blouse of an Ezhava woman convert, who had dared to appear before him clothed above the waist, stood within 30 yards of him and called him by his name. The revolts were mostly a series of attempts to take over land by groups of armed Muslim tenants or suicidal attacks on landlords known for their atrocities, culminating in the 1921-22 Moplah rebellion. Thus even the militant (and sometimes reactionary) Islam of the Moplah Muslims had its roots in their struggles against the stranglehold of the Hindu upper-caste landlords and the British. A large section of ezhavas converted into Islam during Moplah Rebellion either due to the discrimination from upper-caste or due to threat from Moplahs.
Main articles: Moplah
Conversion to Sikhism in central kerala
During Vaikom Satyagraha in 1922, at the instance of Mahatma Gandhi, a few Akalis came to Vaikom in support of sathyagrahis. After successful completion of Satyagraha and the Temple Entry Proclamation, some of the Akalis stayed back. Some ezhava youth were attracted by the discliplined life and joined Sikhism. During the same period, Ambedkar exhorted people that if you don't get self-respect and dignity in your own religion, you should get out of it. This also prompted many ezhavas to join Sikhism. However, after the significant growth Ezhava movement, many families later re-converted to Hinduism and hence numbers of Sikh became dwindled.
Travancore Temple Entry Proclamation
When in 1896 a ''Ezhava Memorial'' signed by more than 13,000 representative ezhavas of Travancore was submitted to the government praying for the recognition of the right of the Ezhavas to enter the government service, the upper caste Hindus of the state prevailed upon the Maharajah not to concede the prayer. The memorialists sought only privileges that were already enjoyed by the Christians and the Muslims. P. Chidambaram Pillai in Right of Temple Entry says, ''The Thiyya Hindu of Hindu Travancore has not as much right of free citizenship as the lowest Hindu in the Mohammadan state of Hyderabad or the lowest Hindu of Christian British India. To be a Hindu in the Hindu state of Travancore is not a privilege for the non-caste Hindus; it is not a mere handicap; it is a curse; it is an insult.'' In dejection many of the Ezhavas embraced Christianity as borne out by the fact that the Christian population of Travancore which stood at six lakhs in 1901 increased to 17 lakhs in 1931. And when their fight for equity was not taking the Ezhavas anywhere, their leadership threatened that they would convert en masse, rather than stay as helots of Hindu society. The alert Diwan, Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, realised the imminent danger and prompted the Maharajah to issue the proclamation. Otherwise, the history of Kerala would have been quite different. Dr.Palpu, Treatment of Tiyas in Travancore
Main articles: Temple Entry Proclamation
Surnames
Ezhavas do not normally use any distinct surnames. However, occupational surnames like Panicker, Asaan, Channar, Vaidyar, ''Mudalali'', thampan, chekavar, chekavan, ''chekon'', valiyachan, achan, chanatty, panikkathy, chekothy, thanpatty, Amma, karanavar, kutty, Thandan(Mostly in malabar), Thandar and to some extend Thampi, were fairly common till the early 20th century . Panicker, Thampan is still being used by Ezhavas in south Kerala. Some of these surnames like Asaan, Vaidyar, ''Mudalali'', thampan, valiyachan, achan, Amma were also used by some of the Hindu and Cristian communities of Kerala.
Similar Communities
Billava
''Billava'' is a name of the caste found mainly in costal Karnataka and Kasargode District of Kerala. They were engaged in Martial Arts (Garadi), Toddy tapping, Ayurvedic and liquor business. This community is coming under the spell the 19th century Great Saint and Prophet His Holiness Sree Narayana Guru's teachings.
Main articles: Billava
Poojary
''Poojari'' is a is a sub-sect of Billava community of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, a south Indian state.They had very important role in Nema or Bhuta Kola which is a kind of spirit-worship. This sub-sect of Billawa community was perforforming the ''Pooja'' activity during spirit-worship.
Main articles: Poojary
Nadar
Nadar caste is a Tamil speaking caste found in Tamil Nadu and south Trivandrum in Kerala, engaged in Toddy tapping, Ayurvedic and liquor business and martial arts. In suth Kerala Ezhavas were addressed as channars earlier. Nadars were also called channars in some parts of south Tamil Nadu. Also, Ezhava or similar identity caste are not much found in Tamil Nadu but is strong in all other three south Indian states. The toddy tapping community of Andhra Pradesh says they are descendants of nadars of Tamil Nadu but called themselves as Ediga or Dheyaramakkalu, name resembling to ezhava or thiyya of Kerala. In South Travancore, Ezhava women wore Pampatam (ear ornaments) just like their cousins Nadar women of Nadar caste. (Though In north and central Travancore and other parts of kerala, the earrings of Ezhava women were the ''Attukam Sankhu Chakkaram'' and 'Attiminnu'' was the ear/neck ornament.)
Main articles: Nadar caste
When Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) yogam is formed, its first General Secretary, Kumaran Asan, read out the constitution and byelaws of the SNDP Yogam to the Sree Narayana Guru. As per the original by-law the word ''samudaayam'' (means community) that was given in the constitution was limited to those communities known as Ezhava, Thiya, Billava and Nadar. The Guru objected to the definition of the word ''samudaayam'' (means community) that was given in the constitution.NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum The true nature of ethnic-relationship between these two communities can be established only through further research.
