Nilambur Kingdom


Nilambur Kovilakam, also known as the Nilambur Kingdom, was a former vassal kingdom and royal Kovilakam situated in Nilambur, in present-day Kerala, India, near the Nilgiri range of the Western Ghats. It was ruled by Samantha Kshatriyas of the Nagavanshi clan who were the family members, relatives and representatives of the Samoothiri Raja of Calicut, and served as the Naduvazhi and the Jenmimar of Nilambur. The Nilambur kings extended their power and authority by marrying with the Nambudiris. This practise was called Sambandam, and resulted in both Brahmins and Kshatriyas taking turns to rule over the Nilambur Kovilakam kingdom. The Brahmin rulers used the title Namboodiripād, while the Kshatriya rulers used the title Thirumulpād. To seal this marriage alliance, they jointly built several aristocratic Illams, such as the Nambudiri stronghold of Pootheri Illam in Feroke.
Following the collapse of the Zamorin's dynasty in 1806, the Nilambur Rajas continued to rule as independent chieftains until the 1921 Malabar Rebellion, when a group of Mappila Muslims led by Ali Musliyar and other rebels attacked Nilambur Kovilakam along with other royal families in the Malabar region. The uprising was aimed at abolishing the prevailing feudal system controlled by elite Hindus. From 1921 until India's independence in 1947, the Nilambur rulers had a diminished role in governing the land and were finally removed from power following the dissolvement of the kingdom in 1947.

History

Unlike the Zamorins of Calicut, whose history has been thoroughly documented and recorded, the history of Nilambur Kovilakam remains unclear. It is known that the kingdom came into existence during the mid-13th century AD when the Samoothiri Raja, at the time the most powerful ruler in Kerala, appointed an Eradi prince from his own family to rule over his wealth and estates in nearby Nilambur, which is located about 60 kilometers from Calicut. The prince and his descendants served as vassal kings to the Zamorins, with their capital located 25 kilometers north of Manjeri in present-day Malappuram district. To prevent any possible mutiny or rebellion, the Samoothiri did not allow the Nilambur vassal kings to maintain their own armies. This caused the Nilambur Rajas to rely on their liege lord to provide soldiers in case of wars. During the 1921 Malabar Rebellion, this decision would prove fatal, as the Nilambur rulers did not have the army to prevent the uprising that would eventually lead to the downfall of the ruling house.
The area surrounding Nilambur was an ancient tribal settlement, and the remains of ancient temples can be found in the forests. The Cholanaikkans, one of the most primitive tribes in South India and one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes, numbering only 360 in 1991 and first contacted in the 1960s, have been observed in the Karulai and Chunkathara forest ranges nearby.

1921 Malabar Rebellion

A dispute between the Nilambur Raja and Vadakkevittil Mohammad in July 1921 lead to the police search of Mohammad. The situation escalated when hundreds of Moplah Muslims and Khilaftists marched towards the king's palace carrying knives, swords and other weapons. The mob was dispersed only after the intervention of the Khilafat Committee of Malappuram. During the 1921 Malabar rebellion, more than a dozen royal family members were murdered by the rioting Moplahs, causing the British officers stationed in Malappuram to intervene.

Palace of Pootheri Mana

The palace of Pootheri Illam, constructed in 1917 by the rulers of Nilambur Kovilakam, was abandoned during the early 1990s and the members of the royal family dispersed to various parts of Kerala and other countries. It has been in ruins since then, and the Government of Kerala is considering its conversion into a traditional museum.

Tradition

The Nilambur Rajas extended their power and authority by marrying with the Nambudiris, who were the Brahmin lords of Kerala. This practise was called Sambandam, and resulted in both Brahmins and Kshatriyas taking turns to rule over the Nilambur Kovilakam kingdom. The Brahmin rulers used the title "Namboodiripad" while the Kshatriya rulers used the title "Thirumulpād."

Culture

The royal family of Nilambur Kovilkam were devout Hindus, being followers of Lord Krishna. The family-owned Vettakkorumakan Kovil and Nilambur Kovilakam itself are situated on the banks of the Chali river, and the region is also known for its unique teak plantations and the Teak Museum. The Nilambur–Shoranur Railway Line was built by the British Raj to carry teak, timber and other natural products from these forests to the outside world. The forests of Nilambur remain an important source of teak in India.