Introduction

Poothara Tharakan family is an ancient Syrian(Syriac) Christian (Nasrani), Purohit, Tharakan Family in Champakulam, Kuttanadu, Kerala, India. The family came into existence in the first half of the 16th century when Poothara Koshy Tharakan - a wealthy trader and Tharakan Title recipient from Chembakassery King, moved out from Kurialacherry family in Champakulam. The family had deeply entrenched ties with the erstwhile Kingdom of Chembakassery, the Thekkumkoor Kings, the East-Syrian Church, and the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.

The Primary source of information for this paper is the family history written by the renowned priest Poothara Korah Kathanar (born 17th Century) and later continued by Kurialacherry Valiya Thoma Kathanar towards the end of the 19th Century.

This online space is an attempt to make the family history easily available for its members. It’s an attempt to create awareness among members about their roots, culture, and heritage. It’s an attempt to preserve our history for future generations. Looking back at the past five centuries, many eminent personalities were born to this family which included several social, political, church and educational leaders. Members of the family have been in the forefront of many key events and played an important role in shaping the social, economic, religious and political affairs of the region.

Brief Nasrani History

A brief discussion of Nasrani history is essential for this paper before going into the family history.

St. Thomas

Mar Thoma Nasranis, St. Thomas Christians or simply Nasranis (or Suriyani/Syrian Christians) trace their Christian origin back to apostolic times. St. Thomas, the apostle (one of the twelve disciples of Jesus) visited Kerala in AD 52, as part of his missionary work to spread the news and teachings of Jesus Christ. There were many Jewish settlements in the Malabar Coast during those times and St. Thomas’ primary intention was to preach the gospel among the Jews. During those times there were already established sea routes between the Middle-East and Malabar Coast. St. Thomas came to Malabar Coast by sea and landed at Muziris port. (Situated around present day Kodungallur, a town situated 18 miles north of Kochi, Kerala). This tradition is also mentioned in Ramban songs, one of the folk songs of Nasranis which says that their ancestors were baptized by Saint Thomas the Apostle during his missionary work between 52 AD and 72 AD. The earliest known source connecting the apostle to India is the Acts of Thomas, written in Edessa (modern day Eastern Turkey) likely in the 2nd century. The text describes Thomas' adventures in bringing Christianity to India, a tradition later expanded upon in early Indian sources such as the Thomma Parvam (Song of Thomas).

While there are no contemporary evidences to prove Apostle Thomas’ visit to Malabar, the reputed Malayalee historians of yester years like A. Sreedhara Menon, K.M. Panicker etc. were inclined to respect the tradition as being worthy of acceptance.

Mr. Panicker find it difficult to deny the truth in the St. Thomas tradition, for, as he says, "We have the recorded statements of Pantaenus, the head of the Alexandrian school, who visited India, in the 2nd century that, he found a flourishing Christian Community here" (History of Kerala, K.M. Panicker, p.5.).

The unbiased observation of, Kerala’s prominent historian, and author of many masterly works in Malayalam and English, A. Sreedhara Menon, is as under: "About three centuries before Christianity was considered as an approved religion of Europe, and Rome, it started flourishing in Malabar coast." "On the background of extensive trade relations existed between Kerala and Mediterranean countries, even before the Christian Era, nothing improbable about the coming of Saint Thomas”( A. Sreedhara Menon , Kerala History p.133-134.).

The author of the Travancore State Manual too, holds a stand quite favorable to Kerala Nasrani tradition. “…Pliny says that in his day voyages were made to India every year, the average length of a voyage being 40 days. This became possible owing to the great discovery of the monsoon winds of the Malabar Coast by Hippalus, whose name was therefore given to the wind itself. It should be remembered here that the discovery of the trade-winds by Hippalus was just before St. Thomas’s visit to Malabar, which tradition fixes at 52.A.D. Thus the route of communication, then most used was quite favorable to the voyage of St. Thomas to South India.”(T.S.M.Vol.II/p.123. ed. by V. Nagam Aiya.)

Palayoor

St. Thomas later moved to the township of Palayoor from Muziris. Palayoor was one of the places near the port of Muziris, where St. Thomas established the very first Christian community in Malabar. The place is referred as Palur in some old documents. According to tradition, in Palayoor St. Thomas met a few locals in a river performing ‘Jaladharpan’ (a post-bathe ritual of throwing palm-full of water upwards) and was curious to know the meaning of this act. St. Thomas introduced himself as a disciple of Lord Jesus Christ. Then he stepped into the river and threw handful of water up which remained in the air making the scholars surprised and intimidated. The Apostle thereafter performed many wonders in the name of Jesus Christ like curing sick instantly and absolving many from possession of evil spirits and so on. A number of people believed his words and became Christians. Among the 32 families or so converted by St. Thomas, four elite families who were entrusted with the task of priesthood were, Pakalomattom, Sankarapuri, Kalli and Kallikavu (Kaliyangal). Through his continued evangelical activities, many more people got attracted to Christian faith and St. Thomas built seven churches at different places such as, Kodungallur, Palayoor, Kottakkavu, Kokkamangalam, Niranam, Nilackal and Kollam and an uncompleted church at Thiruvithancode, commonly known as “ Arapalli ”. Ancient Christians were referred to as Nasranis. Nasrani is a Syrian word meaning NAZARENE given to converts of Apostle Thomas, even before the name CHRISTIAN, applied to the followers of Jesus, baptized at Antioch (See Acts 11 /19 - 26). As per the Malabar tradition, Nasrani, Nasrani-Mappila, Marthoma Christhyani, Margakkar etc. are synonyms to this ancient Christian community. As a result of St. Thomas’ missionary work Christianity gained a foothold in Kerala well over 300 years before it succeeded in obtaining official recognition in Europe, or in becoming the established religion of Rome. The Nasrani community of Kerala is very proud about the apostolic origin of their Christian faith.

There are many stories and beliefs and possibilities on who were the early converts. One of the most popular stories is that they were Brahmins and St. Thomas converted those Brahmins who came to debate with him and won them over. However there are no contemporary evidences to support this oral tradition. Certainly it was a possibility since Brahmins (non-Namboothiri Brahmins) were present in Malabar during this time. Another theory is that St. Thomas converted the Jews who were here along with some of the locals in the Malabar Coast. The seven churches founded by him were all at or near the known Jewish settlements in the Malabar Coast. These Jews later mixed with the converted locals (which could have included Brahmins as well as other local Dravidian people) forming the Nasrani community. Another theory states that there was a flow of migrants from West Asia in the 3rd century and 8th to 11th Centuries and these migrants were Christians. They later mixed with the local people who included the earlier Christians and others forming the current Nasrani community in Kerala. Recent DNA studies on Kerala’s Nasrani population are also showing that there is a significant West Asian link to many who participated.

Some valuable old records of the early Nasranis in Syrian, Hebrew etc., probably throwing some light to this puzzle, were brutally set fire by the Portuguese Colonial masters, in the name of Nestorian heresy, during the ‘unauthorized’ Synod of Diamper of 1599. The ancient syriac documents forcefully collected from Nasranis and burned, included those of famous library and Episcopal archives of Angamaly, and books from at least 59 churches. Several ancient manuscripts from Champakulam Church also faced the same fate. Referring to this heinous action, eminent historian and Orientalist Cardinal Tisserant says, "In India the big auto-da-fe ordered at Diamper was responsible for the loss of many manuscripts. Their colophons would probably have disclosed many details about the local history of the Malabar Syrians ". (Eastern Christianity in India, Tisserant, p.24 ).

