A Peep in to the Cholayil Family History

Vaalipparambil Tharavadu is the symbol of a heritage fostered by the serenity of the noble lives born here.

The 'genesis' of Vaalipparambil Tharavadu

In 18th century A.D., in a place called Thirunavaya near Ponnani in Kerala, South India, a family called Azvanchery Mana (mana is another name for household) lived in all prosperity and pomp. This Family ruled the locality as Landlords with their might and had many members proficient in martial arts and with administrative efficiency. Itty was one among them, an administrator beyond comparison, a martial arts expert, exceptionally intelligent, tenacious, truthful and immensely loyal to his Landlords. He was highly esteemed in the royal hierarchy. Itty, a good man with a pure heart, a thinker and empathetic towards his fellow beings was often hurt by the misdemeanor of his detesters. When he found it difficult to proceed with his tumultuous life patterns Itty bid adieu to Azvanchery Landlords surrendering all the responsibilities he had shouldered for them till then. Itty, a celibate then, headed towards a destination, which is a sand bank today. Without thinking of a definite destination and purpose, Itty had pursued an aimless journey through the waterways and finally reached a place, now called Edamuttom. For no specific reason whatsoever, a youthful and sturdy Itty selected as his dwelling place this hilly terrain, filled with cashew and coconut groves.

Itty started his wedded life and shifted his residence to the western side of Ayroor Kovilakom, a compound that stretched long like a tail. The compound was christened Vaalil Parambu (the tail-like compound) because of the shape, the name later changed to 'Vaalipparampu'. From here started the beginning of Valipparambil household.

Itty, had invited his younger brother Kunjitty and family from Thirunaavaya to come and live with him and they all started to live together. And these brothers, who relied principally on agricultural profits, became the locality's most renowned citizens.

It was from Kunjitty's posterity that Vaalipparambil Thravadu divided itself to its very many matriarchal branches. Of all these, Vaalipparambil Household was considered the most prominent. This ancestral household had contributed to this land many great minds of doctors, teachers, businessmen, socialites, statesmen, artistes, writers, and social servants who won laurels in their varied walks of life. Till now Vaalipparambil Tharavadu keeps up this great tradition.

In the 1750s apprehending the war at Chettuva might reach Kazhimbram, Kerala one of the family heads of Vaalipparambil Tharavadu shifted his residence in Irunjalakkuda.

The Origin of Cholayil Matriarchy

After Tippu's war trek in 1780, the family, which shifted to Irinjalakkuda, , Kerala had come back to their old place at Kazhimbram , Kerala. The child, then born at Irinjalakkuda, Manikyan, when full-fledged, shifted his residence to a compound called 'Cholayil' near Vaalipparambil Tharavadu. This is the matriarchal branch separated first from Vaalipparambil Tharavadu. At the east of the compound ran a smoothening brook flowing North to South and joined the Arabian sea. And those who dwelled near the brook (Chola means brook) were called Cholayil Household. Most of the family heads in this branch were doctors.

The grandson of Manikyan, RamanVaidyar, his son Brahmashri Kunjumami Vaidyar, his sons were all renowned Ayurvedic doctors and Dr.V.C.Kumaran, Dr.V.K.Padmanabhan were allopathic doctors who shouldered the glory of Cholayil Tharavadu.

As the various Cholayil families spread all over the region, Edamuttom, the place was otherwise named as 'Cholayil Ara' ('ara' means chamber).

Special mention has to be given to a distinguished, unforgettable and ever respected celebrity among Cholayil Family members - Brahmashri Kunjumami Vaidyar. He was a risen star, ever luminous in the field of Ayurvedic medical practice. His name and fame radiated throughout the lengths and breadths of this land, and there's no Malayalee (one whose mother tongue is Malayalam) who hadn't praised the ineffable craft and knowledge he possessed in medical treatment.

Dr.V.P.Sidhan, is the Founder of Cholayil group of companies, who by his endurance, efforts, sharp intellect and business acumen has been widely known, accepted and respected internationally through the manufacturing and marketing of Medimix soap and very many other products.