Valiathan

Valiathan is the surname used by members of certain families that are all part of a single original Tharavad and was a title corresponding to Unnithan. This latter title, originally known as Thankal, was conferred by the Rajah of Kayamkulam on Nair nobles of his state. In the 18th century it was Marthanda Varma of Travancore who conferred the title of Valiya Thankal (Senior Thankal) on the Vattaparambil family which was reduced to Valiathan. Correspondingly the other Thankals came to be known as Unni Thankals (Junior Thankals) or Unnithans.

The Vattaparambil family was originally based at Kayamkulam and served the Kayamkulam Rajah in various capacities as ministers, commanders etc. Also several princes of the Kayamkulam family had married ladies from this family. Sometime in the late 17th century due to some disaffection the Vattaparambil Thankals left Kayamkulam with a band of loyal Nairs and moved to a place called Keerikkadu. They constructed a fortress at this place and also, thus, came to be known as the Kottakkakathu family (Kotta in Malayalam means fort).

In the early 18th century Travancore was troubled by internal rife and the authority of the King was challenged by the Ettuveetil Pillamar. These nobles were opposed to an adoption made by the ruler in 1718 and out of fear for her life, the princess (who was the adopted sister of Marthanda Varma), was living in exile at Harippad with her four-year-old son (who grew up to be Dharma Raja). Although she was a member of the Travancore Royal Family, the princess was often pressed for money and resources. The senior most lady of the Vattaparambil family appeared to support the princess and her son and it was the little prince who first referred to her as Valiyamma (which was the term used to address one's mother's elder sister). Since then the senior most female of the Vattaparambil family was known as the Vataparambil Valiyamma.

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