THEEYA COMMUNITY WOMAN WAARRIOR KILEED BY TIPPU OR DIED NATURALLY Unniyarcha’s bravery became stuff of legends after she her encounter with the Jonaka Mappila ruffians. Mappila (meaning Bridegroom) was a respectful title given to foreign merchants and immigrants to Malabar Coast by the native Hindus of the region. This term reflects the culture of the region, where natives were not only tolerant of outsiders but also courteously treated them as family. Muslim merchants were called Jonaka (Yavanaka) Mappila; Christians - Nasrani Mappila; and Jews - Juda Mappila. The Jonakas of Nadapuram, though, were notorious in the region for their disrespectful conduct towards women, an aberration in native society. They were known to abduct and molest women from the nearby areas. Such gangs were also part of the Arabian slave trade according to various historical records. While living in Attum Manamel, Unniyarcha wished to visit the temples of Kuthu in Allimalarkavu, Villakku in Ayyappankavu, and Velapuram in Anjanakavu. Her family tried to dissuade her, owing to the danger in the surrounding areas. Archa’s mother-in-law, narrated the stories of various instances of Nadapuram Jonakas misbehaving with women. This, however, only strengthened Archa's resolve and replied to her mother-in-law:
*“…Born in the famous Puthooram family,* *As the fearless daughter of Kannappan,* *Born with valour and courage,* *I can’t stay back like a coward’…“* She tied her Urumi (long whip-like sword kept close to the torso like a belt) to her waist and set out for the temple. Husband Kunhiraman, married to the very embodiment of Shakti, had no other option, but to follow his wife. While passing through the Nadapuram Bazar, the Jonaka Mappila rowdies saw her and attempted to abduct her. Upon seeing this, Kunhiraman started getting nervous, to which Unniyarcha, beaming with valour, taunted her jittery husband: *“ I, a woman doesn’t shiver* *then why do you a man, tremble?* *It doesn’t matter if thousands come to attack* *I belong to Puthooram family* *have you ever heard of the women in Puthooram sending their men to be killed?”* This is one of the most popular verses in the ballads. In the ensuing fight, Kunhiraman was defeated and tied up but Unniyarcha wielding her Urumi injured many, through a grand performance of Kalari techniques. Announcing herself as the sister of Aromal Chekavar, she then warned the goons of serious consequences and threatened to destroy them. The leader of the gang panicked and tried to pacify her but she made them promise that they will never harass any women in that area anymore. The Jonaka fell on her feet and apologized and presented her with several gifts. This is how Unniyarcha became a symbol of female valour, an embodiment of Shakti herself. This incident later became an important event in the native uprising against the Arabic slave trade led by the Mappilas in the Malabar coast. Archa, is also identified with another tale of valour in the ballads. In medieval Kerala, family disputes, as well as the conflicts over power, were historically resolved by Ankam (sword duels). Unniyarcha’s brother Aromal was once challenged to a similar duel with Aringodar. When Unniyarcha heard of this, she gave this piece of brilliant tactical advice to her brother's companion Chandu just before they left for the Ankam. The ballads note her as saying: *“While my brother is going for the duel,* *you are the companion going with him* *when he is on the pedestal for the fight* *do keep vigil and be right beside him * *When the substitute’s Churika strikes* *it will hit only through the middle* *if forged churika is given,* *hit through right first* *substitute’s churika will be thrown off”* These words show how Archa was not just a concerned sister, but also an expert warrior. Her brother's companion, cousin Chandu, however, begrudged Aromal. As such he influenced the blacksmith to set the sword with a wooden nail instead of an iron one, weakening Aromal's position in the duel. Even though Aromal killed Aringodar in the battle, he himself, was severly injuries. Chandu took advantage of the opportunity and killed Aromal. The aggrieved Unniyarcha, could not bear the loss of her brother and declared that Chandu's death has, henceforth, become the avowed purpose of her life. She spent rest of her life training her only son Aromalunni, and nephew Kannappanunni to avenge her brother’s death. Her words to the Puthooram boys, just before sending them with the orders of beheading Chandu Chekavar also befitting a brave heroine. She said; *“If you die fighting, I will receive your body in silken clothes and give you a proper funeral. But if you receive an arrow from a hidden foe, I will wrap you in green leaves and no ceremonies will be performed”*. The boys fulfill their mission by bring back Chandu Chekavar’s severed head to settle the vendetta. Archa had aged by this time, thus she decided to retreat to the temple in Omalur to spend the rest of her days in peace, singing bhajanas of the Gods. When her son Aromalunni offered his support for his aged mother, she politely refused by saying "*Your mother needed no support in her bloom".