DEATH AND ITS SUPERFICIAL RITUALS

One day when Jacob and I were standing at our gate, we noted a lot of women and a few men folk going hurriedly to a nearby house. Women were clad in their home attires sporting their ‘Mekkamothiram’ an old fashioned ear ring, which Latin ladies used to wear on their upper ear lobes. The men wore their dhotis with, an ordinary towel, thrown lightly over their shoulders. We were very curious to know what was happening. Our curiosity which was aroused to a great extent finally got an answer. Lawrence Suryapally, the head of their family was sinking. We immediately informed ‘Ammachi’ about the sudden situation. She went along with Rajamma to see him. There was a lugubrious air when Jacob and I went in. Lawrence’s cousin, Devassy Kelanthara, was praying aloud “Easo, Mariam, Ouseph...e” and the ladies gathered responded by saying “Yenikku Kuttayirikkename” (Be with me.) The chanting of prayer reverberated through the room. I gazed at him; he was breathing heavily, a harsh and awful noise. I wondered why people crowd around him darkening the room and denying fresh air to his gaping mouth. I pushed open the door; it creaked. His young wife Mariam’s face was full of anguish and pain; tears welled up in her eyes. She was sore, had not slept a wink. The heartrending slender sobs of the small children were twittered like the buzzing of bees. Lawrence’s sister, Vilama, casually came from Kumbalangi to visit her ailing brother. She was dumbstruck and collapsed on a chair and burried her head in her hands; crying softly, tiredly and tears rolling down her cheeks. I gazed other weeping women; their close relations. The son was at his side bending over him occasionally wetting his lips with water. Lawrence mumbled amid deep gasps. He was asking his ten year old son to look after the family well. He broke down at this request by his father; he moved to a corner of the room tears rolling down his cheeks and he was wiping it away with one end of his dhoti. I saw ‘Appachan’ consoling him by patting him on his shoulder. He told him, “He should have the courage to face the stark realities of life and trust in God Almighty.” I heard somebody say that Lawrence had one son and three daughters.  All of them were minors. ‘Ammachi’ was trying to console their young daughters. I heard one old man who seemed very concerned, asking someone in a hushed tone, “How the household is to survive?” I went closer to have a close look at the dying man. Lawrence could not complete his prayer; he was trying to take in air with so much difficulty. It was his last struggle for existence on earth before long he would be gone. The parish priest came and performed the last sacrament, “the anointing of the sick.” The priest waited solemnly for the last moment. It was time for him to depart. The chanting of the prayers became louder. We too joined in. Lawrence took two slow gulps of air, after a minute he took a deep breath which was his last breath. Lawrence’s body lay still, he is dead and gone forever. But the veteran fisherman, who ventured out into the deep backwater, which shimmered in the morning sunlight, on his tiny canoe, donning a big round hat made of bamboo reapers and cadjan leaves atop his head, holding a traditional fishing rod or angler made of the long, light, flexible and sturdy ‘Choonda’ palm stick, which is fixed a line, and which  hooked big fish like  the Black Marlin, and Shark. Who can forget him? He is still alive in the minds of his kith and kin, and the neighbous in his village.

Death usurped his life; death had her day. Jacob and I were amazed at how the ‘Jeevan’ (life) or ‘Athmavu’ (Spirit) left? Was it through the mouth? Did we miss any moment? Is there any panacea for the illness of death? I am still curious to know if there is any weight loss to the human body when the ‘Jeevan’ (life) or ‘Athmavu’ (spirit) leaves the body. In other words what could be the weight and mass of the life or spirit? Is it the same for young and old alike? What about other beings on earth? What do scientists say about that?

As a rule of Mother Nature what begins has to end. Human life is very short and we require making the best of it. However, I learned, “”

I know from my experiences with the stark realities of life, “Parting is a painful and an agonizing experience, and sharing of pain, sorrow and agony will reduce pain, sorrow and agony. However, sharing of joy and happiness would double joy and happiness;”

Time alone can heal their wound. The bereaved family will have to move forward gripping on hope, courage and with a desire for survival.