Kuruvilangad

Early Christians of Palayoor had to face many odds such as oppression and humiliation from their fellow brothers who didn’t convert to Christianity. This situation prompted them to migrate to other places. A small section of people belonging to the Pakalomattom, Sankarapuri, Kalli and Kallikavu (Kaliyangal) families fled to southern region and reached Angamali and further to Ettumanoor. The four families finally settled down in Kuruvilangad (Presently in the Kottayam district of Kerala). These early Christians maintained their old family names in Kuruvilangad also. It is believed that the four families from Palayoor settled down in Kuruvilangad either by the end of 2nd or the beginning of 3rd century AD. The forefathers of the Kallikavu family started residing a little below to the west of where the church (building) of Martha Mariam now stands. The Kallikavu family, along with others, established the Kuruvilangad church in 337 A.D. In course of time the family name Kallikavu underwent change to Kalikavungal and later into Kaliyangal. The elders of the Kallikavu family were honored in the Kuruvilangad church with the title ‘ Maarakaikaran’ ( unchangeable trustee). It was customary until the recent past to seek permission for the main feast from the elders of the above-mentioned four families and the vicar. It is said that this practice was followed before the novena started for the feast (on Kodiyettu). Kaliyangal family used to have many priests (Kathanars) and played a major role in the spiritual duties of the Kuruvilangad Nasranis. Poothara Family in Champakulam traces their origin to Kaliyangal family. The ancestors of Poothara family who migrated to Champakulam are Kuriala (and his family) along with his Brother Chacko Kathanar.

Chembakassery Kingdom (Ambalapuzha)

Headquartered in Ambalapuzha, Chembakassery Kingdom existed from the 12th Century to the middle of 18th Century. We have much more information about this kingdom since the 15th century and onwards. The Kingdom was first based out of Kumaranalloor (near Kottayam) and later it moved its headquarters to Ambalapuzha (Alappuzha District) after winning territories over there by defeating local rulers. One of the unique things about the Chembakassery Kings was that they were Namboothiris (Brahmins); usually Hindu kings are Kshatriyas. Chembakassery Kings also assumed the title of Devanarayanan.

There are many stories on how the Chembakassery kingdom came into existence. One of the popular stories as per tradition is that a group of Nair soldiers (after losing a war in the north part of Kerala) came to Kumaranalloor. The soldiers were tired and were in need of food and shelter. Asking around for food, few miscreants directed them to ask an ‘Unni’ (small) Namboothiri of the Chembakassery Illam (house). Those wicked men told the soldiers that the Chembakassery Namboothiri is very rich and he should be able to help the soldiers. Chembakassery Namboothiri and his mother were not financially well off and struggled for their daily needs as well. When the soldiers came begging for food Chembakassery Namboothiri wanted to help them. He felt sorry for them and gave his ring (“Puli Nagam Mothiram”) to the soldiers and asked them to sell it and get some food. The soldiers did so and wanted to help the Namboothiri in return. They conquered the nearby places around Kumaranalloor temple and gifted some wealth to Chembakassery Namboothiri. Kumaranalloor was part of the Thekumkoor Kingdom then. The temple authorities complained about this to Thekumkoor King. The Nair Soldiers explained to Thekumkoor king that their intention was to help the Chembakassery Namboothiri who helped them when they were in need. The Nair soldiers requested land from the King and the King agreed. This land is Kudamaloor. The soldiers made Chembakassery their king and started building fort for their new kingdom. This was again opposed by the Temple authorities saying that the King do not have the authority to donate this land because it belonged to the Temple. Chembakassery Namboothiri didn’t want to cause more issues (or didn’t like to get into a fight with the Temple) and left Kudamaloor with his soldiers to Ambalapuzha. Later the kingdom expanded further in Ambalapuzha and Kuttanad region – which included Champakulam.

After the construction of the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple in 1615, their kingdom came to be known as Ambalapuzha. Raja Devanarayanan dedicated his kingdom to the Thrimoorthi (holy trinity) and reigned as a servant of God considering himself as a humble divine instrument. Thrimoorthi worshippers used to choose a deity as representative of the trinity. Raja Devanarayanan’ s deity was Lord Krishna. The king ruled the country as His vice-regent. Raja was an attendee of faith. He never claimed to be a defender of faith. To use a catchword from the Roman history; it was a "holy Ambalapuzha kingdom”. During the 17th and 18th century, Ambalapuzha had commercial contacts with the Portuguese and the Dutch. Devanarayanan Rajas had friendly relations with both the Portuguese and the Dutch. But they favored the Portuguese. These kings had a friendly military treaty with the Portuguese to help them in times of crisis. Legends related to Ambalapuzha royalty are too many (Melpathoor Bhattathiripad, Thunjath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, Kunjan Nambiar etc.).

Chembakassery King and Suriyani Christians

Chembakassery Kings had a broad religious outlook. He built a Christian church at Kudamaloor which is still preserved as a precious monument of interfaith collaboration and has existed in this part of Kerala since by-gone days. This church believed to be built in the 13th Century was dedicated to the mother of Christ; Mukthiyamma, means heavenly mother. Unlike many Christian pictures, infant Jesus has been painted with the color of Lord Krishna. The church used to have a pulpit built on a wooden elephant and the main beam is still decorated with elephant’s head; these features are very characteristic of the Hindu influence. Chembakassery King used to take off his crown in reverence when he passed in front of this church. Chembakassery Raja was the patron of the Syrian Christian community in this part of Kerala. He trusted the Christians and had armies comprised of Christians – which is not very common in India. Devanarayans treated both Temples and Christian Churches equally and his kingdom was a good example of a secular state back in the days. He had a special love towards Nasranis and many of the members in his council were Nasranis. Chembakassery King took a keen interest in the affairs of the Champakulam Church and under his rule Champakulam Church and town gained more prominence and importance. Poothara family and many other Nasrani Families flourished as a result of the favorable environment under the auspices of Chembakassery Raja.

Champakulam Kalloorkkadu Church

Champakulam Kalloorkkadu church is one of the most ancient churches in India. It was founded in AD 427. It belongs to the Archdiocese of Changanacherry, of the Syro Malabar Church (East Syrian Rite). This church which is the most ancient church in the Archdiocese of Changanacherry is the mother church of all the churches in Kuttanad and its surrounding places. It is said that the church derived its name from the place where it stands. Anyhow, the church is named ‘Kalloorkkadu Church’ in all the ancient records. Champakulam comes among the second generation of ancient St Thomas Christian churches in Malabar which were formed from the so called seven first generation churches founded by St Thomas the Apostle himself. Kalloorkkadu Angadi (market) was very famous in the past when Purakkadu port was a prominent port between Muziris and Kollam. The price of commodities at Kalloorkkadu Angadi was considered as the market rate for the whole of the Ambalapuzha Kingdom. It is believed that the Christians migrated to Champakulam from Niranam initially and then from places like Kuruvilangad, Kaduthuruthi, and Kudamaloor when Kalloorkkadu Angadi became a commercially important place near the port at Purakkadu. The Forane Churches at Alappuzha, Edathua and Pulimcunnu were formed from Champakulam. Champakulam Church has been the Parish of many prominent Syro-Malabar Church leaders. Few of the very important persons from Champakulam were Bishop Thomas Kurialacherry (Kurialacherry is the Parent family of Poothara family), Monsignor Antony Poothara (former Vicar General of Roman Catholic Church in N.E. India), Rev Dr. Antony Kurialacherry (Former Principal of SB College Changancherry and founding member and first director of Syro-Malabar Church in USA) and many other Social and political leaders like Poothara Koshy Tharakan (Tharakan title recipient from Chembakassery King), Indian Freedom fighter Joseph Poothara (Tamra Patra recipient from Government of India), Dr. Joseph Poopally (Founding Principal of St. Aloysius College Edathua) etc.

Champakulam flourished in trade, culture, literature and religion in the former centuries and rose to great importance when Chembakassery King was the ruler. Many prominent people in Chembakassery King’s army like Mathoor Panicker and Velloor Kurup were from Champakulam. Mathoor Panicker was the Chief Commander of his army and Velloor Kurup was the main Physician. It was the main center of the region during the 16th to 19th Century.

