Sankara Variyar, Sankunni Menon and Govinda Menon – Dewans
of Cochin Ikkavamma the poetess Many families produced illustrious bureaucrats, but only one
produced three dewans. They were Sankara Variyar and his sons Sankunni Menon
and Govinda Menon who served as the Dewans at Cochin
during the second h…
Three Dewans and a Poetess
Sankara Variyar, Sankunni Menon and Govinda Menon – Dewans
of Cochin Ikkavamma the poetess Many families produced illustrious bureaucrats, but only one
produced three dewans. They were Sankara Variyar and his sons Sankunni Menon
and Govinda Menon who served as the Dewans at Cochin
during the second h…
When Ruby met Finkel This had been in my drafts folder ever since I came across its mention in Ruby’s book on the Cochin Jews. Recently Arun at Intach Palghat organized a Pallankuzhi session in Palghat, to bring about an understanding and some resurgence to the ancient Malabar game, and that sort of…
The attack at the British Residency – Cochin Dec 29,
1808 As we read in the lengthy article that I wrote some years
ago on Velu Thampi Dalawa’s reign in Travancore, and his revolt against the
British EIC, leading to his death, there is a mention of the attack by the
Travancore Nair’s on the residenc…
Where abusing an erotica loving goddess, is the
tradition Kodungallur is home to a Bhagawathy temple (Kurumba Kavu),
where devotees throng every summer in a macabre celebration termed ‘Bharani’ when
they sing songs filled with the choicest erotica and used to conduct unique sacrifices.
Also notewort…
At the turn of the twentieth century, the Pardesi and the Malabari
Jews around Cochin were a reasonably content lot. But as days went by and as
the only country which never persecuted the Jews, became independent from the
British, the entire Jewish community of the region started to leave on their…
The Cafres of the Portuguese & the Dutch
The last months of 1662 in Cochin were proving to be a test
to the Portuguese who remained. The Portuguese Casado no longer carried the
usual armaments like the sword, gun or spear like their well protected, but
uncomfortable predecessors had, clad in ma…
The Island of San Diego - Cochin
Once upon a time, not so long ago ….
That is how this story will start, like most stories. Alas! My children have grown up and do not listen to my tales anymore (and my wife, only at unavoidable times). But there was a time, when the three of us would snuggle togeth…
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Now and then a question comes up – about the origins of the Cheena Vala or the Chinese fishing net in Cochin. Some opine firmly that they are of ancient Chinese origin, dating to Kublai Khan’s times (mid 13th century); some others say it arrived even before that and others grandly announce they act…
