Many Hindus have suffered heavily during the devil’s reign that was Moplah rebellion. Same way Moplahs too suffered due to the cruel torture by army. I had the opportunity to meet some of these unfortunate souls who participated in the rebellion as well as those who suffered the hardships and learn about their first hand experiences of the tragic series of incidents. The experiences of some of the victims of the mutiny had been published in Kerala Shabdam and Kerala Patrika etc. Those who were subjected to the cruelties of the mutiny had given statements to Sri P.V.K. Nedungadi to enable him to write his book titled “Malabar Mutiny- A religious insurgency or freedom struggle?” All these experiences speak about the atrocities committed by the Moplah insurgents and the equally cruel response to it by the army. It will be worthwhile to examine their statements now.
Kuttiri Nottunni Panicker: Published in Kerala Patrika dated 26-11-1921.
On Thulam 11, (Malayalam calendar) afternoon, while I was coming back to my house with my cattle, some Muslims caught hold of me and Palappuarm Arumukhan. After some time, Konnara Muhammad Koya Thangal came fully armed, handcuffed and took us to Vazhakkat mosque. From there we were shifted to Konnar mosque. It was ten “nazhikas” (two and half nazhikas makes an hour) past evening. There they locked us up along with some other people. It was Muhammad Koya Thangal who had instructed to lock us in a room. They gave only one time food a day. We spent 10 days in that room. Then Muhammad Koya Thangal converted me to their religion and gave me a Muslim cap to wear. When they asked me whether I had the willingness to believe in “Din”, a person was standing wielding a sword next to me. If I said “no” they will kill me. I had seen this with 18 others who said “no” and were hacked to death. Hence I had to agree. Then a Muslim barber came and shaved my head and a Thangal asked us to recite “Kalima”. I was named Abdul Rehman. Then the Thangal gave me a cloth to wear and a Thorthu mundu (a thin bath towel). After some days they took me to Kondotty. On 18th when I was taken for bath under the control of a Muslim sentry, the Moplahs ran away seeing a set of people carrying military goods. I ran away from their custody immediately.
Easwarankunnath Chalil Ambalathodi Velayudhan aged -76
I was sixteen when the rebellion took place. My elder and younger brothers were hacked to death by the Moplah insurgents. Before taking them for killing, they will say that they are being taken for a bath. I was converted and named Ibrahim. They gave three measures of paddy for completing the “sunnath” (circumcision) of my two younger brothers. They captured Naduvilath Illam and started staying there. It was there that they converted people of this area and conducted sunnath. Mother had been boiling rice. We agreed to undergo sunnath after drinking Kanji made with it. The army camped at Mattummal came and engaged the insurgents. The Moplahs ran away. The army took us all to Manjeri. The rioters had burned all our clothes immediately after conversion. We had to again reconvert and chant old Vedic mantras. We suffered a lot of such cruelties. Still pension is being given to those who had severed the heads of Hindus. We do not have the right for anything.
Mannooth parambil Manichan Eradi – Keralasabdam Varika. Dated 20th December 1981
It was while we were drinking kanji at the house that some Muslims came. They took away the cattle and yields of ginger and yam. I was also taken away. Since many Muslims knew me, I was returned unhurt. Variyankunnath Kunjahammad Haji and Chembrasseri Thangal have filled up three wells with dead bodies. They split the middle of women by pulling their legs apart before dumping in the well. Kunjahammad haji and Chemprasseri Thangal together have converted a lot of Hindus.
Perancheri Krishnan Nair, Eranallur, Ozhur.
I was just 12 years old when the mutiny started but had ceased to be a child by then and was looking after household matters. The mutiny originated at Thirurangadi. The aim of Moplahs was to massacre unarmed and hapless Hindus. At the time of mutiny, army was at Tirur. The place was known as Peril and consisted of Perancheri joint family houses and the residences of some harijans. Some places were bushy forests and others devoid of human residences. Each day we used to hear terrifying news about the mutiny. We were afraid that our life is getting shorter every day and any moment will fall prey to the daggers of the Muslims. I do not remember the date. But one evening a group of mutineers reached the Puthantheru. (Keraladhiswarapuram) Without any provocation the Moplahs came to the weaver’s lane. They came with raised swords and burning torches shouting “Takbir”.
Immediately they started entering houses and creating trouble. Six people including a Chettiyar were hacked to death by the Moplahs. The rioters who came to Puthan theru were some locals and those who came from Nilambur. There was the house of a gold smith by name Velayudhan. The Moplah rioters burned his place to ashes. When they started torching all the houses the Harijans started crying loud. After the atrocities in the weaver’s lane the Moplahs came to this side. People scrambled for life and ran here and there. Afraid of death and with a wish to save lives they wanted to escape to some safe place. But all around it was dark. Finally every one including me hid our selves in a Bushy forest. We saw them at a distance. With a round turban on head and burning torches in hand they were marching, chanting war cries to destroy everything found on the way. They were searching for people in all the houses and threw out everything from there. When they saw the temple of Peril family goddess they became mad with rage and set fire to the temple. I silently wept seeing the temple considered by all of us Hindus as very sacred, being burned to ashes. I recognized some of the insurgent Muslims in the light spread by indiscriminate torching. Among them locals like Mukkattil Alavi, Koyakkutty, Pari Moideen etc were also there. The hatred they had for Hindus was reflected fully in the cruel deeds they did during the insurgency. After causing wide spread destruction the rioters withdrew with cries of Takbir. Terribly scared we continued to hide in the bushes it self.
What we saw in the morning were heart breaking scenes. We had lost everything. Every one of us was afraid that if we continued at the place the belligerent Moplahs will come once again and massacre us all. Puthantheru Appunni Nair who was a prominent personality of that area came in the morning and took all of us to his place. He was a very influential man and held in high esteem by all. There was a lot of land in his possession. The Moplahs had not even looked towards his house because of his position and power. Mr. Appunni Nair provided land and huts to stay for every one of us. Still the fear was not completely gone from our minds. Myself along with Kozhissery Krishna Panicker, Govinda Menon and several others moved to Trichur. We lived there for six months. I remember having stayed at a house belonging to one Kattookkaran near the zoo in Trichur. This Kattookkaran provided each of us with one nazhi (about 250 grams) rice and three paise for daily expenses. We returned home only after the mutiny was almost over.
(The above is what was narrated by Perancheri Krishnan Nair on 1-5-1996 to the author who visited his house)
Mele Peediakkal Moideenkutty, Thanaloor.
Mr. Moideenkutty is a witness to the incidents that followed the Puthantheru carnage.
“I was 19 years old then. The time was not much after day break. A group of military men from Parappanangadi and Tirurangadi came by train. They stopped the train at Vattathani in between Tirur and Thanur. After getting down the army marched towards east. They reached Thanalur near Puthantheru. There were two hundred of them. They came in search of 7 offenders accused of Khilafat and mutiny. They first went to the house of P.S.Kunjahammad haji and called out the list of the accused and asked whether they were there. When the reply was in negative they set fire to the haystack in the courtyard. The fire spread to the house of Haji. After ensuring that the army had left the place, locals came and extinguished the fire. The army got information that the culprits were hiding in the Pakara Jumu Masjid. And they marched towards the mosque. Hearing the news the Adhikari (Village Officer) Vadakkumopat Shankunni Menon reached there and requested the army men nor to enter the mosque. He also said that there was only a Mukri in the mosque and he can be called outside. But the army was insistent that the culprits were in the mosque and informed Sankunni Menon that they will not go back to Thirurangadi without catching them. Then the Adhikari sent people inside the mosque and requested all the people to come out. Only Alayattil Moideen Kutty and Khatib Koyani Thangal were there. They came before the army men. Pookkattil Saidalavi’s house was just nearby. He was watching all this, while sitting at his home and drinking Kanji. He suddenly had an urge to see what was going on. After finishing off the Kanji he came running and was trapped before the army men. The army men handcuffed Moideen kutty, Koyani Thangal and Saidalavi and brought them to the main road. Then they saw some pits in the nearby compound. They searched the pits for arms concealed by the Moplahs. But the pits had only plantain stems. It was then that Cherkazhy Muhammadkutty came that way. He had good rapport with the army. He talked with the army Commander. The Commander said that they have come in search of seven culprits who had set fire to houses and destroyed life and property at Puthantheru. They took into custody every one whom they could lay hands on and went to Tirur. The Adhikari, Vadkkumpatt Sankunni Menon went to Taluk Katcheri and got released all the men except Saidali.
The Hindus gave confidential information to the army about the culprits and they arrested all the seven accused. My father was also caught in that trip. Velliyath Kunjimmu, Poyyasseri Kunjayammad, Madampat Avarankutty Musalyar, Melethil Koyakkuty were the people whom the army came enquiring about. The vehicle carrying those from Vattathani including my father was taken to Bellari. My father’s name was Vaykkattiparambil Moideenkutty Musalyar. My mother asked me to enquire about father to Madampat Avarankutty Musalyar, while staying at our house in Pakara. I went and met Musalyar. He informed that my father had died while in Bellary jail due to dysentery. The army had shot at us too. Not once but twice. Due to the grace of God and strength of lifeforce, I did not fall. Meleyil Kunjeed, Usuf molla and two others who were with me were shot dead. We all went into hiding out of fear of army. Kottumala Mayamutty and me were hiding in a burrow. There were robbers in the Puthantheru Khilafat action. The main culprit was Vakkadan Koya. He was a sawmill worker. I have not participated in Khilafat. But those of my age group were supporters of the movement. During Khilafat so many unpardonable offences had been committed. Many felt guilty later that such things need not have been done.
(This is from the narration of Melepeediyakkal Moideenkutty made at his house on 02-05-1996 to the author for writing this book)
Kundakolath Mani, Kalikavu.
My house was at Koomanthadam near Oravampram, in Nenmini village. My father Chakku was a toddy tapper. Nearby there was an Auliya (spiritual person) by name Saidalikoya Thangal. He had hatred towards us. Moplahs once or twice had come in groups and set fire to our house. Our family Deity was Thiru Kurumba Bhagavathi. Saidalikoya Thangal believed that his horse died due to the divine power of our goddess. This enhanced his rage towards us. One day when my father had gone to Melattur for tapping, a group of Moplahs came prepared for anything and set fire to my house. Because of the continuous nuisance from Moplahs we shifted to Thachinadath and settled in a new house there. In those areas, Variyankunnath Kunjahamd Haji and his men used to go to houses and demand so many things. It is not even imaginable what atrocities they will commit if it were not given. Since it was their new rule, none could oppose anything they did. Everyone was afraid of Moplahs. In spite of torching of our houses several times, my father never used to bow in reverence to Moplahs. “Let them kill me if they can” was the attitude. Once when he had gone to Pandikkad junction area for tapping Moplahs cornered him. Chemprasseri Thangal who came to know of this, asked the Moplahs to release him.Though they set him free before the Thangal, later in his absence, they again caught hold of him and took to Marangat Pallyal. There they slashed his neck. I have heard the below description from those who witnessed the incident.
“In one stroke the head was severed, with a “shuu” sound. The blood oozed out like a “Mesappoo” (A sparkler firework usually kept on a table and ignited). The bleeding body without the head ran a full distance and then fell. Oh! What a wonderful sight!”