Spiritual And Social Movement
SNDP Educational Fund receipt from the 1940s. This fund that led to the setting up of a network of educational institutions was organised by R. Shankar as General Secretary of the SNDP Yogam
Sree Narayana Guru a Prophet, sage and social reformer early 20th century, paved the way for improvement in the spiritual freedom and other social conditions of the Ezhava and related communities in kerala and other parts of the country. Also the Ezhava community's largely undisputed acceptance of Sree Narayana Guru as their spiritual, social and intellectual mentor and guiding spirit adds a major and unifying facet to community integrity and identity today. NR Krishanan IAS, Izhavar Annum Innum [13] [14] The community has prospered thanks to the pioneering efforts of by the community leaders. They are classified under OBC (Other backward castes), and enjoy the privileges of reservations of jobs in Government service, and in admission to Educational Institutions for financially backward students. Cyriac K. Pullapilly, The Izhavas of Kerala and their Historic Struggle for Acceptance in the Hindu Society
List of Famous Ezhavas
Spiritual leaders
Community has produced many spiritual leaders including saint, sage and prophet Sree Narayana Guru. He was also was one of India's greatest social reformers from India. He kindled the spirit of rebellion among the suppressed people of Kerala and challenged the centuries old practices of untouchability and social ostracism, which kept them outside the mainstream of society and religion. He was the main inspiration behind the formation of SNDP Yogam, a social and spiritual movement in Kerala that has strived since then for enlistment of the Ezhava community.[15] [16]
Main articles: Narayana Guru
Jnana Vigraham of Narayana Guru
''Sree Malayalaswami'' who established Vyasashram Andhra Pradesh was born in ezhava family in Kerala was regarded as a social reformer and spiritual Guru in Andhra Pradesh
Some of the other Spritual Gurus include:
★ Nataraja Guru
★ Sree Malayalaswami of Andhra Pradesh, a disciple of Narayana Guru
★ Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati (His name in the Purvashrama was Jayachandran Panicker)
★ Guru Muni Narayana Prasad
★ Swami Bodhananda
★ Vagbhatananda Gurudevar
★ Bhikshu Dharmaskandha
★ Karunakara Guru (Founder of Santhigiri Ashram)
★ Brahmashri Swami Saswathikananda
★ Brahmashri Swami Sookshmananda
★ Paravoor Sreedharan Thanthrikal
Social reformers
★ Sree Narayana Guru
★ Sree Malayalaswami of Andhra Pradesh, a disciple of Narayana Guru
★ Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker
★ Mahakavi Kumaran Asan Poet and Social reformer
★ Sahodaran Ayyappan
★ Dr.P.Palpu Leader of Sree Narayan Movement and community
★ Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker Great poet and a prominent social reformer
★ C.V.Kunhiraman Founder of Kerala Kaumudi
★ T.K.Madhavan
★ Mithavaadi Krishnan
★ I.K.Kumaran Freedom Fighter - Mahe
Literary figures
Mooloor S. Padmanābha Panicker
Dr Palpu An ezhava Community leader from Travancore
Moorkoth Kumaran: A community Leader from Malabar
CM of kerala and Gen. Secretary of the SNDP Yogam
The community has produced some of the best writers and poets in Malayalam, who are known internationally. Sree Narayana Guru was a great poet and a literary figure not only amoung Malayalam literature but also in Tamil and Sanskrit. Kumaran Asan is one of the behemoths among Malayalee poets, was also known as one of the the triumvirates (Kavithrayangal) of modern Malayalam literature. Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker (known as ''Sarasa Kavi'' meaning humour poet) was one of the great poets of Malayalam.
Mahakavi Kumaran Asan
''Kumaran Asan'' was a Malayalam poet, philosopher and social reformer of kerala. More than that he is one of honored disciple of Sree Narayana Guru. Kumaran Asan was known as one of the famous ''triumvirate poets of Kerala'' in the first half of the 20th century. He was born in an Ezhava family in April 1873.Karimpumannil Mathai George,Kumaran Asan. (Sahitya Akademi, 1972)
Main articles: Kumaran Asan
Some famous ezhava writers and poets include;
★ Sree Narayana Guru
★ C.V.Kunhiraman Founder of Kerala Kaumudi.
★ Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker
★ Perunnelli Krishnan Vaidyar
★ Velutheri Kesavan Vaidyar
★ Pallathu Raman
★ Moorkoth Kumaran Disciple of Narayana Guru from Malabar.
★ Moorkoth Kunhappa was associate editor of Malayala Manorama,
★ Moorkoth Ramunni IAS (Retd). Follower of Narayana Guru.
★ S. K. Pottakkat Jnanpith Award winner for Oru Desathinte Katha
★ M.P.Appan
★ Dr.K.Prasannarajan Noted critic, Kerala Sahitya Academy Award winner
★ Sukumar Azhikode
★ Mayyanad K Damodharan BA
★ Dr. A. Aiyappan Eminent anthropologist, former Vice Chancellor of Kerala University
★ K.Sukumaran(Malabar)
★ Potheri Kunhambu Vakkeel the first chairman of Kannur Municipality
★ Prof.M.K.Sanoo
★ M. Mukundan
★ O.V.Vijayan
★ Dr.Vellayani Arjunan
★ Dr.R.Gopimony (Former Professor & Head,Dept. of Plant Breeding & Genetics,Kerala Agriculture University)
★ Perumbadvam Sreedharan Noted novelist
★ C.V.Sreeraman Noted Short story writer
★ M.R.Chandrasekharan Noted critic
★ P.K.Balakrishnan Writer of famous Ini Gjaan Urangatte
★ Kovilan Noted writer and Kendra sahithya akadami award winner
★ P.Valsala, well-known Malayalam short-story writer
★ K.P. Sudheera, novelist
★ K.C.Padmanabhan, novelist
★ UKKumaran, novelist. Vice-president, Kerala Sahithya Academy
★ A.P. Udhayabhanu
★ Ponkunnam Damodaran
★ K.B Vasanthakumar Noted Poet & Lyricist Kollam
★ K.P.Appan Noted critic
★ Kandachira Babu Noted poet
★ B.Rajeevan Noted critic
★ K.Surendran Noted novelist
★ G.Vivekanandan Noted novelist
★ Dr. T.Bhaskaran
★ M.C.SwarupRadio Jockey
★ E.Vasu
★ G.N.Panicker
★ Velayudhan Panickasseri Noted historian
★ Manjula Padmanbhan
★ Rathna Singh Noted Jurist,DG Prosecutions and Advocate General of Kerala
★ T. N. Prakash Noted short story writer.
★ Dr.V.Samabasivan The Kathaprasangam Supremo
★ Haridas Valamangalam
★ Thottam rajasekharan Writer and former Civil Servant
Community leaders
★ Dr.P Palpu
★ T.K.Madhavan
★ R. Sankar Former SNDP Yogam General Secretary
★ Vellapally Natesan SNDP Yogam General Secretary
★ A.S.Pathap Singh Former SNDP Yogam President
★ Adv.Gopinathan Former SNDP Yogam General Secretary
★ Dr.K.K. Rahulan Former SNDP Yogam President
★ Kamalasanan Panicker Former SNDP Yogam President
★ Adv.C.K. Vidyasagar Former SNDP Yogam President
Famous physicians and surgeons
★ Dr.Itty Achuthan Wrote the text for the monumental work "Hortus Malabaricus" . This was published from Amsterdam in 1678 by Henry Van Rheede in 12 volumes and is a treatise on the plant wealth of Malabar.
★ Dr. Sreedran Kakkanatt was born in Cherai, Ernakulam district, he was the first Homeopathic Doctor in Kerala who won Dr. Hahnemann award.
★ Dr Padmanabhan Palpu LMS, DPH (Cantab) FRIPH (London)
★ Kayikkara Govindan Vaidyar translated the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita to Malayalam from Sanskrit
★ Late Dr.C.O.Karunakaran The founder of Thiruvananthapuram Medical college and its first principal. This is the first medical college in Kerala state. He was the president of the Indian Medical Association. Is the younger brother of the late C.O.Madhavan, former Chief Secretary.