         

The funeral was arranged as usual. Those days the parish of the Latin Catholics was at Edacochi therefore their dead used to be buried in their parish cemetery, which too was at Edacochi. It was a big ordeal for their kiths and kins to carry the dead body in a large canoe across the island especially during the times of turbulence. Why should one undertake all these pains which were an unnecessary task? The Latins used to go to the Syrian Church to participate in Holy Mass; Holy Communion; Anointment and other matrimonial rites. If so, why should only their dead bodies was taken to Edacochi? They too are human beings. I wondered why the priests and their hierarchy made such differentiation. A few years later a new church, St. Joseph’s Church, was established and their cemetery was also commissioned in spite of serious protests by a few locals. However, Anthappan Thattasseri was the first one buried in the new cemetery without giving much propaganda to the opponents. It was a relief for the Latin community. I have noticed that old people came, one by one, to visit a grave that would soon be theirs too.

I always wondered why people built expensive tombs for their dead with their names, and dates of birth and death chiseled into the stone. Many of us do not remember the names of our great ancestors who lived five generations back. Then, why do we fasten burden for the future generations to come.

Tomb made of cement is a hurdle for the worms, maggots and flies which feed on the cadaver in their endeavour to convert it into organic soil. It would be a better proposition to utilize the money spent on these elaborate and flamboyant tombs for the causes of the poor and the needy. One should not fall a prey to the commercial interests of the Church.

Cremation of the body in Indian tradition is better than burial in the ground since it is inexpensive; causes less pollution, and a solution to the space constraints. This is not at all the practice in the Christian community here. Nevertheless, I would like to mention that late Shri. Dominic Jose Kuruvinakunnel’s (founder of Casino Hotel, Wellingdon Island and other group of hotels in Kerala) cremation was an epoch-making event. His cremation in an electric crematorium had created ripples and opened a new debate on this issue. The Catholic Church should move with the time and tide.

I too prefer the cremation of my body in Indian tradition without any pomp and show in the electric crematorium at Ravipuram in Kochi to burial in a cemetry.

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com

josephjthayamkeril@google.com

josephjthayamkeril@gmail.com

KUMBALAM, "A GOD'S OWN ISLAND."

Kumbalam Village is a cluster of tiny islands with sylvan surroundings, namely Kumbalam, Panangad (including Madavana and Udayathumvathal), Cheppanam and Chathamma. These Islands are popping out in the Vembanad ‘Kayal,’ Lake, and the shores of which are washed by the gentle waves of the backwaters. In olden times, Kumbalam desom was a seat of higher learning in the Vedas, a significant military base, a military training centre, and a hub for trade. It is situated on the Muzuris-Kollam (Kodungallur-Quilon) inland-navigation route through which Megasthenese (B.C. 98), Pliny (A.D.23-79,) Ptolomy-2 (A.D.126-161), Marco Polo (A.D.1290-93) and other foreign travelers cruised this region, and making this location geographically significant. It is a potential destination for tourists. Kumbalam was the prominent among the ancient Vendanat asylums and was one of the most significant among the sixty-four ‘Gramams’, Brahmin settlements in Chera Empire. At present, it is one of the major developing sub-urban islands situated seven kilometers South-west of Ernakulam in the City of Cochin. There are a lot of similar Islands on that stretch, further to the east as well as to the west, south and north. The four lined National Highway (NH-47), and the service roads on either side pass through the north-western side of Panangad Island and south-eastern portion of Kumbalam Island. The Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram railway line via, Alleppy also passes through the Kumbalam Island.  Kumbalam has a major railway station too. It is the southern gateway to the commercial City of Cochin for people coming from Alleppy and the other southern districts of Kerala State. It is also a significant landmark in the National Highway and Southern Railway maps. The Islanders occupying the southern areas, who previously enjoyed the stillness of night, have now started to adjust to the demented shrieking of sirens from trains moved fast tearing the countryside  and the hum of heavy traffic on National Highway-47 that lulls them to sleep.