Putting up with all that, we shifted to Kalikavu. It was like “from frying pan to fire” (A Malayalam usage with this meaning is “Scared of war, went to Pandalam; there it was war, with burning torches”) In Kalikavu also there was fierce Moplah rebellion. The Moplahs killed a foreigner. They used to behead Hindus whenever they came across one. The main center of Moplahs was Odompatta Mosque. There they will sound “Nagara”. Once they hear the sound, all come running almost like hallucinated. Then they go on a killing spree, destroying everything on the way and shouting war cries. It was only after the Gorkha regiment started action that some relief came. The army will come days after the insurgency. Once they reach the spot, then there will be a holocaust. The army will stop public and ask whether you are a Hindu or Muslim? If a Muslim he will be caught. This will be followed by severe torture. The army resorted to such tough measures only after the Moplahs insurgency became unbearably cruel. How many Hindus of this area have been converted? Now pension is granted to those who slashed the neck of Hindus. Concealing the truth, Have not the politicians made Moplah rebellion Freedom struggle?
(This is a statement of Kundamkolath Mani given to this author at his house on 04-04-1996)
Akkumpurath Janakiyamma, Vaniyambalam.
My husband’s name was Velayudhan Nair. I know about Moplah rebellion. We have worn out our tongues discussing it. Those who want to convert Moplah rebellion into freedom struggle and Kisan unrest may please hear what I have to say. I was twelve years old then. We were staying at Irivetty in Kavannur village of Areakode. I don’t remember the dates. On that day about 200 Moplahs came raiding Vadakkum Muri Kalam (farm house) belonging to Nilambur Kovilakam. Everyone was wielding lengthy swords. The glitter of the swords is even now before my eyes. People started running away from every side once they saw the Moplahs. I also ran. There was a person wearing a cap who looked like the leader of the gang. A ribbon from the back of the cap extended below. My father, Pooppatta Achuthan Nair was an attendant at Kovilakam. In that commotion the third Thampuran (Lord) and a low cast boy called Palan escaped to the forests and hid there. For one or two weeks they roamed in the forest without food or drink. The tired Thampuaran extracted the outer layer of a bamboo shoot and etched some letters in it and sent it with the low cast boy.The letter asking for rice and salt was meant for my father. Thampuarn had gone to the forest out of fear. The Moplahs did not hurt the Jenmis. They also did not bother the members of the Kovilakam. Their guards were Vellampuram Poovanthodi Muslims. That did not last long.
Some Moplahs along with Valiyathodi Mammad came to our house at Vellampuram. They caught hold of me and my father. We were sure that they were going to kill us. Along with us there was a two year old nephew of my father, named Padmanabhan. The innocent child started shouting funny comments about Moplahs without knowing the seriousness of the situation. They tied all of us under the Karimpanthodi Bridge. I was wearing only a small bath towel then. The Moplahs removed all our dresses. We were afraid that they were going to slash our heads and dump us in the river. They took away the big earrings and chain being worn by my mother.Then they asked whether we are prepared to believe in Din or wanted to go to England. For fear of life we gave word that we will believe in Din. Probably to convert us they untied our hands. We were asked to walk. By evening we reached an open space. It was very dark. In the cover of darkness we stealthily ran away from there to safety. Since we had promised to get converted the Moplahs were not very vigilant about us. On the way, my mother fell into a ditch and got injured. But we continued the run. We thus escaped from a great calamity.
Meanwhile a very cruel incident took place in our house. Kesavan Nair, (40) son of Inneetti Amma who is like a brother to me, his nephews, Kuttikrishnan,(18) Gopalan(19) were taken away by Moplahs, slashed to death and bodies thrown into Vakkallur river. The dead bodies came up only on the seventh day. The Moplahs came demanding for various things. They gave everything that was in the store. It was after collecting all this that they resorted to mass killing. Was this the independence struggle?
(For writing of this book, Akkumpurath Janaki amma disclosed the above information to the author at her house on 08-04-1996)
Alungal Avarankutty, Kuruva, Perinthalmanna.
I was 24 years of age during the period of the mutiny. The village officer Kallingal Sekhara Menon was a landlord. I was looking after his property and worked as a guard at his house. There were more Hindu landlords at the place. The local people are all mostly Muslims. Many of them were involved in the mutiny. Since the place was full of hills and hillocks there was no need for any special hiding dens for them. I came to know that the insurgents have planned an attack on this place also for their attack. Fearing that they might attack and loot Sekhara Menon’s house, as per his advice we along with some helpers removed all valuable items from his house and kept them in mine. He had so much faith in me. Someone leaked out this information to the rioters. I got information that the items kept in my house for safe custody will be looted. I asked my nephew to dump everything in a well at Menon’s house.
One day the rioters virtually sent shivers into the spine of everybody in the village. They looted the houses of Njeringamparambil Kunchutty, Kuzhimana Nechikkattil Narayana Paniicker, His brother, Kizhakke Thalakkal Kuttan Nair, Kallingal Sekhara Menon etc. Then the army reached Kuruva to catch hold of Moplah rebels. Palapra Kottan Ahamed, Avaluthottiyil Ali Haji, Kanakkayuil Moideen Haji, Palapra Kottan Kunjammad etc. were taken away by the army. It was ten days later that they caught hold of me and my brother. From Pang alone, more than 100 Moplahs were taken into custody. In fact I had not participated in any looting. We were having a good name in the village. That is why we were taken by them. I was taken to Perintalmanna. Kallingal Sekhara Menon gave a statement to the police that I had not participated in any action. But the court punished me for 11 years and my brother for 10 years. All those caught were punished for more or less 10 years. It was on the previous day of the notorious wagon tragedy that we were carried by the same wagon. They made us walk from Perintalmanna to Tirur. From there they dumped us in closed wagon. There was no way to breathe even. We were taken to Madras. There were more than 5000 prisoners there. We were put in the Madras jail for three years and five years in Bellari.
After eight years, I was let off on an official pardon. The first thing I did after reaching home was to see Kizhakkethalakkal Kuttan Nair. It was in my charge sheet that I had set fire to his house. I told him that I was not the person who did it. He did not have any reply. I got an honor as a freedom fighter later. I was given a commemorative copper plate also. The Kerala government gives a pension of Rs. 1000/- and Central government Rs.1451/- A telephone connection was also given on behalf of government. The District collector has made me plant a sapling on the occasion of forestization move.
Moplah rebellion was essentially murdering and looting.
(This statement was given by Alungal Avaran Kutty at his house on December14th 1995 to the author for writing this book)
- Raghavan, Sripuram, Palukulangara Thalipparamba.
I am the member of a family which had lost everything in the Moplah rebellion of 1921. The rioters entered Mepparamban house near Areakode temple in Areakode village of Malappuram District. They murdered the head of the house, his wife, and their elderly parents. The two young children who witnessed the gory sight somehow managed to escape. The brother caught the hand of his sister and ran away and reached somehow Feroke. The Sub Inspector on duty Mr. Karathan Kunjiraman of Eranjoli saw these children and collected the facts. He took them to his house in Thalassery. My father was the ill-fated brother. I have heard this story narrated by him several times. Some time back I went to Areakode and made enquiries. It was known that right now no one with that family name is there. I could verify what my father said from the people there. The house and compound might have been appropriated by some body. I could not locate it.
(Taken from “Malabar Kalapa Smaranika” by Sri P. V. K. Nedungadi. Page: 140)
- T. Vealyudhan. Thurayankunnu, Po. Nathankutti, Meppadi.
(At the time of the rebellion he was staying near Pandikkad in Eranad Taluk.)
Catching hold of Hindus and converting them was going on for quite some time. Chandukkutty and Unniraman who were converted on that day were staying near my house. The insurgency started in month of Chingam. On Vrischikam 1 (All Malayalam months) my uncle had gone for tapping toddy. By about eleven Moplahs reached our home armed with swords and guns. They asked about my uncle, to my aunt. When she replied that he had gone for toddy tapping they came and sat in the verandah. After some time my uncle returned after the work. Once he saw the Moplahs he stood with all respect, taking out the shoulder cloth and with folded hands. My aunt called him for taking food. He pleaded, “My lords, let me take few handfuls of rice” As he tried to enter the house they caught him from the behind, tied his hands and was forcefully taken away. My aunt started crying loud. I was shivering like anything. Aunt asked me to follow them and see what was happening. I followed them. A furlong away from house there was ariver. Some Moplahs were standing under the shade of a tree. Two with raised swords stood guard near my uncle. One of them slashed the hand of my uncle and the other his head and dumped it into the river. I ran back with fear and told her the tragic news. There is nothing more to elaborate. We escaped to Pandikad where there was a military camp. They gave us rice and salt with which we pulled on.
(Extracted from 1921-Malabar Kalapam Smaranika by Sri.P.V.K.Nedungadi pages: 140-41)
Poovancheri Veluthedath Shankaran – Thuvvur Village Adhikari.
(Letter sent to Zamorin, Kozhikode on December 2nd 1921)
To His Highness, Honorable King, Emperor of India, Zamorin Hindu King, Esquire – wherever he is majestically present- To be read to him – As and when he is pleased to hear, by Kelu Nedungadi, Karyasthan (Secretary)
Mercy Petition – Submitted by Poovancheri Veluthedath Sankaran, Eranad Taluk Thuvvur Village Adhikari
On the last 22nd of August, Moplahs belonging to Karuvankundu and Thuvvur coming in a large group, torched and burned to ashes the government owned village office etc. falling under the jurisdiction of Eranad taluk, Karuvankundu station of Thuvur village. About 3000 Moplahs belonging to that group came to my house to catch me and loot my house. It was when I had gone away to Katcheri. Thre were only women and children in the house. Seeing the approaching crowd they ran away from the house. Out of it my son who was a child was caught and threatened. They took away from my house 10 licensed guns and three swords. Then they entered other Hindu houses and started looting.
For 21 days I was hiding in forests and mud pits. Daily they were searching for me and hence I could not come out. On 11-09-1921 when the army came to the village I joined them for self-protection. Then with the army I moved to Pandikkad and stayed there. On 25-09-1921 Sunday morning, the Moplahs again raided my house and looted everything. The women and children were spending the night in some other houses after engaging a guard for the house. The Moplahs searched them out and extracted information which was not available to them earlier and looted again. They also torched the house. Then they looted many houses in the locality and set fire to all of them. Many men were caught and with hands tied to their back, they were skinned (flayed) at the same time. Many were cut with swords several times from top to bottom and quite a few were dumped half living – half dead with partial body cuts, in a well. Two people were killed on the road. An eighty year old man lying sick for the last ten months was also slashed to death from his house. Of 36 killed 33 were dumped into the well. Of them three were Embranthiris. (Brahmin cast) They were priests of temples owned by the king at Thuvvur, Puthur Vettakkorumakan kavu, and Kaikkattiri. They had destroyed the temple and broken the idols. Because of these atrocities my women relatives and children along with other Hindu women and children had to run to the army camp at Pandikkad with nothing except the dress they wore. We could not salvage any assets.