★ Dr.Sudheendra Ghosh- Famous pulmonologist of Trivandrum.Head of department,Respiratory medicine,Pulayanarkottah,Trivandrum.Nephew of late Dr.C.O.Karunakaran
★ Late Ochilath Krishnan Vaidyan founder of ''Cochin Arya Vaidya Sala''[2]
★ Late ''Ayappan Kochappan Vaidyan'' Famous Vaidyar, father of Ochilath Krishnan Vaidyan
★ Perunnelli Krishnan Vaidyar
★ Velutheri Kesavan Vaidyar
★ Dr.C.K.Ramachandran Former professor of medicine, Calicut Medical College
★ Dr.Ayyathan Gopalan Psychiatrist, Supdt Mental Hospital, Freedom fighter (grandfather of ex-minister Adv. A.Sujanapal)
★ Dr.N.Vijayan, Psychiatrist, Supdt Mental
★ Hospital,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Dr.S.Santhakumar, Psychiatrist, Supdt Mental Hospital,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Dr.K.Jagadeesh, Founder K.J Hospital, Chennai
★ Dr.C.I.Gopalan, Director, Ernakulam Medical center.
★ Dr.K.C.Prakashan, Director, Elite Hospital
★ Dr.M.Thankavelu, Principal, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, Advisor, World Health Organisation
★ Dr.C.K.Gopi, Physician and cardiologist. Reported the rare heart disease, endomyocardial fibrosis in Kerala.
★ Dr.K.Sugathan, Cardiologist, Professor, Supdt. Medical College Hospital. First Ezhava to get the postdoctoral doctorate (D.M.) in any medical speciality
★ Dr.K.Rajogopalan D A M (Diploma in Ayurveda) and M B B S. Recipient of many awards including Padmasree. President of Association of Ayurvedic physicians of Kerala
★ Dr.G.Vijayaraghavan Famous cardiologist. Now the Vice Chairman of KIMS Hospital,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Dr.C.G.Bahulayen Famous cardiologist
★ Dr.Sudhayakumar, Cardiologist, Principal, Medical College, Kottayam
★ Dr.P.Chandramohan, Cardiothoracic surgeon, Now Vice Chancellor of Kannoore University
★ Dr T.K Ravi Ayurvedic Physician and Managing Director of Cochin Ariya Vaidya Sala and Nursing Home Eroor,Tripunithura,Kochi.
★ Dr.V.K.Jayapalan, Director of Medical Education
★ Dr.Umadathan, Director of Medical Education
★ Dr.K.Sudhakaran, Managing Director, New Al Al Ain Medical Center, UAE (Native of Mayyanad)
★ Dr.K.R.Rajappan, Director, Specialist's Hospital, EKM
★ Dr.K.Balaraman, Retd. Director of Health Services, Kerala State and the eldest son of the famous physician the late Dr.C.O.Karunakaran.
★ Dr.M.K.Madhavan Retd. Deputy Director of Health Service, Kerala
★ Dr.Shaji Prabhakaran Wellknown Neurologist and Former Principal & HOD, Trivandrum Medical College. Chairman-Medical Mission Hospital.
★ Dr.S.Govindan Surgeon, professor. Founder of Govindan's hospital, General Hospital jn., Thiruvananthapuram
★ Dr.K.Sivarajan, Surgeon, Professor of surgery
★ Dr.K.Devadas Famous pediatrician
★ Dr.G.Velayudhan Founder of GG Hospitals, Kumarapuram, Thiruvananthapuram
★ Dr.V.P.Raman(Late) Founder Ashoka Hospital, Kozhikode, first private Hospital in Kerala
★ Dr.S.R.Anil Pediatric cardiologist
★ Dr.C.K.Sugathan Former Director of Thiruvananthapuram Dental College.
★ Dr.S.Narendranath Famous gastroenterologist..
★ Dr.R.V.Jayakumar Famous physician and endocrinologist, From Mayyanad.
★ Dr.Ullas Prasannan GG Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram
★ Late Dr.K.Damodharan Famous Surgeon & Founder of Devi Clinical Laboratory,Kollam (Est.1970).First Clinical Laboratory in kollam .
★ Dr.Kanakarajan famous E.N.T Specialist Holycross hospital,Kottiyam
★ Dr.D.AnilRoby Cardiologist & Managing Director of KDM Hospital,Kollam.
★ Dr. N. Prabhakaran . Professor of Psychiatry at Medical College Trivandrum, Alleppey and Calicut. Has authored several books on Psychiatry, contributed articles to leading newspapers and journals. Established the Divya Prabha Group of concerns.
★ Dr. C. Gokulan Famous gastroenterologist.Consultant at PVS hospital,Calicut.Obtained his F.R.C.P(Glasgow) in 2007.
★ Late Dr. P.Madhavan . St.Isabala Hospital. Chennai
★ Late Kakat Kunger Vydyar (1837 -1921) Mahe
★ Dr. Suseela Prabhakaran Founder Director of Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Adviser in Ophthalmology to the Government of Kerala. Currently Chief of Divya Prabha Eye Hospital, Trivandrum.
★ Late Dr.P.A.Govindan Vaidyar Myladil,Changanacherry
★ Late Kunjan Velu Vaidyar Known as 'K.V.Chandrasserry' Palluruthy,Ernakulam.
★ Late Vairavan Vaidyar,1834 renowned famous Ayurveda Acharya.Founder of chavarcode Ayurveda family. S/o Ayurveda Physician SANKARAN Vaidyar.
★ Late Marthandan Vaidyar-1886,Kunju Sankaran Vaidyar-1885,CV Madhavan Kutty Vaidyar-, CV Marthandan Vaidyar-1889 Second Generation physicians of 'chavarcode Ayurveda family'. Marthandan Vaidyar was known as 'kottaram vaidyan', since he was posted as the chief consultant physician of travancore palace. Later lots of treatment histories he made and received valuable rewards from the Maharaja of Travancore.
★ Late Third Generation physicians of 'Chavarcode Ayurveda family'.
★ Dr. Bharathan ,Thalaserry - founder of Santhosh Hospitals, famous piles specialist.
★ Dr.Gopalan Goudaman,MS,MCh,FRCS Cardiothoracovascular Surgeon,Kollam,HOD in King Fahad Hospital,Jisan,Saudi Arabia.
