Mananthavady
Anybody know what are the old names of Mananthavady?
The famous one is Manantoddy as everybody knows Anglicanisation of Mananthavady. I heard lot of stories of Malayalam name മാനന്തവാടി derived from മാൻ ഓടിയ വാടി , മാൻ ഇരുന്ത വാടി etc from my childhood. It is interesting that all related with മാൻ or Deer as this area was covered by thick forest and naming followed by a species of a wild animal which is abundant in that area. Other examples are കാട്ടിക്കുളം,ആനപ്പാറ കുറുക്കന്മൂല etc.
Another strongly possible Name is Maha Anantha Wady........Where Jain's Anantha temple situated in today's Pandikadavu -the original capital of Wayanad upto 1970s.
I am going to mention that name but a lesser known name Hosengadi( ഹോസെൻ ഗെഡി ) (derived from Kannada) used in the 12th century. Some Historians says it was the name of new Ondayangadi. Its old name was Hondengedi. But there is no proof where is the exact location. there are two possibilities. Ondayangadi or Thazheyangadi. one of this derived from Hosengedi.
An old and important photo from British library.Please relate the location, if you know.
Title: mannantoddi (Mananthavady) in weynaad (Wayanad)
year- 1900
photographer -Unknown
This is an important picture of Manantoddy. Look in detail at the end of the blog for full resolution. Where is it? in the background is it Banasura hills or Brahmagiri hills? These buildings will still exist. Remember with these clues: and possible locations, in my opinion, are Hospital kunnu, Club hill, Latin church, LF UP school and convent, St Josephs Mission Hospital, Bishops House area, some bungalows in Tea estates like Jessy,Thalapuzha etc.
Look in detail at the end of the blog for full resolution
The ration shop building of Our old Yousifkaa was the "supermarket" of Mananthavady in last century. There may be a lot of stories to tell by the old buildings of Thazheangadi area. Nowhere in Wayanad can see such old aged shops. See the pattern and design of shops here. Often used as a home and looks similarity to some Karnatic influence. note as an example the old Cracker shop in this street.
Most of the buildings in the background are still exists there in the same shape. Look at the quality of the roads. All are mud/gravel roads, meant for transportation for bullock carts or this type of ambulance. Assumed that people in this picture, do not belong from the tribal community, but relatively high profile Christian family in that time. Photo taken in front of the present village office /Panchayat office.
In October 1802 Edachenna Kungan had moved his forces from the Pulpalli Pagoda to Vallur Kava, the Fish Pagoda near Manantoddy.( വള്ളിയൂർ കാവ് )The First Battalion, 8th Madras Native Infantry, some pioneers and 200 Mysore Horse under Captain Gurnell, fought their way into the settlement against Kungan's men who had ambushed them along the road. On the 12 th of November, a further skirmish took place, with the East India Company losing 9 killed and 18 wounded.[1]
Thazheangadi area
A garrison-പട്ടാള ട്രൂപ്പ്- was established at the settlement (Read:Thazheangadi area)that was used throughout the rest of the rebellion to support a series of eleven posts, which were relieved from the town's garrison. The soldiers suffered grievously during the monsoon periods, in the camp from diseases, and in the later years of the rebellion, most were withdrawn to the coast prior to the break in the weather. This had given the Pyche Rajah a chance to regroup each monsoon.
In November 1805, the Pyche Rajah's body was brought through the camp on its final journey to his burial place nearby.
During early April 1812 a rebellion broke out at Wynaad. It had been caused by East India Company taxation, where Land Revenue arrangements took little account of the varying outputs of land under shifting agriculture. The collectors were trying to collect revenues based on outdated and extortionate assessments, and were foreclosing on farmers goods and chattels, including slaves.
The rebel insurgents attacked the small-fortified post at Manantoddy commanded by Captain James Tag.
Thazheangadi Pandikadavu
As can be seen from the aerial photo Tagg’s Sepoys who were living in the bazaar were some way away from the fort.(I think the probable location of the English fort is it is the Latin church in the centre of Mananthavady town). They only just managed to rescue their families and to collect a small amount of grain before the bazaar was burnt down, and the party were besieged in the redoubt on the hill.
Captain Tagg sent messages off to Mysore and Cannanore, where presumably Thomas Baber first heard of the outbreak. Later the Governor's Secretary acknowledged Thomas Baber’s letters of the 30th March, 3rd and 6th of April.
The local military garrison was mobilised under Colonel Webber in Tellicherry, who together with Thomas rapidly set off for the affected region. On the 8th April Thomas Baber’s earlier letters were replied to as follows: -
Bavali Mysore route
Extract of a letter from the Chief Sect to Govern’t dated 8th April 1812 to Mr Baber Judge & Magistrate.“I am directed to state that the Hon’ble the Governor in Council highly approves of the Promptitude with which a force has been dispatched to suppress the disturbances in Wynaad.