Due to extreme hardships, I am staying in a rented house near Kozhikode. Some eat out of government support, some on own funds and some having moved to Kochi area are half starving. In this Moplah rebellion I have sufferred a loss of not less than a lakh. For children of the joint family there are more losses. To save my children and me from the present pitiable condition I request your kind highness to have mercy on me and allow me a help of three hundred rupees somehow or other.
In this rebellion, since Thuvvur was the first place where looting and torching of houses commenced, I am the person who suffered most because the others could already escape earlier from the place hearing of the news, and there are no other Jenmis at the place other than me. That is why maximum losses occurred to me.
Having left own land and village, and with the awkward food now being taken, myself and the children fell sick. To improve food, everything like house, dress, oil etc. has to be procured fresh. I am helpless with no means to arrange all that. I am dependent as a Kudiyan (tenant) of the King and working as a Village Officer under the government and on my own assets. I have no other source for subsistence. The great, His Highness, Maharaja, who is kind on me, may please be pleased to protect me, which I humbly request for.
Again submitting a request : After the end of this revolt, to go back and settle at the village, start life afresh, and arranging everything for daily life, an amount not less than 8000 rupees is needed. I request you to help me for that also.
The reason for the sudden beginning of the unrest is because: Chembrassery Kunjikoya Thangal, N.B.Munippiriyrdath Narayana Menon, Parappat Kuttan Menon, Thuvvoor Pookkat Pattarambath Koman Nair and their assistants started Congress in Thuvvur. When I told them that such things will suddenly create problems in this place and these people were miscreants who will create serious nuisances whenever any situation arose, they replied that if I stood against them they will jointly destroy me. They organized a meeting in the paddy field. They initiated Khilafat and Congress which fact I had reported to higher authorities as per their orders.
Parambat people have grudges against me earlier even. The younger royal lord from the Kovilakam had brought his august presence to Thuvvur. He told me that he had come to collect some rent out of the total dues to be collected and payeble to Kovilakam from the people of Thuvvur. Accordingly I asked the tenants. At that time Parappat Kuttan Menon came and said that rent should not be paid to the younger lord. After collecting some produce from Pookkatpattarambath Koman Nair and taking “Thankamuri” from him, he demanded that he too should be given rent. I had told Kuttan Menon that since no one had come from the Kovilakam so far asking for rent and since this is the first time, I am thinking of pleasing him by giving rent to him. I gave the rent to the junior lord too. I am the person who asked the brother to pay rent and made him pay it. Thampuran had told me that brother had declined to pay the rent and that is why I had asked brother to pay it and made him do it. Without considering whatever was said by Parambatt people, I had paid rents to the young lord, which irritated them.
Earlier Vengeri land was in possession which was taken on Melpanayam (A superscribing charge on land over existing one) that was given to Koman Nair. Properties like Cherikkallu etc. were given on Melpanayam to Koman Nair which was in our hands. To break my financial position they tried to unite Moplah kudiyans and Hindu kudiyans and organized them. What was maintained for long was attempted to be broken suddenly and hapless as I was tortured to the maximum extent. If there will be no one to cooperate with me to perform routine rituals etc if so decided by the village elders, I have come here wandering, thinking that Thuvur Zamorin Kovilakam has merged with Vandara Cherikkallu and the base and palace etc. of the royal group is heard now to be in Kozhikode.
Most kind Raja Thampuran may be pleased to issue orders to protect me for which submit this application with all civility.
Sankaran (s/d)
(Extract from the book “Saamoothiricharithratthile Kanappurangal” Pages 136-139)
Sreedharan Nambudiri. Thannat Pothiyattu, Eranad.
(Letter written to Zamorin on 13-05-1922)
During the recent Moplah rebellion, my brother Vamanan Nambudiri was engaged in conducting regular poojas as a priest of Pannikkat temple belonging to Pulathottatthil Koman Menon.
The next day of the commencement of rebellion by Moplahs, they started converting Hindus by using force from areas like Podiyatt etc., without permitting anybody to leave the place. As such my brother could not get away from there and they shaved off his head after breaking the holy thread worn by him postponing further atrocities for the next day. By the time the army reached the place and shot dead many culprits. So he went to Malappuram with the army and started staying there. This information was given to me after my brother and Koman Menon etc reached Kozhikode. Since we fell into such a terrible situation, people have subjected me and my family to “Jnyathisakshyam”(excommunication) and we are in great sorrow. Jnyathisakshyam was completed before even knowing about all these situations. Therefor I humbly request you to arrange to call my cast people (Swajanam) and main priest etc. and relieve me and my family of the troubles caused by this.
Sreedharan Nambudiri (s/d)
(Samoothiricharithratthile Kanappurangal page: 144-45)
During 1995-96 when this author was meeting people involved in and suffered due to Moplah rebellion and collecting facts, one of the letters received by him was from Ramanunni Variyar of Arathil Variyam, Thrikkalangod. I append below the letter as such.
I am a surviving member of a family that suffered heavily due to the evil consequences of Malabar rebellion. My father was killed mercilessly at Pandikkad, near Malappuram by the fanatic Muslim rioters. He was a poor peasant. My father’s name was K.V.Shankunni Variyar. Finding that the place was not safe enough, my elder brother, sisters, and mother were staying at our house at Karikkad near Manjeri. My father was also with us. One day a group catching hold of Hindus and killing them came there. That day my father was there. Because he was a Hindu – a kaffir-, they dragged and condemned him to death penalty. I do not have to explain the situation when the family head is lost. We had lived a very difficult life thereafter continuously. Two weeks before the murder of my father, some extremists came to our house with an intention to loot. All were asked to get out and stand outside the house. My mother was holding me in her lap on the first floor of the house. While getting down the stair case she slipped and fell due to some oil spilled on the steps. One of the Muslims took me by his left hand and raised his right hand with a sword to sever my head. My mother valiantly held me close to her face and shouted at the cruel Moplah. “Kill him after killing me.”
It was this daring act of my mother that saved me. Five years back in a seminar held in Manjeri by BJP, I was allowed to speak. I spoke about this incident on that occasion. Many houses in Kareekkkad were looted. The gold crown in Kareekkad temple was stolen. I have heard that some Embranthiris were skinned alive at Thuvur and dumped in a well after applying salt on the body. Historians have published distorted things as truth. It is really unfortunate that the matter is not truthfully recorded. Many now a days calls the Malabar mutiny a freedom struggle. Morarji Desai has recorded that this was not a freedom movement. It is Congress which assesses the mutiny as a freedom struggle.
It is time to forget everything. This subject should not give chances for hatred. I have forgotten it on my own. I don’t want to be against the interests of followers of other religions on this count. Anyone can hate me. But I cannot hate anyone.
K.T.Krishnan Moosad, Thachanattukara.
I was studying in Perintalmanna high school at that time. Because of the mutiny school closed.I returned to my house. Then everyone in our house shifted to Kattukulam some distance away, after purchasing a house there. I decided to stay in the old house itself. There were a large number of utensils and 300 paras of paddy in the granary at the house. I used to take food from the house of the elder sister of my mother. But I used to spend the night in a bush along with others. Then I heard that Variyankunnath Kunjahammad Haji was camping on a hill some distance away. Subsequent to that several Hindu houses were raided in the night by Muslims and looted everything they could lay hands on. There were outsiders also in it. Those who oppose the looting will be killed or presented before Kunjahammad Haji who will punish them. One night they came to my house also to loot. The entire paddy was taken away. All the beds were also stolen. Apart from those hidden under the ground, all utensils were looted. The next day when the informants were questioned they said that they were not present at the place. Who knows the truth? Within a week army reached and then the things became almost normal. The intention behind the mutiny was to establish a Khilafat. This was what many said and people believed then.
As told to Sri. P.V.K.Nedungadi in 1921- Malabar Kalapasmarsnika)
K.T.Chinnan, Thalappiledath, Puthukode, Ramanattukara.
When there was a sudden cessation of administration, a group of Moplahs started attacking Hindus, converting and killing them. They killed Kanagat Kunjipanicker, who stayed near to our Thalappiledasm house. They attempted murder of his nephew Kunjukutta Panicker. Kanamal Karukutty who refused to convert to Islam was heard to be hacked to death. Hearing such terrible incidents, my two grandmas aged 75 and 80 and one 50 year old mother’s sister decided between themselves to somehow escape from there. Leaving behind with tears, assets worth about Rs. 8000 at that time, with the help of two assistants, during night, walked using sticks, through circuitous routes. By morning they reached Parappanangadi .Then they walked to Ariyallur. From there they went by train to Kozhikode after resting a day there. They stayed at a place in Panniyankara. There were some of our relatives there who had escaped earlier. After we left our house one night the rioters came to our house and looted everything. Though they wanted to set fire to the house due to the pleas made by our neighbor Kadengal Kunjahammad Haji, they refrained from it. So we heard. Those whom we had entrusted to look after the house informed this. After the arrival of army when the mutiny ended we returned to our house.
(Latter written by Krishnan Moosad to Sri P.V.K.Nedungadi)
Azhavancheri Thambrakkal (Raman Thambrakkal) Athavanad
During the Moplah rebellion period Puthankott Kulambu Moplahs were guarding the Azhvancheri Mana. That is what we have heard. It is a truth that no untoward incidents happened to those in Mana (Brahmin house). Did you see the Padippura (gate house) before entering the Mana? They are the gunshot marks while the Moplahs attempted to break open the gates. I am not able to say anything more. That’s all.
(As stated by Azhvancheri Thambrakkal to this author while collecting details for the book.)
Konnola Ahamad Haji- Kottappadi Malappuram.
That was on a Friday. The police caught me and my brother Yusuf from our house. The offence charged on us was that the Pulamanthol bridge was broken by us. Hardly 50 grams rice that too without salt was the only food we got in a day. Not a drop of water was given for a week even for keeping personal hygiene. We became unable to stand up even due to the caress by the sharp Bayonet edges. On 20th morning we were tied in groups of four each. Donkey carts and bullock carts were ready. We were asked to stand in between each cart. The carts began to move. Behind we too had to run coughing and choking. Running like mad after crossing hills, depths and fields, reached Kottakkal by noon. The army men had sumptuous food. Those monstrous people did not have the mercy to given a drop of water to us. Our death run again started. By evening we reached Tirur.
They started filling up the wagon no MSMLV 1711 of Maratha Company by squeezing us in. By the time a hundred were dumped in, the hands and butts of many were bulging outside. Like filling a pillow with silk cotton they pushed everything inside using their gun butts. Then they bolted the doors. Those who were inside did not have a grip on the floor. There was no space for it. Unable to withstand thirst we started screaming loud. By the time the train reached Shoranur, many fell flat. Defecated – Urinated into hands and drank it to quench thirst. The thirst didn’t subside by licking the sweat from others body. Everyone started biting and pawing bodies of others. The blood that oozed out was licked. In the face of the deadly ordeal, people forgot their brotherhood. The presence of mind to distinguish right from wrong was lost. Somehow few managed to keep alive by keeping the nose close to a small hole due to a lost nail on the wagon, by taking turns. After sometime we lost consciousness. When we regained consciousness we saw that four or five were lying over us dead. Those sinners opened the door of the wagon from Pothanur. The awful sight inside the wagon even shocked demons. 64 people were lying dead with protruded tongues and eyes. We were taken to Coimbatore Hospital. The Pothanur Station Master refused to receive the dead bodies. They were returned to Tirur itself. Another eight people died before reaching the hospital. We 28 lucky people escaped death by the grace of God. After a month’s treatment we were shifted to Bellary jail. After ten months imprisonment we were let off.
