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Attack
by Tipu Sultan
In this connection, it appears necessary
to mention Tipu Sultan’s role in Kunnamkulam. On his arrival,
the Thalappilly Thampuran along with his Christian leader Panakkal
Muthalali (crownless king) approached Sultan in his campsite
for a friendly talk fearing his giant force, since Thampuran
was not having a fighting force. Thampuran provided a campsite
for Sultan’s soldiers adjacent to his Kovilakam at Kakkad.
This place is now known as Kotta Kunnu. The Mini Fort constructed
at the site was remained until 1955. It was demolished and permanent
building was constructed for Municipal Fire Station and accommodation
for Municipal staff. During Sultan’s time, members from
Cheeran family guarded this Kotta. Hence, that branch of family
was known as ‘Kottakaran’. Sultan expressed his
desire to have a visit to Nasaranis’ (Christians) business
street at Kunnamkulam and Thampuran arranged the same. Sultan
visited the market street at night (business were continued
unto 2am during that time) accompanied by Thampuran followed
by Panakkal Muthalali. He expressed his appreciation on the
business conducted by Nasaranis. However, on his way to southern
area (Punnathoor boundary), his soldiers attempted to destroy
the Arthat church, and the nearby Christian streets by fire.
None of the Hindu temples was reported to destroy in the area
during the time.
Koothoor Family &
The Malankara Orthodox Church
The Christians under the above family title
Koothoor belong in different Christian community i.e., eastern
and western. Even-though, a good number of families are under
the Catholic Church, and non-Episcopal church, their participation
in Orthodox Church is high. It is evident that the relationship
of the said families with church activities can also be considered
moderately good, showing their participation in priesthood and
high Episcopal order of the native churches. The present junior
Bishop of the Independent Syrian Church of the Thozhiyoor is
also from Koothoor family.
It is understood that Rev. Fr.Joseph pulikkottil’s historical
voyage to Holy Land started from Kunnamkulam to Chavakkad by
walk, Chavakkad to Kochi by country boat, Kochi to Goa and there
from by sailing vessel and reached Basra (Mesopotamian port).
They continued their journey in land on Camels (luckily escaped
Bedouin’s attack) and by crossing the River Tigris by
boat and reached Mardeen in one and a half years. They stayed
under the auspicious of Patriarch of Antioch in the Far East
for nearly one year. After gaining their purpose, they returned
to India by similar route and reached Cochin after a long interval.
While they were residing at Mardeen Rev. Fr. Mattamal died due
to cholera and his body was buried in the Church cemetery of
St. Bahaman. After they reached Cochin, Tharappan continued
his journey to Kottayam via Kunnikurudy near Perumbavoor. Since
he was aged and too tired he expired on his way and body was
buried at Kunnikurudy Church.
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