I am also directed to inform you that the Governor in Council highly approves of your proceeding you-self to Wynaad & to desire that you will report the cause of the discontent which appears to have led to the disturbance.”
The army units at Seringapatam and further afield began to be mobilised to send columns to go to the relief of the post.
Major James Welsh commanded the troops from Seringapatam. He consequently met Thomas Baber and his family with whom he became great friends. Much later in 1832 Welsh wrote his memoirs, which offer some fascinating glimpses of the campaign, including Baber’s part in it.
By the 7th April, the column of troops commanded by James Welsh was marching down from Seringapatam. His force was comprised of the Light Company of the 80th Regiment, and four Native Flank Companies with some supporting artillery field pieces. This force had 14 British Officers.
On the first day, they marched the nine miles to Mysore. At Mysore the local ruler who was still nominally independent of the East India Company rule gave Welsh an additional 5000 men from the Mysore Army under Himmutear Cawn, the Bucksee of Mysore.
The next march of 11 miles took the force to Chattenhully. Whilst Welsh was there he received news that the situation for the trapped garrison at Manantoddy was becoming critical. On the next day he made an extraordinarily long forced march of 48 miles to the Bowanly Nullah, which separated the two countries. Here he found that the rebels had destroyed the bridge over the nullah.
However the rebels themselves were not encountered, although the enemy camp near Manatoddy.( വള്ളിയൂർ കാവ് ) was found, it was already empty because it had been abandoned by the rebels.
While Welsh waited for the rest of his men to catch up, news came that through that the garrison at Manantoddy had been relieved earlier that day, by the forces fighting up the ghats from the coastal plain.
Look at this description over Modern Kuttiadi Niravilpuzha,Makkiyad,Kallodi, Pandikkadvu Mananthavady road. This route was the major one.
Operations continued on the following day. Welsh recorded events as they unfolded: -
We set out the next morning, leaving our guns with Buchshee’s force, but carrying on supplies in carts, &c. After a very tedious and labourious march of twelve miles, in which the line was suddenly assailed by a flight of arrows from both sides of the road, by which two soldiers and one Sepoy were wounded, and an English dog killed, we reached Manantoddy at eight, P.M., with a part of our force only; and such was the thickness of the jungle, that I was totally ignorant how the rear were coming up. Applying, therefore, to Colonel Webber, for some fresh men and officers, I returned with Captain Pepper and this reinforcement, and reached our rear guard, which had taken post six miles off, at midnight; where we remained with them till day light, suffering much from cold, hunger, and thirst, not being able to get even a little water all night. As day broke, we found ourselves entirely masters of the field, with broken and upset carts and baggage strewn in every direction. Some rest, though not of sleep, had prepared our men for fresh exertions, and all snug at Manantoddy in the course of a few hours.
Reference from [1] William Logan's Malabar Manual, volume I, page 537.
An old and important photo from British library.Please relate the location, if you know.
Title: mannantoddi (Mananthavady) in weynaad (Wayanad)
year- 1900
photographer -Unknown
This is an important picture of Manantoddy. Look in detail at the end of the blog for full resolution. Where is it? in the background is it Banasura hills or Brahmagiri hills? These buildings will still exist. Remember with these clues: and possible locations, in my opinion, are Hospital kunnu, Club hill, Latin church, LF UP school and convent, St Josephs Mission Hospital, Bishops House area, some bungalows in Tea estates like Jessy,Thalapuzha etc.
Look in detail at the end of the blog for full resolution
Ondayangadi.
It was a village without any shops or crossing point along the road, in the last century. Todays Ondeyangadi refers to a large area on Mananthavady- Katticulam Road From after Chettapalam to Kurukkanmoola road junction through Thrissileri road junction, and exact centre is not known like other adjacent areas..
Thazheyangadi
Any history of human begins from riverside villages and towns and people lived near rivers and depend on them in daily aspects. Easily assumed that Manantoddy applied this rule too.
