History
of the Maliakkal Family
Niranam (Maliakkal)
Maliakkal Vishnu Nambudiri from the Maliakkal Illam (Kudumbham) in Niranam, Travancore (part of modern-day Kerala). He was a young businessman, who had traveled to Kodungallur for business purposes. At the same time, the Apostle Thomas landed at the port in Kodungallur, (ancient Muziris) to be the Chief Carpenter for King Gondophares’ palace (see Act of Thoma).
According to historians, Apostle Thomas stayed in Kodungallur for eight days, before his departure for the meeting of King Gondophares. During that time, St. Thomas started to preach the ‘Good News’ about the miraculous healing of ‘Christ’ and the kingdom of God. Maliakkal Vishnu Nambudiri witnessed a few of the miracles of Apostle Thomas and was convinced to become a follower of Christ. Consequently, in 52 AD he accepted Christ as his God, became the first Brahmin who accepted Christian faith, and changed his name to ‘Maliakkal Thoma’ (after Apostle Thomas) during his baptism. Then, he returned to his Illam in Niranam.
Maliakkal Thoma’s family learned about his conversion and decided to dishonor him from family and other Illam (Kudumbham) duties. After the Apostle Thomas left ‘Kodungallur’ to meet King Gondophares, Maliakkal Thoma returned to Kodungallur and waited for Apostle Thomas’ return, with whom he lived after his baptism and travelled with the Apostle. (see Orthodox Christianity in India by Dr. C V Cherian).
A few years later when Apostle Thomas returned, they both started missionary work together in Niranam where Maliakkal Kudumbham was located. Besides Maliakkal Vishnu Nambudiri, they converted three other Brahmana families in Niranam (Thayil Family, Thoppil family, Pattamukkil Family). They built a church in Niranam and named it after the mother of Jesus (today it is known as St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church). The Apostle Thomas with Maliakkal Thoma traveled to Chayal (today’s Nilakkal) and started sharing the ‘Good News’. Maliakkal Thoma was raised to be a priest and was later was given the title “Ramban” by Apostle Thomas. Maliakkal Illam was one of the most well-known Brahmana families in the village of Paleshvaram in Niranam (see Apostolate & Martyrdom of St. Thomas by V. C. George).
Before leaving Chayal (Nilakkal), the Apostle Thomas ordained and gave the authority to Maliakkal Thoma to ordain other priests. Maliakkal Thoma decided to settle in Chayal (Nilakkal) and planned to spread the ‘Good News’ to those whom he had contacted. Many accepted the newly found faith. He got married and had a son and named Thoma l (after Apostle Thomas). He trained his son to priesthood, and his son became Thoma Ramban l. This Thoma Ramban l, learned the activities, miracles, and the good news from his father, who learned from the Apostle Thomas. He became a very faithful devotee of Apostle Thomas and Lord “Christ”. The community built a church in Chayal (Nilakkal), and he became the priest of the Church.
Eventually, Thoma Ramban I started to educate his family’s future generations the lessons and teachings in a song format. He taught the traditions, practices, and customs to his family, and in turn, they passed on the same to their children. Finally, generations later, in AD 1601 another Maliakkal Ramban Thoma II documented those oral traditions, customs & practices (see video on the right). Today it is known as “Ramban Pattu’ or “Thoma Parvum”. (see Orthodox Christianity in India by Dr. C V Cherian).
The words in the songs give an account of Thomas the Apostle's purported evangelical work in India in the First Century.
“Ramban Pattu” was originally composed by the first disciple of the Mar Thoma Sleeha in Malabar. The current form is possibly a 16th-century reinterpretation by Thoma Ramban ll, Maliakkal, the 48th in a hereditary line of priests.
*Note: Maliakkal family is indebted to the providers, producers, and presenters of "Ramban Pattu".
For more information, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJNXuVsTLP8.
*Note: Maliakkal family is indebted to the providers, producers, and presenters of "The Mother Church" documentary (The Niranam Church).
In the year AD 1341, there was a great flood that destroyed the port of Muziris (Kodungallur). The ancient port town of Muziris on the Malabar Coast was destroyed by a Periyar in Spate. In August of 1341, the prized archaeological remains of this legendary trading post nearly met with the same fate, report S. Anandan and Shyama Rajagopal (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/remembrance-of-floods- past/article25074532.ece).