Kumbalam, a sub-urban island, and part and parcel of the agglomeration of Greater Cochin Development Authority (G.C.D.A.,) situates on the south-western side not far from the border of the Corporation of Cochin. Panangad Island situates on the south-eastern side of Kumbalam and the other two Islands, Cheppanam and Chathamma are placed at a stretch further east. These tiny Islands comprised in Kumbalam Village were a part of the erstwhile Chera Empire. The 9^th and 10^th centuries of early Kulasekhara rule constitute a “Golden Age” in Kerala history. Rama Varma Kulasekhara Perumal (1090-1102 A.D) was the last king of Mahodayapuram who was defeated by Chola King Kulottunga, and burned down the city of Mahodayapuram. Rama Varma Kulasekhara Perumal moved his base to Kollam and attacked Chola capital and Chola king Kolottunga was defeated (1100 A.D.) and he regained freedom for Chera country. In the meanwhile, his matrilineal nephews took control of his empire. He voluntarily moved to Kollam. Through the stories that were narrated to us by our grandparents, I was familiarized with Oli Desavazhi Nambuthiri, my ancestors, who were in the governing council of the King. He and his ‘Nair’ forces, escorted the Chera King and his entourage with all their enormous wealth up to the entrance of River Pampa enroute to Kollam. Rama Varma Kulasekhara Perumal (1090-1102 A.D.) mentioned in Rameswarathkoil inscription is therefore regarded as the founder of Venad Kingdom. Oli Nambuthiri, the ‘Desavazhi’ of Kumbalam, my ancestors, used to renew their century old allegiance and friendship with the erstwhile Chera King (King of Venad,) who was domiciled at Kollam. Then they moved to their palace at Padmanabhapuram, Later, His Excellency Anizham Tirunal Marthanda Varma, the   Maharajah of Travancore shifted his headquarters to Kawadiyar Palace at Thiruvananthapuram. Venad attained the status of an independent kingdom during his reign.

In the beginning of 12^th century Kumbalam became a part of the princely State of Cochin.  In 1755, Ramayyan Dalawa, at the instance of His Highness Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, Maharaja (1729-58) of the erstwhile state of Travancore, annexed Karappuram (Cherthala Taluk,)  and then Kumbalam became the southern boundary of the State of Cochin. Still there are boundary stones, laid with the inscription “KO-THI” in Malayalam (“KO” on the northern side and “THI” on southern side of the stones popping out in the mid backwaters,) situated in between Kumbalam and Arookutty to demarcate the boundary of erstwhile states of Kochi and Travancore. Later, on July 1, 1949, Kochi merged with the princely State of Travancore and was renamed as Travancore-Cochin (or “Thiru-Kochi” in Malayalam) with the written understanding that the capital shall be at Trivandrum and the High Court shall be at Ernakulam. Subsequently, both Travancore-Cochin and the former district of Madras Presidency, namely Malabar joined together to form what is the present Kerala State on November 1, 1956, which is the domain of the ‘Malayalis’ in the Union of India. Therefore, the history of Kumbalam cannot be different from the rest of Kerala State and the rest of the Indian peninsular region and the sub-continent.  Kumbalam has made its own special contributions to the geographical, historical, political, economic, social and cultural aspects of life.

         

Kumbalam, the main Island, is a narrow strip of land. It is about four kilo-meters in length and an average of about one kilo-meter in width. It is one of the major developing Islands of Kumbalam Village. “Ramada Resorts”, a five star Resort, has erected their edifice on the waterfront at the southern-tip of the Kumbalam Island. Its landscape and the view across are breathtaking. “The Choice Foundation” too has opened their head office in the adjoining waterfront with sprawling lawns and an infinity pool. Our virgin island is now a prime area for big time investors. The islands comprising Kumbalam Village are Kumbalam (literally meaning an island with a pot-belly); Panangad (a land afforested with ‘Choonda’ palms); Cheppanam (originally a sheltered island afforested with red mangrove, Red ‘Kandal’, Rhizophora applicata or mucronata;) and Chathamma (a land of demons or a land where you can see a variety of water birds). Panangad situates on the South-east of Kumbalam. Cheppanam and Chathamma are smaller sheltered Islands placed at a stretch further east. Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) situates in the north-western area of Panangad Island abutting National Highway-47. A few housing projects have come up in Panangad Island.

