V. Nagam Aiya THE TRAVANCORE STATE MANUAL Vol.II First edition 1906 , New edition1999

Contents / Velu Thampi's Proclamation.

Chapter VII

Census And Population

Previous Census, page 1.Census of 1901,3. Population Generally, 4. Movement of population, 4-Absence of uniformity in the rates of increase among the censuses of 1875,1881,1891 and 1901, 5-The chief causes of fluctuations in populations, 5-The census of 1901 examined, 8. Density, 15. Towns, Villages And Houses, 15. Immigration And Emigration, 18. Religion, Sect And  Caste, 18-Population by religion, 18-Sects, 20-Caste, 21.Language, 22.Age, Sex And Civil condition, 24-Sex, 28-Civil condition, 30. Literacy, 32. Occupation. 35. Concluding Remarks,36
pp.1-36

Chapter VIII
Religion

General Remarks,page 37. Return Of Religions. 38

Section A. Hinduism
Introductory,page 39.Animism, 39.Hinduism Proper, 41-The Cosmopolitan nature of Hinduism, 42-Definition of Hinduism, 43-Hinduism is synonymous with orthodox Brahminism, 43-The development of modern Hinduism, 43. The Vedas and Other Hindu Scripture, 45. Hindu worship, 49-Toleration in the worsip of the Trimurtis in Travancore, 49-Brahma, 49-Vishnu. 50-Siva, 50-Tutelary deities 51:-Ganesa or Vighneswara, 51; Subrahmanya, 52;Sasta or Ayyappan, 53; Bhagvati, & c., 53-Demon-worship, worship of inferior deities, &c., 55-Worship of animals and plants, 57-Serpant Kavus, 59-Mantravadams, 62-Is Hinduism idolatory?,69. Hindu Orthodoxy. 70. Hindu Pagodas, 71-Puja in a West Coast temple, 73-Temple Architecture, 78-List of the important Hindu Pagodas in Travancore. 78- Their description, 90-Suchindram pagoda, 80-Sri Padmanabha’s temple at Trivandrum, 82-Varkala temple, 86-Vaikam temple, 87-Ettumanur temple, 88-Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin, 88-Sarkara temple, 89-Chengannur temple, 89-Shertallay temple, 90-Uralikunnam temple, 92-Takazhi temple, 92-Tiruvattar temple, 95-Koikkal temple, 95-Kadakkal temple, 95-Kodungalur temple, 95.Sects And Sectarianism, 95. Sri Sankaracharya The Great Reformer, 96.Hindu Fasts and Festivals,102. Hindu Moral Code. 103, Transmigration And Law of Karma, 103. Hindu Culture, 104

Section B. Mahomedanism
Introduction of Islam, page 110. Their Characteristics, 111. Their Religion, 111               pp.110-113 Section C.Christianity


Prefatory Note, page 114-The importance of  the subject of Christianity in Travancore, 114-Why is Travancore more Christian than the neighbouring British provinces?, 115- The great religious tolerance of the kings of  Travancore as testified to by the verdict of  distinguished Anglo-Indian observers,116-The work of the Christian mission in Travancore, 117-Its success a credit to the rulers of Travancore,119-Petty dissensions among the Christian Sects,119-The Elunuttikars and the Anjuttikars,119-Some supplementary notes to Mr.Mackenzie’s account of Christianity in Travancore, 122:-(a) Four important landmark in the history of early Christianity:-i. The Apostolic origin of the Nestorian Christians, 122;ii. The existence of Nestorian influence in Travancore, 123;iii. The synod of Diamper; 123; iv. The swearing at the Coonan Cross, 125; (b) Commentaries on the Copper-plate documents mentioned by Mr.Mackenzie,126; (c) The Northerners and the Southerners, 127; (d) The Jacobites and the Mar Thoma Christians, 128; (e) Mr. Mackenzie’s story of the martyrdom of Devasahayam,129; (f) The Yuyomayans, 130
pp.114-134

