A. Birth, Name and Family :
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Neelakanta pillai was born in the year 1712,
Maruthankulakarai at Nattalam in Kanyakumari Dist. His mothers name was Devaki amma and his Father Vasudevan Namputhiri. |
Devasahayam Pillai, the Servant of God, entered this world in 1712 in Nattalam, a hamlet situated in Vilavancode Taluk within the current boundaries of Kanyakumari district. His father, Vasudevan Namputhiri, hailed from the Brahmin community, while his mother, Devaki Amma, belonged to the Nair Caste. Originally named Nilam, which could also be expanded as Nilakandan, both variations representing the Hindu deity Siva, he was considered part of the Nair caste due to the matrilineal tradition of marumakkalthayam, where lineage was traced through the mother.
As Nilam matured and secured a position in the royal court of the king, the honorific "Pillai" was affixed to his name, a suffix denoting high caste birth and societal status. Thus, Nilam came to be known as Nilam Pillai or Nilakandan Pillai. His family, deeply entrenched in Hindu beliefs, had his father serving as a priest in the Siva temple at Nattalam. The Nair caste, to which Nilam was attributed, was renowned for its martial prowess, with many soldiers of the king of Travancore hailing from this community, including nobles and the royal family itself.
B. Upbringing, Education and
Training :
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| He did his early education in the "Chera" family school meant for the members of "Kalari". Here he earnt of raging war with bow and arrows, use of swords etc.... |
Nilakandan, a member of the Nair caste, received training in warfare and language studies during his youth. Growing up, he primarily spoke Malayalam at home due to his Nair heritage. However, residing in an area where Tamil was the predominant language, he was exposed to and likely fluent in Tamil as well.
In addition to his linguistic education, Nilakandan, like many other Nair youths of his time, would have been instructed in archery, varmasastra, and the use of various weapons. It is plausible that through his private education, he may have encountered the Catholic faith in some capacity, adding another layer to his diverse upbringing and experiences.
C. His Work :
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| After being trained in the art of war, Devasahayam pillai joined the Thiruvithamkoor army. |
Nilakandan Pillai commenced his career as a soldier, demonstrating exceptional skills and surpassing his peers in terms of maturity and mental fortitude. Transitioning from his military role, he later served as an official at the Nilakandaswamy temple in Padmanabhapuram. Subsequently, he took on the responsibility of a palace official, managing the king's treasury with diligence and expertise.
His role as a palace official eventually led him to the Udayagiri fort, overseeing the financial aspects of the fort's development during the period of modernization under the effective guidance of Eustache de Lannoy from 1941 to 1945. Within this capacity, Nilakandan Pillai served as the paymaster for the construction laborers, ensuring the smooth operation of financial transactions within the fort.
D. Qualities of this Person :
Nilakandan Pillai possessed a natural inclination towards being active, energetic, and dedicated to his responsibilities. As a result, he earned the admiration of his superiors, particularly the king. His character was marked by enthusiasm, creativity, and a strong sense of morality, always striving to combat evil and promote goodness. He was highly esteemed for his extensive knowledge, keen intellect, and martial arts background.
E. His Religiosity as a Hindu :
Nilakandan Pillai demonstrated unwavering commitment to his responsibilities as a devout Hindu. Raised in a household that deeply valued the Hindu faith, he dutifully adhered to its customs and rituals, including religious worship. Embracing the practices followed by the upper castes, he wholeheartedly devoted himself to the worship of Patra Kali, as well as Siva and Anandavalli in the temple located within Udayagiri Fort. Whether it was attending temple ceremonies or conducting puja at home, he maintained a consistent presence in his religious observances. Furthermore, Nilakandan Pillai and his family played a significant role as generous benefactors to the temple in Nattalam, contributing annually to its grand festival. Not only did he actively participate in the temple's affairs, but he also took part in safeguarding its sanctity.
F. His Marriage with
Bhargaviammal :
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| Devasahayam's marriage took place under the leadershipof his teacher "Karikanda Muthapar". |
Nilakandan was a man of great wealth, with abundant landed properties to his name. He was not only educated but also held a respectable position in society, and his conduct reflected that of a virtuous individual. His admirable qualities garnered the admiration of his loved ones, to the extent that numerous families sought to have him as their son-in-law. However, he ultimately chose to marry Bhargaviammal, a woman from a traditional family. Bhargaviammal hailed from the village of Mekkodu, near Eraniel, and belonged to the same caste as Nilakandan Pillai.