* She then asked her son to come to the temple on the seventh day. When he reached the temple after seven days, she had already passed away and her dead body was lying near the river. This is the story of Unniyarcha, the indomitable heroine of Kerala. Unniyarcha, who died of old age, lived in the 16th century. There have been reports claiming that Unniyarcha of Puthooram family was captured by Tipu of Mysore who attacked Malabar in 1789. This is patently wrong, because Tipu reached Malabar nearly 200 years after the death of the valiant Unniyarcha. These attempts to rewrite history could arguably be seen as a way to undermine the valour of a fierce woman, who single-handedly defeated her oppressors. Strong, fierce, native women, after all, have always had a deep psychological affect on entrenched elite, as they tend to threaten the very fiber of manufactured narratives. KR IRS 4625 On Wed, 4 Jun 2025 at 12:45, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty < [email protected]> wrote: > *UNNIYARCHA* > > Dear friends, > > Yesterday in the posting about *Lokanarkavu temple*, I forgot to add > information about one large and one small *pond near Loknarkavu temple*. > The large pond is 250 meters away and small pond is close to temples. Even > today children take dips in the smaller pond which is near the *Vishnu > temple. * > > In the successful Malayalam film *“Vadakkan veeragatha” *acted by > Mammooty and Madhavi it is this small pond is shown where legendary female > warrior Unniyarcha taking bath and worshipping in the temple. > > I thought my posting today can be about Unniyarcha. *The information is > compiled.* > > Gopalakrishnan 4-6-2025 > > Unniyarcha is a legendary female warrior from Kerala, India, known for her > skill in Kalaripayattu, a traditional South Indian martial art. She is > believed to have lived in the 16th century and is considered a symbol of > empowered, independent women. > > *Key aspects of Unniyarcha's history:* > > Believed to have lived in the *16th century:* > > Unniyarcha is generally believed to have lived in the 16th century in the > Kadathanadu region of Kerala. > > Daughter of a renowned Kalari Master: > > She was the daughter of Kannappa Chekavar, a respected Kalaripayattu > master, and grew up training alongside her brothers and cousin. > > Expert in Kalaripayattu: > > Unniyarcha was known for her expertise in wielding the urumi (a flexible > sword) and other Kalaripayattu techniques. > > Symbol of empowered women: > > She is celebrated for her bravery, strength, and independence, becoming a > symbol of female empowerment in Kerala's folklore. > > Mentioned in Vadakkan Pattukal: > > Unniyarcha's story is preserved in the Vadakkan Pattukal, which are folk > songs and *ballads from northern Kerala. * > > Unniyarcha's story is often retold in various art forms, including dance > performances and film adaptations. She continues to be a popular figure in > Kerala, inspiring and representing the strength and independence of women. > > *She married Attummanammel Kunhiraman, and had two sons Aromalunni and > Kannapannunni. Unniyarcha, died of old age**.* > > *Detailed information* > > Unniyarcha is a legendary warrior and heroine from the 16th century, > mentioned in the Vadakkan Pattukal, a set of historical ballads from > northern Kerala. > > She was a member of a Thiyyar community family called *Puthooram Veed in > Kadathanad*. The location of Puthooram Veed is described in the Vadakkan > Pattukal as follows: Puthoorampaadam (large paddy field under Puthooram > Veed) is situated at the eastern end of *Kadathanadu (present-day > Vadakara*). > > Ilavanoor Madam is located at the western end of Puthoorampaadam, and > within Ilavanoor Madam lies Puthooram Veed. > > *Unniyarcha's father's name was Kannappa Chekavar* > > She is a popular character in Kerala's folklore and is remembered for > her valor and skills in Kerala's native martial art, *Kalaripayattu.* > According to legend, Unniyarcha was mostly known for her deadly skill with > the whip-like *urumi,* a unique type of sword that originates from > Kerala. Like most traditional Kalaripayattu practitioners, she began > training at the kalari at the age of seven. > > There are so many such instances in Vatakkan Pattukal where the warrior > heroes or heroines of the stories would *win or lose in some of the > famous duels of Kalaripayattu*. Among these instances, the fight between > Unniyarcha and several men with an urumi (specially used for > Kalarippayattu) to safeguard herself and her husband from a planned attack > by some thieves is very popular. > > Biography > > Unniyarcha was from the famous Puthooram Veedu of Kadathanad (Vadakara), a > region in northern present-day Kerala. *Kunjiraman had a kalari known as > Puthussery Kalari,* which is said to remain in the Kannur district of > Kerala to this day. Legend has it that Unniyarcha won 64 kalari ankam in > her youth. *She was the sister of Aromal Chekavar and Unnikannan.