The history of Konnakode family, an aristocratic house in erstwhile southern Travancore, offers a perfect blend of documented history and rich oral traditions. Around 30 years ago, members of the Konnakode family near Colachel came across a document that would change their understanding of family history. The Konnakode family witnessed the darkest chapter in their history in the early decades of the 19th century, when the family assets and the Mandaikadu temple were taken over by the government (April 24, 1803). The Konnakode family rose from the ash and gained prominence in later years. However, they lost their most valuable possession – the Mandaikadu Devi temple – forever.

Source: The Hindu November 10, 2017 10:30 UTC