In the current age, Champakulam may have lost its economic and political glory when compared to what it was till the second half of the 20th century or it’s even more glorious days before. Historians refer to it as the “Hidden Pearl in Nasrani History”. Champakulam church bore witness to many historic events during the course of time between 15th to 20th century. It was a main center of Nasrani politics especially with respect to the Portuguese attempt to Latinize the traditional Suriyani Christian’s way of worship/customs and liturgy followed by Nasranis. It was also a main center of meetings between “Puthenkoor” (Jacobites) and “Pazhayakoor” (East-Syrian Catholics) to form a single Nasrani Community as it once was before the arrival of Europeans. There are many reasons why Champakulam lost its prominence. The loss in prominence was gradual and many things contributed to this. One of the main reason is the fall of Ambalapuzha Kingdom around 1750 (Travancore King Marthandavarma defeated Chembakassery and made Ambalapuzha part of Travancore), development of Alappuzha Port which affected the Purakkadu Port - which in turn affected the Kalloorkkadu Angadi , development of Land Transport and Roads (Champakulam was mostly water-locked) etc.

Family History

Kuriala and Chacko Kathanar

Chembakassery King used to frequently visit Champakulam to know how the people in his kingdom were doing. He used to come to Nellpuramadam (- south of Kalloorkkadu) and Nedumudi Kottaram (- north of Kalloorkkadu).

During this time (first half of 12^th Century) the state of affairs at Kalloorkkadu Church was not ideal. There weren’t any priests who stayed full-time at the Church. As a result the services at the Church were not regular or proper. There were complaints about evil-spirits and ghosts around the Church. (Church was initially constructed near the burial ground of Hindus). King appointed an astrologer to look into the issue as the complaints grew severe. The astrologer told the king that the reason for the evil-spirits in the area is the dismal state of affairs at the Church. The Church building was not in proper shape and regular worships were not done. The astrologer advised to appoint a full-time priest for the Church. In those days Kathanars (Nasrani priests) never stayed full-time at the Church. They used to live in their houses and used to engage in activities like farming and trade like a normal person. They were part of the family itself and stayed in their houses. The term Kathanar is used for Nasrani priests and it originates from the Aramaic (East-Syriac) word kashisa – presbyter. The King held a meeting of his council (which also comprised of prominent Nasranis) and it was decided to invite Nasrani families with Kathanars (from Kudamaloor, Kuruvilangad, Kaduthuruthi, Niranam) to come and settle in Champakulam. Many Nasrani families from those places accepted King’s invitation. The King gave them land to settle down and for farming. The invitees included Kuriala and his brother Chacko Kathanar from Kuruvilangad Kaliyangal family. With the arrival of Chacko Kathanar, the worships and prayers at the Church became regular. The house given to Kuriala by the King came to be known as Kurialacherry. This house is to the North of Vadakke Angadi. Vadakke Angadi was famous for the business and trade of goods like spices from the Eastern hilly side of Kerala. Kuriala had two sons – Thomman and Koshy.

Poothara Koshy Tharakan

Few centuries later during the first half of 16^th century, there was another father named Kuriala in Kurialacherry and he had three sons. Thomman, Korah and Koshy. Korah was a Kathanar. Koshy was the youngest son of Kuriala. Koshy is the youngest son of Kuriala and is the founder of Poothara Tharakan family. Poothara Koshy Tharakan – Tharakan title recipient from Chembakassery King and advisor to Devanarayanan King on trade and military affairs was a very wealthy and successful trader by Profession.

Koshy Tharakan’ s primary business was the trade of silk and other garments. Silk was traded with Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Certain documents show that he did trade with Surat as well. He was very influential and had contacts and connections with many Royal families. He was very famous among the Nasranis in the region and had popular support. The trade of Silk was carried over by his descendants as a family business for generations spanning centuries.

Chembakassery Devanarayanan King honored Poothara Koshy with “Tharakan” title and he then came to be known as Poothara Koshy Tharakan. “Tharakan” title is an honorific hereditary aristocratic title which was bestowed upon a handful prominent Saint Thomas Christian families or houses of nobility in the Malabar Region. Chembakassery Kings, Travancore Kings and the Kings of Cochin used to grant this. The families which held the title had certain specific rights and privileges accorded to them and holding the title elevated these houses to the highest rank of Christian nobility. The word Tharakan literally means the holder of document of Raja. They are so called because they were the recipients of “Tharaku” or writ of social privilege. Koshy Tharakan was a member of Devanarayanan King’s council at his Palace and advisor to the King.

The Nasrani community at Champakulam got enriched with the arrival of Kuriala and family. His brother Chacko Kathanar was leading the worships and other services at Kalloorkkadu Church. During this time discussions about renovating the church were gaining momentum and Poothara Koshy Tharakan along with other prominent Nasranis of the time (which includes Porookkara KunjiThomman, Kaniyattu Ittira Unnicheriya Tharakan, Ambalapuzha Kallupurayan, Karumadi Palathingal Papi, Chakkalayil Kunjuchandi and Kadavungal Mathan) played a key role. Historic documents refer to the above mentioned persons as the “Pramanis” of the time.

Around year 1544, the church was renovated and a new Madhbaha was built. Also a “Palli Meda” was built with bricks to the North of the Church. This building was meant for the priests to stay. The architects, artists and craftsmen employed for the construction activities were through the referral of the Portuguese at Cochin.

Poothara Koshy Tharakan and Kaniyattu Ittira Unnicheriya Tharakan (both recipients of Tharakan Title from Chembakassery Raja) had great influence on the King. They were able to get the Devanarayanan King agree to develop the marshy areas along the Kalloorkkadu river bank towards the north side of Kalloorkkadu Church. The King agreed to their request and helped with the project. Kaniyadan, Poothara Koshy Tharakan, Porukkara Kunjuthomman, Kadavungal Mathan were given many properties by the King as a symbol of his care for them. Kaniyadan presented a Para made of Bronze to the King. This new para can measure eight “idangazhi”. Till then the para used to measure rice was ten idangazhi. The King was pleased with the gift and declared that from now on the standard measurement in his Kingdom will be based on the new eight “idangazhi” para. The “Para” gifted by Kaniyadan is now displayed in the Kerala State Archives at Trivandrum.

Kuriala gave the Kurialacherry house to his elder son Thomman and he moved out along with Koshy and lived at Poothara Tharavadu for the rest of his life.

Meanwhile Poothara Koshy Tharakan while staying at Pulimcunnu (Kuttanad) for a while was able to please Thekumkoor King. Thekkumkoor was a small independent kingdom that existed near Changanacherry, Kerala. Thekkumkoor King did many favors for Poothara Koshy Tharakan and gifted land which included Tharakan Nooru Para, Kuruppan Thuruthu, Thazha Thuruthu, Manaimalakadu, Poothara Nooru Para, Manathra Nooru Para etc. We do not have much information regarding what prompted Thekumkoor King to give lots of land to Poothara Koshy Tharakan. Since Nasranis played a major role in trade during those times, it was a common practice among the Kings to try to attract prominent traders from the Nasrani community to settle and do business in their kingdom. May be the Thekumkoor King was trying to bring Koshy Tharakan to his kingdom to improve the trade and related affairs at his kingdom.

Relations between Thekkumkoor King and Chembakassery King were not very cordial. As mentioned before, Chembakassery family was a part of Thekumkoor Kingdom and Chembakassery Kingdom was carved out of parts of Thekumkoor kingdom initially. The news about Poothara Koshy Tharakan and Thekumkoor King reached the ears of Chembakassery King. Chembakassery King was very dis appointed upon hearing the news. Poothara Koshy Tharakan had a special place in Chembakassery King’s heart and probably he was hurt with this. Koshy Tharakan wanted to make up for this and he gifted a long gun made of gold to Chembakassery King. The king was pleased and in return he gifted 50 para (~5 acres) “Punja Kandam” (Paddy field) to the north of Kurialacherry Tharavadu for Koshy Tharakan. Tharakan also gave a big “Vaarppu” to Kalloorkkadu church. The gun gifted by Koshy Tharakan to the King is believed to have been taken from Ambalapuzha when Marthanda Varma defeated Chembakassery and took all the valuables to his kingdom. Recent investigations about this gun are giving hints that it could be now in one of the Nilavaras at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.