History of Christianity in Travancore, as contributed by G.T.Mackenzie Esq.,I.C.S., (Late British Resident in Travancore and Cochin): Introductory,135. The Ancient Church, 136. The Portuguese Period, 148. The Dutch Period,187. Cranganore, 192. The Carmelite Mission, 193. Portuguese Patronage,201. The Separated Syrians,202. Episode Of The Nestorian Bishop Gabriel,203. The English Period,211. Church Missionary Society, 220. The London Missionary Society,221.Salvation Army,222. Recent Sects,222
pp.135-223

Section D.Minor Religions
Buddhism,page 224-Chitaral,224-Madavurpara,225. The Jews,226.
pp.224-227

Chapter IX

Caste

Introduction, page 228-Caste in the Rig Veda, 231-Caste in the Sama Veda, 231-Caste in the Yajur Veda, 232-Caste in the Atharva Veda, 232-Caste in the Brahmanas, 232-Caste in the Upanishads, 233-Caste in the Sutras, 233-Caste in the Epics, 234-Caste in the Smritis, 237-Caste in the Puranas. 238- The Buddhitic Writings, 238-The Greek accounts, 239-Opinions of modern scholars, 239    pp.228-245

Cast72-Amusements and recreations. Language, pronunciation and names, 275-The Murajapam ceremony,275-Other details,284; ii.Pottis, 286; iii. The Non-Malayala Or Pardesa Brahmins. 288-Origin and designation,288-Number and distribution,288-Divisions. 288-Appearance, Dress and Ornaments, 288-Food and Drink, 292-Religion. 292-Ceremonies and observances, 294-Customs and usages, 297-Social intercourse,298-Other customs and usages, 302-Fasts, feasts and festivals, 304-A list of some of  the important fasts, feasts and festivals. 306-Their description, 307-Hindu Charity, 314-Occupation,317-Language and Education.3.17Aryapattars.317.Pattattiyars, 318. The Malayala Kshatriyas, 319:-i. The Koil Tampurans. 319-History, 319-Manners and Customs. 321-Ceremonies, 321-General Remarks, 322; ii.Rajahs, 322-History, 323-Manners,customs and ceremonies,324-General Remarks, 325, iii. Tampans and Tirumulpads, 325. Nambidis, 325-Origin and caste derivation, 325-Customs and manners,326.Muttatu, 326. Ilayatu, 327, Kodipattars, 328. Aris, 329.The Ambalavasis-Origin, 329-Subdivisions,330-Occupation,331-Social and religious ceremonies, 331-Inheritance,331:-i. Chakkiyars-Origin and Caste derivation, 332-Manners, customs and ceremonies, 332-Occupation, 332, ii. Nambiyars, 334. iii. Adikal. 335, iv.Pilappallil, 336; es In Travancore, page 245 :Brahmins in General,247 :-i.Nambudiris, 247-Origin and Caste derivation, 248-Subdivisions, 248-General Apperance. 251-Dress, 252-Ornaments, 252-Food and Drink, 253-Residence, 253-Chief Ceremonies, 255-Religious worship and festivals, 264-Sorcery and witchcraft.265-Inheritance, 265-Adoption, 265-Customs and manners in general, 266-Caste Government, 271-Samarta Vicharam, 2