(Wagon tragedy Smaranika)
Manimamgalath Muhammad, Perinthallur, Vettalm, Pallipram.
I am now 99 years old. Malabar was engulfed by the mutiny. The rebellion had not spread much to Thriprangode Panchayat. One could not step outside. The army will shoot at sight. The main participants of the rebellion in the Panchayat were Kalathil Cheriya Mammukutty and Kunjali and a local man Avuthulu Haji. The British flag was flying high in Tirur Kutcheri. Shouting “freedom from slavery”, Avuthulu Haji climbed up the flagstaff without any aids and tore the flag. There after the person was known only as the “Haji who tore down the flag”. The Khilafat flag was hoisted in place of British flag. It was declared that a Moplah kingdom is established. The army tried to arrest him but was not successful. The rioters who crossed Bharatha river and tried to enter Ponnani were persuaded to return by Congressmen like Kelappaji and Balakrishna Menon. On the return trip the rioters set fire to toddy shops. It was alleged that Kelappaji and Balakrishna Menon were behind this. They were arrested and later set free. The army marched towards Vettam Pallippuram. The army searched for Avalu Haji but could locate him. Enraged by this the army torched Avalu Haji’s house. Finally Avalu Haji was arrested from Mampuram. After trial the military court sentenced him for deportation to Andaman. Along with Haji, Poothottathil Azeez was also arrested. First they were taken to Bellary Jail. Those caught were transported in a railway wagon. In the locked wagon, due to choking Avalu Haji could not breathe and in anguish kicked with his leg on the door. Due to the impact of the kick, a small crack developed on the rusted part of the door. This helped him to keep his life. Avalu was sentenced for deportation for a period of 16 years. Later the mutiny ended and he came back. Government granted freedom fighters pension to him. He died about 45 years back. During the days of mutiny it was very difficult to get things of daily use. Mutiny was part of Khilafat. It was freedom struggle.
(As stated by Manimamgalath Muhammad on 8-12-1995 to the author for writing this book)
Kalappattil Kunjahammad master, Ananthavoor
The purpose behind Khilafat was good. I was 10 years of age then. Khilafat workers formed units all over Malabar. Some Moplahs of Ananthavoor also felt the need for forming a unit there. The leader of Khilafat was Variyankunnath Kunjahammad Haji. The meeting was held at Kozhikodekunnu (Edakkulam). So many Muslims participated in it to the extent that “if dust fell from above it will not touch the ground”. Pang Alavikkutty Musalyar presided over the meeting. His speech was totally about Khilafat. The meeting had ridiculed the atrocities committed on Hindus in some places. In the meeting 40 people were selected including one Kadarkutty to strengthen the movement based at Ananthavoor – 40 people who were up to anything. They had necessary training. They will march together with bamboo batons on shoulders. They will march till Kondotty and come back like that. To fight with army Malabar was to be rendered inaccessible and for this they damaged bridges and rails. Malabar was totally isolated. The Treasury at Tirur was looted and money thrown out. Big houses were attacked and looted. They killed many Hindus. In fact these things ought not been done. But everything happened. Hindus in Athavanad and Ananthavoor ran away out of fear for Moplahs. Protection was arranged for Athavanad Mana. People from Puthankott Kulambu were the guards. On information that Khilafat movement had become strong in Ananthavoor, the army marched towards the place from Tirur. They selectively attacked Muslim houses. Women and children were subjected to inhuman treatment. The army which reached the house of Parayil Ahammadkutty Molla shot him dead while he was trying to escape. They went straight to the bazar. They shot dead Kundilangadi Ali and his friend who were walking along the road. Thereafter the army entered the Kunnumpuram mosque and tore away the flags. The entire area was frozen with fear. Many Moplahs were taken into custody but later released on bail. The gun shot sounds were audible throughout the day. Nothing fades out from memory. It feels as if everything happened yesterday.
(As stated by Kalappattil Kunjahammad Master to this author at his house for writing this book on 8-12-1995)
P.K.Moideenkutty, Amina Manzil, Painkannur
I was eleven years old when the rebellion took place. The only aim then was to pack off the British from here. For that there was no distinction like Hindu or Muslim. When the Noncooperation movement and the Khilafat combined, there was Hindu Muslim amity. This created some ill feelings in British. There were Hindus and Muslims who were supporting the British. The incident of beheading of Chekkutty Inspector and piercing it by a spear to carry around is worth mentioning. The police force contained mostly of Hindus. When they started torture, the Muslim turned against them. This paved the way for fight between the two sides.
The entire Muslim population was not in favor of the rebellion. In the olden days, Muslims were not members of the grand organization called Congress. It was after the issue of Khilafat started that Muslims started taking membership in Congress. It is a fact that the rebellion became a communal one in due course. All that happened due to lack of education and a balanced mind. Because of rumors also the rebellion became terrible. At that time in Malabar the Jenmis were mostly Hindus. The lands taken from them by tenants will be re rented (Melcharthu) to someone else without the knowledge of the cultivators. The tenants naturally had grievances about this. They had opposed this cruel custom. It was in this background that Malabar rebellion was later interpreted as a peasant struggle. My joint family was against the mutiny. On that count the insurgents had planned even to kill my father. We were constantly afraid of the possibility of an attack from the insurgents. One used to tremble on the sound of a crying child even. There will be a doubt whether the insurgents were coming roaring battle cries. Finally we escaped to our farm house in Perumpilavu which was in Kochi state. Many people who were not insurgents were also arrested during the time. The arrests were as per lists given by the local Hindus.
(As told by Sri Moideen kutty, at his house, on 2-01-1996 to this author for writing this book. Moideenkutty was a person arrested for participating in the “Satyagraha“ of 1940 called for by Gandhiji.)
Kallingal Mundayadath Unichoyi Vaidyar Pantheerangavu.
When insurgency and attacks spread in neighborhood, my father sent women and children to our native place. There were two Muslims by name Semaamu and Veeran as our servants. They were very dependable. They told us “You don’t have to go anywhere.We will look after you”. Meanwhile another worker of ours named Raman who was very stout and healthy was forcibly taken away by the Moplahs. The loud wails of Raman echoed everywhere. They killed Raman. After that Veeran and Seemamu told us that hereafter they were helpless and we should take care of our own security. We decided to abandon the house and flee. We spent the nights without sleep in a thick scrubland. Next day we heard that my father was also carried away. We wept a lot over it. Since Veeran and Seemamu recommended and father agreed for the entire family to be converted to Islam he was let off. When we were in severe grief he came back alive. That was the lone occasion in life which was equally tragic as well as pleasant. Next day itself we left the place in a bullock cart belonging to Karimpalangat family who were rich enough and escaped saving our life. All cattle and utensils were lost. Karimpalangat house was also looted. Since my father knew Hindi he worked for some time with the Gorkha army.
(As told to P. V. K Nedungadi – Malabar Kalapasmaranika)
Unnikkutty -Vengara.
Those belonging to Vengara in Eranad were the people who suffered maximum. In the early stages of the rebellion there was a movement here. It was peaceful then, for a few days. From November onwards the insurgency again started. By 6th people were being openly hacked to death. On 7th night, many families nearby, about 125 people in all, including aged, young, children, women etc- started going to Ariyallur in a group. The fear was about being sighted by Moplahs. The children were crying. At that time the Moplahs evoked more fear than the darkness. Whatever could be carried was on our shoulders. Like that we reached near Panampuzha kadavu. Then we heard sounds from the front screaming “Please do not kill.” I was in the middle of the group. It was known that about 150 Moplahs were attacking from the front. We started running back. By then the Moplahs started attacking from the back also. Without any consideration for old or young, men or women they hacked everyone to death. The wails of those who were half dead were miserable. There were shouts of “Where these sons of bitches are going, slash their heads”. I also got sword cuts on my head, neck and palm. With so many injuries I also ran. I had run over the dead bodies of several men and women. Not less than 100 were dead. Everyone’s ornaments, utensils and money were all looted. Those who were left as living corses writhed with unbearable pain. The road was full of blood. I was almost unconscious while running. I jumped into a river to kill myself. But where I fell, water was shallow. When the cold water drenched my body some confidence came back. I walked to the shore and reached Parappanangadi. I lay there on the way side. A guard who belonged to the place took me to Kozhikode. Now I am in Hospital.
(Condensed from what was written in Mitavadi, Yogakshemam – book 12, issue 6)
Vailasseri Meledathu Vasudevan Namboodiri.
On Chingam 5, (Malayalam month) I was at the house of Vellakkat Bhattthiri. By noon a Thiyya (tapper cast) came running and in tears. He did not even have a piece of cloth on him. After giving a cloth I asked him about the reason. Trembling with fear, he said that there is a big rebellion in Nilambur and the insurgents were from Pookkottur. I pacified and sent him away. By the time another Nair came running and said that one cannot go to Nilambur and the rioters have reached almost three miles nearby and at Kadassery too. I came out to see how far the unrest has spread. I saw so many people leaving. I did not take it to be very serious then. By 2 in the afternoon it was heard that the rebellion was getting worse at Vandoor, two miles from here. I sent two people to enquire about the situation at Vandoor. By five, the mutiny became very serious. The Moplahs believed that Mampram Mosque was targeted by the police. The news about torching of Registrar office, Police station etc. came to me. The Vandoor sub Inspector was Ayamutty, son of Khan Bahadur Chekkutty Sahib, who was killed by the Moplahs. Our fear increased when we heard that he was caught by the Moplahs and was compelled to commit that he will not continue in the job any more. Still every one remained very careful. All doors were closed.
There was some news about the mutiny at Thriurangadi too. It was evening. We took the supper quite early. Then the karyasthan (secretary) came. He said that the rioters have reached almost three quarter of a mile nearer and are headed towards here. Everyone got scared. Women and children started crying. I tried to pacify them. The anxiety was more about those who were under post natal care and elderly women. Children were sent to a nearby Variyam (House of Varyar). Since it was near a temple they were again shifted to a Nair’s house. Meanwhile a child of that house died and the children had to be shifted again. The women were also accommodated in a Nair’s house. Bhattathiris hid themselves in bushes. Then some sounds like thuds on the door were heard from the house of Bhattathiri. I removed the cloth I was wearing and jumped the fence and went near the house to see what was happening. There was moonlight. It was past 10 in the night. While I was hiding behind a bush I saw two others coming and trying to hide themselves there. Though scared, I asked who they were. One was a Nair and the other a barber. I knew him. One of them was sent to Bhattathiri’s illam (house) to know what was happening there. I walked back to my house with the other man. Since the first one did not return I sent the second man also. I felt that staying back in the house was dangerous. So I took a blanket and a palm leaf umbrella and went back to the bushes. It was raining. Still I caught a few winks of sleep. When I woke up I heard some foot step sounds. There were people standing near Bhattathiri’s home.
Guard: “Who are you?”
Moplahs: “These are us.”
Guard: “Why have you come?”
Moplahs: “We want the gun kept here and five thousand rupees.”