Poothara Koshy Tharakan hence was a great historical person, very intelligent and shrewd and one who had great diplomatic skills, pleasing manners and trade skills. He won hearts of many people which even included kings who didn’t like each other. He played a key role in the history and development of Kalloorkkadu Angadi, Champakulam Church and his contributions to the region and Nasrani community were remembered gratefully for many generations.

He continued to stay at Poothara Tharavadu for the rest of his life and had many children. One of his direct sons was named Kuriala.

Origin of the family name – Poothara

There are more than one possibilities regarding how the family name originated. From very old times, land especially in areas with lot of low lying areas like Kuttanad were referred to as “Thara” in Malayalam. When a family moves to a new land, the name of that plot used to become their family name. People refer to members of the family by the name of the land and after some time the family will be known by the name of the land. This is one of the common ways by which family names originate. Poothara Tharavadu was built on a land given by the Chembakassery King. This piece of land was recently made by leveling low lying areas near the banks of Kallorkadu river and hence it was a new land – “Puthiya Thara” and “Puthiya Thara” later got shortened to Poothara/Poothra.

Another possibility is that Koshy Tharakan was junior to Kaniyattu Itti Unni Cheriya Tharakan when he received the Tharakan title from the Chembakassery King, people might have started referring to him as Puthiya (new) Tharakan. So, when he later moved from Kurialacherry to a new house, the house was referred to as Puthiya Tharakan’s house. Puthiya Tharakan in due course of time could have got shortened to Poothrayan/Poothraen to Poothra/Poothara.

Poothara Korah Kathanar

Poothara Korah Kathanar was a very famous Kathanar who was born in the latter half of 17th Century and served as a priest at Champakulam during the 18th century. He was the first person to start writing down the Poothara/Kurialacherry family history. Poothara Korah Kathanar belongs to the 8th generation of our ancestors at Champakulam. (Kuriala is the first generation and Poothara Koshy Tharakan is the second generation).

A new church building was built in the first half of the 18th century during the time of Korah Kathanar at Champakulam Kalloorkkadu Church. The King of Chembakassery provided directions and help to the parishners in this regard. Korah Kathanar played a major role in the rebuilding of the Church (1720 – 1730). This was the time in which the Church was moved to the present site. Thamalloor Itty Kuruvilla Kathanar built and donated a beam which is still present in the current church building. An inscription on a beam across the Church reads“Mishiha Piranna 1730, Thamalloor itty Kuruvilla kathanar ee cheelaanthy paniyichu. Ee kollam 905 meena matham”- This beam was built by Thamalloor Itty Kuruvilla Kathanar in AD 1730. This is in ME (Kolla varsham) 905, the month of Meenam. Other families who played a major role with the efforts of building the church are Puthenpurackal, Karuka, Chakkala and Porukkara. The above four families were referred to as the “Nalu Veedanmar”. These four families took a keen interest in the affairs of the Church during those times and were referred to as “Palli Pramanis”.

Some of the historic documents around this time refer to Kaniyadan, Poothara Tharakan, Kurian Paramban, Palathingal and Kallupurayan families as the “Prathapis” and “Pramanis” during this time as well.

Another person who played a key role in this construction was Thachill Mathoo Tharakan. Mathoo Tharakan was a wealthy trader who mostly traded timber and made huge fortune. He had a warehouse in Champakulam and exported timber through the Purakkadu Port. Kalloorkkadu Thekke Angadi gained more prominence during his time and trade flourished. He later became the commerce minister of Travancore.

Poothara Korah Kathanar along with Thachil Mathoo Tharakan and Thamaloor Itty Kuruvilla Kathanar went to Kodungaloor to invite Archbishop Mar Anthony Pimentel S.J for the blessing of the new church.

It was the ancient custom in each Nasrani (Syriac) church that during its main feast days, all the priests who are born in that parish wherever they serve come back and attend the celebration. They are called “Deshathu Pattakkar “(local priests). The main responsibilities of the feasts like carrying the Reliquary during procession, arranging valuable gold and silver ornaments on icons and statues and removing the same for safe custody in locker rooms all belonged to these local priests. When Bishop Florence from Poland was reigning as Vicar Apostolic of Propaganda in Verapoly, an argument arose between the local Nasranis and the European Padres at the feast at Champakulam church as to who should carry the Reliquary during the procession. The Propaganda authorities ill-treated Nasranis through repressive policies and especially racial discrimination and they thought they monopolised the right of carrying the Reliquary in whichever local Nasrani church processions they visit during feast days. The Europeans insisted that they had the right over the Nasrani vicar of the parish. However, the parishioners led by our protagonist Ikkako Kathanar did not yield and argued vehemently that they had the right. Finally to allow for a smooth conduct of the feast a compromise was worked out by Poothara Korah Kathanar along with other priests and church representatives of the parish. European Padres were then allowed to lead the main procession. After the procession, it was time for the valuables, including gold and silver ornaments displayed on the Reliquary and other statues during the procession to be removed and inventoried with the list. Ikkako Kathanar and Poothara Korah Kathanar, along with the trustees, were entrusted with their safe-keeping in secure rooms. These included Gold Jewelry and other valuables made of Gold. While documenting collections from the feast, a group of people who accompanied the European Padres attempted to steal valuables and offerings. They were caught in the act and this led to unpleasant scenes and a little wrestling. Ikkako was again in the forefront of all this. This attracted a large crowd. The stolen things were recovered but the Europeans were accused of bringing thieves along with them. Again, elders, Poothara Korah Kathanar and leading members of church assemblies mediated and the European padres along with their unscrupulous followers were allowed to return to Verapoly without harm. The public disgrace was too much for the Europeans to digest. They swore revenge against the parishioners and Ikkako Kathanar in particular. Later on, sadly, the European padres extracted their revenge on Ikkako Kathanar at Verapoly. Padre Francis Sales and his men took Ikkako Kathanar by force to Verapoly, shut him up in a room and tortured him severely after alleging a false case. After exhausting torture methods the Padres condemned him to die by starvation, and he was left without food and drink for several days. When he was close to dying Ikkako Kathanar begged the Padres for the sacraments of confession and communion. He was denied that as well. He eventually died in 1771. Ikkako Kathanar suffered torture and sacrificed his life to preserve his faith, the dignity of his family, parish and the Nasrani community. The Coonan cross oath of 1653 of the Mar Thoma Nasranis (Saint Thomas Christians) is the first organized freedom struggle of any Indian community against European colonialism. The martyrdom of Puthenpurackal Ikkako Kathanar (Puthenpurackal is a branch of Thamaloor family) is a continuation of this freedom struggle as well.

It is unclear whether Poothara Korah Kathanar was also a target for revenge for his involvement in booking the European Padres’ men for theft at Champakulam Church. More investigation needs to be done on this subject.

Poothara Geevarghese Kathanar

Poothara Geevarghese Kathanar (Rev. Geevarghese Kathanar Poothara) was another famous Kathanar from the family who lived during the period 1817 to 1889 AD. He was the last of the six Kathanars from Poothara family during the period between 16th century to 19th century. He served in many northern parishes under Varapuzha for the most part of his priesthood. He later came back to Champakulam and lived at Kaloorkadu Pallimeda for the rest of his life. During this time discussions about rebuilding a new church were taking place and he took an active role in this. Meanwhile Kurialacherry Valiya Thoma Kathanar (Rev. Thomas Kathanar Kurialacherry) also retired from the vicar duties at different parishes and was leading a restful life at Kaloorkadu Pallimeda as well. Both brothers regrouped and were in charge of building the new church.

