Introduction to the Tharavaad

Welcome to the Tharavad�s official website. Alummoottil Tharavad is an aristocratic Ezhava family hailing from the central Travancore region in Kerala. During the 17th and 18th century the Tharavad was responsible for supplying infantry and light cavalry for the army of the Maharaja of Kayamkulam and Travancore. Although, involved heavily in the military machinery of the kingdom, the business empire, wealth and assets of the Tharavad would rather have qualified it in the Vaishya sect, if it existed within Kerala�s Chathurvarna ladder.

The annexation of the Kayamkulam princely state by the kingdom of Travancore and the subsequent absorption of this kingdom into the Indian union, focused the family towards commercial enterprise during the 19th and early 20th century. The Thekkedath family temple is built on the ruins of one among the chain of Kalaris run by the Tharavad.

The commercial empire once controlled by the Tharavad in the kingdom was the envy of all men alike and it was second to none. In Thakazhi's Novel 'Kayar', there are references of an Alummoottil Channar often mistaken for the Travancore Diwan, due to his luxurious car, lifestyle and escorts! More >>