v. Pisharati,336-Origin and caste  derivation, 336-Ceremonials; manners and customs,337;vi. Variyar, 338-Origin and caste derivation, 338-Subdivisions, 339-Manners and customs, 339; vii. Nattupattans or Pattarunnis, 340: viii. Tiyattunnis, 342; ix. Kurukkals, 341-Origin, 341-Manners and customs. 342-Ceremonials, 343-Inheritance, 343-Occupation, 344; x.Potuvals.344.Samantas-Origin, 344-Subdivisions, 345-Manners and Customs, 345. Nayars,345-General remarks,345-Number and distribution, 347-Origin and caste derivation, 347-Subdivisions,348-General appearance, 350-Dress and Ornaments, 350-Food and Drink, 352-Customs and ceremonies, 352-Law if Inheritance, 362-National Festivals, 364-Amusements and Recreations, 367-Names, 367-Titles of Distinction, 368.Marans 369-Subdivisions, 369-Manners and customs, 370-Occupation 370.Krishnanvagakkars, 370-Origin, 370-Manners, customs and ceremonies, 371. Nanjanad Vellalars, 372-Nanjanad and its colonization, 372-History, 373-Marriage among the Nanjanad Vellalars. 375-Funeral ceremonies, 376-Social organization and law of inheritance. 377-Caste and social status, 378-Place of residence,379-Dress and Ornaments,379-Food and drink, 379-The land revenue system in Nanjanad, 379. Pattaryars-Origin and social status, 380-Caste. 382-Subdivisions, 382-Religion, customs and festival,382-Marriage, 383-Law of Inheritance,382-Occupation, 383-Food and Drink, 383-Language and Education, 383-Places of Residence,383.Dasis,383. Konkani Brahmins-Origin, designation, number and distribution. 385-Appearance, dress and ornaments.386-Religion,386-Marriage and other ceremonies,386-Caste Organisation. 387-Occupation,387-Language and Education.387-Condition and status,388. Kudumi Chettis, 388 Kammalars,388:-i.Tamil Kammalars,389-Origin and name,389-Religion and Worship,389-Marriage,389-Funeral rites,390 Food and drink, 390-Manners and customs, 390-Inheritance and Language,390;ii,Malayalam Kammalars, 390-Subdivisions,394-Marriage 394-Inheritance,395-Religion, 395-Customs and ceremonies,395-Occupation, 397-Language and education, 398-Condition and Status, 398 Food and Drink, 398-Distribution, 398. Izhavas-Origin,number and distribution, 398-Divisions, 399-Religions and Ceremonies,399-Customs and usages,400-Social Organisation, 400-Appearance, dress and ornaments,401-Food and Drink, 401-Occupation, 401-Language and Education, 402,Kuravars,402.Pariahs-Origin and designation, 402-Appearance, dress and ornaments,403-Occupation,403-Education and Status,403-Population,403. Pulayas,403-Origin and Designation, 403-Divisions,404-Appearnce , dress and ornaments, 404-Religion and ceremonies, 404-Customs and observances, 406-Caste organization,406-Food and Drink, 406-Occupation, 406-General remarks, 407. Hill Tribes,407:-i.Kanikkars,407-Origin, 407-Dress, 408-Ornaments,408-Habitation,408-Language,409-Food and Dirnk,409-Government,409-Occupation,409-Marriage,410-Funeral rites,411-Inheritance,411-Religion,.411-Habits and customs,411-General remarks,412-Population, 412;ii.Uralis-Origin,412-Personal apperance, 413-Dress and ornaments, 413-Food and Drink,414-Marriage,414-Religion and Worship, 414-Customs and ceremonies,414-Funeral rites, 415-Inheritance and Occupation,415-Language and Education.,416-Character,416-Population,417;iv.Hill Pandarms, 417;v.Mannans,417-Dress and Ornaments,418-Food and Drink,418-Ceremonies,418-General remarks,418-Population, 418;vi.Mutuvans-Origin,418-Dress and Ornaments,419-Ceremonies,419-General remarks,419-Population,419:vii.Malayarayans,419       pp.245-420

