Overview
The Paliath Achans were hereditary prime ministers to the Rajah of Kingdom of Cochin (Kochi) from 1632 to 1809 and second only to the Rajah in power and wealth in the central Cochin area during that period. A common saying in Cochin is "kochiyil pathi paliyam" meant that half of the Cochin belonged to the Paliam family. Paliath Achan was also a considerable land owner, one of the largest in the state. Historical records show that the Paliath Achans became major players in Kerala history with the arrival of the Portuguese. In recognition of the Paliath Achan's services, the Kochi Rajah granted him Vypin Island. At about the period, the land of Villarvattom came into his possession as well. In 1681, the Kochi Raja conferred upon him, the title of Sarvadhyakshan (literally translated, "Supreme presider over all affairs"), and in 1731, the Paliath Komi Achan was appointed to the post of Prime Minister of the Kochi Raja. Around 1775, the position of the Paliath Achan was recorded by the Dutch as follows:
| “ | It goes thus... the affairs of the kingdom as a rule are administered by the Paliath Achan. He is a considerable land owner, permanent Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cochin. He is hereditary Chief of Chennott (Chendamangalam) and of the part of the Island of Baypin (Vypin). In both these places he has palaces of sorts, but he usually resides at Chennott which is near Crangannore (Kodungalloor)... The little old Kingdom of Vilwarvattom also belongs to him. He got this in ancient times from the Raja of Cochin, who had inherited it from a Nair chief. The estate of Mulucarre (Mullurkkara) situated in the east of Tritsur (Trissur) at the northern extremity of the Kingdom of Cochin also belongs to him... | ” |
Paliath Achans have also figured in many battles against colonial rulers such as the British, and staged numerous rebellions for the benefit of the downtrodden in society.
The family home Palace (tharavadu) is located in the village of Chendamangalam, in Ernakulam district. After the passing of the Land Reform Ordinance, the family lost a lot of land that it owned. The ordinance set a ceiling on how much land an individual or family could own. As a result, the family wealth and property was partitioned in 1952. The number of members at the time of partition was 213 and the deed was registered in 1956. In addition to being the largest Joint-Hindu family, the deed was the biggest partition deed of Travancore-Cochin/Kerala.
As of 1999, there were 443 members. The family follows the marumakkathayam, or matrilineal system. Female members of the family are wed primarily to Namboothiri Brahmins, members of the Cochin Royal family, members of other Royal Families of erstwhile Travancore and Malabar areas, and members of other prominent Nair tharavads.
Palakkad royal family head was also known by the title Achan.
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