★ Late Dr.Albert Kallat Famous Anaesthetist,Mahe
★ Dr K P Haridas Famous surgeon and Chairman & Managing Director of Lords Hospital,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Vaidyavachaspathy Sri N. K. Padmanabhan Vaidyar, Founder of New Udaya Pharmacy and Ayurvedic Laboratories (Nupal) was established in the city of Cochin Link[3]
Famous lawyers
★ C.P.SudhakaraPrasad Advocate General of Kerala
★ P. Vijayaraghavan Famous criminal lawyer of Kollam
★ V. Sugathan Special Prosecutor in Kalluvathukkal hooch case
★ Panakkal Velayudhan (Late) Famous lawyer and social reformer of Kozhikode
★ K. Sadanandan Famous lawyer and social reformer
★ M.Ratna Singh Former Advocate General of Kerala[4]
★ V.Ayyappan Former Advocate General of Kerala
★ S.Sudhakaran Former Advocate General of Kerala
★ Kallada Sukumaran Former Director General of Prosecutions
★ LateT.V.Prabhakaran Eminent criminal Lawyer
★ K.P.Dantapani Eminent High Court Lawyer
★ Dr. G. Mohan Gopal former Director (Vice Chancellor), National Law School of India, Bangalore; former Chief Legal Counsel of the World Bank, Washington, DC; former Adj. Professor, Georgetown University Law Center, now Director of the National Judicial Academy of India, Bhopal
★ A.Sudhi vasudevan eminient lawyer in kerala High court and grandson of Rao Sahib Atiyolil Appu.
★ Adv.K.Babyson PSC Board Member.
★ Adv.K.Kusumam Eminent lawyer in kerala High court,family court.
Famous Malayalam Film Director
Artistes
Direction, Screenplay, Script Writing, Production
★ Ramu Kariat Film director, directed president's gold medal-winning film ''Chemmeen''
★ Manoj Night Shyamalan Famous Hollywood writer director of movies like ''The Sixth Sense'', ''Unbreakable'', ''Signs'' and ''The Village''
★ S L Puram Sadanandan Great drama director
★ I.V. Sasi Film director
★ Sathyan Anthikkad Film director
★ JoshyTop-Ranking Action Film director
★ Shaji N. Karun Famous cinematographer director of many award-winning films
★ Srinivasan Actor, writer and director
★ Sonu Sisupal Film Director
★ Pavithran Film director
★ Rajeev Anchal Film maker and famous sculpturer
★ K.K.Rajeev Serial Director
★ K. S. Sethumadhavan Film Director
★ O. MadhavanGreat drama director
★ M.N.Thampi Film Director (Padaswaram)
murali
Acting
Thilakan: Famous Malayalam Actor
★ Sreenivasan actor, director
★ Thilakan Famous Film actor
★ Mukesh Film actor
★ Shammi Thilakan Film actor
★ Samvrita Sunil Film actres
★ Chippi Film and TV actress
★ Ramya Model, Film and TV actress and Sister of Chippi
★ V.K. Sriraman Film actor
★ Ratheesh Film actor
★ K.R.VijayaFilm actress
★ Eva PavithranFilm actress and daughter of Director late
★
★ Pavithran
★ Kavya Madhavan-
★ KPAC Lalita
★ Mala Aravindan
★ Kunhandi Film actor
★ Kuthiravattom Pappu Film actor
★ Indrans Actor
★ Manoj K Jayan Actor
★ S Gopalakrishnan Actor
★ Kalakkal Kumaran Noted actor
★ Parur Bharathan Noted actor
★ Harisree Ashokan Noted comedian
★ Salim Kumar Noted comedian.
★ Devan Noted actor and politician
★ Vijayasree Film actress of 1970s (her mother belonged to the Ezhava community)
★ Late RaniChandra
★ Raghavan Malayalam actor
★ Jishnu (actor) Film Actor
Music
Vineeth Srinivasan:Famous Malayalam Playback singer
★ Kaviyoor Revamma
★ M.K.Arjunan Famous music director
★ Jayan and Vijayan JayaVijaya, musicians
★ Raveendran Famous music director
★ Gayathri Play back singer
★ Vidhu Prathap [5] Play back singer
★ Vineeth Srinivasan Top Play back Singer
★ Pradeep Palluruthy
Political leaders
V S Achuthanandan: CPM leader and Present CM of Kerala
★ V.S. Achuthanandan Chief Minister of Kerala
★ R. Sankar Former Chief Minister of Kerala
★ C. Kesavan [6] Former Chief minister of Travancore-Cochin,born in mayyanad.
★ A.P. Udhayabhanu Freedom fighter, Congress leader and ex-MLA and former President of Thiru-kochi Pradesh Congress Committee.
★ Vayalar Ravi [7] Indian National Congress leader and Union Cabinet Minister
★ Vakkom B. Purushothaman [8] FormerFinance Minister of Kerala & Former Lt: Governor of Andaman
★ T.K. Ramakrishnan Former Home Minister and Opposition Leader of Kerala
★ Kallat Krishnan, Trade Union leader and Freedom fighter
★ M. Kanaran, Trade Union Leader, Freedom fighter
★ C.H. Kanaran, Trade union leader, Freedom fighter
★ C.K. Kumara Panikker, Vayalar Stalin
★ Dr.E.K. Madhavan, Congress Leader, Former Minister.
★ K.K. Viswanathan [9] Former Governor of Gujarat & Former President of SNDP Yogam
★ Pinarai Vijayan Politbureau Member of CPM
★ E. Balanandan Politbureau Member of CPM
★ P. Ravindran Former Minister
★ T.K.Madhavan
★ K. Anirudhan Former MP, Former MLA
★ K. Pankajakshan RSP leader and Former Minister of Kerala
★ Arangil Sreedharan First Ezhava Union Minister
★ Mullapally Ramachandran Former Union Minister
★ K.R. Gowri Amma Founder leader of JSS and Former Minister
★ K.P. Prabhakaran Former Health Minister of Kerala
★ K.P. Rejendran Revenue Minister of Kerala
★ V.M.Sudheeran Former Health Minister of Kerala
★ N. Sreedharan(NS)One of the chief organisers of Communist Party in Central Travanore and Former CPM Secretariat Member
★ Babu Divakaran Former Labour Minister of Kerala
★ Adoor Prakash Former Food Minister of Kerala
★ Susheela Gopalan Former Industry Minister of Kerala
★ Krishnan Kaniyamparampil Former Agriculture Minister of Kerala
★ K.P. Viswanathan Former Forest Minister of Kerala
★ C.V. Padmarajan Former Electricity Minister of Kerala
★ M. Kamalam Former minister
★ M.T. Padma Former Fisheries Minister of Kerala
★ Kadavoor Sivasadan Former Electricity Minister of Kerala
★ V.V.Raghavan Former Agriculture Minister of Kerala
★ Thachady Prabhakaran Former Finance Minister of Kerala
★ N. Sreenivasan Former Excise Minister of Kerala
★ J. Chitharanjan Former Health Minister of Kerala
★ M.K. Raghavan Former Labour Minister of Kerala and SNDP Yogam President
★ T.K. Divakaran RSP leader and Former Public Works Minister of Kerala
★ N.N. Krishnadas [10] Member of Parliament
★ C.V. Padmarajan Former Finance Minister and vice chairman of the Kerala State Planning Board
★ K. RadhaKrishnan Former Mayor, Thrissur Municipal Corporation
★ S.Damodaran Former Member of Legislative Assembly and Coir Corporation Chairman
★ S. Kumaran Former Member of Parliament and CPI polit bureau member
★ C.K. Chandrappan Former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha).
