A Unique Governance System

• 4 Mannan and Regional Divisions
• The King (Valiyamoopan / Varakkumalan)
• 9 Kaani
• 4 Vaathi
• 10 Ulamthari Ulamtharichikal

4 Mannan and Regional Divisions

This system of governance — combining kingship, councils, law enforcement, and divine intermediaries — reflects a holistic form of leadership that intertwines administration, spirituality, and community welfare, sustaining the Mannan people’s cultural identity across generations.

The community’s traditional territory is divided into four main regions, each headed by a Moopan of equal authority. These regions are defined based on geographical directions

According to the current Mannan King, even though there are 4 kingdoms based on geography, there exist 3 kingdoms based on the governance structure of the community. They are :

SooryaPathbhanabhan remembers the 4 moopans as : (i) Vadakkooru Malan (ii) Thekkidam Malan (iii) Varakkumalan and (iv) Vettumthera

Table: Various sub-kingdoms and leaders associated

According to the research efforts of Biju Ponnayan, a Mannan community member from Kumily, there exists 4 sub Kingdoms for the Mannan community. They are : 

The King (Valiyamoopan / Varakkumalan)

The elders narrate that the four Moopans, who were initially equal in power, once met at Thollayiraparavi and collectively decided to crown one among them, Varakkumalan, as the King. This was to ensure unity and easier coordination, as frequent travel between regions was difficult in the olden days.

The King serves as the supreme head and guardian of the Mannan community, overseeing welfare, administration, and ritual matters. The title passes through a matrilineal succession system in accordance with the community’s customs. Alongside the King, there is an Ilaya Moopan (younger chief) or Ilaya Rajavu, who assists in governance.

Recent Lineage of Kings (as per documented records):

The Duty of the King: The King’s duties include calling meetings with Kaanikkar from various hamlets to discuss matters concerning health, death, and religious rituals. Based on the information gathered, the King instructs the ritual performers to perform the ritual of Nellu itt nokuka to identify the causes of community issues and determine remedies through divine interpretation.

Selection Procedure: Traditionally, after the passing of a King, the position is passed down through the Marumakkathayam system of lineage. The matrilineal family members gather together at the residence of the King,  tenter a trance-like state known as Uranju Thulluka, during which divine will is believed to guide the selection of the next ruler. However, in the recent succession, Raman Rajamannan assumed kingship voluntarily without performing the ritual, leading to differing opinions among the elders regarding divine legitimacy.

 

9 Kaani

The Kaanis are senior advisors to the King administrative, spiritual, and social matters, representing various sub-groups and regions of the community. There are nine elderly Kaanis in total as advisors to the King.

Kulamthaari and Kulamthaarichi (Law and Order Enforcers)

The Kulamthaari group is responsible for maintaining law and order within the Mannan community. Their duties include settling disputes, enforcing community norms, and implementing punishments where necessary. Currently, these positions were held by men, but there are also women counterparts known as Kulamthaarichi, who performed similar roles. 

Traditionally, those who disobeyed community laws were subject to punishment as per these local governing systems.

4 Vaathi

There are four main Vaathis in the Mannan governance structure. They serve as intermediaries between the community and the gods, interpreting divine messages and rituals, especially during times of difficulty or calamity.

Aanavaathi & Pullivaathi : Due to increasing wild animal conflict, a meeting was adjourned and a resolution was reached. To instill Adukkattu Nagamalean as Aanavathi. Similarly, Kandamalath Paneekudi was given charge of being Pulivaathi 

 

10 Ulamthari Ulamtharichikal

The Kulamthaari group is responsible for maintaining law and order within the Mannan community. Their duties include settling disputes, enforcing community norms, and implementing punishments where necessary. Currently, these positions are held by men, but there are also women counterparts known as Kulamthaarichi, who performed similar roles. 

Traditionally, those who disobeyed community laws were subject to punishment as per these local governing systems.

Law and order; mudra vadi etc.