Chapter X

Malayalam Language And Literature

Malayalam Language, page 421-Origin and development,421-Modern Malayalam,424. History of Literature,425-Earliest forms of Malayalam Poetry,425-Malayalam poetry of the Sanskrit type,426-Account of Malayalam Authors and their works,426:-Sanskrit writers of the Malayalam period in Kerala.426-Malayalam poets of the old Malayalam period,426-Poets of the middle Malayalam period,426,:-The author of  Ramacharitham, 427-Ayyippilla Asan, 427-Vasu Bhattatiri, 427-Manavedan Raja of Calicut,427-Kannassa Panikkar,428-Talakkulattu Bhattatiri,429-Cherusseri Namburi,429-The Raja of Kottarakara the originator of Kathakalipattu, 429-Authors of the modern Malayalam period, 430:- Kakkasseri Bhattatiri, 430-Tunchattu Ramanujan Ezhuttachan,430-Puntanam Namburi,432-Achyuta Pisharadi of Trikkantiyur,432-Narayana Bhattatiri of Melpattur.432-Karunakaran Ezuttachchan and Suryanarayanan Ezuttachchan,433-Kottur Unnitta,433-Kerala Varma Rajah(the warrior poet), 433-Kottayatu Tampuran of Attakkatha fame,434-Mazhamangalam Namburi and his contemporary Malayalam poets,434-Kartika Tirunal Maharajah of Trvancore,434-Asvati Tirunal Tampuran,435-Kalakkattu Kunjan Nambiyar, 435-Mantavappallil Ittirarissa Menon, 436-Unnayivariyar, 436-Kallakkulangara Raghava Pisharadi,436-Katiyangulam Suppu Menon 437-Ramapurattu Variyar the originator of Vanchipattu,437-Swati Tirunal Maharajah Of Travancore, 437-Vidvan Koil Tampuram,437-Ravi Varman Tampi,437-Ezhupattu Nanoo Kutti Menon,438-Ilattur Ramswami Sastrial,438-Kovunni Nedungadi(a grammarian),438-Other modern Malayalam Authors,poets and prose writers,438-Dr.Gundert,441-Concluding Remarks,441-Specimens from Melpattur Narayana Bhattatiri’s Narayaniyam,441           pp.421-442

Chapter XI

Education

History, page 443.Missionary Enterprise, 445. Government Efforts,447-English Education,447:-The establishment of the Rajah’s free School,; The development of the free school into a college,448;Introduction of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy,Advanced Chemistry etc., in the B.A. Classes,449-Observations on higher education in Travancore,449-District Schools,452-Vernacular education,453-Central and Taluq Schools,455-Grant-in-aid for Vernacular Schools, 455-Porverty Schools,456.Early Administration,457.Reforms of 1894,458-Administrative and inspectional control,458-Grant-in-Aid,458.Subsequent Changes in 1902,459-Free education,459, Educational Institutions, 459-General, 459-Grades, 460-Agencies,461-Special,461:-Normal Schools, 462-Sanskrit college and schools, 463-The Law college,464-The Reformatory School, 466-Public Lecture Committee,467-The Agricultural Demonstration Farm,467.Progress of Education,469.Education By Classes,471.Female Education,472-Introductory,472-Establishment of Girl’s Schools by Missionaries,474-Government Help,475-Later Mission Schools,476-Concluding Remarks,477.Primary Education,478.Education of the backward classes,480.Technical Education,484.Scholarships and Prizes 488.Government Control, 490-Grant-In-Aid, 491, General Remarks, 492. The Printing Presses, 493. Publications, 495-Government Publications,495-Private Publications,496 pp.443-496

