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| Thirunavaya temple, Kerala credit -en.wikipedia.org |
The Mamankam or Mamangam was a grand duodecennial fair in medieval Kerala, held at Tirunāvāya on the dry riverbed of the Pērār (Bharathappuzha). Rooted in religious, cultural, and political traditions, it was akin to the Kumbha Melas of North and Central India or to some extent the 12 year Mahamaham Festival of temple town Kumbakonam of Tamil Nadu. Central to the festival was the Nava Mustival kunda Temple at Tirunavaya, and it was believed that the river became as holy as the Ganges during the event, symbolizing the descent of the goddess Ganga into its waters.
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| Thirunavaya temple, Kerala en.wikipedia.org |
Mmankam began as a temple-centric festival and evolved into a significant cultural and social gathering. It showcased Hindu rituals, martial arts, folk art, intellectual debates, and devotional practices. The festival was also an economic hub, attracting pilgrims, traders, and travelers from across India and abroad, including Arabia, Greece, and China. It became a center for brisk trade and exchange of goods.
Under the patronage of the Samutiris (Zamorins) of Kozhikōde, Manakam symbolized their dominance in Kerala, serving as an occasion to display their wealth, power, and military might. Historical accounts from Duarte Barbosa, native chronicles such as the Kozhikode Granthavari, and literary works like Mamakam Kilippattu and Kandaru Menon Patappattu provide vivid descriptions of the festival’s grandeur, including elaborate scaffoldings and silk decorations.
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History of Māmānkam, Kerala, youtube.com
The festival’s origins date back to the Cheras of Cranganore (c. 800–1124 CE). However, its nature changed after the Zamorins conquered Tirunavaya from the Veḷḷāṭṭiri chiefs. Following this, the Vaḷḷuvanāṭu chiefs made recurring efforts to assassinate the Zamorin during the fair to reclaim their ancestral rights. This rivalry led to significant bloodshed, with the Chavers (suicidal warriors) becoming legendary figures in Kerala’s martial history.
The last recorded Mamankam was in 1755 CE, as documented by historian K. V. Krishna Iyer. The Mysore invasion under Ḥaidar ʿAlī in 1766 CE and the subsequent Treaty of Seringapatam in 1792 CE marked the end of the festival. The decline of the Zamorins’ power led to Mamankam fading into history. However, its legacy remains preserved in places such as Canganpaḷḷi Kaḷari, Paḻukkāmandapam, Nilapāṭu Tara, Marunnara, and Manikkiṇar, which are protected as monuments by the Kerala State Archaeology Department.
The term "Mamankam" is thought to be from Sanskrit, possibly linked to the Magha month (January–February). Historian William Logan interpreted it as meaning "Great Sacrifice," reflecting its religious significance. Today, Māmānkam stands as a symbol of Kerala’s rich cultural and martial history. Its legacy, preserved through folklore, historical records, and the protected sites of Tirunavaya, remains a fascinating chapter in South Indian history with special reference to Kerala and its native culture.
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