The Chempil Thailamparambil Anantha Padmanabhan Valiya Arayan Kankumaran,[1] known as Chempil Arayan, was the Admiral of the Travancore Navy in the service of Avittam Thirunal Balarama Varma, King of Travancore.[2] He was born at Chempu, near Vaikom, in Kottayam, Kerala, India. He belongs to the Koli caste of Kerala.[3][4] Chempil Arayan is recognized as first freedom fighter of South India.[5]
Valiya Arayan Chempil Arayan Chief of Chempu | |
|---|---|
| Native name | चेम्पिल आर्यन |
| Birth name | Chempil Arayan |
| Nickname(s) | Chempil Koli |
| Born | Chempu, Vaikom, Kottayam district, Travancore kingdom |
| Died | 1809 British India |
| Allegiance | Travancore kingdom |
| Service | Travancore navy |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Battles / wars | Travancore rebellion |
Chempil Arayan was involved in the Travancore War under the command of Velu Thampi Dalawa in 1809; among other things he led an attack on Bolghatty Palace, the residence of the then Company Resident, Colin Macaulay. The Resident escaped narrowly with his life, eluding the attackers through a tunnel and fleeing in a small boat. The Arayan was later captured, and freed after the payment of a ransom; he died in battle against the forces of the company.[6]
Chempil Arayan was well known for his naval exploits using the traditional Kerala boat known as the "Odi Vallam". Chempil Arayan's Nalukettu (Ancestral home) known as Thailamparampil House is in Chempu, Vaikom. The family members have preserved the Nalukettu and all the old artefacts used by Mr. Arayan including his sword and stone statue. Chempil Arayan's tomb is situated next to his ancestral home.
References
edit- ^ "Singer Anju Joseph's tryst with the age-old Bolgatty Palace in Ernakulam". www.onmanorama.com. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
- ^ "Air Signs: Relationship Problems". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
- ^ Arattukulam, M.; Antony, E. P. (1993). The Latin Catholics of Kerala: Communalism Versus Christian Charity. New Delhi, India: Pellissery Publications. p. 233.
- ^ Ghurye, Govind Sadashiv (1957). The Mahadev Kolis. New Delhi, India: Popular Book Depot. p. 157.
- ^ "Book Kottayam Bus Tickets". www.keralalines.com. p. First Freedom Fighter Chempil Arayan Ananthapadmanabhan Valiya Arayan Kankumaran who fought at the Cochin Fort against the British Rule in 29 December 1808.Chempil Arayan was the commander in chief of Velu Thambi Dalawa. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
- ^ ഷാനവാസ്, എസ് (15 August 2022). "ബ്രിട്ടീഷുകാരെ വിറപ്പിച്ച ചെമ്പില് അരയന്; രാജ്യം മറന്ന സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യ സമര പോരാളി". The Fourth (in Malayalam). Retrieved 29 November 2022.