* > > Unniyarcha rejected the romantic advances of Chandu Chekavar (also known > as Chanthu Chekavar), which led to the murder of her brother Aromal. > Aromalunni, the son of Unniyarcha, later took revenge against Chanthu to > avenge his uncle. > > My note- In the film Vadakkan VeeraGatha Chandu is depicted as > chathikkatha chandu(Never betraying Chandu). Aromal was not killed by > Chandu. > > Nadapuram fight > > According to historian A. Sreedhara Menon, Unniyarcha mastered the > technique of warfare in childhood by undergoing a rigorous course of > training in the kalari. She married Attummanammel Kunhiraman, and a day > later, *Unniyarcha set out from home to see the Kootthu in Allimalarkavu, > the Vilakku in Ayyappankavu and the Velapuram in Anjanakavu (the version in > the ballads).* > > As the Mappilas (Jonakas) in the bazaar on her journey were a much dreaded > lot, her husband and relatives did not approve of that. *In spite of > this, she was determined to go for these festivals*. Her husband > Kunhiraman had no other alternative but to accompany her. As expected, > she was waylaid at Nadapuram by the mappilas. > > Though Kunhiraman was in jitters, Unniyarcha showed her mettle by facing > her adversaries almost single-handed. *The headman of the chanakas > (Yavanas), who happened to see her on the way, was enamoured of her beauty > and sent his men to carry her away by force.* Unniyarcha drew her sword > and then proceeded to kill some of them. *The rest fled and brought the > headman himself to the scene, who soon discovered that she was the sister > of his fencing master*. > > *He appealed to both the brother and sister to pardon him, but Unniyarcha > was inexorable and challenged him and his men to a fight.* > > *The leader tried to do his best to pacify her,* but she would not pardon > him without a categorical assurance that women would be allowed to walk > along that way without any fear of molestation. Not even the intercession > of the wife of the ruling chieftain and the influential Chetti (Chekavar’s > friend) would be able to win her over. *At last, Aromal Chekavar himself > appeared on the scene*. > > Only after the leader made a tendered wholesome apology and offered all > kinds of gifts did she calm down and make peace with her adversaries. The > chief persuaded the girl to sheath her sword, which she did on the > headman’s promise that no woman of the place would be molested in the > future. > > In popular culture > > The legend of Unniyarcha has been made into films such as: > > Unniyarcha (1961), Aromalunni (1972), Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), > Puthooramputhri Unniyarcha (2002) > > A television serial titled Unniyarcha was broadcast on Asianet in (2006). > > *Unnitharcha was the niece of Othenan whereas Unniarcha was the daughter > of Kannappa chekavar**.Othenan used to worship Lokanarkavil amma daily > after bath.* > > Chandu chevakar > > The Unniyarcha and Chandu Chekavar legend is a famous folktale from North > Malabar, Kerala centered around the warrior Unniyarcha and the warrior > Chandu Chekavar. The story revolves around Unniyarcha's rejection of > Chandu's romantic advances, leading to the tragic murder of her brother, > Aromal Chekavar, by Chandu. In earlier childhood marriage, Unniyarcha > was married to Chandu. > > Chandu Chekavar: > > A warrior from the Chekavar lineage, a group of warriors belonging to the > Thiyya community. He was known for his martial prowess and his rivalry with > Aromal Chekavar, Unniyarcha's brother. > > The Tragedy: > > *Unniyarcha rejected Chandu's love, and in retaliation, he killed her > brother, Aromal Chekavar*. This event triggered a series of conflicts and > revenge, shaping the narrative of the legend. > > Folklore and Literature: > > The story of Unniyarcha and Chandu Chekavar is prominently featured in the > Vadakkan Pattukal, or northern ballads, of Kerala. These ballads are oral > traditions passed down through generations and are rich in folklore and > cultural significance. > > Popular Culture: > > The characters of Unniyarcha and Chandu have been depicted in various > Malayalam films and other forms of popular culture, solidifying their place > in the collective consciousness of Kerala. > > Key Themes: > > *The legend explores themes of love, betrayal, revenge, and the clash > between different communities*. It also highlights the strength and > independence of female warriors like Unniyarcha. > > Chandu's Complex Character: > > While often portrayed as a villain, the legend also delves into Chandu's > motivations and complex personality, *showing him as a proud but insecure > warrior.* > > Film Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha(A Northern Story of Valor) > > Directed by Hariharan > > Written by Late M. T. Vasudevan Nair > > Produced by P. V. Gangadharan > > Starring -Mammootty,Suresh Gopi, Late Balan K. Nair > > Late Captain Raju, Maadhavi > > Music by Bombay Ravi > > Grihalakshmi Productions > > Release date -14 April 1989 > > Language Malayalam > > *Box office ₹ 1.53 crores * > > Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha credited internationally as A Northern Story of > Valor, is a subplot of Vadakkan Pattukal, a medieval ballad from North > Malabar and is often regarded as a classic in Malayalam cinema. The film > won four National Film Awards including Best Actor (Mammootty), Best > Screenplay (Nair), Best Production Design and Best Costume Design (P. > Krishnamoorthy) and eight Kerala State Film Awards. > > The film tells the story in a different way, where the character of > Chanthu is a good man in the movie, while the original ballad depicts him > as a cheater. The film had a re-release in theaters on 7 February 2025. > > Plot > > The film is set in 16th-century northern Kerala. The plot unfolds at > Puthooram, the house of the great Kannappan Chekavar. The chekavar clan > provide martial services to their lords by training and providing fighters > to help settle feudal disputes through trial by combat. *Kannappan > Chekavar adopts the son of his estranged sister when the boy loses both his > parents and brings him to Puthooram to live and learn with his cousins. The > orphan boy, Chandu, a quick learner, earns the love and admiration of his > uncle, while he is loathed by his cousin Aromal.