Book Review: Shakthan Thampuran - The Lion of Kochi

Cow, Mother and Motherland Revered

This is review of the book Shakthan Thampuran - The Lion of Kochi by Sreekumari Ramachandran

An excellent historical novel, as described by the author herself, depicting the life and times of Sakthan Thampuran, elaborating on a story presented in Aithihyamala (Collection of Folk Stories in Malayalam) by Kottarathil Sankunni.

I was able to source this book from India to Australia and complete reading it in a couple of days. This book contains about 254 pages written in beautiful and simple English easy for everyone to understand. I am not exactly sure if this book is English translation of the earlier Malayalam book published by same author.

This is a must read for anyone interested in Kerala history, as it is wonderfully narrated. It is narrated in a way that is unique and not seen much. Through that the author has tried to capture life that was prevailing at the time with the importance of "Dharma" and "Satya". Author has not tried to justify Sakthan Thampuran, but has clearly defined the circumstances they led to.

Author also highlights the importance of Cow and Motherland and how killing of cows was inauspicious during the time in Central Kerala. The author has successfully tried to visualise the love Sakthan Thampuran’s Chittamma (mother’s sister) had to her nephew and how Sakthan Thampuran reciprocated it. The narration of their affection in multiple places will definitely bring tears to the eyes of many.

This book should not be treated as a historical reference, as there are some anomalies which I would like to highlight here. Even though this book is a novel, it refers and describes historical families, traditions and characters, hence, I think it is important to highlight them.

1. Preface - Page 10 - It is mentioned that Sakthan Thampuran belongs to Palluruthy Thavazhi (Branch) of Perumpadappu Swaroopam. I am not sure of the source of this data presented by the author. As per available records, Sakthan Thampuran’s mother was grand daughter of the lady adopted from Chazhiyur Thavazhi in to Mootha Thavazhi. 
2. Kochi - Story Teller - Page 16 - The names of male members of Cochin Royal Family are not mentioned properly as the author only mentioned Rama Varma and Kerala Varma, but there is another name used as well which is Ravi Varma. Similarly, the use of Ambalika for female Thampurans does not have any historical reference. 
3. Birth of Lion Cub - Page 20 - The author narrates the birth of Sakthan Thampuran, where in there is an astrologer using a cowrie shell in the night as after birth. This is not a practice followed by Astrologers in Kerala as they seldom do this after sunset. 
4.  Unni Thampuran - The use of “Unni” when referring to Sakthan Thampuran is used widely in the book, even though everyone calls Sakthan Thampuran as “Kunjippilla”. The use of “Unni” to babies\youngsters in Namboothiri families is very common, but not in Kshatriya families, especially Perumpadappu Swaroopam. This may be the author's prerogative to call their characters in a book, but traditionally it is not a term used widely and definitely not about Sakthan Thampuran. 
5. Chittamma Thampuran - Reference to Chittamma Thampuran’s daughters as Sailaja and Nandini is not correct as per history as they were named Amba and Subhadra. At an instance there is also a reference to Sari of Chittamma Thampuran, which may not be correct as female members of Cochin Royal Family started wearing Sari only in the 20th century. 
6. Ernakulam Shiva Temple - In at least 2 places in this book, the author refers to Sakthan Thampuran praying here at Sopanam of the temple. But, actually, members of the Cochin Royal Family do not go beyond the “Valiyambalam” of the temple. Many of the members still follow this practice. 
7. Travancore Maharaja’s secret visit to Tripunithura festival - The author mentions that Panchavadhyam was being performed during Shiveli when in fact it was Panchari Melam that was being performed. 
8. Rama Varma VII, Sakthan’s Grand-Uncle - Plan Sabotaged Page 209 - The use of roman numerals at the end of names to represent Cochin Rajas is not the right technique. This is a European way to show people from dynasties which had a specific start and end. This logic cannot be applied to Perumpadappu Swaroopam, as we have details only from the 16th century. There would have been Rama Varmas \ Kerala Varmas \ Ravi Varmas in centuries before that as well. So, in any way, this will be a wrong depiction. So, I would request the author to refrain from using that terminology. 
9. Om Namah Shivaya! - There is a reference to Om Namah Shivaya during cremation of Sakthan Thampuran which may not be right usage as the chanting of that is prevented during “Pula” (Pollution). Narayana is allowed.

Just to be explicit, I am not finding mistakes with this book, but trying to make it even better with some clear facts so that the reader will have an enhanced experience. This book is an excellent representation of Cochin’s history and legacy and I wish for success of this book.