The church we see today at Champakulam was rebuilt in 1885. The construction of the new church was held under the leadership of the vicar of Kalloorkkadu parish Rev. Ignaniose Kathanar Kandankulathil, Rev. Geevarghese Kathanar Poothara ,Rev. Thomas Kathanar Kurialassery, and Rev. Alexander Kathanar Chakalayil who were eminent priests from the parish and Varkey Mapila Mundckal, Umman Mapila Koyickari, Youseph Mapila Puthenpurackal, Chandy Mapila Karukayil and Chandy Mapila Chakalayil who were the prominent parishners.

Church records show that Poothara Geevarghese Kathanar gave 30 para land for the construction of the church. He also donated the “Vadakke Thronose” (northern side-altar). This side-altar was built in Goa. This side-altar is still present in the current church building. Kurialacherry Valiya Thomma Kathanar donated 50 para land and built the “Thekke Thronose” (southern side-altar) and gave to the church.

Poothara Geevarghese Kathanar baptized Kurialacherry Valiya Thoma Kathanar’s brother’s son. The kid baptized was named Thomas and he later became the Archbishop of Changanacherry Diocese – Servant of God Bishop Mar Thomas Kurialacherry.

During this time, the family history documents written by Korah Kathanar in the previous century were handed over to Kurialacherry Valiya Thoma Kathanar by Geevarghese Kathanar. Valiya Thoma Kathanar continued with noting down the family history.

“Vadakke Thronose” had an idol of Vyakula Mathavu and “Thekke Thronose” had an idol of St. Thomas. Both Poothara Geevarghese Kathanar and Kurialacherry Valiya Thoma Kathanar used to do holy Qurbana from the “Vadakke Thronose” and “Thekke Thronose” respectively until their death.

Freedom Fighter Joseph Poothara

Joseph Chacko Poothara (1900- 1974 AD) was an Indian Freedom Fighter and member of the Indian National Congress Party. The Government of India honored him with “Tamra Patra” for his exemplary contributions in organizing, leading and participating in India’s freedom struggle against the British.

Joseph Poothara (Kochouthachan) was born to Chacko Poothara and Thresyamma in a family of four brothers and two sisters at Poothara Malika Tharavadu, Champakulam (locally known as Poothara Malika). Poothara Anthony, Poothara Kuriakko, Rev. Fr. Philip Poothara, Theyamma and Mariamma were his siblings.

Growing up he took an active role in organizing many cultural and social events in Champakulam. He was a good actor and acted in many dramas at Kalloorkkadu Church. He was well versed in Sanskrit and Hindi along with Malayalam. Well-built and athletic he was known for his personality, crisp sounds and physique. Some of the statues of Jesus (“Kristu as Parihasa Rajavu and others) in Champakulam Kalloorkkadu Church were built based on his measurements by artist Chacko sir.

Entering adulthood he was attracted to the non-violent protests and ideology of Mahatma Gandhi and he joined Indian national Congress. He was a natural fit to join the Gandhi led Independence movement and his honesty, integrity, courage , great oratory skills was a great boon to the Freedom struggle in the Travancore and Kochi region of Kerala. He worked together with many other well-known freedom fighters of the region viz. Sreekandan Nair (former M.P), M.N. Govindan Nair (Former Minister), T.M. Varghese (Former Minister), P.T. Punnoose, Pattom Thanu Pillai, Kuttanad Rama Krishna Pillai, Freedom Fighter Varghese Joseph Edathua etc. to name a few. He did many “Padhayatras” (travel on foot) across the length and breadth of Kerala to spread the message of ahimsa, freedom and independence. Involved and organized various protests, Satyagrahas, Civil-disobedience movements alongside many prominent national freedom activists which even included Mahatma Gandhi several times. During one of such protests at Marina Beach, Madras, British Soldiers ran horses over the protesters and his leg was badly damaged. Years later, his injured leg was completely cut out from his body to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of his body.

“His oratory skills and speeches were so popular that people including myself were willing to row their boats for a full night, just to hear his speech” - words of <> , Former Principal of S.B College Changancherry.

At the height of his political activism, British Government wanted to get him arrested and a reward was promised for anyone who helps in getting him arrested. He had to stay away from his family for several months and was underground mostly. Police used to frequently come to Poothara Malika looking for him and his mother was questioned several times. His mother knowing the importance of his son’s activities never discouraged her son irrespective of knowing the dangers with political activism. Mother was alone at home during this time. His father Chacko Poothara was no more. Irrespective of the dangers involved, Joseph Poothara at times comes to visit his mother under the cover of night. He had to swim all the way from Ambalapuzha for almost a full-night to come to Champakulam. During one of such journeys, it got late and he had to hide in the “Asthi Thara” at Kaloorkadu Church’s cemetery for the full day. Braving such odds he continued his political activism for the love for nation.

One day while Joseph Poothara was delivering a speech at Kidaganparambu Maithanam, Allapuzha he was arrested. Congress volunteers didn’t allow the police to arrest him while the speech was ongoing. He was taken to the Alappuzha sub-jail first. The court sentenced him to Prison and 500 rupees fine as penalty. He served the prison sentence at Poojapura Central jail, Trivandrum. The prison sentence was for one year and one month.

His life so far was completely devoted to India’s freedom struggle and he couldn’t find time to take care of his home or mother or his personal life like a marriage and having kids etc. However after 1945 or so when it was almost certain that India is going to gain Independence, he married Annakutty - an educated girl from Thrikadithanam Manalilparambil family. He married at the age of 45.

“A politician with no stains” – words of Dr. Joseph Poopally (founding Principal of St. Aloysius College, Edathua) about Joseph Poothara.

Joseph Poothara also cooperated with the communist movements happening in Kerala since independence and had working relationships with T.V Thomas (veteran communist leader and minister in several state governments).

Intense physical efforts during India’s freedom struggle took a big toll on Joseph Poothara’s health and after Indian independence he didn’t actively participate in politics. However he was still up there when a need arose. He worked as the Editorial Desk member for Powrathil newspaper and was also a DCC (District Congress Committee) member. He knew many Ministers and using his contacts many deserving people landed in government jobs.

Those days there was no Post office at Champakulam. It was his initiative to bring this to the attention of the Ministers and he was successful in getting a Post office for Champakulam. There was no place initially for the government to build a Post-Office. Joseph Poothara volunteered to allow part of his home (Poothara Malika) as Post Office. Joseph Poothara worked as the temporary post master during the initial period as well. He and his family continued to live there as well.

Government of Kerala was gaining momentum with development activities and many government jobs were still unfilled due to lack of educated people. Annakutty Joseph was a teacher even before her marriage to Joseph Poothara and he wished she could find a similar job near or in Champakulam. He approached the Minister again and the minister proposed to him “Why don’t we start a Government School at Champakulam?” During that time the only school in Champakulam was the St. Mary’s School which was managed by Kalloorkkadu Church itself. Joseph Poothara liked the idea and he worked along with the Minister and Government to get a new school funded by the government at Champakulam. His wife Annakutty Joseph was selected as one of the teachers as well.

The government of India honored him with “Tamra Patra” for his efforts in Freedom Struggle. Joseph Poothara received the “Tamra Patra” award from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi just few years before his death.

Tamra Patra recipients can recommend congress volunteers for Freedom fighter pension. Joseph Poothara recommended freedom fighters Thomas Kurialacherry (Pulikassery), Aashan Chellakalam, Sreedharan Nair and Michael Chettan.

Joseph Poothara had three sons - James J. Poothara, George J. Poothara and Jose J. Poothara.