★ Veliyam Bharghavan President, CPI
★ Susheela Gopalan Former Industry Minister of Kerala
★ V.N Purushothaman [11] Former Member of Legislative Assembly , Congress Leader, Last Mayor, Mahe and Dy Speaker, Puducherry
★ P. Vijayadas Former Member of Legislative Assembly and Chairman Trivandrum Dist Coop Bank
★ Adv.A. Sampath Former Member of Parliament (lok Sabha)
★ Late M.P Padmnabhan, Mayor, Thiruvanathapuram
★ C. Jayan Babu, Mayor, Thiruvanathapuram
★ P.K. Gurudasan, Labour Minister
★ K. Balakrishnan (Kaumudi), Former MP, Former MLA, orator and an able organiser who was instrumental in fostering illustrious talents in the realms of art and literature."Balan", as he was affectionately addressed, provided opportunities to the eminently gifted Satyan (film actor), Vaikom Muhammed Bashir (writer) and Prof M Krishnan Nair (literary critic)
★ P.Viswabharan, Former MP, Former MLA
★ E. Valsaraj, Health Minister, Puducherry
Other famous people
★ K.P.Krishnadas(Das), Global Consultant for Leather & Footwear, Hong Kong
★ Dr.K.Malathy M.Sc Chemistry, Ph.D Biochemistry, M.Sc Applied Nutrition, Diploma Forensic Toxicology, Cert. Nutrition, Ex-WHO Fellow. Served as the State Nutrition Coordination Officer to Govt.of Kerala, Joint Chemical Examiner to Govt. of Kerala and currently retired consultant of forensic toxicology and nutrition. Author of 14 books in nutrition, toxicology and allied health sciences. Regular columnist for the past 10 years in famous Malayalam magazines like Mathrubhumi, Aarogya Maasika.
★ C.R. Kesavan Vaidyar (Chandrika Soap) Philanthropist
★ Prof.K.Balarama Panicker, Former Principal Sanscrit College Thiruvananthapuram, Father of Dr. B.Umadathan, Director of Medical Education.
★ Dr.S.Balaraman Member and former acting Chairman of the first Kerala State Human Rights Commission. Also former Registrar of the Calicut University and Vice-Chancellor of the Cochin University of Science and Technology(CUSAT). A highly respected and widely known leader of the human rights movement in Kerala State. At present the Patron of the Civil Rights and Social Justice Society (CRSJS).
★ Vainu Bappu, Famous astrophysicist. A Thiya among the stars (an asteroid located between mars and venus is named after him)
★ Er.Asokan ,Chartered engineer, businessman , founder BOTCO ENGINEERING & contractors Kollam
★ Late K.Sukulal Director, IHRD
★ W.Dharan , famous geologist,one of the early ezhavas to graduate from Oxford university.
★ Janakiammal, Famous botanist. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru invited her to come and work in India.
★ Dr.K.Pavithran, World renowned Rice Genetics Scientist, MSc from Birla Institute of Technology and Science [BITS Pilani], PhD from Central Rice Research Institute, Formerly Professor of Genetics and Plant breeding at the University of Calicut, Fellow of the Newyork Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences and Founder Secretary of The Gregor Mendel Foundation, Calicut University. Has attended and presented research papers in various international conferences across the World.
★ Dr.K.S.Manilal, famous botanist. One of the few taxonomists of the world. He translated Hortus Malabaricus into English for the first time from Latin
★ Dr.K.N.Raj, world famous economist, founder of CDS and former Vice-Chancellor, JNU.
★ Late Er.T.C.Raman,Project Engineer/Lead Surveyor for Kollam -Thiruvananthapuram Railway Line. His proposal for re-routing the line through coastal area was found to be more economical and shorter than the original design and approved by the Govt. Present Line pass through his Native Place Mayyanad, Kollam.
★ K.G Sukumaran First Architect in Kerala
★ Jiji Ramesh, General Manager, Cochin International Airport
★ Sajith Vijayarahgavan, Director, Vocational Higher Secondary,Govt of Kerala
★ M.N.Prasad Former Chairman of the Indian Railway Board.
★ K.K.Damodaran nuclear physicist and former Head of Training at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
★ K.Sukumaran, Founder of ''Kerala Kaumudi'' newspaper
★ Dr.T.K.Ravindran, Former Vice-Chancellor
★ Dr.N.Babu, Former Vice-Chancellor and Ex.Travancore Devaswam Board President.
★ Prof.M.K.Prasad, Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor
★ Prof.K.Ravindran,Mayyanad: Founder Principal of Mahatma Gandhi College, Mahe; also former Principal of Tagore Arts College, Pondicherry
★ S.Jadu Former head of Study on Cost of Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India
★ K.V.Deyal Noted environmentalist
★ Dr.D.AnishRoshi Noted scientist in Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics. Faculty Member Raman Research Institute
★ Late Dr.R.Prasanan A distinguished Administrator and Author. Former Secretary, Kerala Legislative Assembly; former Chairperson of Kerala Public Men Anti-Corruption Commission and former member of the National Minorities Commission.
★ Late K.Vasudevan- Coal India
★ Dr Pushpangadan Former Director of Botanical Garden, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram
★ K Rajendrababu Former Director of Museums & Zoos, Kerala; Noted Writer
★ P.Jameela Joint Director, Police Forensic Science Lab
★ A.Sukumaran IRSE, Railway Engineer, General Manager, Metro Railway, Kolkata
★ K. Pushparaj Former Exucutive Director, FACT Ltd
★ D. B. Ram Mohan Former Managing Director TCC Ltd
★ A.Asokan Director Marketing, FACT Ltd.
★ Prof K. Raghavan Former Principal Sanskrit College Thiruvananthapuram
★ T.P.Girish Former Executive Director, Hindusthan Copper Corp;Gov. Of India, Kolkotta
★ K K Anirudhan(BA,Mcom,LLB,ACS,AICS,AIBIM) General Manager,IRBI
★ P.Vijayachandran. Former Managing Director of KTDC, Travancore Cements Kottayam &ODEPC, Former CMD Xstream Software (India)& Past Chairman Institution of Engineers(India) Past President, Thiruvananthapuram Management Association.