Quest for Peace (Maramon)
Maliakkal Thoma Ramban family continued their successful priesthood work in Chayal (Nilackal) through the 12th century till the aggression of “ Vackrapuli” and “Perumpatta” from the Pandya Kingdom. They destroyed the Chayal (Nilakkal) village & the Church that was built by Apostle Thomas.
Because of the continued aggression of the Muslim and Hindava mercenaries, Maliakkal Family decided to resettle in “Thekkumkoor Kingship” in a place on the bank of Pampa River. They lived among Hindava in harmony with Christian Love. They attended the Niranam Church for Sunday Worship. During the monsoon season, the Hindu Temple was underwater. It was Maliakkal Thoma Ramban who assisted the Thekumkoor king in the building of a protective wall around the famous Aranmula “Parthasarathi” Temple. The dirt required for the reconstruction of the Temple wall was donated from Maliakkal property.
That property became ‘Maramon’, where world famous Maramon Convention was originated.
As gratitude for their assistance, Thekkumkoor Raja ‘Rajaashekaran ‘ inscribed on a copper plate and gave to Maliakkal family tax-free 1000 Acres of Paddy field, 90 Acres of Seed field, and 960 Acres of vacant Timber Land. (see Maliakkal Kudumbham History)
Maliakkal St. Mary’s Church in Maramon built in AD 1440
Today it is occupied by Marthoma Syrians of Martomites.
The Maliakkal family attended regularly Sunday worship at the Niranam Church by boat from Maliakkal Illam in Maramon, west of Pampa River near Aranmula. One Sunday, Maliakkal Achiyamma went for the Sunday worship at Niranam Church by boat. She got the Church late and her usual seat was occupied by another lady and the lady refused to vacate the seat. With regret, Achiyamma returned to her Illam and informed her husband (Maliakkal Tharakan) of the incident and claimed that she will not go back to the church until they had their own church in their village (Maramon).
Maliakkal Tharakan built a Church in Maramon next to their Illam in the year AD 1440 on August 28 and named Maliakkal St. Mary’s Church. (see Marthomite Church Directory of 1969 Page 300). Maliakkal Tharakan has conducted all the religious & spiritual functions at the Maliakkal Church for the attendees because he was an ordained priest.
Maliakkal family started to practice Christian Love, consequently, many families took the baptism and started to attend the Maliakkal Church in Maramon. Because of Maliakkal Tharakan’s lifestyle and Christian love, Kulathakkal Illam's head “Ramaru Nambudiri” took baptism and started to attend the Maliakkal Church. (see Kulathakkal Kudumbham History Page 22)
Malankara Metropolitan Martoma Xll
(HG Philipose Mar Dionysus lV
AD 1825 through AD 1852)
Maliakkal became very successful in farming & business and church activities. Once Maliakkal Achyamma told one of her relatives that one can remove all the sands from “Pampa” River and reach the bottom, but it is impossible to see the bottom of my Paddy storehouses. She became arrogant and started to forget the source of her blessing. There were rumors that Achiyamma has a ‘Golden Rope’ to take water from the well. They were so rich that they forgot the source of their wealth.
The Great Exodus (Purappade) From Maramon
In the middle of the16th century, a great ‘Plague’ (Pandemic) killed many members of the Maliakkal family; they decided to move to another part of the Thekkumkoor Kingdom. The Real Exodus of the Maliakkal family started in the middle of the 16th century from Maramon (Aranmula) to neighboring places for farming and business.
Rev. Fr. Anjilimottil Philipose was elected as the Metropolitan of Malankara Orthodox Church in 1825. He was ordained as ‘ Philipose Mar Dionysus lV ‘ on August 27, 1825. HG took the title Metropolitan ‘ Marthoma Xll ‘
His Grace was the son of Kunjandy Mathen Tharakan of Padanilam Kudumbham, Cheppad and Annamma of Maliakkal Kudumbham, Maramon.
His Grace was the head of Malankara Orthodox Church from August 27, 1825 till His Grace voluntarily retired in 1852.
During HG‘s period Malankara Orthodox Church was in religious turmoil. One group supported the “Antiochean” governing, another group supported ‘Anglican reformed’ governing, and a third group supported ‘autocephalous’ governing. HG supported that Malankara Orthodox Church should remain an ‘autocephalous’ Christian Community. Being a peace loving non autocrat HG decided to spent the old age in prayers that praises Lord Christ.
It is important to note that Malankara Orthodox Church today an ‘Autocephalous’ Christian Community.