Guard: “Get lost.”
Moplahs: “Where are the Nambudiris?”
Guard: “They have left the place, scared of you.”
They demanded the money immediately and wanted to go in and inspect. The gun was handed over and they were told that the money can be collected if they came during daytime. With this they went away. I counted 73 people while in hiding. There was one Haji among the guards. The Moplahs caught hold of him and pointing the sword towards his neck asked whether he will help Hindus. He said “yes” and “they are my protectors”
They asked: “Even if the mosque is shot at?”
He replied: “I don’t know.”
This much I could see. They said ‘Now you go” and let him off. Then I sent two people to Bhattathiri’s house and passed on the information. By the time many Hindus came and started complaining. Without any sleep it was day break on 6th. The women and children were brought back to the house and had coffee after bath. After lunch we decided to go back to our house. It is about 4 miles from here. By the time the man sent to Ulpilappatta came back. He said that the Moplahs had looted a tapper’s house and he lost about 2500 rupees. It was with great fear that I started taking food. Then a Moplah boy came running and said. “The bazar is shaking, bridges are broken, rioters are everywhere, looting everything and you people should immediately move from here”. A Nair came running. The rioters had reached the gate. I ran towards the house. I saw many men on the way. I hid myself immediately in a bush. Once they passed I went to the house of a Mappila tenant. The rioters had reached there also. He started crying. I said that it is four days since I have been to my house.” You come with me.”
“Don’t go. You will be sacrificed. The Thangal had said so yesterday “
It was known that they had gone to the house of Marott Nambudiripad. It was near to my house. He said that I should not go and promised to send a man. He sent his son. I slept there for a while. After some time I heard a commotion and woke up. A group of 150 people were coming to that house. Eight to ten people had guns in their hands. The others had swords. Four or five looked like maniacs. One came near me.
I asked: “What is your aim?”
“To fight the army”
“Where is the army”?
“Thirurangadi That is what has been ordered by Chambrassery Thangal.”
“Now where are you going?”
“To Uppilappatta Illam Will they not give us something?”
“If you ask, will they refuse to give?”
“Then Namboodrissan too should come – compulsory.”
“I am not coming. Leave me.”
“No. We will not leave you.”
He forcibly took me. I had to go with them out of sheer helplessness. Many things were asked on the way. Their aim was to collect paddy, money, guns, and swords. We reached the gate of Uppilappatta Illam. I told them.
“You wait here only. I will go inside and convince them. Only four people need come”.
“Okay.”
When I went inside more people came with me. They demanded paddy. Some paddy was given. They compelled me to take food. I took food.
I asked whether I shall go now. The leader of the gang called four men and asked them to go with me to my house. On the way I saw a group of Moplahs. I was left without any courage. After ascending a hill I almost reached near the house. By the time that Thangal about whom it was earlier mentioned and a group of his men had reached there. I saw about 50 guns. Many had daggers and spears. They were chanting verses from their holy book. Their attitudes were changed. When I was told not to be scared I stood prepared to face the gunshot. Someone asked who I was and I replied that I am Meledathu Nambudiri. He asked whether I was the elder one. I replied that I am the younger one. Then they ordered to take me back to my house. By then there was a loud wail from Marattupadikkal. I realized that they had not entered Maratt. When I reached my house everything there was seen locked. No one was there. I was totally scared. All had gone to Maratt in the morning itself. I learned that the insurgents had gone to nearby mosque. That gave a temporary relief. I sent a person to Marott and got the keys. I had some coffee. It was past five. I called some Nairs and others and engaged them for guarding the house. It was decided to arrange for strict watching throughout the night. The Nair women and Varyar women were accommodated in a nearby house. Since there were many there, it was decided to walk and patrol the area during the night. We woke up the whole night watching and thinking of eventualities.
Finally, a Moplah among the guards was sent to findout the plans of the rioters. It was known from those Muslims that a meeting was held in the chairmanship of Variyankunnath Kunjahammad Haji and it was decided to commence his ruling in the area forthwith. It was learned that while returning after this meeting Thangal and his men set fire to the house of Kutteeri Govindan Nair. He incurred substantial losses. The insurgents went away. Day break came. By the time father’s brother (Aphan) came. We decided on what was to be done for the future. Aphan went for a bath. The rioters not less than 50 in numbers came to the house. Thinking that if I displayed fear these men will chase me away, I decided to show courage. I took a dagger in hand and stood ready.
They asked. “Are there guns here?”
Guards: “It is for us. We will not give. – Your Khilafat and all that….”
“Then we need rupees.”
“It will not be given. No money too…”
“Have you not auctioned the chit fund and kept the money here?”
“Yes. But it is not for you.”
“Then we will enter inside.”
“I have this knife in my hands. You will enter only as deadbodies”.
“Is it so?”
“Now we are a few only. We will retaliate.”
After this dialogue, we went for taking lunch. Aphan sat for lunch and I was serving. Then a woman came shouting “Moplah Moplah”. I took the knife and came to the outer door.
Insurgents: “Guns here?”
Me: “Yes.”
“Bring it here”
“It is not for you.”
“Then we need rupees.”
“It is not to be given to you. Get out of here”.
Meanwhile the Muslim guards shouted at them. I too joined. When they saw that it was not helpful, they went away. When I came to know that one of them had forcibly taken the gold ring from Aphan the previous day, I caught hold of him. After some tough dealings he gave back the ring and went away. I too went to Maratt. When I reached there I saw all these insurgents there too. Maratt Nambudiri and his men were scared of them and had closed the doors from inside. I went and quarreled with the Moplahs and drove them away. By this time Puliyathodi and Pazhayedam (Nambudiris) came running drenched in sweat. Their body was fully bruised by thorns. When I enquired they said that they are coming from Keerikkad temple about ten miles away. It was known that they after finishing the Puja were sitting for lunch when some insurgents entered. They took to their heels chased by four Moplahs wielding swords. They were screaming loud. I prepared some kanji and served them. Then I came to know that Aripram Nambudiri’s house was ransacked. I sent two people to collect the full details. They went. I went and told the news to Matatthil Ramavaryar the Karyasthan of Aripram Nambudiri. Both of us decided to go.
By then the people returned with full news about the looting. It was decided that a good number of men should go to enquire about the state of women and children in Aripram. It was 11 in the night. By then news came that the insurgents had enetered the house of Kizhakkedath Nambudiri, a mile away. Some of us went there. The courtyard was full of rioters. Some had already entered the house and carried away many things. Even women were in the group of rioters. A few of them were caught. The others ran away. Those who were caught were made to carry looted goods and came to Marangatt. Everyone was tried. They mentioned 62 names. They were warned and allowed to go free. When they were caught alone and isolated from the gang they felt very foolish. It was three days since we had any food or sleep. It was 4 in the morning. Still all started for Aripram house.
On the way we went by Mannazhy house. My mother was there. I enquired about her news. It was known that the rioters were there and had not entered inside but took away two thousand rupees and other goods. When the insurgents came one Brahmin woman was suffering from labor pain. I told them that we are going to Aripram and shall come back on return. By 7.30, we reached Aripram.This is on 9th morning. The servants and maids were all there. There were about 825 insurgents. All were their tenants and neighbors. All carved wooden boxes, Chinese Vats and chairs etc were broken. Oils, kerosene etc. were looted and the balance destroyed. The doors and locks were all broken. He was a Jenmi getting a rent equaling 30000 Para- measures- of paddy a year. On the night of the burglary the women and children had spent the night in a scrub bush. The next day also they spent there. However they were sent to Maratt with what was left. On return I came to Mannazhi and took mother also to Maraatt. I was not able to sleep even after four days.
I started performing “Bhagavathi pooja” (Worship of Godess). Meanwhile one day Variyankunnath Kunjahammad Haji and his group came to Maratt and took Rs.60/- and went away. It was on 10th that Vellakkat Bhattathiri had given Rs.1000/- and 300 Paras (one Para is about 10 kilograms) of paddy to the mutineers. It was on 16th day that we heard about the arrival of the military at Pandikkat. Immediately went there and enquired at the camp. It was known that the army had gone to Vandur. Once the army reached there was some relief. But the security arrangement continued. Meanwhile it was heard that thousands of Moplahs have assembled at Chemprakassery mosque. After some time one man came running and said that some Moplahs have reached a place almost half a mile near. When enquired through an informer it was known that they were engaged in breaking a bridge already repaired by the army on the previous day. We did not take it seriously.
The day was almost over. It was 5.30 pm approximately. We saw torches ablaze in paddy fields and grounds nearby. We realized that the insurgents are around us. All doors were securely fastened. Strict information was given to women and children not to make any sounds. In the upstairs of Maratt bungalow guns were kept. We were seeing torches and lights all around. We enquired about what was happening to the guards. Then we were told that at the cart shed near the gatehouse about 15 people belonging toVariaynkunnat Kunjahamd Haji were resting. They also said that Haji is expected to come today. There were a lot of lamps. However we kept vigil without sleeping for the whole night till 4 am. When it was dawn I asked the guards without opening doors whether it was safe to come out. It was told that none had left and all were still around. By then it was informed that in the outside ground Kunjahammad Haji and Chembrassery Thangal were waiting with 1300 of his men. Then two people came through the gate. For the food of people sitting in the ground they demanded enough rice, salt, chilies and four oxen along with some cooks. They were however rebuked and sent away. The guards again sent someone to collect information. The Haji was wearing a shirt and a coat and wielding a sword and gun. He was having a khaki dhoti and said that I should be shot dead without mercy. He was requested not to scare us and there were many women and children and they will scream loudly if they saw you all. At last he confirmed that he will not attack Hindus and demanded minimum 15 Paras of rice and Rs100/- and a buffalo with pots and firewood. When there was no other go these were all given.By then I saw Chembrakasseri Thangal. He demanded rice and utensils. Our karyasthan asked whether they did not take away those things from Maratt and was it not sufficient.”
“We don’t want it. Who is there? Give back what was taken from Marattu Nambudiripad.” He shouted The karyasthan said: “Thangal should not speak like this. Your personal enmity should not be settled now.”
Thangal demanded. “Either give us Rs 3000/- or vacate the house. Otherwise send the elder and yuounger Nambudiris here. We have something to settle with them. Don’t you know?”
The Karyasthan returned without saying anything.
Then there was a lot of bargaining. Finally myself with two Nambudiris of Maratt collected Rs.1500/- and went to that big crowd of Moplahs. “This is being given for the war. With this much all hostility between us should end.” This they agreed. Finally Thangal and two of his assistants came to Marattupadikkal. We went to the gate and pleaded with them to save us. Then the Thangal said. “The Nambudiri has not given it of his own. It was on persuasion by the karyasthan. So he should not be allowed to get out.” Then as he compelled, Nambudiri gave another Rs 500/- to them. The Thangal also had to be given another Rs.1000/- more.
The Moplahs all left the village on that day. It was eighteen days since I had taken bath or had food and slept. It was past sunset. I took bath and ate food and went to sleep at 9. It was 7 in the morning when I got up. Another four or five days went peacefully. One morning almost 65 people including women had come to my house. These low cast people who came, complained that their houses were torched and had run away for safety. They also said that the previous night about 43 people were slashed to death. Many houses were looted. This had happened at Thuvvur, a place almost 3 miles from Maranghatt. The temple priest and his brother were killed. The insurgents caught hold of 50 Hindus. Of which they let off 7. The other 43 were hacked to death. The Thuvvur well is notorious. The people were hacked and corpses dumped in a well. Those seven were among those who came running. This was told to me by the same people who saw the carnage.