Chapter XII
Public  Health

Classification,Pge 498.(a) Vital Statistics,.498-The importance of vital Statistics,. 498-Organisation of a department for Vaccination, Vital Statistics and Sanitation,. 499-Birth rate, 501-Death-rate, 502-Causes of death, 503:- Prevalent diseases,. 503: Fever, 504; Smallpox,506;Anaemia, Diarrhoea, &c.,507;Elephantiasis, 508-Statistics,508-Infirmities, 522,(b)Vaccination,524-Progress of Vaccination,526.(c) Conservancy And General Sanitation,532,. (d) Medical Relief,. 536-Hospitals and dispensaries,.536-The Medical Department,536-History,537-Present Staff of the department, 541-Special Institutions,543:-The Lunatic Asylum,. 543; The Leper Asylum,544; the veterinary hospital, 544-Aided institutions,. 544-Native Medicine, 547:-Ayurveda, 548; Ashtangahridayam, 549;Different Schools of Medicine,551;Vayakkara Musu, 554; Chintamani, 557;  Hindu diet,. 558;  Hindu Surgery, 563; Prescriptions,. 566:- i.Balasvagandhdi oil,566-ii.Ksheerabala yogam,.567-iii. A decoction for biliousness, 567-iv. Bilvadi Lehyam, 568-Diets,.568:-Hard diet,569-Mean diet, 569-Ordinary or optional diet, 570-Everyday diet, 570-Aftersupper diet,. 570    pp.498-570

(Travancore State Manual -Vol. 1 pp.434-36)


 From Quilon Velu Thampi went to Kundara, where he issued the following proclamation to the people of Travancore, under date the1st Makaram 984 M.E (January 1809 A.D):–

"Whereas it is highly desirable to impress in the minds of the nobles, Brahmans, officers of the State, Sudras, and all other classes of the nation, a clear idea of the nature and probable results of the measure now resolved upon as necessitated by the present critical occasion in which it is inevitable that Travancore cannot maintain itself unless its utmost energies are put forth, it is hereby promulgated:

"That, never has this state been disturbed with any troubles nor subjected to question during several thousand years comprising the period from the foundation of Malabar and Travancore by Parasu Ramen up to the close of Cheraman Perumal's reign , nor during the  sovereignty of the succeeding Thripada * Swaroopam Dynasty.