Fr. Philip Poothara

Son of Chacko Poothara and the youngest brother of freedom fighter Joseph Poothara, Fr. Philip Poothara (1907 – 1965) was a priest and member of the <> Church. From the childhood days itself Philip (Pothachan) was a very God fearing kid and wanted to serve God by doing good for the people. He naturally got attracted to priesthood and expressed his desire at home. In those days becoming a priest was a costly affair. The golden and wealthier days of Poothara family was past at this time and it may not have been easy for Chacko Poothara to provide the financial support for his son’s priesthood studies. However he didn’t discourage Philip and provided all support. Chacko Poothara gave a “Kettu Vallam” (boat with roof) to Kalloorkkadu Church for the same as well. He studied at the Grand Seminary Pondicherry in 1932 later went to St. Peter's Bangalore and ordained priest in 1938 in Bangalore.

After Fr. Philip Poothara’s ordination he mostly served in the parishes under the Archdiocese of Pondicherry. He was well versed in Tamil and English. The English Bible he used is still preserved by the Family members at Poothara Malika.

Fr. Philip worked a lot for the upliftment of the poor in and around Pondicherry and was a missionary. He preached the gospel among many down trodden people, helped them with education and provided them with healthcare, food and shelter. In those days there were separate churches for the newly converts to Christianity in Kerala. One such church was there in Alappuzha. When Fr. Philip Poothara visits his home at Champakulam, he always finds time to go to Alappuzha and do mass there. He believed that in Christ everyone is one and equal.

In Pondicherry, Fr. Philip Poothara managed several institutions under the Archdiocese of Pondicherry. He died in 1965 at Pondicherry and was buried at the church of Sacred Heart at Anilady.

Rev. Monsignor Fr. Antony Poothara

Msgr. Antony Poothara was born in Champakulam in 1939. He was a priest with Salesians of Don Bosco. Fr. Antony Poothara was a great Church leader and spearheaded Roman Catholic Church’s missionary works in the North East region of India especially Meghalaya and adjoining states. He was a great speaker and had great leadership skills. Under his leadership the church grew very fast and made huge strides. Pope honored him with Monsignor Title and made him the Vicar General. Monsignor is an honorific form of address for those members of the clergy of the Catholic Church who have received from the Pope certain ecclesiastical honorific titles. Msgr. Antony Poothara met with a car accident in 1989 in Meghalaya and died at the age of 49.

Other Persons and Events

Poothara Koshy Kathanar

Old family history documents also refer to another renowned Kathanar by the name Poothara Koshy Kathanar. We don’t have any more details about this person apart from this mention. It’s just mentioned that he was a renowned priest. The name Koshy is very common in the older generations of our family and many descendants have the same name which makes it difficult to get a clear idea about his life period. Since Poothara Korah Kathanar was the first one to note down the family history and he was born towards the end of the 17^th century, Koshy Kathanar may have been born before this. This puts him either in the earlier half of 17th Century or the latter half of 16th Century. These times were quite turbulent in the history of Nasranis. Synod of Udayamperoor (1599) and Coonan Cross Oath (1653) happened during this period. Since all of the historic documents in Kalloorkkadu faced destruction by vested interest parties’, chances of finding more details on Poothara Koshy Kathanar is quite grim. The first wave of destruction was done by the Portuguese to deprive Nasranis of their old history and traditions. The second wave of destruction happened in the latter half of the 20^th century when few people and families at the Church wanted to destroy the “Pizha Cheettu” ( - the list of wrong doers at the Church and the punishment given to them by Palli Yogam and Kathanars) kept at Kalloorkkadu church. In an attempt to destroy the “Pizha Cheettu”, they ended up destroying all historic documents unfortunately. This is a huge loss for the community.

Poothara Chacko Kathanar

Poothara Chacko Kathanar was born around the same time as Poothara Geevarghese Kathanar. (First Quarter of 19^th Century). He was born to Poothara Koshy and had three other brothers (Mani Poothara, Pothan and Cherian). Mani Poothara is the grandfather of Chacko Poothara. Chacko Poothara is the father of Freedom fighter Joseph Poothara.

Trustee at Kalloorkkadu Church

Another story passed orally mentions about a family member who was the main Trustee (“Kaikaran”) at Kalloorkkadu church. We don’t know the exact period of his life but he is believed to have lived sometime during the 19^th century. Champakulam Church had huge wealth during those times and it along with Churches at Kuruvilangad, Edapally and Angamaly were considered to be of higher importance than the other East Syrian rite Catholic Churches. Being the Trustee of Kalloorkkadu church was a coveted position. The Trustee from Poothara family was a hardworking and sincere person and took great interest in conducting the day to day affairs at the church. He served in this role for many years. He was in charge of the book keeping and the finances of the church. During one of those years, at the time of bookkeeping, there was a difference of two rupees in the balance sheet and it was unclear what accounted for that mismatch. Two Rupees back in the days is not a small amount and it could fetch couple of acres of land even at Champakulam. Champakulam was a major commerce as well as agricultural center those days and real-estate in Champakulam was costly when compared to other places in the Kuttanad region and beyond. The Trustee took responsibility and gave land worth two rupees to the Church. This land is on the eastern side of the Kalloorkkadu River.

Poothara Malika (Maalikel)

The present Poothara Tharavadu (“Kudumbam”) is still located on the land by the Kalloorkkadu River which was originally given by the Chembakassery King to Poothara Koshy Tharakan in the 16^th Century. Koshy Tharakan built the first house at this place. We don’t have any information about the size or shape of the initial house built here. It should be assumed that the house has been rebuilt several times during the last five centuries.

The “Tharavadu” house (“Kudumbam”) is locally known as "Maalikel" in the area. The present house on this land is a two-story building built around 1955 and the second story is in traditional Kerala Architecture. There used to exist an even bigger building at this site back in the 19^thcentury. This is being referred to as the old Malika (Pazhaya Malika). Pazhaya Malika used to have a Veranda and was almost thrice in length as of the current one. The second level of the current house building is a smaller replica of “Pazhaya Malika” which existed in the 19^th century – a remnant of the past. Between the times of the “Pazhaya Malika” and the current house there was another building for some time as well.

The first few decades after the mid of the 19^th century was a turbulent time for Poothara family. There were multiple farming losses and it happened very close to each other. The loss in prominence of the Kalloorkkadu Angadi affected the family business of the trade of silk. The family was growing in number and many partitions took place. Four branches of the family were formed during this time. All this combined took a toll on the family’s financial base. This was the time when the old Malika was brought down. It’s being said that the timber obtained by dismantling the “Nilavara” was enough to build a house for one of the branches. Church records shows that Poothara Geevarghese Kathanar donated 30 paras (~3 acres) of paddy field to Kalloorkkadu church around 1885.

The bringing down of the Poothara Pazhaya Malika is very symbolic and it marked the end of the wealthy and affluent days of the Poothara Tharakan family. The golden period of the family founded by Poothara Koshy Tharakan back in the first half of the 16^th century spanned over three centuries.

Poothara Anthony

Poothara Anthony (Anthonichan) is the son of Chacko Poothara and eldest brother of freedom fighter Joseph Poothara. He was born in 1895. He needs special mention because he was the last person in the family to do their traditional family business of the trade of silk and garments. He had a Government Job for some time before going full-fledged into business. He and his family moved to Ayoor when he was 38 years of age. He was very tall and well-built and was nick named “Muttan Achayan”. He had four kids - James Antony Poothara (Rajappan), Jose Antony Poothara, Kochukuttappan and Ponnamma. James Antony Poothara retired as an Engineer from Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). He passed away in 2006 when he was 81. Descendants of Poothara Anthony are spread across Ayoor, Kasargode and Kannur in Kerala and abroad.

Teacher Annakutty Joseph Poothara

Teacher Annakutty Joseph Poothara is the wife of freedom fighter Joseph Poothara. She was born in 1917 and died in 1998 at the age of 81. She belongs to the Manalilparambil family in Thrikadithanom. She was an educated lady and was a teacher at Government school Champakulam. Her husband Joseph Poothara helped found the Government School. Even prior to her marriage she had a teaching job at Thrikadithanam. During her times, the presence of Women in white-collar jobs was very rare or null. She needs special mention because she was one of the first women from the region to have had a white-collar job. Her employment was an inspiration for many in Champakulam to send their girls for higher education. After retirement she continued to receive State Pension till her death. After the death of her husband Joseph Poothara, she also received “Vidhava Pension” meant for the widows of freedom fighters .