My anxiety increased ten times. I did not know what to do. Different thoughts emerged. Many opined that we should leave the place. But no one knew where to go. This carnage and looting took place on Sunday, 9th of Kanni (Malayalam month). After this we decided to start the next day after lunch. We took the idol of the family Deity and other important records and came to Marattu. They also came with us. The group consisted of 22 Nambudiri ladies, 23 Nambudiris, 12 children and 200 other Hindu women. The Marattu Nambudiris had an annual rent of 25000 para paddy due to them. All were leaving behind everything and going. None had any help. We came to the camp of army at Pandikkad. We were asked to deposit our guns. The English Chief came and saw all of us. They behaved very well with us. Since it was already past three ‘o clock, we were advised not to go then. They also informed us the routes to be avoided.
Next day we walked 10 miles and reached Manjeri with escort of 25 Reserve Policemen. We got all necessary facilities at Manjeri provided by the Government. The Deputy Collector, (Thukkidi Sayp) Captain, Asst. Superintendent, Circle Inspector etc. came to us. They told us not to be scared and asked to take food fast. We stayed there for the day. Next day we started after lunch. Wednesday evening we reached Kottakkal. All help was given from Kottakkal Palace with due regards. Next day moning, Wednesday, we started from there for Tirur. The food arranged by Kottakkal palace was sufficient for all. That evening I stayed at Vanneri Illam. From Tirur we travelled by train and reached Ollur. A separate compartment was provided for the women in which children too were accommodated. It was Vanneri Aniyan Nambudiri who accompanied us up to Shoranur and helped us change train to Kochi, there. Arprath people are staying in a vacant house belonging to Cheruvathur. Marattu Nambudiri and family stayed at Vellamparambil. My family is at the house of Pazhayidam. It is there where several people are staying.. This is my true experience.
(Yogakshemam Book: 2- volume 2.)
Mozhikkunnath Brahmadattan Nambudiripad, Manorama, Pattambi.
(Born at Mozhikkunnath Mana Cherpulassery, in 1897- Entered active politics in 1918 – Became Cherpulassery Mandalam Congress President later- During 1920-21 actively participated in Congress Khilafat movements – Was arrested during the Malabar rebellion and subjected to cruel tortures. He was expelled from cast due to the arrest. He was Pattambi Panchayat President for about 14 years. Died on 26th July, 1964)
Chingam, 16th Morning. 9 am.
After finishing bath I entered the kitchen. There my mother was offering Nivedyam (holy food offering) towards the north direction ( It is common for ladies to perform pooja for lord Siva, facing the north. Siva worship is an important ritual for widows). The food is offered to the Perum Thrikkovilappan of Thaliparamba. (An idol of Siva in the famous temple there) I sat near my mother and wore sandalwood paste on my forehead. It was the last occasion in my life when I went near her place of worship. My mother asked me whether the army will come and harm us. I replied like this. ”Have they not come to save? I intend to go and see them in the afternoon.”
I changed my wet dress and went upstairs of the “Pathayappura” (Barn house). Having heard several complaints about me, Madampi Neelakandan Nambudiri had sent a man with a letter. Madambi was also at the house on the day of conflict. I wrote two sentences in reply to the letter. The youngest child of the house, Neelakandan came running and blurted like the exhaust of a steam engine that the army has come. I had only changed into a loin cloth after the bath. Krishnettan (Brother) immediately gave me a dhoti and a Thorthu. The marching army had reached the courtyard of the barn. Sub inspector Moideen, in a scornful tone called out: ”Your highness, please get down and bring your great presence here.” I said that I have no fear and went down. I told them that I had not taken any food and will it not be okay if I ate something before going with them. “No need to take food now” said Moideen with a stiff face. Immediately he caught me and walked to the courtyard. The army surrounded me. A soldier took a long rope. Another clamped my hands behind and tied securely with one end of the rope. The other end of the rope was tied around my neck. I was choked. They decided not to kill me immediately by choking and so loosened the knot a bit. I was taken around the western courtyard of the “Nalukettu” (House having four wings of buildings), towards the northern gate and led out. A soldier had the other end of the rope in his hands….
…Had heard about the exchange of fire at Thirurangadi being discussed by followers of Ali Musalyar while standing near the water tap. One said:”I even at that time had told them not to start firing.” I asked them what they were discussing. He told me.
“We fired some four potshots against them just like that. When they fired back people started dropping dead. Had the white flag been shown initially itself rather than at the end, all these unfortunate things would not have happened?”
Kunjikkadar (He was the leader of about 2000 Moplahs who marched to Thirurangadi after hearing the fake news about firing at Thirurangadi mosque by the army) was kept in a room at the extreme end of the western side near to the bathroom. It was common for him to come and sit in front of my room (cell) and talk. None anticipated a death penalty. Every conversation ended with a religious frenzy. To make him furious I used to say the words like God etc., immediately he will become mad with anger. Then he will shout all obscenities. The insurgents started attacking military camps and massacre Hindus. They have attacked the army several times. The most important among them was the one on 16th November. After this the army started hitting back cruelly. The entire cruelty was aimed at the family members of the insurgents. When the insult and torture became unbearable the captains of the revolt surrendered by end of December. The insurgents rushed towards the guns of army and killed themselves.
…..The wardens came and took charge of us. They started threatening us. They put us inside the jail. After some time I was called to get iron chains clamped on to my legs. Those who were punished for more than seven years were required to be put chained on the legs, as per the rules in Bellary jail. The other prisoners went ahead of me to choose and pick thin chains. Let them put the heaviest on my legs. I did not mind. I had no anxiety to choose any chain. Finally an iron chain used for elephants was fixed on my legs by an Ironsmith. The chain was a meter long. Both ends had rings. Those rings were fixed around my ankles with iron nails. There was a ring in the middle of the chain. If a rope is tied to it and lifting the heavy chain with the rope, one can walk slowly. Walking like that I sat somewhere supporting my head with my hands…..
Extract from “Khilafat Smaranakal,” by Mozhikkunnath Brahmadattan Nambudirippad.)
N.Kuttishankaran Nair, Kalur House Valanchery.
I was studying in 4th standard at Valancheri Vaikkathur elementary school. Approximately, by 10 AM a big crowd of people were moving through the road in front of the school shouting “Thakbir” and wielding weapons like sword, sticks, dagger etc. They were heading towards Valanchery market area. In no time the headmaster of the school at the material time, Sri.Chembil Achutha Menon who belonged to Kozhikode came to the class and declared. “It was the Moplah rebels who had marched through the road some time back. Since there is the fear of troubles erupting here too, the school will not function till another order is issued. Everyone can go home” From his trembling voice and shivering limbs we could guess that the old man was terribly scared. A seed of that fear of danger started slowly germinating inside my tender heart too.
As soon as the school was closed I went to the gate and looked at the market. I had to pass through the road which was filled with crowds of furious Moplahs. I started shivering with fear and was worried about reaching home safe. As I stood there not knowing what to do, Eerodey Padinjarethil Ravunni Nair saw me. He took me through some strange and indirect routes and reached me home. The children ususally had no reason to be scared when their parents were nearby. But here also things were not easy for me. They were more scared than me. They saw the rioters going to Perintalmanna from Valancheri. While we sat there frozen with fear, our neighbors Kunjali and Ayammad came through the gate house wielding knives and reached the court yard. My father standing on the verandah asked them in a usual manner” Didn’t you see the rioters?”
Ayammad who was a calm and serene person till yesterday suddenly changed his manners and said.
“We had not gone with them just to see. We went with them and saw to it too that the headgear of the Kolkkaran (Village assistant) was removed.” He had changed into a tiger cub by then.
After Ayammad, Kunjali said. “Hereafter it is our rule. What have you understood? Whose rule?”
“It is our rule” said my father
“No Nair, it is the rule of Islam. The Whites have been defeated and “made to wear caps” ( A colloquial usage for being defeated) Their guns now spit jets of water when fired” He explained about the magical powers of Mambram Thangal.
My father agreed that the Mambram Thangal is a great man and he knew him. This subdued their emotions a bit and both smiled. They walked away giving a threat. “In your own interest behave yourselves hereafter and sit silent. If you embraced Islam, there will be no problems. Otherwise it will be unsafe.”
Ours was a big compound and a double storied house and the family consisted of me and my two year old brother with my father and mother. On one of those days the Police station at Valanchery was attacked. The prisoners kept in the Lockup were all released. Two people engaged for helping the police were killed. Further a police constable by name Gopalan Nair was brutally tortured and left there thinking that he was dead.
After this incident it was decided that it was unsafe to stay at home during night. We started going and sleeping in a nearest hut after sunset. A few days later Mammunni who was considered a dependable servant came and said that the rioters had come to know that all fellows owing big houses are spending nights in huts and scrublands. We were more upset after hearing this. From that day onwards we spent the nights at Pacheeri temple which was on the edge of our compound. Still there was no safety. Meanwhile the news came that the Moplahs had looted and created big havoc at the Cherukunnath house in Athavanad. Subsequent to this there was a robbery in Kungadi house at Kattiparuthy. Knowing that Kungadi house was being robbed, a group under the leadership of Pottekkalathil Appuni Menon, Manjapra Nanappa Menon, and Kammangot Madhavan Nair etc. rushed there and fought with the insurgents. They were wielding guns and the Moplahs could not fight back much. Many were shot down. The insurgents carried the bodies and ran away. Within less than a week after this, Pallyal House in Kattipparuthy was attacked. On that day, only the owner of the house, Karunakaran Nair, was in the house. Though an elderly man he was a trained fighter. When the rioters started breaking the door, he said” Don’t spoil the door. I will open it.”
He opened the door with a big knife in his hand and covering his back by the walls of the house and gate house, fought with the gang stabbing, slashing and hitting them on sensitive body parts. He reached the gate house felling so many of the intruders. From there he jumped across the small brook nearby but unfortunately landed in a paddy field instead of firm ground. His legs got stuck in the deep slush and within seconds several spears pierced his chest killing him instantaneously.
We knew of this incident early in the morning itself. The death of this man who was very close to my father prompted us to leave the place. We said good bye to two dependable Muslim friends of my father, namely Vadakke Peediyakkal Mammi Adhikari and Kapporath Kuttirayan. Kuttirayan came to our house with my father. My mother’s gold ornaments were entrusted with him for safe keeping. Expensive utensils etc were dumped in the wells in the compound. The cattle were let free. We started the journey without even a second set of clothes. Kuttirayan told us. “You and your children please wait on the “padinjatta” (Western wing of the house) after securely closing doors. The rioters are coming. I will sit here.”
We saw ten to fifteen people coming past the gate house and we closed the doors. Finding Kuttirayan on the portico they were disappointed.
“Why, all of you have come this way, early in the morning?” Kuttirayan asked.
One of them said that they had come looking to buy paddy.