★ K.P.Sreedharan Winner of Best Farmer Award, Consultant for Agriculture & Farming, Mahe
★ Rao Sahib Atiyolil Appu,Deputy Collector of Malabar during British rule and M.L.A,Madras Assembly 1951 from Chevayur,Calicut
★ Dr.K.I.Vasu, former Director, CECRI and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor, CUSAT.
★ Ajay Jadeja Cricket Player.. His mother is an Ezhava from Alappuzha.
★ Suresh Babu Former Olympian
★ [Kariandi Pullambil Sarojini Ret;Indian Law Service
★ Pullambil Kariandi Padmanabhan - Business man -Monte -Carlo
Business figures
★ S.D.Shibulal One of the Founders of Infosys
★ M.P. Govindan (Late) Cashew exporter from Quilon and from the well known Mulleth family
★ M.P. Kesavan (Late) Cashew exporter from Quilon, philanthropist, from the well known Mulleth family
★ N.Sundareshan (Late) Cashew exporter from Quilon and Founder member of SN Trust.
★ Ravi Karunakaran Business stalwart in the coir industry was born in the famous Karthikkazhikathu family of S.Paravur.
★ P.V.Gangadharan Film producer and Grihalakshmi Films and vice president of Federation of International Film Producers association.
★ P.V.Chandran Chairman of Kerala Transport Company and PVS Hospitals and Managing Editor of Mathrubhumi,Grihalakshmi
★ M.G Pushpakaran Managing Director, Phoenix Trading Company,Dubai-based NRI (Philanthropist and Businessman)]
★ M.P.Paramoo Cashew exporter from Kollam.(late)
★ T.R.Raghavan Founder of Elite Group
★ T.R.Raghulal Managing Director, Elite foods
★ S.Sujathan Managing Director, CROWN maritime.
★ T K Mohandas Managing Director, Praful International,SouthEnd International.
★ K.S.Chathunny Founder of Elite Group
★ Gokulam Gopalan Founder of Gokulam Group and Gokulam Park Inn 4 star,Kochi,Chennai,Calicut.
★ Dr.Sidhan Founder of Medimix, Cuticura
★ C.Kesavan Vaidyar Founder of Chandrika Soaps.
★ M.P.Purushotaman Founder of Empee Hotels & Distilleries
★ Kattikulam Bharathan Founder of Kumar Fashions,Paris,France
★ G.Mohandas Founder of Hotel South Park & Mohandas College of Engineering,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Polakulam Narayanan Founder of 5 Star Hotel The Renaissance and Polakulam Group
★ K P Raju,NAGPUR based industrialist and founder of SL Group of Industires, as well as renowned social worker.
★ Ramesan Contractor Founder of the Rajadhani Group,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Natesan Founder of the Natesan's Antiqarts,Bangalore.Natesan's, a family of art lovers patronise master craftsmen who work their magic on bronze, stone, silver and wood to create exquisite objects d' art. For over sixty years the artifacts and authentic antiques from Natesan's have delighted connoisseurs round the world.
★ K.N.Ittaman Founder of Pyary Soaps.
★ K.N.Satyapalan (Late) KNS Hospital, Kottarakkara.
★ Kilimanoor G Chandrababu Sree Dhanya Constructions.Thiruvananthapuram.
★ Dr.Biju Ramesh Managing Director of the Rajahdhani Group and the son of Rameshan Contractor.
★ K.P.Mohan Founder of Karickal Industrial Corporation & Karickal Estate Group.
★ K.Sreekumar Founder of Quilon Consulting Engineers and contractors & Quilon Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd
★ K.Karnan Founder of Nirapara Rice
★ P.M.Nanu, MD, Bombay Chit & Finance, Mumbai
★ K.Muraleedharan, Managing Director, SFC Group of companies,Abudhabi
★ Dr.V.K. Jayakumar Founder of Sabarigiri Schools & Hospital, Anchal, Kollam.
★ M.P.Moothadath Founder of Sree Narayana Engineering Industries and main patron of the Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi Mandiram at Varkala
★ S Prince, MD, KAVYARJUN GROUP OF COMPANIES, www.imsi.biz Golden Leaf Tea, Esmart, Inflex . Kochi, Dubbai, Ajman, Muscut.
★ V.Sadasivan Prayar Oachira. Chairman & Founder of Vasukkutty Group. Coir Exporting, Hotels, Abkari.
★ Shine Gopal Founder & CEO IMark Resources
★ Ajith Balakrishnan Chairman & Founder of www.rediff.com
★ R.P.Lalaji CEO, Seaview Support Systems Pvt. Ltd. Technopark,Thiruvananthapuram
★ Damodaram, Founder RKV group,Thiruvananthapuram
★ R.Jayachandran Director, Narmada Group of Companies, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He is also a well known human rights activist and the founder-Secretary of the Civil Rights And Social Justice Society(CRSJS).
★ Rajendra Prasad POMSY Foods, Oachira, Kerala
★ V.J.Reji Vasanth Founder & CEO Mibiz Group Kerala, India
★ Pradeep Kumar, MD, Kelvin Business Forms (P) Ltd., Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
★ M.Suresh Kumar, Seagull International, Mumbai
★ Binukumar Purushothaman, Sr. Managar, mmO2 UK
★ Jugul Thachery Founder and CEO, ChaYoWo Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, promoters of the gaming portal www.gamezindia.com
★ Thadathil Raman Chekavar Velayudhan Former CEO, Coir Worker's welfare Fund Board and an astrologist
★ Manoj Karayil Thekkoott Narayanan, Founder & CEO, Polarizone Technologies, Kualalumpur
★ Prathap Suthan National Creative Director, Grey Worldwide
★ V.V .Prasad Travancore Mats and Mattings (Indias no 1 Jute Exporters
★ R.K.Krishnakumar Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Taj Group of Hotels
★ S.R.Anoop MD, Wave Online Infoway (P) Ltd, Kochi
★ V.B Binu Chairman of Oil Palm India Pvt Ltd
★ Milan Radhakrishnan- Mybra India Pvt Ltd
★ Saylien Radhakrishnan-Mybra India Pvt Ltd
★ Gopi Panicker, Noted Handloom Industrialist in Thiruvananthapuram. Padmasree Winner.
★ A P Kunhikannan, CHENNAI Based business person and founder of " Malayala kalagramam" as well as social worker.