          Census Report 2011: Area according to Type of Land: Kumbalam is a Grade I Grama Panchayath and Village. The total number of plots is 1952 and total area is 2079.62 Hectres (corresponding to 513667 cents or 5136.67 Acres.) There are 823 plots of wet lands having an area of 449.45 Hectres (corresponding to 1110.14 Acres); and 1129 plots of dry lands having an area of 1630.17 Hectres (corresponding to 4026.53 Acres.) Forest area is nil. The total area of the panchayath roads is 10 .35 Acres. The price of land is five lakh rupees per cent. The total length of the National Highway passing through this village is 3.5 kilometers. Kumbalam is situated at 9.916667 degree North latitude and at 76. 3 degree East longitude. The total number of panchayath wards is 19. Kumbalam Panchayat area comes under the Palluruthy Block Panchayath, Ernakulam District Panchayath, Trippunithura legislative constituency and Ernakulam parliamentary constituency.

As per the Census Report of 1901, the total population of Kumbalam Village was 7472 out of which 3754 were males and 3718 were females. The total number of cows was 3057, calves 91; buffalos 4 and sheep 91.

Census India Report of 2011: Population of Kumbalam Grade I Grama Panchayath and Village:  The total population of Kumbalam Village is 29193 out of which 14406 are males and 14787 are females. The total number of literates is 25853 out of which 12976 are males and 12877 are females. 62. 97% of the total population are Hindus (religions and all castes put together,) 12.42% are Muslims and  24.33% are Christians and others 0.28%.

Population of Children with age of 0-6 is 2518 which is 8.63 % of total population of Kumbalam (CT). In Kumbalam, Female Sex Ratio is 1026 against state average of 1084. Moreover Child Sex Ratio in Kumbalam is around 1005 compared to Kerala state average of 964. Literacy rate of Kumbalam is 96.15 % higher than state average of 94.00 %. In Kumbalam, Male literacy is around 97.98 % while female literacy rate is 94.37%. 

The number of scheduled castes is 2438 and scheduled tribe is 48. The number of scheduled caste houses is 778 and they all have potable water connections but only 665 houses are electrified. It is unfortunate that only 5 houses have latrine. (The state government and the panchayath should render necessary financial help to them to have such significant amenity.) 

The total number of buildings is 7225 out of which normal houses are 7207. There are 912 huts. (These hut dwellers require interest free financial help, from the government and panchayath, which shall be allowed to be repaid in reasonable instalments.) There are 6 unnumbered buildings as well.

Boundaries: These clusters of Islands are bound by the Vembanad ‘Kayal’, Lake. Thevara and Konthuruthy Islands within the limits of Corporation of Kochi; and Nettoor Island under Maradu Municipality situates further north. Udayamperoor Panchayath situates further east. Aroor, Edacochi and Edacochi and Palluruthy Islands under Corporation of Kochi position further west. Willington Island on the north-west and Perumbalam and Arookutty Islands comprised in Alleppy District situates further south. 

Excerpts from

 MEMOIRS

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril
josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com memoirs

josephjthayamkeril@gmail.com

KUMBALAM

Kumbalam Village is a cluster of tiny islands with sylvan surroundings, namely Kumbalam, Panangad (including Madavana and Udayathumvathal), Cheppanam and Chathamma. These Islands are popping out in the Vembanad ‘Kayal,’ Lake, and the shores of which are washed by the gentle waves of the backwaters. In olden times, Kumbalam desom was a seat of higher learning in the Vedas, a significant military base, a military training centre, and a hub for trade. It is situated on the Muzuris-Kollam (Kodungallur-Quilon) inland-navigation route through which Megasthenese (B.C. 98), Pliny (A.D.23-79,) Ptolomy-2 (A.D.126-161), Marco Polo (A.D.1290-93) and other foreign travelers cruised this region, and making this location geographically significant. It is a potential destination for tourists. Kumbalam was the prominent among the ancient Vendanat asylums and was one of the most significant among the sixty-four ‘Gramams’, Brahmin settlements in Chera Empire. At present, it is one of the major developing sub-urban islands situated seven kilometers South-west of Ernakulam in the City of Cochin. There are a lot of similar Islands on that stretch, further to the east as well as to the west, south and north. The four lined National Highway (NH-47), and the service roads on either side pass through the north-western side of Panangad Island and south-eastern portion of Kumbalam Island. The Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram railway line via, Alleppy also passes through the Kumbalam Island.  Kumbalam has a major railway station too. It is the southern gateway to the commercial City of Cochin for people coming from Alleppy and the other southern districts of Kerala State. It is also a significant landmark in the National Highway and Southern Railway maps. The Islanders occupying the southern areas, who previously enjoyed the stillness of night, have now started to adjust to the demented shrieking of sirens from trains moved fast tearing the countryside  and the hum of heavy traffic on National Highway-47 that lulls them to sleep.