“For that, you don’t seem to carry any sacks. Do you carry paddy by wielding sticks and knives?” Kuttirayan taunted them again
They didn’t reply.
“Get out of here” saying that Kuttirayan jumped out flipping a drawn out dagger. And he stamped the ground ferociously with his feet. Seeing Kuttirayan’s stance, the rioters left the place.
After some time he called us. We came to the portico opening the doors. At that time the eyes of my father and mother were wet with tears. My father exclaimed with great pain that there was no way either to leave the place or stay back.
Kuttirayan said. “You need not be afraid of anything. Only after the death of this Kuttirayan, something will happen to you. Walk towards Pallippuarm, I will come along.”
We walked out without even closing the doors. When we reached the Valanchery market a Muslim woman on seing us shouted:”Are there no youngsters here in Valancheri to prevent these guys from escaping?” I started crying loud holding on to my father’s hands. Kuttirayan dashed towards the woman roaring: “What did you say? – you whore?” The woman got inside the house and closed the doors taking Mambram Thangal’s name. We walked in constant fear expecting an attack anytime by the Moplahs and reached Pallippuram Station. The platform was full of refugees like us from several places. The station master had informed that those who came from rebellion affected areas need not take tickets. The train came soon and we got in.
Kuttirayan asked whether the fear was now over and my father replied in the affirmative. “Then let this be with you only” Saying this, the ornaments given for safe keeping were returned to us. At the time of parting both Kuttirayan and my father wept. The train moved. We felt secure once again. By twelve the train reached Shoranur. An honest looking man came to each compartment and announced. “Those who have come running away from rebellion affected areas can get down here. No need for fear. All security is being arranged.”
I told my father that we need not get down but continue in the train. Hearing this, a man who sat next to us said. “Let us get down. He is the Mooppil Nair of Kavalappara Palace. There are no Moplahs in his area. Moplahs are not allowed sleep in any place between Thottungal and Mattungal. (The brook and the hillock) I was relieved and we got down there. The volunteers of Mooppil Nair came and took us to a place in the shades where the sun’s rays will not tear us down. Not even a drop of water was available till then. Everyone was tired. Within minutes those volunteers gave us jiggery water and ripe plantain fruits as much as we wanted. By 3.30 we were led to Mooppil Nair’s palace accompanied by a party of armed guards. The refugees reached a big ground surrounded by pine trees. Lot of people had come there to see us. Before evening, a count of members with each family was taken. Then we were taken to the Kavalappara Higher elementary school. The women and children were accommodated in the hall and verandah of the school. The men assembled in the dusty playground. By 7.30, leaves were laid for food. Eager for food, we sat before it even without washing hands. Hot, hand milled boiled rice was served. The moment it fell on the leaves we began savoring it. Rice was followed with Sambar and Upperi (A vegetable dry dish) what a wonderful taste was there for that rice and curries? I remember that even today. There are two people whom we cannot forget in addition to my father and mother. One is Kuttirayan and the other Kavalappara Mooppil Nair.
Ahammad Kutty
At the time of the rebellion I was in high spirits. I will go everywhere and observe the action. When they come in a procession I too will join it. I have not killed anyone. I have seen several people being converted to Islam (joining the Din) or being “sent to England”. The rioters killed every one at Karipath illam and took possession of the house. Camping there they converted Hindus to Islam. They will raise swords and scare Hindus and bring them to Karipath. Their cattle will be brought and butchered for food. The Hindus will be compelled to eat beef. Those who cannot stand the smell of mutton and vomited will be hit and kicked. Some will not eat it in spite of remaining hungry for several days. Rice will be cooked in a big utensil and an ox is killed. They will make a feast out of it. After eating all that they go again for action. When the number of captured Hindus touches 25 they will be brought near the Thuvakkunnu well. They will be asked to stand in a line and the leader of the gang will ask whether you are prepared to believe in Din or want to go to England. Some will agree to believe in Din. Many without knowing anything will say they want to go to England. Those who said that they wanted to go to England will be beheaded and dumped in the well. Many people were loaded into a boat and beheaded after which the bodies will be thrown into Irumpakam whirl in the river. A man from the forest tribe who was an expert in making bows and arrows and using it was converted and his name changed to Ali. He also took part in the mutiny. There was one Veerankutty who had retired from the army. He had a gun. He too was with the insurgents. The mutiny hardened. The Kavumkunnu well and Thuvvakkunnu well were full. The army reached only in the last hour. After the arrival of army the mutiny somewhat subsided. Still there was fear for getting out.
(As told to Mary Vithayth as own experience and published in Keralashabdam weekly of 20th December 1981)
Koyali Cheruvadi.
We were then at a place called Cheruvadi – A muddle of Hindus, Muslims and Army – One group after forcible conversions and another group for re conversions – yet another group looking for ways to become a “Shahid” (Belief that those who die for religion in the rebellion go to heaven) Stabbing and injuring in between- shooting and beating- beyond words- had to be seen to believe. People start flying the moment they hear the sound of a call from the mosque. Like rats fleeing off houses on fire – they just run. Is there any count of people killed then? The rioters came and asked the route towards Naduviledath illam. Someone by mistake directed them towards Chuzhalippurath illam. Seeing the insurgents, the Nambudiri got terribly scared. He gave the keys of the ornament and money boxes. In spite of that the Moplahs hacked him to death. Our Chathu and Unnikkutty were scared for their lives and agreed to get converted. Chathu was named Kammu. When the army came and the troubles somewhat subsided, many Moplahs went into hiding at Cheruvadi mosque. The army entered the mosque and shot dead many. A few climbed in to the space in between the ceiling and saved their lives holding the breath. After the army left the place they came down. Bodies of the dead were buried in the burial ground. Early morning, while going back, I heard sound of gun shots. I was hit by a bullet on my back. I fell down. I felt that the army will come and kill me soon. I crawled on the ground. Since then I have not been able to stand up straight.
(From Keralashabdam weekly December 1981, issue no: 20)
Thamu’s experience
Meethal veettil Thamu of Karuvassery village in Karaparamba, Kozhikode is a person who narrowly escaped from the butcher knives of the Moplah rebels due to sheer luck. He was an employee of British police. A toddy tapper by profession his entry into police was unexpected. It was while returning from Varakkal beach after buying fish that he saw the crowd. Thamu was a man of good gait with adequate height and weight. There the selection process for constables to British Police was being taking place. Without taking any interest in all that he was continuing to walk when the recruiting officer saw this tall man of good health. He called Thamu and asked whether he would join the force. Thamu said that he was not ready for that but finally had to agree because of the pressure from friends. Thamu became an efficient officer and was given the post of Semaphore instructor (signaling instructor). During the period of mutiny he was serving at the Pandikkad army camp. Somehow he fell into the custody of the insurgents. He was brought near a well, and was wearing only a small towel. One more person was brought there like him. The sword was kept on his neck once before the slash. Before it was raised, someone came running shouting “Please don’t kill Thamu head” (slang for head constable). That gave him back his life. It was a rioter by name Alavi. He was in British police earlier. It was Thamu who had taught signal instruction to Alavi. After retirement Alavi joined the mutiny. Because of his interference the Moplahs did not kill Thamu and the other man. They asked them both to go back to their houses. Thamu asked with fear whether some other insurgents will catch and kill him. In reply they gave him a ring which had a mark and told him. “Show this ring to identify you and repeat a prayer to Mampram Thangal to save. They will let you off free. “
Thamu who got a second lease of life, walked all the way from Nilambur to Karaparamba to the safety of his house. He had collected a sword used by the Moplahs to kill and kept it as a souvenir at his house.
(This information was shared with the author by Thamu’s grandson on September10th, 2015.)
Purankal Puthumana Aniyan Nambudiri.
I had the chance to visit Nagalikavu Chokkur Sriramaswami temple situated in Omassery Panchayat of Thamarassery taluk, of Kozhikode District, in connection with another research work. While discussing about the history of the temple, Sri.Puthumana Aniyan Nambudiri who was also the priest there, became eloquent about Tipu’s siege of Malabar and Moplah Rebellion. I had collected these details on 21st May of 2018. These facts which do not find a place in history were exposed by Sri Aniyan Nambudiri as below.
“I am quoting from memory what was told to me by my father Subramanian Nambudiri about his own experiences and information collected by him.The army of Tipu which came via the Thamarassery pass converted Hindus extensively by coercion and threats. Those who refused to convert were brutally killed. Many ran away out of fear. With unabated killing sprees and demolishing of temples the Moplahs marched forward. It was after wandalizing Kulikkapra Siva temple, Kuzhikkalakkat Siva temple, and Porgattur Subramanya temple near Manipuram that they reached Chokkur Sriramaswamy temple. Hindus went into hiding in forests and hills hearing about the arrival of Tippu. His men destroyed the idols and rock inscriptions in the temple. All the properties of the temple were looted before their return. The temple and its land remained in a dilapidated condition for centuries. The land went into possession of outsiders in due course. It was very recently that it was reclaimed and temple renovated.
During the days of Moplah rebellion my house called Purangal Puthumana was forcibly occupied by the insurgents who came from Areakode side. All members of the house had to run away to save their lives. Inside the house, in the thekkini (southern wing) there is the idol of a “Vettakkorumakan” (Siva in hunter form). In front of it there is a hall. It was this hall they used as an Islamic court. Judgments were also pronounced there. They decided to hack to death all Hindus who refused to convert. They were taken to a place near a well about 80 meters away. The heads of all such Hindus were chopped of and dumped in that well. Six or seven persons were hacked to death and their bodies were dumped in the temple well of Chokkur Sriramaswamy temple. Later when the forest was cleared and the well was reclaimed there were remains of skeletons and skulls within it. My father had told me that he had counted at least seven skulls.
Another incident that took place during the rebellion was like this. A man called Madhavan who refused to convert to Islam was put to sword. But he did not die. There were deep cuts in his neck. Avoiding the eyes of the Moplahs he swam across the Manipuram River and reached Nadamal Kadavu. Madhavan might have escaped from the mass killing spree. If he was alone there would have been no chance of any escape. Bleeding profusely from all the wounds he reached the Kundamangalam Police station. Immediately the army came and handled the Moplah rebels.
Hearing the description by Aniyan Nambudri, I tried to visit the Nagali kavu well with his help. But it could not be seen since the place was cleared and human settlement was already there over the filled up well.
Kizhikkiniyakath Sreedevi Antarjanam
Hariswaran Nambudiri of Valanchery Karekkad mana and his wife Karinkappara Kizhakkiniyakath Sreedevi Antarjanam had a lot to share about the horrible experiences of the Moplah rebellion. 80 years old Sreedevi Antarjanam and 94 years old Hareeswaran Nambudiri had information about the hard ships suffered by their ancestors as conveyed to them by the elders. It was on 15th October 2018 that this writer could meet them at Karekkad Mana and collect the information. Since Hareeswaran Nambudiri was hard of hearing, it was his wife Sreedevi Antarjanam who shared his version also to me.