★ N S Babu,Founder and Chairman, Bharathi Clays Pvt Ltd, Thiruvananthapuram
★ Niran VinodFreelance Graphic Designer
★ Er A Omanakuttan (Madhu, Al Ain)Founder of Al Salam Group, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Hailing from Pandanadu, Chenganoor)
Journalists
★ The late K. Sukumaran B.A Founder Editor, Kerala Kaumudi
★ Kampisseri Karunakaran Chief Editor Janayugam
★ The late A.P.Udayabhanu Associate Editor Mathrubhumi,Calicut
★ The late K. Balakrishnan Founder Editor, Kaumudi Weekly
★ N.Ramachandran Editorial Advisor, Kerala Kaumudi
★ Piravanthoor Sasidharan News Editor, Kerala Kaumudi
★ The late P. Vijayaraghavan Kerala Kaumudi
★ B R P Bhaskar, Noted TV and print media personality
★ M.S. Mani Chief Editor, Kerala Kaumudi
★ B.C.Jojo Editor, Kerala Kaumudi
★ N.R.S. Babu Editor, Kalakaumudi
★ P.M. Manoj, Desabhimani
★ R.S. Babu Bureau Chief, Desabhimani
★ Rajeev Srinivasan Columnist, [12]
★ T K Harshan Managing Director, Stark Communications; Brain behind Kerala Tourism's marketing message - 'God's own country'
★ V.Jagannathapaniker Founder EENADU news paper.
★ T Parvathy TV anchor
★ Rajeev Devaraj TV Journalist Manorama TV
★ Cynthia Chandran TV Journalist
★ Harish Govind City editor 'The Hindu'
★ K Raveendran Noted Dubai-based business journalist and columnist
★ N.RajanBabu Kollam Bureau Chief, Kerala Kaumudi
Civil servants
★ Late C.O.Madhavan Former Chief Secretary and the first (nominated) Mayor of Trivandrum. Is the elder brother of the famous Physician the late Dr. C.O.Karunakaran.
★ Late G.Raman IPS officer and former DSP of erstwhile Travancore. Is the younger brother of the famous Chief Justice late Sri. Sankaran.
★ Late N. Chandra Bhanu IAS Rtd. Former Chief Secretary, Kerala State
★ T.N.Jayachandran IAS Rtd. Former Additional Chief Secretary, Kerala state.
★ K.R.Rajan IAS Rtd. Chairman, Specialist Hospital, Ernakulam
★ Late K.S.Raghavan Former Secretary to the Government of Kerala.
★ Late PV Pavithran IPS
★ K.Ramachandran IAS Rtd. Former Secretary to Government of Kerala and Chairman Kerala Water Authority. (Is currently the Patron of Kerala Cricket Association and also the Chief organiser of the famous Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Show held annually at Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala;this is reputed to be the biggest such show in the whole of Asia). He is the second son of the famous Physician the late Dr. C.O.Karunakaran and the son-in-law of the former Government Secretary the late K.S.Ragahavan.
★ K Thrivikraman IAS (Rtd). son-in-law of late Sri W C Narayanan former district and sessions judge .
★ D.Ravi IAS Former Travancore Titanium Chairman, Idukki Collector
★ Late M. Gopalan IPS Rtd. Former IGP of Kerala and former Director of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). As Inspector General of Police of Kerala, M. Gopalan was the head of the police force in Kerala for some 5 years during which he laid down the institutional and governance framework that governs the police in Kerala up to now. He was a strong voice humanizing the police and making them subject to the rule of law. He is therefore considered to be the architect of the modern Police force in Kerala. He is the eldest son of the late C.O.Madhavan, former Chief Secretary; eldest brother of M. N. Prasad, former Chairman, Railway Board; and father of Prof. G. Mohan Gopal, Director of the National Judicial Academy of India/former Director of the National Law School of India, Bangalore
★ Late P.P.Venugopal - Retd. Dy.Supdt of Police
★ Moorkoth Mathamal Narayanan - I.P.S. Retd.- Supdt. of Police
★ S. Chandrasekharan Former DGP of AndhraPradesh, Recipient of Gold Medal from N T RamaRao
★ K.E.Rammohan Former Director General BSF
★ M.K.Bhadrakumar Former Ambassador, Turkey.
★ Padmanabhan IFS Manjula Padmnabhan is his daughter.
★ T M Manoharan IFS Chairman, KSEB, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
★ P.N.Surendran IFS (Indian Forest Service), Rtd Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
★ Dr.K.S.Sugathan IAS, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Home, Govt. of India.
★ V.R.Rajeevan Additional DGP
★ P.Vijayan Former Director General of Police Kerala.
★ Ramesh Chandra Bhanu IPS Additional DGP & currently the Transport Commissioner, Kerala State.
★ K.G.Premsankar Additional DGP
★ Jeeja Madhavan Harisingh Additional DGP, Bangalore and Second female IPS officer of India after Kiran Bedi
★ M.Sugathan IPS Rural SP, Trivandrum
★ T.P.Senkumar IPS IG
★ S.Balaji IPS UP Cadre, Member of Special Investigation Team-Rajiv Gandhi Assassination ,Native of Mayyanad, Kollam
★ Asha Thampan IPS IG, Jharkand
★ K.Jyothilal IAS Chathannoor,Kollam
★ Dr.B.Ashok IAS Now Pathanmathitta Collector
★ K.S.Money IAS Now Chairman, Agricultural and Processed foods Export Dev. Authority (APEDA), New Delhi
★ V.Madhu.IAS, 1978 Batch, Karnataka,served as Commissioner of Commercial Taxes-Karnataka, KPTCL MD, Mangalore and Hassan Deputy commissioner, Joint Secretatry Parliament secretariat, now M.D Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation. Native of Mayyanad,Kollam.(www.bmrc.co.in)
★ Palpu Sanathanan Former Ambassador, Morocco. Son of Dr. Pathmanabhan Palpu.
★ Late.Mr.T.P Gopinathan.IPS Former City Police Commissioner-Trivandrum, Native of Mayyanad,Kollam.
★ E.Sreenivasan Former Under Secretary to Govt., Puducherry
★ Deepan Bhadran IPS 2007 Batch. Native of Mayyanad in Kollam district,S/o M.KrishnaBhadran. Former Superintendent of Police,Crime Branch,Kollam
★ K.Vijayachandran FIE Former Chairman Kerala state Industrial Development Corporation,presently Chairman Cochi Policy Initiative
Military Service
★ Rtd. Air Commodore K. Ravindranath. Son of former Chief Minister of Kerala C. Kesavan and elder brother of Ex. MP K. BalakrishnanMayyanad.
★ Air Commodore Ram SreedharanHelicopter Pilot and Flying Instructor
★ Colonel Moorkoth Giridhar Thalassery
★ Lt.Colonel E.Pavithran (Retd.) Calicut.
