The 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 :
|
(1) Thekkodu Desham (Kumali Side) Kottakathalayk Melodu |
(2) Ayiram Perumkuda (Centre Region) Nadukkada |
(3) Vadakku Desham (Adimali Side) Malanaattu Mala |
|
Regions |
Boundaries |
Leader / Moopan |
|
South (Thekku) |
Kumily Area |
Chinthirandi Moopan |
|
North (Vadakku) |
Thodupuzha Area |
Manappadan Moopan |
|
East (Kizhakku) |
Udumbanchola Area |
Thalambila Moopan |
|
West (Padinjaru) |
Ernakulam / Trissur Area |
KenjilaManiyaran Moopan |
SooryaPathbhanabhan remembers the 4 moopans as : (i) Vadakkooru Malan (ii) Thekkidam Malan (iii) Varakkumalan and (iv) Vettumthera
Table: Various sub-kingdoms and leaders associated
|
Regions |
Boundaries |
Leader / Moopan |
|
South (Thekku) |
Kumily Area |
Chinthirandi Moopan |
|
North (Vadakku) |
Thodupuzha Area |
Adinaattu Moopan |
|
East (Kizhakku) |
Udumbanchola Area |
Thalambila Moopan |
|
West (Padinjaru) |
Ernakulam / Trissur Area |
Manappadan Moopan |
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 :
|
Ayiram Perumkuda |
Thollayiram Paravam |
Chenthanattumala |
Kottakathalayk Melode |