“I am the daughter of Leela Antarjanam belonging to Karinkapara Kizhakkiniyakath near Vailathur. My mother was unmarried at the time of Moplah rebellion. I am recollecting the information she conveyed to me. Moplah rioters came with small children and occupied Kizhakkiniyakath mana forcibly. On being informed of the arrival of rioters all members of the house had escaped to Ponnani. The Muslims of Ponnani were against the rebellion. Since the rioters will not come to Ponnani, these people escaped to Ponnani. The refuge was at Karuvatt mana at Ponnani. The rioters made the Kizhakkiniyakath mana their camp. On being informed this, the army came and cordoned of the house. They asked the insurgents to surrender but they did not oblige. Then the army fired at those who were hiding inside the Mana.We had no information as to whether any Moplahs were killed or not. It was after the rebellion that we returned to the Mana. There were scars of bullets on the walls. A cannon ball was also recovered from there. For several years it was kept as a souvenir. It was only recently that it was buried.
Moplah rebellion was a killing spree of Hindus. My mother was married to a house near Malappuram. There is a temple near our house. A priest of that temple -an Embranthiri –was hacked to death by the Moplahs while walking back from temple.
Thozhuvanur Mana of Hareeswaran Nambudiri has also witnessed the evil effects of the rebellion. There was a tenant cum laborer called Kunjali in the mana. Kunjali who went previous evening after collecting his wages came the next day as a rioter. He entered the insides of the house and threatened Hariswaran Nambudiri’s father. The Nambudiri asked him in a trembling voice:” What is this Kunjali? Only last evening you went after collecting your wages?”
Kunjali’s reply was this: ”That was yesterday. This is today”
Hariswaran Nambudiri’s cousin Uma Antarjanam was just 21 years old at that time. (Born in 1900). She was unmarried then. Every one ran away and escaped when the insurgents came. Uma Antarjanam hid herself in an abandoned pond. She remained there without even drinking water for two days. Uma Antarjanam used to say that she used to watch the rioters passing by the side of the pond. On the third day hiding herself from the eyes of the insurgents she escaped to Thiruvegappura where her grand mother was staying in Azhkappurathu Mana. All other members of her house were staying there.
During the 50th Anniversary of Mappila Riot, the Mapila Riot martyr Convention Committee brought out a souvenir. In this Souvenir, the martyrs and the relatives had shared their experiences. We don’t have any idea about how many of them are alive now. Every trial to find them out failed. Hence, the details given in the pages 24 to 36 from the chapter Stories soaked in tears’ is given below.
C Paruamma, Chatham house, Thenjipaalam, Malappuram
My father, Puzhankadavath Mangat Kutty Nair was hijacked by the Muslims during Mappila Riot and killed and threw away in well nearby. They also looted our properties kept in the house.
K C Balakrishnan Nair, Vakkattu House, Thrikkulam
My sister, Cheriyam Veettil Pottayil Kunjuamma was lame and deaf. She was beheaded by the Muslims during Mapila Riot. The dead body was thrown at the Thrikkulam Village public well. This was done by our neighbors and one of our Uncles was also killed and thrown to the well.
C Krishna, Madathil House, Thrikkulam, Malappuram
My Father, Cheriyam Veettil Pottayil Krishnan Nair, was Village assistant of Thrikkulam Village. He was staying at home after retirement. The family migrated during the Mapila Riot. My father stayed back as he couldn’t walk because of old age. During Mapila Riot, our neighbors from Muslim Community insisted him to convert into Muslim which he didn’t agree at any cost. They killed him and dropped his body in a well where my mother currently resides.
Malayil Sisupalan, Malayil House, Beypore, Kozhikode.
My brother, Malayil Bappu was killed by the attackers during Mappila Riot. After that incident my father fell mentally ill.
V Balan, Attathodi Veedu, Ariyur, Palakkad.
Mapila rioters looted the paddy and basins from my house. Eldest Uncle Kittu who went to get workers for the harvest was taken in custody by the rioters. They chopped his both ears, dragged him to a well two furlong away and threw him into it killing him. The same day one of our neighbor was also killed alike. My uncle was killed for the crime of providing tender coconut to the army.
Ottakanjirathil Bhaskaran, Puthur, Kozhikode
My maternal grandfather, Padinjarethodiyil Kanaran, was killed by the rioters on the auspicious day of the 28th day after birth, ie, naming ceremony celebrations of his youngest daughter. He was caught on his way to buy salt. He begged for his life but was beheaded. Witnesses are still there. He hailed from a low caste in the Hindu religion, Paanan. He had four daughters.
K Achu Nair, Kalakkudiveedu, Pannikkottu, Kozhikode
I was three years old during the Mappila Riot. My father and my uncle along with me ran away from the village, scared of the rioters. But an uncle, Appukuttan Nair (30 years), was killed by the Muslims.
K Ichira, Kaniyil House, Vaidhyarangadi, Ramanattukara.
On September 1921, my father, Athikottu Sankaran was killed by the rioters and my house was set on fire.
C Raghavan, Koover, Kannur.
My father was from areekode of Malappuram District. He was 15 years old and he had his sister with him. One night the furious rioters attacked father’s house. Seeing his father and mother get killed, my father took his daughter and ran away. They went and got in front of an inspector of the area. The inspector took both of them to his house at Thalassery and gave shelter.
P Madhaviamma, Ekalingal Veedu, Pulpatta, Malappuram
The Mapila Rioters killed my uncle. They looted all our belongings.
Thottathil Kelu, Pullam Kunnathu Palattu Veedu, Ramanattukara.
My uncle, Ayyappan was killed by the rioters. Others already ran away from the rioters and they destroyed our house.
T P Ayyappan, Anamangadu, Malappuram
The rioters took custody of my Father from the house at Podiyatt. Later killed him at the foot of a Banyan tree. Six more Hindus were killed under the same Banyan tree.
Adakkamkandathil ChanthoMan, Thamarassery, Kozhikode
My uncle, Kaykkal Chanthoman was killed by the Rioters. They looted the house, jewelers and they destroyed the walls and doors of the house.
Puthalath Narayanan, Kalyani, Koduvalli, Kozhikode.
I was 9 years old and my sister was 3 during the Mapila Riot. Rioters looted our house. Our father Unnichvar was killed.
K T Velayudhan, Thrippachani, Malappuram
The rioters with their leader Kunjahammed Haji took our father, Charukkutti, his brother, Unniyappan and their father, Chanthunni in custody. On the way they destroyed our Amsakacheri. Later all the three were taken to Thrippachani to kill but my father Charukkutti escaped from them. The other two were killed.
Njarakkattu Purayil Periyan Chathan, Pulikkal, Malappuram
The rioters who reached the house of Pulikkal Kakkattiri Chelappurath Kuruppan’s shot my father Periyan Navutty and his brother Neelakandan. Thirteen year old I escaped from the scene, then.
K P Kalyanikuttiyamma, Poothottiyil House, Areekode
My mother’s elder brother Appu Menon took care of our house. We lived in Kozhakottoor, Eranad thaluk of Areekode Village. During Mapila Riot, while he was returning home after collecting market fee, he was tied up, taken to the Kareekode River and chopped his head off. Rioters got into our house and looted everything. They also destroyed a door which remained closed.
P Srideviyamma, Kundalam Kunduveedu, Pulpetta, Malappuram.
My two uncles and a brother were killed by the rioters during Mapila Riot. They also looted stuffs from my house.
K Kunjappu, Puthukkode, Malappuram
During Mapila Riot, one morning the rioters charged into Kolakkattu Keru’s house at Pengodu of Cherukavu Village. They woke him up and shot him down.
Eloprakkunummel Naanu Nair, Puthoor, Koduvalli
My father, Edakkattu Krishnan Nair’s skin was removed alive and cut into pieces. Two other people were beheaded along with him. They were caught in their way at Koloth after harvest. After killing my father, they surrounded my house, me and my family managed to escape. We went refugee at Padikkal Kelu Nair’s house which was five furlong away. When we returned after nine months when the riot took its end, we had nothing left.
Thenjeeri Parvathyamma, Malappuram.
Even though the rioters insisted for conversion we never agreed. Our family including father and mother lived hidden somewhere. In between they found our father and killed him. Then we all gathered at Calicut. We were relieved then. When headed back to our home after the riot, our cattle were missing. We heard that they chopped our cattle and made the Hindus eat them. Our house was also looted.
V K Karappan, Kodiyathur, Kozhikode
Our uncle Echeru didn’t obey the rioters when they asked our family to convert into Muslims and insisted the healthy to join their army. He said we will leave the place and migrate and the rioters agreed. We left our house. At Edavannapaara they tied up our uncle, asked us to leave and said they will send our uncle after asking him some questions. When the women started crying, they threatened to kill us and they said no one will ask if they shoot us all. We were asked to walk away without looking back. We reached Ramanattukara. But our uncle never came back. It was heard that the rioters locked him up at a room for three days and killed him at a place called Cheruvadi.
Maniyanthodi Changaru, Thiriyarangu Veedu, Urakam, Malappuram.
During the Mappila Riot, Variyamkunnath Kunjahammed Haji and team took me in custody. When we agreed to get converted to Muslims, they didn’t hurt us. But Sinkarath Govindan Nair, Kallingal Thodiyi Ittichiri Amma’s daughter Madhavi, and her husband Uppankutti Nair, those who didn’t agree to get converted were taken away from us. They were killed and thrown to a nearby well. Later we escaped from the Muslims and took refuge at Malappuram.
Eergattiri Velatt Raman Nair, Malappuram
My mother was 10 months pregnant during the riot. We were living in Edavanna. But our uncle Sankaran Nair, aunt Lakshmiamma, Parvathyamma and Vallu Nair lived at Iringattiri. The rioters looted that house three times , took money, Jewels and furnitures. The rioters had hijacked Karippath Illam. Uncle Sankaran Nair was called by Moidheenkutti Haji and took by the rioters. Then he was asked to accept Islamism or were threatened to be killed. He agreed out of helplessness. He asked for a pass to bring the family along as a chance to escape. This provoked the rioters and took him to the river nearby to behead. After killing him the rioters reached our house and asked for conversion. They informed us that our uncle was killed. We agreed for conversion out if fear. We were given Muslim names and their dresses. After sometime the army arrived and we took refuge at army camp at Edavanna. There were other people too. An Inspector named Kunjikannan gave us food and shelter. We returned after two months only after the riot was over.
Parol Cherunni Nair, Puthur, Koduvalli, Kozhikode.
My birthplace is Vennakkode at Chathamangalam. Many of my family members migrated during the Mapila Riot. The rioters caught me and tried to behead. But somehow I managed to run away.
Vamanayattakkandi Ramunni who was attacked with me got killed. I ran away seeing this. I reached home and told everything. I migrated along with my family to Makkada which was 20 miles away. On our way our father dies at Mannadipadam. We came back after 9 months. We lost everything including cattle. Our family members Ikkandan Nair, E Raman Nair, Unniathamma, Ingani amma etc were insisted to eat Beef. After the riots they returned to their religion.
Sreevalliamma, Edappalam Kalam, Alanallur, Mannarkkadu, Palakkad.
My husband’s uncle Kuttan Menon and his father Ramakrishnan Menon were rulers. Kammunni Haji was the leader of the riot at that locality. When the rioters came to attack the house, the Muslim dependants of the family fought against them and set them away. The priest of the temple inside the house was killed. He was from Kozhikode. Rioters also killed the members of Chovvery House. (As Valliyamma said to the author on 10.02.1920)
