A Noble Beginning

Devasahayam’s early life, born into a noble family in Nattalam, his childhood, education, and journey to adulthood, setting the stage for his later service in the palace. Highlighting the cultural and historical context of Travancore.

Devasahayam’s Early Life in Nattalam

Nattalam, a verdant village located 10 kilometers west of Padmanabhapuram, was later fondly called ‘Nettaalam.’ The king regularly sought updates on Nattalam’s agricultural prosperity during each season (poham), guided by a cherished saying: “When Nattalam flourishes, the entire land thrives.”

In this vibrant region, two esteemed temples stood as landmarks. The ThiruNattaalam Shiva Temple graced the eastern side of Therpakulam, while the ShankaraNaaraayanan Temple adorned the west. The ShankaraNaaraayanan Temple held significant assets, primarily lands tilled by impoverished individuals for their livelihood. Raman Pillai, a member of the Shudra caste within the Brahmanical hierarchy of Brahmana, Vaishya, Kshatriya, and Shudra, diligently oversaw the care of the temple and its lands.

During the 17th century, those from the Shudra caste held prominent roles in the Thiruvithaangoor kingdom. Blessed with land grants and financial influence, they attained a status akin to that of the Kshatriyas.

Raman Pillai, endowed with wealth and privileges, had two sisters, Devahi Ammai and Bhagavathi Ammai.

Vaasu Devan, a Namboodhiri from Maruthankulakarai near Kayamkulam in Kollam, arrived at the ShankaraNaaraayanan Temple, under Raman Pillai’s stewardship, to perform rituals. Through warm conversations during his stay in Nattalam, a heartfelt friendship blossomed between Vaasu Devan and Raman Pillai, leading to the marriage of Vaasu Devan and Devahi Ammai.

In Namboodhiri families, only the eldest sons enjoyed exclusive marriage privileges, while younger sons were encouraged to wed women from Nair or Ambalavaasigal families, both of the Shudra caste. Children born to Nair mothers could not inherit from Namboodhiri families, as the Nair community followed a matrilineal system, passing inheritance through the maternal line. Vaasu Devan and Devahi Ammai embraced this arrangement, finding contentment and leading a joyful life.

In a tender gesture of affection for his homeland, Vaasu Devan named Devahi Ammai’s house and farmlands in Nattalam ‘Maruthankulakarai.’

On April 23, 1712 (10th Chiththirai in the Tamil calendar), the happy couple welcomed a son, whom they named “Neelagandan” in honor of the Hindu god Shiva. Following the tradition of “Marumakkal Thaayam,” which designated the eldest nephew of the eldest sister as the head of the family, Neelakandan was granted this esteemed role.

The delighted couple later welcomed a daughter, Lakshmikutti, who was five years younger than Neelagandan.

During this era, the Naayar community experienced gradual sociological advancements. Once restricted by a rule requiring Naayar homes to be built with palm leaves rather than clay tiles, this regulation began to ease. However, the circumstances of those marginalized below the Naayar community remained deeply challenging.