Agraharams are a study of the times, infusing typical Brahmin culture with traditional architecture. The name agraharam denotes row houses laid out in the shape of a garland around a centre, which would be the village temple. The layout was evidently designed on a very logical and scientific basis incorporating the topography, household needs, water supply facilities, and other factors. Every house would be a microcosm of the community outside, which fostered a culture of sharing. Houses had shared walls, and every village had a few wells that were meant for common use by all residents.

As a commander of (Delhi Sultanate) Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji's forces General Malik Kafur led a series of expeditions in the southern part of India, against the Yadavas, Kakatiyas, Hoysalas and the Pandyas between 1308-1311. Kafur and his troops created mayhem in the area, looting and pillaging, finally carrying an immense treasure on hundreds of elephants, thousands of horses. It was apparently during this period that the Brahmins of the South felt insecure about their existence and livelihood and fearing persecution, started to migrate to the Chera country through the well-travelled Palakkad Gap or Pass. But it is also said that earlier migrations happened around the 8th century. Being learned and lettered, the Brahmins were granted lands to establish "Chathurvedimangalams". (Chaturvedi-mangalam refers to a place peopled by scholars who were conversant with the four Vedas)

Through this website - I wish to document all the Agraharams in and around Palakkad. I read that the total "agraharams" are between 96 to 98, when I started collecting names, I found the numbers in excess of Hundred. I am starting the work with the aim of documenting the:

  1. "gramams" (village agraharams) with photographs, videos and aerial footage where possible.

  2. "Grama Deivams" (deities)

  3. the leading personalities from each village

  4. "utsavams" or festivals.

The actual documenting may take a very long time and with the blessings of my KulaDeivam, the various grama deivams and the elders in each gramam I hope this exercise can be completed in a year. I look to collecting as much details from folks who have memories and / or continue to hold their connections to their roots. Feel free to write to me at kamalco@gmail.com or WhatsApp at +91 9840773410.

Sriram(Hari)

May 25, 2022