* > > *As they grow up, Chandu is betrothed to Chekavar's daughter, Unniyarcha*. > Chandu is constantly mocked and made to feel like an outsider by the > jealous Aromal. *He even ends his sister's budding romance with Chandu by > marrying her off to his unmanly but better-off friend Kunjiraman*. The > lack of protest on Unniyarcha's part breaks Chandu's heart. > > He attempts to move on by proposing to Kunjinooli, another girl who > professed her love for him. Aromal preempts his proposal by breaking off > his own bethrotal and proposing to Kunjinooli himself. *Disappointed, > Chandu leaves to study Kalaripayattu under the tutelage of Tulunadan expert > and master Chekavar, Aringodar.* > > On Aromal's wedding day, Unniyarcha invites Chandu to her room. When > Kunjiraman unexpectedly arrives and finds them alone together, Unniyarcha > convinces her husband that Chandu broke into her room by pretending to be > him. > > A dejected Chandu, now with the reputation of being a womaniser, finds > solace in Kunji, Aringodar's daughter. > > Feudal lord Unnichandror arrives at the footsteps of Aringodar and asks > him to represent his cause in an angam (duel unto death) against his > brother Unnikonar. Unnikonar, in turn, asks Aromal to represent him. *Chandu > is caught in a dilemma when his uncle requests him to play the second hand > to Aromal in the angam against his teacher Aringodar*. > > Unniyarcha approaches Chandu and offers to live with him if he helps > Aromal win. Chandu is tempted and decides to second Aromal. He takes on > the task of revitalising Aromal's swords by giving them for treatment to a > blacksmith. However, Kunji, Aringodar's daughter, bribes the blacksmith to > make them brittle. > > On the day of the duel, Aromal, though highly skilled, is no match for the > master Aringodar. To add to the misery, Aromal's sword breaks in two. > Chandu placates an attacking Aringodar, seeking time to replace the weapon > and he obliges. *Aromal takes advantage of the momentarily unguarded > Aringodar and throws his broken sword at him, killing him.* > > > > *As the victorious Aromal retires to his resting place, Chandu follows him > to tend to his injuries. Aromal accuses Chandu of sabotage by treating the > swords to make them brittle, and attacks him*. In their scuffle, Aromal > accidentally stabs himself by falling over a lamp. As people gather, the > mortally wounded Aromal accuses Chandu of betraying him with his last > breath. > > The ill-fated Chandu escapes the mob and finds the blacksmith, who informs > him about Kunji's bribe. Fighting his way through an entire contingent of > guards, the furious Chandu storms into Aringodar's household seeking Kunji. > *To > add to his list of regrets, he finds Kunji has committed suicide by hanging > herself*. > > Chandu returns to Puthooram and is greeted by a raging Unniyarcha, who > vows that her unborn son will avenge her brother's death. > > Years later, Aromal Unni and Kannapan Unni (sons of Unniyarcha and Aromal > Chekavar, *respectively) come to Arangodar's kalari seeking revenge. > Chandu refuses to fight them. However, after being repeatedly challenged, > Chandu easily beats them both, once again showing his mastery.* > > Hoping that they will leave before bloodshed is inevitable, he attempts to > retire his weapons. The two young warriors are in no mood to leave in > defeat and insist on a duel to the death. *Aromal Unni announces that he > will either return with Chandu's head or die himself.* Chandu realises > the madness in the youngsters and appears to relent to their provocations, > turning his back to them as if to pray in preparation for the duel. But > knowing that no one will ever be able to win against him, and reminded that > Aromal is Kannappan Chekavar's grandson, he commits one final act of > valour: *Chandu stabs himself with his sword.* Reminiscing bitterly on > what could have been, he addresses Aromal Unni as his unborn son and hopes > that he will earn renown for being the one to defeat Chandu and avenge his > uncle. He reaches out to the statue of his deity and dies. There ends the > life of a valiant but misunderstood man, the greatest warrior of his age. > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Thatha_Patty" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/151433369.3260228.1749021180268%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/151433369.3260228.1749021180268%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZoqy0NhOBQHgLWgs8rgWpfSzk09TYkvNWXR%2BtsOBiwa3aw%40mail.gmail.com.