★ Major Gen S.N.Rajan Army Service Corps, Western Command, has been awarded the President's Visisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2005. He is a native of Mayyanad in Kollam district.
★ Air Marshal S. Radhakrishnan Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of the IAF’s Training Command, Bangalore.
★ Capt.G.Narendra Former Chief Pilot Instructor, Madras Flying Club
★ Capt.N.Jai prakash Present Chief Pilot Instructor, Madras Flying Club
★ Late Capt. D. Raj kumar Former Chief Pilot Instructor, Kerala Flying Club. He died in an Air-show accident at Bangalore.S/o of ''RKV Damodharan''.
Judicial services
★ S.Padmanabha Panicker (Varanappallil) First Ezhava Magistrate
★ AyyaVu Kutti Judge
★ Justice K.Sankaran Former Chief Justice
★ Justice T.C.Raghavan Former Chief Justice
★ Justice K.Sreedharan Former Chief Justice
★ Justice Mrs K.K.Usha Former Chief Justice
★ Justice Sadashivan
★ Justice K.Sukumaran
★ Justice D.Sreedevi
★ Justice A.Lakshmikutty
★ Justice K.K.Narendran
★ Justice R. Rajendra Babu
★ Justice G.Sasidharan
★ Justice G.Sivarajan
★ Justice K.Hema
★ Justice K.R.Udayabhanu
★ Justice S. Siri Jagan,Native of Mayyanad in Kollam district
★ Justice S.Padbhnabhan
★ Justice T.V.Ramakrishnan
★ Justice C.S.Rajan
★ Late W C Narayanan BA,BL retired District judge and former chairman of minimum wages committee,kerala
★ late Atiyolil vasudevan retired District judge and son of Late Rao Sahib Atiyolil Appu
★ Late P.K.Lekshmanan Retired District judge,(MP,MLA and former Law Secretary Govt. Of Kerala)
Ministers in New Assembly
★ Shri V.S.Achuthanandan
★ Shri P.K.Gurudasan
★ Shri K.P.Rajendran
★ Shri Mullakkara Rathnakaran
★ Shri C.Divakaran
★ Shri Binoy Viswam
★ Shri E.Valsaraj - Health Minister, Puducherry
MLAs in current Legislative Assembly
★ K.V.Kungjiraman from Uduma
★ K.Kungjiraman from Trikkarpur
★ M.Prakasan from Azhicode
★ K.Sudhakaran from Cannanore
★ Kadannappally Ramachandran from Edakkad
★ P.Jayarajan from Kuthuparamba
★ K.K.Shylaja from Peravoor
★ Binoy Viswam from Nadapuram
★ K.K.Lathika from Meppayur
★ A.K.Saseendran from Balusseri
★ V.S.Achuthananandan from Malampuzha
★ A.Achuthana from Chittur
★ M.Chandran from Alathur
★ Adv.V.S.SunilKumar from Cherpu
★ A.K.Chandran from Mala
★ K.P.Rajendran from Kodungallur
★ C.M.Dineshamani from Palluruthy
★ K.Babu from Thrippunithura
★ K.K.Jayachandran from Udumbanchola
★ V.N.Vasavan from Kottayam
★ P.Thilothaman from Sherthalai
★ C.K.Sadasivan from Kayamkulam
★ K.C.Rajagopal from Aranmula
★ Adoor Prakash from Konni
★ Mullakkara Rathnakaran from Chadayamangalam
★ C.Divakaran from Karunagapally
★ P.Gurdasan from Quilon
★ Adv.N.Anirudhan from Chathanoor
★ Anathalavattom Anandan from Attingal
★ J.Arundhathy from Vamanapuram
★ E.Valsaraj from Mahe (Puducherry State)
MPs in the Indian Parliament
★ Vayalar Ravi Rajyasabha MP And Centre Minister
★ A.Vijayaraghavan Rajyasabha MP
★ P.R.Rajan Rajyasabha MP
★ Varkala Radhakrishnan from Chirayinkeezhu
★ C.K.Chandrappan from Thrissur. Son of Late CPI leader C.K. Kumara Panicker (Vayalar Stalin)
★ N.N.Krishnadas from Palakkadu
★ P.Karunakaran from Kasarcode
★ Sathi Devi
References
1. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia.Page 27
2. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia.Page 27
3. Alummuttil
4. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia.Page 27
5. Alummuttil
6. Travancore State Manual
7. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia.Page 27
8. Alummuttil
9. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia Page 27
10. Alummuttil
11. Social Mobility In Kerala: Modernity and Identity in Conflict P 156 to 158
12. Communism in Kerala: A Study in Political Adaptation, P 22
13. Journal of Asian and African Studies Page 35
14. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia
15. Journal of Asian and African Studies Page 35
16. Religion and Social Conflict in South Asia
Other References
Books
# ''Malabar Manual'' by William Logan
# ''The Social History of India'' by S. N. Sadasivan
# ''Keralacharitra Patdanangal'' by Velayudhan Panikkaserry
# ''Buddhism in Kerala'' by PC Alexander
Websites
# Malikappurathamma
# Ambanattu Panikkar Varavu
# Ambanattu Panikkar Varavu
# Ambanattu Panikkar Varavu
# Ampalappuzha
# Valabhasseril and Panthalam Kingdom
# Thiruvalla Name
# Soorya vamsajar of Travancore
# Kesevan Vaidyar
# cholayil Family
# vallabhassery Family
# Alummoottil Website
# kaumudi global
# History and culture of Kerala
# Traditional Arts
# Aivar Kali
# Pichanaattu Kuruppanmar
# Moplah Rebellion
# List Famous Ezhava Tharavadus
# Guru about Samudayam
# Cheerappanchira Tharavad temple website
# Cheerappanchira Tharavad webiste
# Origin of Ezhavas
# Successes and failures of the Kerala Model
# Varma Kalari
External links
# SNDP
# Ezhava Net
# Ezhava Website
# SNA
See also
★ Channar An warrior section of ezhava
★ Chekavar An warrior section of ezhava
★ Billava A Tulu and A Malayalam community
★ Goud or Ediga A Telugu community
★ Ediga or Idiga A kannada community. Also called Deevaru in karanataka.
★ Iluvar A Tamil community from Tamil Nadu
★ Nalavar A Tamil community from Srilanka and not found in Tamil Nadu
★ Durave Srilankan Ezhava community speaks simhala
★ Nadar caste Nadar caste of Tamil Nadu.
★ Namadari caste of Central India.
★ Bhandari caste A Marathi community
This article provided by Wikipedia. To edit the contents of this article, click here for original source.
psst.. try this: add to faves