Kumbalam, a sub-urban island, and part and parcel of the agglomeration of Greater Cochin Development Authority (G.C.D.A.,) situates on the south-western side not far from the border of the Corporation of Cochin. Panangad Island situates on the south-eastern side of Kumbalam and the other two Islands, Cheppanam and Chathamma are placed at a stretch further east. These tiny Islands comprised in Kumbalam Village were a part of the erstwhile Chera Empire. The 9^th and 10^th centuries of early Kulasekhara rule constitute a “Golden Age” in Kerala history. Rama Varma Kulasekhara Perumal (1090-1102 A.D) was the last king of Mahodayapuram who was defeated by Chola King Kulottunga, and burned down the city of Mahodayapuram. Rama Varma Kulasekhara Perumal moved his base to Kollam and attacked Chola capital and Chola king Kolottunga was defeated (1100 A.D.) and he regained freedom for Chera country. In the meanwhile, his matrilineal nephews took control of his empire. He voluntarily moved to Kollam. Through the stories that were narrated to us by our grandparents, I was familiarized with Oli Desavazhi Nambuthiri, my ancestors, who were in the governing council of the King. He and his ‘Nair’ forces, escorted the Chera King and his entourage with all their enormous wealth up to the entrance of River Pampa enroute to Kollam. Rama Varma Kulasekhara Perumal (1090-1102 A.D.) mentioned in Rameswarathkoil inscription is therefore regarded as the founder of Venad Kingdom. Oli Nambuthiri, the ‘Desavazhi’ of Kumbalam, my ancestors, used to renew their century old allegiance and friendship with the erstwhile Chera King (King of Venad,) who was domiciled at Kollam. Then they moved to their palace at Padmanabhapuram, Later, His Excellency Anizham Tirunal Marthanda Varma, the   Maharajah of Travancore shifted his headquarters to Kawadiyar Palace at Thiruvananthapuram. Venad attained the status of an independent kingdom during his reign.

In the beginning of 12^th century Kumbalam became a part of the princely State of Cochin.  In 1755, Ramayyan Dalawa, at the instance of His Highness Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, Maharaja (1729-58) of the erstwhile state of Travancore, annexed Karappuram (Cherthala Taluk,)  and then Kumbalam became the southern boundary of the State of Cochin. Still there are boundary stones, laid with the inscription “KO-THI” in Malayalam (“KO” on the northern side and “THI” on southern side of the stones popping out in the mid backwaters,) situated in between Kumbalam and Arookutty to demarcate the boundary of erstwhile states of Kochi and Travancore. Later, on July 1, 1949, Kochi merged with the princely State of Travancore and was renamed as Travancore-Cochin (or “Thiru-Kochi” in Malayalam) with the written understanding that the capital shall be at Trivandrum and the High Court shall be at Ernakulam. Subsequently, both Travancore-Cochin and the former district of Madras Presidency, namely Malabar joined together to form what is the present Kerala State on November 1, 1956, which is the domain of the ‘Malayalis’ in the Union of India. Therefore, the history of Kumbalam cannot be different from the rest of Kerala State and the rest of the Indian peninsular region and the sub-continent.  Kumbalam has made its own special contributions to the geographical, historical, political, economic, social and cultural aspects of life.