Old Manantoddy has two major Towns, Thazheyangadi and Melangadi. Pandikkadavu and Thayzheyangadi were centres of local business and activities. The riverside transport and subsequent business were important. Pandikadavu Maidanam and surrounding large area near the fish markets were camp Sites of British forces. -Mananthavady Locals took References from Nick Balmer(blogger-Malabar days) and William logon's Malabar Manual.
 |
| Pandikadadu Kadathu |
 |
| Old Ford road tarred recently |
The stream crossing point of the River and most of the timber and other transport was along the river. If search we can still see the long granite steps towards River. Pandikkadavu and Thayzheyangadi were centres of local business and activities in the last century and under British rule
The Old abandoned washing ghat near the riverside of a service station on Thazheyangadi-Chootakkadav
The ration shop building of Our old Yousifkaa was the "supermarket" of Mananthavady in last century. There may be a lot of stories to tell by the old buildings of Thazheangadi area. Nowhere in Wayanad can see such old aged shops. See the pattern and design of shops here. Often used as a home and looks similarity to some Karnatic influence. note as an example the old Cracker shop in this street.Most of the buildings in the background are still exists there in the same shape. Look at the quality of the roads. All are mud/gravel roads, meant for transportation for bullock carts or this type of ambulance. Assumed that people in this picture, do not belong from the tribal community, but relatively high profile Christian family in that time. Photo taken in front of the present village office /Panchayat office.
Some Events related to Pazhassi and Thomas Baber related to Mananthavady as described in blog Malabar days.
Manantoddy placed an important role in both the Pyche Rajah's insurgency and also the later outbreak during 1812.
In October 1802 Edachenna Kungan had moved his forces from the Pulpalli Pagoda to Vallur Kava, the Fish Pagoda near Manantoddy.( വള്ളിയൂർ കാവ് )The First Battalion, 8th Madras Native Infantry, some pioneers and 200 Mysore Horse under Captain Gurnell, fought their way into the settlement against Kungan's men who had ambushed them along the road. On the 12 th of November, a further skirmish took place, with the East India Company losing 9 killed and 18 wounded.[1]
Thazheangadi area
A garrison-പട്ടാള ട്രൂപ്പ്- was established at the settlement (Read:Thazheangadi area)that was used throughout the rest of the rebellion to support a series of eleven posts, which were relieved from the town's garrison. The soldiers suffered grievously during the monsoon periods, in the camp from diseases, and in the later years of the rebellion, most were withdrawn to the coast prior to the break in the weather. This had given the Pyche Rajah a chance to regroup each monsoon.
In November 1805, the Pyche Rajah's body was brought through the camp on its final journey to his burial place nearby.
During early April 1812 a rebellion broke out at Wynaad. It had been caused by East India Company taxation, where Land Revenue arrangements took little account of the varying outputs of land under shifting agriculture. The collectors were trying to collect revenues based on outdated and extortionate assessments, and were foreclosing on farmers goods and chattels, including slaves.
The rebel insurgents attacked the small-fortified post at Manantoddy commanded by Captain James Tag.
Thazheangadi Pandikadavu
As can be seen from the aerial photo Tagg’s Sepoys who were living in the bazaar were some way away from the fort.(I think the probable location of the English fort is it is the Latin church in the centre of Mananthavady town). They only just managed to rescue their families and to collect a small amount of grain before the bazaar was burnt down, and the party were besieged in the redoubt on the hill.
Captain Tagg sent messages off to Mysore and Cannanore, where presumably Thomas Baber first heard of the outbreak. Later the Governor's Secretary acknowledged Thomas Baber’s letters of the 30th March, 3rd and 6th of April.
The local military garrison was mobilised under Colonel Webber in Tellicherry, who together with Thomas rapidly set off for the affected region. On the 8th April Thomas Baber’s earlier letters were replied to as follows: -
 |
| Site of Old Fort of EIC -now Latin church |
Bavali Mysore route
Extract of a letter from the Chief Sect to Govern’t dated 8th April 1812 to Mr Baber Judge & Magistrate.“I am directed to state that the Hon’ble the Governor in Council highly approves of the Promptitude with which a force has been dispatched to suppress the disturbances in Wynaad.
I am also directed to inform you that the Governor in Council highly approves of your proceeding you-self to Wynaad & to desire that you will report the cause of the discontent which appears to have led to the disturbance.”
Bavali ബാവലി -Mysore route was important
The army units at Seringapatam and further afield began to be mobilised to send columns to go to the relief of the post.
Major James Welsh commanded the troops from Seringapatam. He consequently met Thomas Baber and his family with whom he became great friends. Much later in 1832 Welsh wrote his memoirs, which offer some fascinating glimpses of the campaign, including Baber’s part in it.
By the 7th April, the column of troops commanded by James Welsh was marching down from Seringapatam. His force was comprised of the Light Company of the 80th Regiment, and four Native Flank Companies with some supporting artillery field pieces. This force had 14 British Officers.
On the first day, they marched the nine miles to Mysore. At Mysore the local ruler who was still nominally independent of the East India Company rule gave Welsh an additional 5000 men from the Mysore Army under Himmutear Cawn, the Bucksee of Mysore.