1–a) Chakkalayil (Kuttemperoor)
Sometime during the early part of the 16th century, Thoma Mathai and his brother left Maliakkal from ‘Maramon’ by boat. The uncontrollable wind turned the boat to southward from the ‘Pampa River’ and reached near ‘Kuttemperoor’ bank. There were no inhabitants near to the bank, so they pulled their boat and settled on the East side of the river. They decided to live north and south of the vacant land on the bank of the river in Kuttemperoor (see kuttemperoor.com).
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However Maliakkal - Chakkalayil –Kochukattil families maintained their Christian faith as they learned from their forefathers. They remained in the ‘Original’ Christian faith and started to attend by foot the St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Puthiyacavu, near Mavelikara. A few centuries later, because of the distance Maliakkal - Chakkalayil – Kochukattil families started to attend Thonackadu St. George Orthodox Church, in Thonackadu, near Peringilipuram.
Maliakkal - Chakkalayil – Kochukattil family grew to 50 families; they felt the need for their own church. Though they were farmers living amid Hindava, several decades later in the early 1900s, four members of the family felt the need to build a church of their own near their families.
Chakkalayil – Mulavan- Kochukattil (St. George Orthodox Church) built in AD 1931
In May of AD 1931, the four members of the family (Mathen Oommen of Muttattinkara (founder of Kochukattil Kudumbham), brother Mathen Mathai of Malayil (founder of Mulavan Kudumbham), Cousin Geevarghese Thomas of Chakkalayil, Ennakkad and his brother Thomas Thomas of Chakkalayil Ennakkad took the initiative to build a chapel and named St. George Orthodox Church in Ennakkad – Peringilipuram. (see St. George Orthodox Church Land Deed).
Kuttemperoor
Sometime during the early part of the 16th century, Mathen Thoma and his brother left Maliakkal from ‘Maramon’ by boat. The uncontrollable wind turned the boat to southward from the ‘Pampa River’ and reached near ‘Kuttemperoor’ bank. There were no inhabitants near to the bank, so they pulled their boat and settled on the East side of the river. They decided to live north and south of the vacant land on the bank of Kuttemperoor. (see Chakkalayil.com)
1-b) Kuttemperoor - Chakkalayil Changanasery
Before the arrival of ‘Ennakkad Raja, a family from chakkalayil kudumbham moved to Changanassery for business purposes. They established the “Kuttemperoor Chakkalayil” family in Changanassery. Eventually, they accepted the Catholic faith (see chakkalayil.com).
Ennakkad
Thoma Mathai and his brother left Maliakkal from Maramon and reached Kuttemperoor’s bank. They decided to live North and South of the vacant land on the side of the River. Eventually, several decades later, they named that property on the South “Chakkalayil” and the North property is known as ‘Chakkalayil – Vadakkethil’. During ‘Tipu Sultan’s conquest to ‘Malabar’, Ennakkad Raja from his kingdom and became a refuge of ‘Veanadu” Raja, who allowed the Ennakkad Raja (see ennakkad.com) and his followers to settle in ‘Kuttemperoor East’. They named their dwelling place “Ennakkad”
1-c) Valliath Kudumbham –Ennakkad (see chakkalayil.com)
1-d) Vadakekattil Kudumbham – Ennakkad (see chakkalayil.com)
1-e) Mulavana Kudumbham – Peringilipuram (see chakkalayil.com)
1- f) Muttattinkara Kudumbham – Ennakkad (see chakkalayil.com)
1-g) Kochukattil Kudumbham (Ennakkad)
In AD 1700s, Mathai Thoma from Valliath Kudumbham, part of Chakkalayil Kudumbham got married and settled in Vadakekattil Kudumbham. One of his sons, Mathai Mathen got married and settled in Vadakekattil Kudumbham, Ennakkad in the middle of the 17th century. He had two sons. One of his sons Mathai Mathen had five sons; they are Mathen Mathai, Mathen Oommen, Mathen Varghese, Mathen Thomas, and Mathen Cherian.
In later part of AD 1800s, Mathen Oommen got married from Parangotte Kudumbham in Elanthoor and settled in Muttattinkara. He had two sons, eldest son Oommen Mathai got married and settled in Muttattinkara. He was blessed with four children and 18 grandchildren.