George J. Poothara

George Joseph Poothara (Vakkamma) is the second son of Freedom fighter Joseph Poothara and Teacher Annakutty Joseph. He was born in 1948. He was a soldier with Indian Armed Forces first and later an NRI, Businessman and film-producer.

Straight after college he joined the Indian Armed forces as Junior Officer. During his career with the Indian Armed forces, the 1971 India – Pakistan war broke out and he fought in the battlefield across the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan. The battle was won by the Indian Forces and was a national story during the time.

George Poothara later moved to Abu-Dhabi for greener pastures and upon the invitation from his elder brother James Poothara (Chakamma). Both George and James worked for ADMA-OPCO (Abu-Dhabi Marine Operating Company – Initially a British Company who pioneered the drilling of crude oil in the Emirates, first ever oil shipment from the country). George Poothara worked with ADMA-OPCO Abu Dhabi/Das Island for 25 years.

Along with his job in Abu-Dhabi, George Poothara ran multiple businesses. Most of his businesses dealt with exports of minerals and other goods from India to countries such as USA, Japan and UAE. He founded companies Trinity International, Anu George Exports and DB&GP Associates. He produced a Malayalam movie in 1992 (Aalavattom) under the banner of Trinity International. The Story of the movie was written by actor Nedumudi Venu. Venu is a former student of Teacher Annakutty Joseph (George’s Mother) and was a family friend.

George Poothara was the “Presudenthi” of the “Medam Perunal” at St. George Church Edathua in the year 1997. Rev. Fr. Oonukallil was the vicar of the Church during this time.

George Poothara married Mercy (Maryamma Joseph) from Kulangara family, Thathampally, Alappuzha. Mercy’s father Joseph Kulangara was a business man who died very young at the age of 33. Joseph Kulangara’s elder brother was a famous doctor - Dr. Mathai Kulangara who ran his own hospital in Changancherry. His younger brother is a well-known advocate and Notary at Alappuzha District court. George and Mercy used to live in Abu-Dhabi initially. Later Mercy and Children moved to Champakulam and lived at Poothara Malika. Mercy later got job as English professor at St. Aloysius College, Edathua. Prof. Maryamma Joseph is the former Head of the department of English, St. Aloysius College, Edathua.

George and Mercy had five kids. Jomsy, Anu, Jomy (Joseph G. Poothara), Aji (Georgi G.Poothara) and Jaice G. Poothara. Jomsy met with an accident at the age of two and died in 1979. Anu is married to Dr. Reji Nicholas Pulikottill, Trissur. Joseph G. Poothara is a technology professional and lives in California, USA. Georgi G. Poothara is a software Engineer and works at Info Park Kochi/ Los Angeles, CA. He along with Dr. Reji Nicholas runs few businesses in Kochi in the areas of high-end Cosmetic surgery and high-end furnishings. Jaice G. Poothara works in Dubai, UAE. Both Jomy and Aji were born while the family stayed at Poothara Malika in Champakulam. Since no more family members are living at Poothara Malika now, they most probably will be the last two to be born from the Tharavadu house. George and family later moved to Edathua and lived there for 22 years before moving to Ernakulam.

James Poothara is one of the very first to go to Emirates from the region. He reached Abu-Dhabi in the late 1960s. James worked for ADMA-OPCO for 35 years. He retired as the Section leader from ADMA-OPCO (equivalent to Vice-President). He currently lives in Ernakulam. He is married to Kunjumol James from Ayoor. They have two daughters - Dr. Sunita James and Tina James. Sunita is married to Dr. Anto. They both currently live in England. Tina James along with her husband Jay Boby runs a software company in Technopark, Trivandrum which has around 100 employees. Tina is the Chief Operating Officer of the company.

Jose Poothara (Jossamma - younger brother of George Poothara) also worked in Abu-Dhabi for about 30 years. He married Molly Jose from Ezhukattil family, Thekkekara, Champakulam. They are settled now in Changanacherry. They have two kids - Josna and Jeff. Josna is married to Francis and they live in Bangalore. Jeff is a computer engineer and works in Hyderabad.

Kudumbayogam

It was the initiative of George J. Poothara and Korathrackal Varghese (Korathrackal is a branch of Poothara Tharakan Family) to collect all the family history documents and conduct Kudumbayogams on an ongoing basis. A lot of work has been put into collecting the family history documents and organizing Kudumbayogam at Champakulam Poothara Malika. This paper owes a lot to the hard work, commitment and dedication of George J. Poothara and Varghese Korathrackal.

Current Priests

Poothara family’s tradition of having priests is still continuing today with Fr. Thomas Poothara and Fr. Subi Poothara.

Fr. Thomas Poothara is a priest belonging to the Franciscan order. He is currently the Principal of St. Francis School, Mysore. He was ordained as priest on May-05-1996 at St. Mary’s Church, Champakulam. He was born to Mathai Chacko Poothara and Mariamma Chacko on Nov-04-1970 at Champakulam. He is the grandson of Late Mathai Poothara. Fr. Thomas Poothara has three brothers – Mathew Poothara (Champakulam), Joseph Chacko Poothara (Christ Academy, Bangalore) and <> (Mangalore).

Fr. Subi Poothara hails from the Poothara family settled in Kannur District. He was ordained priest very recently (year 2015). Fr. Subi had his education from IJMH Kottiyoor and Jeevalaya Institute of Philosophy (Bangalore University). He has one brother Sunil Thomas Poothara who lives in Kannur district.

Branches

Kuriala and Chacko Kathanar moved to Champakulam upon the invite from Chembakassery King in the first half of the 12^th century. They originally belonged to the Kaliyangal family in Kuruvilangad. Regarding family branches, we are limiting the scope to the branches that were developed after our ancestors moved to Champakulam. Kaliyangal family members have moved to different parts of Kerala from Kuruvilangad and it’s quite impossible to trace each and every branch that was formed from this root family. As per some records there are almost 1000 families in different parts of Kerala who claim lineage to the Kaliyangal root Family (“ Maha Kudumbam”).

The parent family at Champakulam is Kurialacherry which was formed by Kuriala. Poothara Tharakan Family was formed when Poothara Koshy Tharakan moved out of Kurialacherry house in 1540. Poothara is the first and oldest branch of Kurialacherry. Though Kuriala and Chacko Kathanar (12th Century) is the first generation of our ancestors at Champakulam, for mentioning generations in this paper, we are going to base it out on the father Kuriala in the first half of 16th century as the first generation. We don't have information about the periods between 12th and 16th. So Poothara Koshy Tharakan is the second generation. In the third generation there was a father named Kuriala at Kurialacherry and one of his sons was Chacko. Chacko moved to Thekke Thumbe and started the Thumpechirayil branch.

In the 11^th generation, there was a father named Koshy at Poothara (born in the last quarter of 18^th century) and he had four sons. Pothan, Mani, Cherian and Chacko Kathanar. Pothan moved to Amichakary and started the Valiya Kunnel Branch. Cherian moved to Nedumudi and started the Nedumudi Puthenpurackal branch. Mani continued at Poothara. Mani is the 12^th generation of our ancestors at Champakulam.

Mani had three sons. Koshy, Mathai and Chacko. Mathai moved to Koratharackal and started the Koratharackal branch. Chacko moved to Manathra and started the Manathra branch. Koshy continued at Poothara. Koshy is the 13^th generation at Champakulam. This is believed to have happened during the period 1850-1870. Poothara Pazhaya Malika was brought down during this time.