ബാവലി
The next march of 11 miles took the force to Chattenhully. Whilst Welsh was there he received news that the situation for the trapped garrison at Manantoddy was becoming critical. On the next day he made an extraordinarily long forced march of 48 miles to the Bowanly Nullah, which separated the two countries. Here he found that the rebels had destroyed the bridge over the nullah.
However the rebels themselves were not encountered, although the enemy camp near Manatoddy.( വള്ളിയൂർ കാവ് ) was found, it was already empty because it had been abandoned by the rebels.
While Welsh waited for the rest of his men to catch up, news came that through that the garrison at Manantoddy had been relieved earlier that day, by the forces fighting up the ghats from the coastal plain.
“by a force under Colonel Webber from Cannanore, accompanied by Mr. Baber, the Judge of Tellicherry, whose authority also extended to Wynaud. They had been opposed in the Coteaddy Pass,
(കുറ്റ്യാടി ചുരം )coming up from Cannanore, and had Captain Hunter and Lieutenant Inverarity severely wounded, with seventeen or eighteen men.”
Kuttiadi-Mananthavady road
Look at this description over Modern Kuttiadi Niravilpuzha,Makkiyad,Kallodi, Pandikkadvu Mananthavady road. This route was the major one.
Operations continued on the following day. Welsh recorded events as they unfolded: -
We set out the next morning, leaving our guns with Buchshee’s force, but carrying on supplies in carts, &c. After a very tedious and labourious march of twelve miles, in which the line was suddenly assailed by a flight of arrows from both sides of the road, by which two soldiers and one Sepoy were wounded, and an English dog killed, we reached Manantoddy at eight, P.M., with a part of our force only; and such was the thickness of the jungle, that I was totally ignorant how the rear were coming up. Applying, therefore, to Colonel Webber, for some fresh men and officers, I returned with Captain Pepper and this reinforcement, and reached our rear guard, which had taken post six miles off, at midnight; where we remained with them till day light, suffering much from cold, hunger, and thirst, not being able to get even a little water all night. As day broke, we found ourselves entirely masters of the field, with broken and upset carts and baggage strewn in every direction. Some rest, though not of sleep, had prepared our men for fresh exertions, and all snug at Manantoddy in the course of a few hours.
Reference from [1] William Logan's Malabar Manual, volume I, page 537.
Other posts related to Wayanad in this blog
Good attempt!!!!!!!!!! Good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGood
ReplyDeleteMan and toddy
ReplyDeletethere is any jain migration happen through the Bavali-mysore raod
ReplyDeleteMemories of Mananthavady
ReplyDelete1. Early morning Upma wrapped in banana leaf - Grace hotel
2. Briyani in Hotel Manasasaras --- The last time I went was a good 25 years ago when it was only a small restaurant at road level
3. Hotel Brhmagiri stay during recent visit in 2016
4. Stay in hotel New Paris (name was different I think those days) and the shopping complex below the hotel
5. Dinner at Thattukada near the junction opp to Regal Bakery
Satya Gandhi
Hi, does this hill name right near the town ring a bell? I have an 1848 Will from my Morris early pioneer Coffee planters (3 of them before 1840) which says their estate of 'Pillay Cardoo" (Pillicadoo, Pillie Kahdoo) was on the hill near the town (Mannantoddy) called... hard to read!!....looks like :- "Alvurioon"; "Alvarwon"(?). So something like that. Definitley starts with "A". Thanks. Ian
ReplyDeleteimacdonn@bigpond.net.au.... Ian Macdonell. Previous comment. How can I send you an image of the Will with the hill name in it? PS : I know Nick Balmer fairly well too.
ReplyDeleteThe name of the family in 1860-65? who were on the Pillay Cardoo estate, called the estate home then "Sunnyside" - they are my ancestors too (wife was a Morris). He was Stanley Crawford (WH Stanley). The Crawfords were Malabar shipping agents, merchants - Stanley's father Thomas was ageent to the TRavencore Mahraraja, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma
Cheeers, Ian.
Hello, I am from mannantoddy (now mananthavady) could you share your image? May be I can help you to reveal it. thanks
Deletesujin.ns@gmail.com
Hello, so sorry I missed your reply - now so late!. Come a long way since then. I know have this website https://pazhassiburialshrinebuiltbymeg.weebly.com/background.html
DeleteSo hope you see this and my email in on the main page (Overview).
Luxury Monsoon Holiday Resort in Wayanad
ReplyDeleteto "Anonymous' : Hello, so sorry I missed your reply - now so late!. Come a long way since then. I know have this website https://pazhassiburialshrinebuiltbymeg.weebly.com/background.html
ReplyDeleteSo hope you see this and my email in on the main page (Overview).