In the early part of AD 1900, Mathen Ommen Muttattinkara, Founder of ‘Kochukattil’ Family
acquired a piece of “Kaade” (vacant land with bushes and shrubberies with thorn plant) from the local Raja. He with the help of workers, he manually cleared the Kaade and converted it into agricultural farmland. He grew vegetables and planted coconut trees and fruit trees. He named that Kaade “Kochukaade” later became ‘Kochukattil” also spelled “Cochukattil”
Founder of Kochukattil (Cochukattil) Kudumbham in AD 1900
There is a legend behind Oommen Appachan:
The workers who helped him to clear the “Kaade” didn’t want him to clear it. Instead, they wanted him to leave the area, so they tried different scare tactics, but they all failed. They decided to use ‘Hindava’ ‘Mantras’ and ‘Tandras’ to kill him and they sent evil spirits to kill him. Being a devotee of Christ, he sensed the presence of the evil spirit in the middle of the night. He got up on his knees and started to recite ‘Lord’s Prayer’ (Mathew 6: 9-13) and continue to recite till sunrise. At sunrise, he heard a loud cry from the hut of the workers. The evil spirit returned to its sender and killed the worker's wife.
Oommen Appachen left to be with Christ at the age of 80 in AD 1946 after he blessed all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He lived without jealousy, care for the needy, and pray for the sick in the name of his Lord Christ. Today his descendants are reaping the benefits that God feared man.
His earthly remains are kept in a Tomb at the St. George Orthodox Church Cemetery in Ennakkad- Peringilipuram, Kerala, India next to his beloved brother Mulvana Mathen Mathai.
Mathen Oommen’s second son Oommen Daniel got married Mariamma Varghese from Nadakkavil Kudumbham Chengannur and settled in Kochukattil Kudumbham. Mariamma Varghese was a granddaughter of “Kaduvettoor” Brahmana Illum, Pandanad. He with his wife established Kochukattil (Cochukattil) USA when they visited the USA in 1978. He had seven children and 17 grandchildren. Our Appachan went to heavenly abode at the age of 73 on September 3rd, 1979 in Ennakkad.
His earthly remains are kept in a Tomb at the St. George Orthodox Church Cemetery in Ennakkad- Peringilipuram, Kerala, India next to his Appen (Mathen Oommen Muttattinkara).
Ammachy Mariamma raised her children to be good Christian by practicing “Neeti”, “Nyaya”, “Satya”. “Sneha”, and “Dharma”. She insisted that her children must wear the best of their best when attending the feast on Sunday’s ‘Holy Qurbana’. Our Ammachy left to be with Christ at the age of 75 on December 26, 1984, in Florida.
Her earthly remains are kept in a Tomb at the St. George Orthodox Church Cemetery in Ennakkad- Peringilipuram, Kerala, India next to her husband (Oommen Daniel Kochukattil).
Founders of Kochukattil (Cochukattil) Kudumbham - USA in AD 1978
Kochukattil Kudumbham (USA)
In AD 1700s, Mathai Thoma from Chakkalayil Kudumbham got married and settled in Valliath Kudumbham One of his sons, Mathen Mathai got married and settled in Vadakekattil Kudumbham, Ennakkad (see Ennakkad.com) in the middle of 17th century. He had two sons. One of his sons Mathai Mathen had five sons; they are Mathen Mathai, Mathen Oommen, Mathen Varghese, Mathen Thomas, and Mathen Cherian. (see kochukattil.org and maliakkal.org)
1-h) Martoma Kudumbham (USA)
Grandson of Mathen Ommen Muttattinkara, from Ennakkad (see Ennakkad.com), Founder of ‘Kochukattil’ Family, (see kochukattil.org) was sent to the USA – Washington DC for engineering Education in 1964 AD by his parents. He changed his name from Cochukattil Daniel Thomas to ‘Bobby Daniel Martoma’ in 1980 AD in memory of ‘Maliakkal Thoma Ramban’,
(See maliakkal.org) the first Brahmin converts by the Apostle Thomas.
Built and donated by Kochukattil Ommen Daniel
Founder of Kochukattil (Cochukattil) – USA in AD 1979
Bobby Daniel Martoma (Kochukattil Kudumbham)
Founder of Martoma family in AD 1980
Bobby was the first engineer from his village Ennakkad, and the first engineering student and engineering graduate from the USA. Bobby got married on Sept 10, 1972, to the niece of HG Gee Varghese Mar Philexinos of Malankara Orthodox Church. They are blessed with three children and five grandchildren. He is the founder of ‘Martoma’ Family.
