Heritage homes in Ponnani with Memories of Freedom Movement

In the history of the freedom movement in Malabar, Karakunnathu Veedu, the heritage home of the Karakunnathu family at Ponnani in Malappuram district, stands as a glorious memorial of the independence movement in Ponnani. This home gifted the land with two freedom fighters K V Raman Menon and K V Balakrishnan Menon, the latter considered as the first martyr of freedom struggle in Malabar.

The freedom struggle gained momentum in Ponnani during 1918-19. The leaders of freedom movement in Ponnani were K Kelappan, who was a teacher at A V school, Ponnani, K V Raman Menon of Karakunnathu Veedu, who had returned after his studies in Madras (Chennai) and K V Balakrishnan Menon from the same family, who discontinued his medical education to involve in the freedom struggle. 

During the Khilafath movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, to protest the actions of Britain and the grand alliance of World War II against the Khaleefa of Turkey (a spiritual leader of the world Muslims), scores of freedom fighters including Muslims (called Moplah) in Malabar were involved in the non violent civil disobedience movement. But at one juncture, in 1921, the extremist groups among the Moplahs started a rebellion against all government establishments and the Hindus. While the riots spread to many parts in Malabar , it had no effect in Ponnani because of the timely intervention of K Kelappan, K V Raman Menon, K V Balakrishan Menon and  Padinjharakath Imbichikoya Thangal, the spiritual leader of the Moplahs in Ponnani. 

According to history, when a group of about 400 Moplahs rebels marched to attack Ponnani, the leaders of freedom struggle with about  50 volunteers interrupted the rebels and tried to convince them of the principle of non- violence. But the rebels marched to Vettam Pokkiriyakam Veedu, the home of the then Khazi of Ponnani Padinjharakath Imbichikoya Thangal seeking his opinion.  The Khazi advised the rebels to follow the advice of the leaders of freedom movement. The Khazhi also offered food to the people who had assembled there and they left in an atmosphere of harmony and concord. 

But when the army of the British Government suppressed the rebellion, the army arrested the three Gandhians were arrested on charges of helping the rebels and they were lodged in the Central Jail at Kannur.  K V Raman Menon was released after seven months and the others were kept in custody for 11 months. But the sad part was that by this time, K V Balakrishnan Menon who was infected with typhoid died in the jail due to lack of proper treatment. This incident caught the attention of the national leaders of freedom movement. 

Karamkunnathu Veedu

Situated near Thrikkave temple in Ponnani, Karamkunnathu Veedu is the ancestral home of K V Balakrishnan Menon and K V Raman Menon, nephew of the former. The home is constructed in traditional style with a Nalukettu (a centre courtyard) and is more than 130 years old. 

Another memorable event at Karakunnath Veedu was connected with the Guruvayur Satyagrah (non violent protest to get the right to worship for untouchables in Guruvayur temple) in 1932. During this period, Kasthurba Gandhi, wife of Mahatma Gandhi stayed here for a week to monitor the opinion elicited among the upper class on the issue. The Charkka, the spinning wheel used by Kasthurba Gandhi is preserved here as a valuable souvenir of her stay in Ponnani. This home also hosted Sarojini Naidu, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and C Rajagopalachari, the national leaders of freedom movement. 

The house is considered a national heritage and is now occupied by K V Pushpa, daughter of one of the cousins of K V Raman Menon, her husband Harinarayanan and sister K V Jayashree. 

Vettam Pokkiriyakam

Situated close to the Valiya Palli (mosque), the ancient Vettam Pokkiriyakam is the home of the Thangal family.  This is the house that witnessed the meeting of about 400 Moplah rebels with Imbichikoya Thangal, the then Khazi of Ponnani, during the time of the Malabar rebellion. The agreement reached during the meeting ensured peace 

between Hindus and Muslims during the period of the rebellion. 

Muthu Beevi and her husband Kunhikoya Thangal from Vatakara are the present owners. The property is now managed by Hussain Koya Thangal, brother of Muthu Beevi and a former Chairman of Ponnani municipality.