Kochu Hassan Kunju Bahadoor

Kochu Hassan Kunju Bahadoor was born to a Muslim family of Quilon district (now Kollam district) in the Indian state of Kerala. He was born in 1835 (M.E. 1011). His father was a well known trader in Travancore, Sahib Bahadur Syed Kunju who imported dates from the Persian Gulf area as well as traded in sulphur and vediuppu. Bahadoor was home educated and died in 1926 (M.E. 1102) at the age of 91.

Childhood

In childhood, Bahadoor impressed his tutors by his performance in studies and learning. He also studied from the Mullas at his home "Medayil" Chamakkada, Kollam, and built a good reputation among his people and his teachers.

Bahadoor was involved in many social, religious, public, and cultural activities. He was very active and one among the founder members of Quilon Riffle Club. He had very close connection with Arcot Nawab and Royal family, Arcot Prince Khan Bahadur Sir Muhammad Munawar and Royal Member Khan Bahadur Sir Mohammed Habeebulla (later who became DEWAN of Kingdom of Travancore) was his close association.

Family

Kochu Hassan Kunju, also known as Cochu Hassan Cunjoo, was an equestrian with a stable at his residence Bahadoor's Medayil' in Kollam. He had two sons: Abdulla and Mohammed Kunju. Abdulla, the elder son, was followed his father's business and settled in Quilon while his ancestors started the first oil mill in the city, the Standard Oil Mills. The younger son, Mohammed Kunju, after his studies joined the Travancore police force as an inspector and served in the excise section. He later resigned and joined the state registration department where he served as district registrar at the Alleppey district registry in Cutcherry.

Other activities

Kochu Hassan Kunju was a leader of the Quilon merchants forum, and was a nominated member of Quilon Town Improvement committee (by the government). He traded in sulphur, salt petre and tobacco. Kochu Hassan Kunju was nominated to Travancore Legislation Council (TLC) by the Travancore Regime. And he has been Elected to India's first elected assembly Sree Moolam Popular Assembly on 21 October 1904. He was later nominated by the government consecutively up to 1916.

As a member of the Assembly

Due to his duties as a businessman, he could not attend often attend the assembly so entrusted his eldest son to takeover all businesses while he concentrated on public affairs from 1905 onwards and remained active until the age of 69.

He proposed the erection of a Municipal Sathrom near Kollam Railway Station in 1905 (SUB 244, Session-2 of assembly 26-10-1905=Page-93) Ezhavas might be allowed using the road near the temple at Haripad or open a new road for them (SUB 245, Session-2 of assembly 26-10-1905=Page-94)

Sluice valves must be installed for the benefit of Punja lands(a) and (b) a new cart road must be constructed for the Pathiyoor Canal (SUB 246,Session-2 of assembly 26-10-1905=Page-94)

Payment of tobacco duty 'that Superintendent must collect duty from the wholesalers and shall remit in the Shalls and free traders from money and time loss (SUB 141, Session-2 of assembly 25-10-1905=Page-74 & 75).