         

Kumbalam, the main Island, is a narrow strip of land. It is about four kilo-meters in length and an average of about one kilo-meter in width. It is one of the major developing Islands of Kumbalam Village. “Ramada Resorts”, a five star Resort, has erected their edifice on the waterfront at the southern-tip of the Kumbalam Island. Its landscape and the view across are breathtaking. “The Choice Foundation” too has opened their head office in the adjoining waterfront with sprawling lawns and an infinity pool. Our virgin island is now a prime area for big time investors. The islands comprising Kumbalam Village are Kumbalam (literally meaning an island with a pot-belly); Panangad (a land afforested with ‘Choonda’ palms); Cheppanam (originally a sheltered island afforested with red mangrove, Red ‘Kandal’, Rhizophora applicata or mucronata;) and Chathamma (a land of demons or a land where you can see a variety of water birds). Panangad situates on the South-east of Kumbalam. Cheppanam and Chathamma are smaller sheltered Islands placed at a stretch further east. Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) situates in the north-western area of Panangad Island abutting National Highway-47. A few housing projects have come up in Panangad Island.

          Census Report 2011: Area according to Type of Land: Kumbalam is a Grade I Grama Panchayath and Village. The total number of plots is 1952 and total area is 2079.62 Hectres (corresponding to 513667 cents or 5136.67 Acres.) There are 823 plots of wet lands having an area of 449.45 Hectres (corresponding to 1110.14 Acres); and 1129 plots of dry lands having an area of 1630.17 Hectres (corresponding to 4026.53 Acres.) Forest area is nil. The total area of the panchayath roads is 10 .35 Acres. The price of land is five lakh rupees per cent. The total length of the National Highway passing through this village is 3.5 kilometers. Kumbalam is situated at 9.916667 degree North latitude and at 76. 3 degree East longitude. The total number of panchayath wards is 19. Kumbalam Panchayat area comes under the Palluruthy Block Panchayath, Ernakulam District Panchayath, Trippunithura legislative constituency and Ernakulam parliamentary constituency.

As per the Census Report of 1901, the total population of Kumbalam Village was 7472 out of which 3754 were males and 3718 were females. The total number of cows was 3057, calves 91; buffalos 4 and sheep 91.

Census India Report of 2011: Population of Kumbalam Grade I Grama Panchayath and Village:  The total population of Kumbalam Village is 29193 out of which 14406 are males and 14787 are females. The total number of literates is 25853 out of which 12976 are males and 12877 are females. 62. 97% of the total population are Hindus (religions and all castes put together,) 12.42% are Muslims and  24.33% are Christians and others 0.28%.

Population of Children with age of 0-6 is 2518 which is 8.63 % of total population of Kumbalam (CT). In Kumbalam, Female Sex Ratio is 1026 against state average of 1084. Moreover Child Sex Ratio in Kumbalam is around 1005 compared to Kerala state average of 964. Literacy rate of Kumbalam is 96.15 % higher than state average of 94.00 %. In Kumbalam, Male literacy is around 97.98 % while female literacy rate is 94.37%. 

The number of scheduled castes is 2438 and scheduled tribe is 48. The number of scheduled caste houses is 778 and they all have potable water connections but only 665 houses are electrified. It is unfortunate that only 5 houses have latrine. (The state government and the panchayath should render necessary financial help to them to have such significant amenity.) 

The total number of buildings is 7225 out of which normal houses are 7207. There are 912 huts. (These hut dwellers require interest free financial help, from the government and panchayath, which shall be allowed to be repaid in reasonable instalments.) There are 6 unnumbered buildings as well.

Boundaries: These clusters of Islands are bound by the Vembanad ‘Kayal’, Lake. Thevara and Konthuruthy Islands within the limits of Corporation of Kochi; and Nettoor Island under Maradu Municipality situates further north. Udayamperoor Panchayath situates further east. Aroor, Edacochi and Edacochi and Palluruthy Islands under Corporation of Kochi position further west. Willington Island on the north-west and Perumbalam and Arookutty Islands comprised in Alleppy District situates further south. 

Excerpts from

 MEMOIRS

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril
josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com memoirs

josephjthayamkeril@gmail.com