Page 23 - history_Classical

which said that a king would be succeeded by his sister's eldest son. Recognizing a dangerous
foe in the intelligent and decisive Marthanda Varma, the Pillamar supported the Kunju Thampis.
The two brothers wanted the throne and they unsuccessfully tried to assassinate Marthanda
varma several times.

The Thampis were close to Ettuveettil pillamar. The Venganoore group was sympathetic and
helpful to them all along. The Thampis sought the help of Kazhakootatu Ugran Pillai also in their
fight with Marthanda varma because Kazhakootathu Pillai was the most powerful among the
landlords and his decisions were approved by others.

On the day of the Arrat festival when the murder was to take place, Marthanda Varma appeared

with an escort strong enough to cow down the Pillamar. But having received proof of the
intention of the Pillamar to murder him they were all rounded up and tried soon after this.

The Eight were either killed or exiled after sufficient evidence of conspiracy and murder was
procured. Their houses were dug up (Kulamthondal - a common punishment of the time) and all
their assets and armies seized by the victorious Marthanda Varma. This pond can be seen even
now and the famous Kulangara Sreekrishna Swami temple is situated on the banks of this pond,
where Kazhakootthu Pillai’s palace was situated. This pond known as ‘Puthukkulam’ can be
still seen near the Kazhakootam main junction.

Their women and children were sold to the Mukkuvar fishermen of the coast as slaves. The two
palaces at Thiruvananthapuram, known as Ramanamadhom and Thevarathu Koikal were
constructed from the wood and material of the palaces of the Pillamar.

The Travancore State Manual written by scholar V. Nagam Aiya concludes by saying,
“Thus ended the long tale of crime and bloodshed committed by the lawless band of Ettuveetil
Pillai and the Madampimar who molested the land for a period of two centuries and more…”