Neelakandan’s Palace Service and Marriage
Rise to Prominence in the Royal Court
Neelakandan, a gifted and well-educated member of the Nair community, rose to prominence in the royal court through his uncle Raman Pillai’s established service at the palace. Around the same time as his close friend Thomman Thirumuthu, Neelakandan secured a coveted position at the Kalkulam Palace. His sharp intellect, unwavering loyalty, and warm personality soon earned him admiration from both officials and commoners alike.
He was affectionately called the “man of love,” “Dharma Dayalan” (upholder of righteousness), and “Leader” by those who encountered his noble character. His popularity in the palace and city grew as he distinguished himself through his compassionate nature and commitment to justice.
Service Under King Marthanda Varma
Recognizing Neelakandan’s exceptional talents, King Marthanda Varma—who was determined to modernize Travancore and enhance the Padmanabhapuram Palace—entrusted him with several key responsibilities. Among them was the administration of the historic Nelakantaswamy Temple. The king also placed him in charge of the modernization of the palace complex and the construction of a fortified stone wall around it.
According to missionary-historian Bertrand, Neelakandan was given charge of a section of the Travancore armed forces, reflecting the king’s trust in his military leadership. Under his supervision, the once muddy and fragile fortification was transformed into a sturdy stone fortress, standing between 15 and 25 feet in height. Four grand gates were constructed at each corner, along with secret passageways for emergencies—some of which remain visible to this day.
Administrative Reforms and Tamil Influence
In 1739, a period marked by significant administrative reform, Mallan Sankaran—then Revenue Officer and cousin of the Venadu military chief Anantapadmanaban Tirupappur Nadar—oversaw a major land survey. As noted by historian Sridhara Menon, this initiative led to the categorization of land into various types: Nanchai (wet, fertile land), Punchai (dry land), Devastanam (temple lands), Brahmaswom (Brahmin land), and Pandaravaka (crown land). This reclassification paved the way for a more organized and equitable tax system.
The Travancore administration at the time was notably Tamil-dominated. Neelakandan, fluent in Tamil language and literature, skillfully integrated Tamil into palace operations. His linguistic abilities strengthened communication and helped bridge cultural ties between Tamil and Malayalam-speaking regions.
Modest Living and Humble Character
Though he hailed from the wealthy Maruthangulakarai family, Neelakandan led a simple and unpretentious life. Wealth and status never clouded his humility. Free from arrogance and untouched by the vices often found in court life, he inspired many. Families from across the region sought to marry their daughters into his household, hoping to align themselves with his virtues and legacy.
Marriage to Bhargavi Ammal
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Neelakandan weds Bhargavi Ammal |
Neelakandan eventually married Bhargavi Ammal, a wise and virtuous woman from the distinguished Meccodu family of Eraniel—a historically significant city in ancient Cheranadu. Eraniel, once known as Iraniyasinga Nallur, was home to a 12th-century palace associated with Cheraman Perumal. Legend has it that Cheraman Perumal passed away there without ever marrying, and the town was later renamed in honor of King Prakalathan’s father, Iraniya Kasivu.
The Meccodu family resided near the serene Amravati Pond and had long-standing ties to the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Bhargavi, deeply respected for her intellect and kindness, was considered a fitting match for Neelakandan.
A Celebration of Virtue and Unity
Though formal marriages were not always the norm within the matrilineal Nair community, Neelakandan’s wedding was an exceptional event, celebrated with grandeur and reverence. Invitations were inscribed on palm leaves, and his beloved teacher, Karaikanda Muththappar, presented him with a ceremonial sword—a symbol of honor and protection—on the wedding day.
Palace delicacies were served, and prominent Travancore officials and local leaders attended the joyous occasion. After the wedding, the couple visited the historic Bhattirakali Amman Temple in Kodungallur, believed to have been built by Cheraman Perumal, to offer prayers and thanksgiving.
A Partnership of Devotion and Strength
Bhargavi Ammal deeply admired Neelakandan’s virtues, humility, and dedication to justice. She often reflected on the belief that one’s true legacy lies in compassion and moral integrity. Their marriage was marked by mutual respect, intellectual companionship, and a shared spiritual vision.
Even as he settled into married life, Neelakandan remained devoted to his duties. Under his supervision, the fort walls of Kalkulam were completed—a defining achievement of King Marthanda Varma’s reign and a symbolic transition from the fragmented policies of prior rulers toward a unified and fortified Travancore.
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