" That, the Maharajah who died in 933 M.E foreseeing the evil days to come, and that his successor will not be able to keep the land, entrusted to their care safe from harm, made a gift of it, in due form (with flower and water) To Sree Padmanabha Swamy , and the country was to be governed by the succeeding Rajahs as the representatives of Padmanabha Swamy. In keeping within such a position, they preferred the practice of religious rites, austerities, to the personal enjoyment of worldly pleasure, and were always bent on upon the welfare and happiness of the subjects; and in order that the virtues and benefit accruing from such observance may always continue unabated, they initiated several religious ceremonies and practices for securing divine favour, established Bhadradeepam, Murajapam, sathrams or feeding houses, &c. Every one knows that it is for these reasons that in the present Kaliyuga there is not a single country from the Himalayas down to Cape Comorin Which can rival Travancore as a land of charity. When Mohamed Ali had subdued and established his power at Arcot, Trichinopoly and the Deccan, it was stipulated that Travancore should send him an annual Nuzoor of (6,000) six thousand Rupees and an elephant to preserve friendly relation with him, and the country has not been interfered with by any power. While the land was thus in peace and tranquillity, two great powers appeared, Tippoo Sultan and the English East India Company. . It was believed that of the two , the English East India Company was more to be relied on, and that they would not betray their trust, and in view to secure their friendship and assistance a very long time ago, they were allowed to build a fort and to establish themselves at Anjengo, and this led to hostilities breaking out with Tippoo Sultan, but we have known to our cost how our trust was betrayed, and friendliness taken advantage of to bring harm upon us by this very English nation, who, as is well known to the whole world, is unequal for base ingratitude and treachery. Now see, what they have done. They gradually curtailed the power of the Nabob who gave them shelter and helped them so much towards attaining their present importance, till they had destroyed his dynasty entirely and taken away his territories; next they laid hold of the neighbouring countries which were enjoying peace and comfort until at last the lights of their dwellings were extinguished, and themselves plunged into misery, and following up their treacherous inclination the English came over to Travancore; first, by craft, and then forcibly, they have taken steps to exterminate us from our land. We shall briefly mention here a few steps pursued by them: When Tippoo Sultan made war upon us, we sought their aid against him; they treacherously got out of us, taking advantage of our exigency, ten lacs of pagodas in return for the promised help. After this, partly by craft and partly by threats, they stipulated that we should pay them an annual subsidy of six lacs of Rupees promising that at the same time that so long as Travancore and the English nation existed they would not ask for a chuckrum over and above the said sum, nor interfere with any act, however unimportant of the Travancore Government, and these terms were solemnly ratified in writing by the treaty of the year 968. While Travncore had been faithfully adhering to fulfill in all integrity the terms of the treaty, the English in violation of it, sent a resident to reside here, and stationed three of their Regiments at Quilon, and like giving milk to a serpent, the government had to build at its own cost barracks and dwelling-houses for the men of the Regiments, and in addition to put u[p to this day with all the acts of violence practiced by them. A little after, in Makaram 980 the English Government demanded that two lacs of Rupees should be annually paid, beyond the sum stipulated before, and threatened in failure of this extra requisition being paid, to make war upon us, and actually brought down several pieces of canon into different parts of the country. Seeing no other means of getting over the difficult position, the government of his Highness yielded to the impending calamitous fate and paid the extra two lacs also. But the English government was not satisfied even with all these concessions, and the point they next assumed reached the unreasonable and unwarrantable climax, of requiring the abolition of all religious and charitable institutions, and the disbanding of the armies of the country and payment to themselves of the money that would be saved there by; it was required further that the Resident, colonel Macaulay, should be consulted and communicated with in all matters connected with the government of His Highness' territories. I reply, the English Government was respectfully informed that according to the constitution of this country these demands could not be complied with, and our humbling ourselves to the very ground was of no avail. The English Government was inexorable, as we have been always opposed to these measures, and had taken active steps against them; we got a letter in Dhanu last from the English East India Company requesting us to resign our posts and to quit Travancore, along with the whole of our family and some of the official who had joined us, and to reside in the British Territory, and we were promised in the event of our complying with the request that every mark of respect and honour would be paid to us, the Resident, Colonel Macaulay, thereafter intending to introduce reforms, and practically administer the Government. We were at the same time informed that we should be the cause of the war being declared, in case we delayed to agree to the conditions stated in the letter, the contents of which we were required to bring at once to the notice of His Highness the Maharajah. We did not hesitate to reply that we should not, even should our refusal cost our life, be guilty of such treason to our sovereign and country, and once for all spurned the proposals made to us. The Resident, Colonel Macaulay, thereupon and without having the slightest consideration or respect for the sovereign of Travancore or giving the least intimation, brought by the sea and landed a number of European soldiers to Quilon and shipped back all European women and children that were there, with all their property, and unjustly commenced war with Travancore. It had never before been nor is it now our intention to break out intowar with the English. But now that they have begun the war, if new do not adopt prompt measures in our defenses or on gaining the first success, if we do not at once avail ourselves of them  to follow up would be that hardships would befall us such as not a single soul in this country would be able to bear and pass his days. We shall give a few instances of those hardships and miseries.

" It is the nature of the English nation to get possession of countries by treacherous means, and should they obtain ascendancy in Travancore, they will put their own guards in the palaces, Sircar buildings, and the fort gates, destroy the royal seal, do away with honorific palanquins, and other distinguishing marks, suppress the brahmanical communities and worship in pagodas, make monopolies of salt and every thing, measure up and assert themselves absolute owners of waste lands, impose exorbitant taxes on paddy lands, coconut trees,&.c., get low class people to inflict heavy punishments for slight faults, put up crosses and Christian flags in pagodas, compel intermarriages with Brahman women without reference to caste or creed, and practice all the unjust and unlawful things which characterize Kaliyuga.

"Let us therefore exert ourselves to keep off impending calamities such as those we sketched above, and endeavour so far as lies in our power that no disparagement discredit may be imputed to us guarding our homes, the charitable institutions, and the manners and customs of our land. The rest, of course, we must leave to the divine will. These measures which we have enumerated are incumbent upon us to adopt to defend ourselves against the action taken by the English."*