Their eldest son Mathew Cochukattil Martoma is married to Rosemary Martoma (born in New Zealand with Indian parents). He is blessed with three Children Joshua, Ava, and David. Ava (13 years of age) and David (10 years of age) developed this website. Congratulations to their sincere work and offering best wishes on their future.
Their Second son Daniel Niju Martoma is married to an American girl they are blessed with two children Rachel and Benjamin.
Their third son Philip Saju Martoma is unmarried.
2 –a) Pattamukkil - Niranam
Sometime during the 17th century, one family moved to Niranam from Marianne Maliakkal
2 – b) Thenmala – Nedungadapally
Three families settled in Nedungadapally and named their families and known as Thenmala family, Vettolikkal family, Azhakathanam family, and Niranam family
2 – c) Maliakkal - Nilambur
Several families settled in ‘Nilambur’ during the vacant land colonization and re-named their families
2 – d) Maliakkal – Chittar
Several families settled in ‘Chittar’ during the vacant land colonization and re-named their families
3- a) Mukkungal – Kayamkulam
Another family settled in ‘Kayamkulam’ and named their family Mukkungal “Ponnuvanibham”
4 – a) Mannil – Ranni (Poozhikunnu)
Maliakkal Varghese and Family moved to Ranni – Poozhikunnu from Maliakkal – Maramon.
5- a) Ravoor –Maliakkal – Maramon
Maliakkal Kurian got married from ‘Mulamangalam’ and moved to Ravoor; Kurian died soon after the birth of Kurian ll, the baby was raised by his uncle Rev. Fr. Koshy. Kurian ll after a college education became a teacher at C M S High School in Kottayam.
Kurian’s eldest son, K Mathen became the Chief Minister to Mysore King, another son, K Kuruvilla became a well-known Medical Doctor, Third son,
K George became the chief secretary of Travancore State, another son K Kurian became a Barrister at Law, fifth son, K Jacob became Alwaye UC college professor.
5 – b) Ravoor –Maliakkal – Trivandrum
K George and his family settled in ‘Trivandrum’ and named their family Maliakkal
5- c) Ravoor –Maliakkal – Madras
K Kuruvilla and his family settled in ‘Madras’ and named their family Maliakkal
5 – d) Ravoor –Maliakkal – Alwaye
K Jacob and his family settled in ‘Alwaye’ and named their family Maliakkal
5 – e) Ravoor –Maliakkal- Bangloor
K Mathen and his family settled in ‘Bangloor’ and named their family Maliakkal
6 – a) Mullappon – Mannil – Maliakkal
Another family settled in ‘Mullappon - Mannil’ and named their family Mulappon – Mannil.
7 – a) Kudunnalil – Vennikulam
Maliakkal Cherian and his family settled in “Kudunnalil – Vennikulam ‘’ and named their family Maliakkal
8-a) Pulivelilmannil - Maliakkal – Maramon
Maliakkal Kurian and his family settled in “Pulivelilmannil ‘’ and named their family Pulivelilmannil – Maliakkal. Kurian’s son Varkey settled in Pulivelilmannil.
8 – b) Paruthikattil- Maliakkal - Pathanapuram
One of Maliakkal Kurian’s son and his family settled from “Pulivelilmannil ‘’ to Pathanapuram - Paruthikattil- Maliakkal
8 – c) Paruthikattil- Maliakkal – Ayroor
One of Maliakkal Kurian’s son and his family settled from “Pulivelilmannil ‘’ to Ayroor - Paruthikattil- Maliakkal
8- d) Nuzhimannil – Maliakkal – Mallappally
One of Maliakkal Kurian’s son and his family settled from “Pulivelilmannil ‘’ to Nuzhimannil - Maliakkal- Maramon. Later on, they relocated to Mallappally
8 –e) Pulichalumuttil – Maliakkal – Perumbatta
One of Maliakkal Kurian’s son and his family settled from Pulivelilmannil to Pulichalumuttil - Maliakkal- Maramon. Later on, they relocated to Perumbatta.
8-f) Vadakethonduthara – Maliakkal – Thelliyoor
One of Maliakkal Kurian’s son and his family settled from “Pulivelilmannil ‘’ to Vadakethonduthara - Maliakkal- Maramon. Later on, they relocated to Thelliyoor.
Updated March 5th, 2022