The priests promptly approached Singaram Anna, the king’s personal assistant, with fabricated accusations that Devasahayam had insulted the king, the Namboodiris, and the Hindu religion. Singaram Anna, eager to undermine Devasahayam, who held a supervisory role above him, readily accepted these falsehoods, seizing the chance to depose him.
Realizing his efforts alone might not succeed, Singaram enlisted General Ramayan, a commander from Ervadi in Tirunelveli. Born into a modest Brahmin family, Ramayan lived in Nagercoil near Vadiveeswaram Brahmin Street. He began as a civil servant at Padmanabhapuram Fort, rising to the rank of commander (Thalavai) by 1737. Previously, when Marthanda Varma faced disrespect from Suchindram Namboodiri yogis, Ramayan had demolished their homes.
Deeply devoted to his faith, Commander Ramayan staunchly opposed the spread of other religions, especially the conversion of higher social classes to Christianity. Singaram capitalized on this, declaring, “Devasahayam disrespects our land and faith. He scorns you and me, associates with disreputable groups, and embraces Christianity. With his influence, he instructs and easily persuades the aristocracy to convert. We cannot tolerate this. Insulting the monarch is treason; is it not a grave offense to convert to Christianity, spread its teachings, and defy the caste hierarchy while serving in the royal court?”
Enraged, Ramayan rose like a lion, vowing, “I will despise anyone who insults the king I serve, our religion, or the Namboodiris.” After Singaram left, Ramayan, reflecting on Devasahayam’s quiet demeanor and intelligence, calmed slightly and attempted to persuade him with a letter. Devasahayam, unwavering in his faith, refused to turn back. This defiance fueled Ramayan’s anger, though he bided his time.
During this period, Father Paranjothi Nathar from Vadakkankulam wrote to Devasahayam, requesting wood for the Vadakkankulam church’s construction, hoping Devasahayam’s influence could secure it from the king at no cost. Devasahayam approached Commander Ramayan with the letter, anticipating his esteemed commander would seek the king’s approval.
The timing was critical. As Singaram’s schemes intensified, Devasahayam’s arrival with the letter was like pouring oil on a fire. After reading it, Ramayan promised to take appropriate action but urged Devasahayam to return to his original religion. Devasahayam firmly declined, repeatedly standing his ground. Ramayan, renowned for his persuasive rhetoric, grew furious at his inability to sway Devasahayam and was humiliated by his unshaken resolve. In a heated moment, he declared, “I will eradicate Christians.” Devasahayam calmly replied, “Do as you will,” and left. Paranjothi Nathar later documented that Devasahayam shared this encounter with him, and he offered his condolences.
Singaram Anna and Commander Ramayan strategically used Devasahayam’s conversion and Paranjothi Nathar’s letter as leverage. Exploiting Marthanda Varma’s decree prohibiting royal servants from adopting other faiths, Ramayan exaggerated the situation, leveling severe accusations against Devasahayam. He claimed Devasahayam mingled with lower castes, persuaded Hindus to embrace Christianity, and built a significant Christian community with his hometown relatives. “He speaks of demolishing the Padmanabhaswamy temple and reducing the poonool to a waistband. He threatens to drive out the Namboodiris. By raising awareness, he incites riots. What will become of us if Christianity spreads across the land? What will be the honor of the king who dedicated Travancore to Padmanabha Swamy?”
They insisted that for peace to prevail, Devasahayam must be eliminated. At the time, the Hindu community in southern Travancore was fractured by caste-based animosities fomented by the Namboodiri Brahmins, leading to internal conflicts and division. Some individuals, disillusioned by these divisions, turned to Christianity. The Namboodiris exploited this fear, warning that a new religion would weaken unity and create sects, urging the king to suppress conversions.
Swayed by the Namboodiris’ influence and Ramayan’s accusations, Marthanda Varma believed Devasahayam posed a threat to the caste structure and his authority. To maintain power and project himself as a devout Hindu leader, the king ordered Devasahayam’s arrest, mirroring Herod’s actions against Jesus in an effort to appear as the protector of religion.
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