Koshy had three sons. Ouseph, Thoma and Chacko. Ouseph started the Thottuvelil branch. Chacko is the father of Freedom fighter Joseph Poothara and forms the 14^th generation.

The youngest generation as of now is the 18^th Generation. This generation is comprised of those who are mostly born after 2000.

Notable Persons from the Branches

Bishop Thomas Kurialacherry

Venerable, Servant of God Thomas Kurialacherry was the first Bishop of the Diocese of Changanacherry which later became the Archdiocese of Changanacherry. Thomas Kurialacherry, fondly called as Kunjuthomachen was born on January 14th, 1873 at Champakulam to Chackochen and Accamma. As a child, he grew up with extra ordinary goodness and piety. His childhood friends used to call him “Kunju Malagha” (Little Angel). During his childhood days at Champakulam, Poothara Geevarghese Kathanar and Kurialacherry Valiya Thoma Kathanar were residing at Kalloorkkadu church and the rebuilding of the church was going on. Thomas was baptized by Poothara Geevarghese Kathanar. He is the son of Valiya Thoma Kathanar’s brother as well. The presence of these two renowned priests from the family would have had a great influence on him growing up and this would have attracted him further to priesthood. He had his seminary education in Propaganda College, Rome and was ordained on 27 May 1899. He served as vicar in the parishes of Chennamkary, Kavalam, Edathua and Champakulam.

In 1911, Fr. Thomas Kurialacherry was elevated as the Vicar Apostolica of Changanacherry. Bishop Thomas Kurialacherry started several educational institutions including St. Berchman's College at Changanacherry in 1922. He founded the religious Congregation of the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in 1908. After one of his visits from Rome, Bishop Thomas Kurialacherry came to Poothara Malika and gifted two dinner plates, two saucers, two side plates and two crystal kasas (glassware) which he got from Rome for Poothara Chacko. These items are now given to be displayed at the Bishop Thomas Kurialacherry Museum at Champakulam.

Bishop Thomas died while on a visit to Rome during the silver jubilee year of his ordination. Reaching Rome, the seminarians from Changanacherry studying at Rome, invited him for Holy Mass at Propaganda College, which he readily accepted. Though tired, he offered Mass, but fainted after that. Thus he offered his first Holy Mass and his last Mass at the same altar. He was called to eternal reward on June 2nd 1925 at the age of 52. His body was buried in Rome itself. His mortal remains were brought back to Changanacherry in 1935 and interred in the Metropolitan Cathedral Church. His cause of canonization was taken up in 1983 and he was declared Servant of God on Dec. 13, 1991. On April 2, 2011, the Holy Father, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI approved a statement saying that Bishop Kurialacherry had lived a life of heroic virtue. This gives him the additional title of "Venerable"

Rev. Dr. Fr. Antony Kurialacherry

Antony Kurialacherry (1920 – 2001) was born to Outhachan and Elleykutty in Champakulam. He was the founding Principal of Nirmalagiri College, Kuthuparambu, Kannur. He also served as Professor and later as the Principal of St. Berchman’s College, Changanacherry from 1970 to 1977. He was the Founder and first director of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Ministry in Chicago which later become the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago in 2001. His Alma matter includes B.A. Honors (1954) from Loyola College of the Madras University, Master's Degree (1956) in Political Science from University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA, Degree of Master of Education (1959) and Doctorate from Loyola University, Chicago, USA.

Jacob Kurialacherry

Jacob Kurialacherry (Chackochen) is known for authoring the book “Kalloorkkad Palliyum Suriyani Kristhyanikalum” which was published in 1986. He is the eldest brother of Rev. Dr. Fr. Antony Kurialacherry. In his book certain parts of Poothara/Kurialacherry family history is mentioned as well. It also talks about few of the branches as well.

Rev. Fr. Philip Manathra

Fr. Philip is a priest from the Manathra branch of Poothara family who lived in the 20^th century. M.K Korah M.A., L.L.B (born 1920) and K.M Mathan (born 1915) are the other two prominent personalities from this branch who received Master Degrees in the first half of the 20^th century. M.K Korah worked as an officer with Indian Navy (Bandhra, Bombay). He was a famous social worker and activist among the Malayalee community in Bombay.

Fr. Shaji Thumpechirayil

Fr. Shaji is a well-known priest from the Thumpechirayil family who is currently based out of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry. He is good singer, lyricist and composer of several Christian devotional songs and albums. He is featured regularly in the many Malayalam Catholic Channels. Fr. Thomas Thumpechirayil is another priest from the Thumpechirayil family.

Concluding

Poothara Tharakan Family in Champakulam has a lot of history. If there is one thing that stands out in this family, it is the presence of a number of Kathanars starting with Chacko Kathanar who came with Kuriala in the 12^th century. It was this same presence of Kathanars that prompted Chembakassery King to invite our forefathers to Champakulam. It’s a matter of joy and pride for us that we were invitees of the Devanarayanan King and the King wanted our family to play a major role at Kalloorkkadu Church. Generations after generations we continued this tradition. And it worked out as the King envisioned. Poothara family gave birth to six Kathanaars during the period between 16th century and 19th century. Champakulam and Kuttanad started attracting more and more people and a lot more Nasranis migrated here from the east in the later centuries. In fact it has worked out so well that the first Bishop of what would later become the Archdiocese of Changancherry is a descendant of Kuriala.

Becoming a Kathanar in olden days was not an easy thing. It was a quite restricted thing and only certain families had it easy. It had more to do with blood lineage than to do with the readiness to lead a priestly life. Poothara family had both these virtues and this family gave birth to many renowned Kathanars in the 16^th, 17^th, 18^th and 19th centuries. May be this tradition of having so many Kathanars in the family is natural and has got something to do with our lineage to Kaliyangal family in Kuruvilangad. Kaliyangal family is believed to be one of the four Maha Kudumbams who were entrusted with Priestly duties among Nasranis. Some say this was given to them by St. Thomas. May be such a thing happened later when Kerala Nasrani community established ties with the Syrian Church of the East in Edessa (modern day Turkey) and few wealthy families got the Church to give them this privilege back then. It could also be that the ancestors of the family could have migrated from the middle-east to Malabar Coast and the ancestors were a priestly family from the Syriac Church in Middle-East (Mesopotamia or Western Persia). The Y-DNA Study on Poothara family member is also showing that they belong to the J2 haplogroup widely seen among Jews and Mediterranean populations. This family lineage restriction to become a priest started to loosen from the 19th century onwards.

Early Nasranis were mostly traders and traders usually were a wealthy set of people. People respect wealth and this wealthy status gave them high social status as well. This gave importance for the Nasranis and they were considered at par with high caste Hindus by Kings. Founder of our family – Poothara Koshy Tharakan was one such person. He was a great wealthy trader who had great influence over the Kings. It’s an honor for all family members that their family was started by one such person who received the highest title of honor given by the Kings to Syrian Christians.

Another thing that is noteworthy is the presence of leaders in our family. Whether it is for conveying the aspirations and needs of the people to the King or whether it is for providing leadership at Church or whether it is in leading the freedom struggle against colonialism, our family members has been in the forefront of the things. The many honors received by our ancestors like Tharakan title, Kathanar roles, Tamra Patra, Monsignor Title, Vicar-General etc. are all examples of this. Add to it the roles handled by members from our branches, it shines even more.

Like all other families we also had our ups and downs. Tough days do not last but tough people do. We may have lost some glory compared to what Koshy Tharakan staged for us. But this family continues to deliver. In the last century when we were well past our golden days, the family was blessed with two great men - Freedom Fighter Joseph Poothara and Monsignor Antony Poothara. The family continues to deliver even in tough times.

Times are changing and people are no longer restricted geographically to their ancestral place. Members of our family are currently spread out across different districts in Kerala, States in India and abroad in the Middle-East, Europe and North America and engaged in different occupations. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, it’s good to spend some time on self-introspection and ask oneself “Am I doing justice to my tradition and values?”

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