Poonthran

Poonthran family
Ethnicity Indian
Current region Kerala, India
Place of origin Indian subcontinent
Members
Distinctions Prominence in social reformation
Website poonthran.com

Poonthran (/ˈpntræn/; Malayalam: പൂന്ത്രാൻ, pūntrān ?) is a prominent Muslim family from the former Travancore - a princely state now called Kerala state, India.[1] Its members have played a significant role in the history of Travancore since 19th century. The family had subscribed to the cultural heritage of the Travancore (Kerala) region and modern India at large, by contributing a long lineage of illustrious sons and daughters. Their genealogy starts with a prominent landlord Ahamed Kunju aka Thoppil Thampi, who came from the south-western part of Travancore and settled in Varkala.

The family's ascent to prominence began in the late 19th century, with the birth of Vakkom Moulavi, who was later acknowledged as the "father" of the Muslim socio-religious reform movements in Kerala. The Poonthran household was one of the few Muslim families in Travancore, who were highly regarded not only for their wealth, but also for their wisdom, prestige, and community service.[2] They have contributed renaissance leaders, social reformers, freedom fighters, politicians, judges, writers, scholars, journalists and philosophers to the history of Travancore, Kerala and modern India.

History

The family traces its origins from the south of Travancore back to the time 18th century. It is believed that the early history of the Poonthran family goes back to 16th and 17th centuries, although it is unclear and there are lack of credible sources. The earliest known reference to the family was Ahmed Kunju (also known as Thoppil Thampi). He was born in a prominent family in Colachel. It is believed that his family was originally from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and that they migrated to Colachel sometime during the early 18th century. By late 18th century, he migrated to southern part of Travancore and settled in Vettoor, Varkala. Thampi was a wealthy landlord and a trader in Travancore region. In the early 19th century, Thampi expanded a strong trading sector in the southern Travancore. He then married Aamina Umma of Ayiroor Kayalpuram family. Ahmed Kunju and Aamina couple had three children: Two daughters and a son Mohamed Kunju Kayalpuram (father of Vakkom Moulavi). Mohamed Kunju married Aash Beevi and went to live in her ancestral home called Poonthran Vilakom, and because he moved and settled in Poonthran Vilakom, Mohamed Kunju later known as 'Poonthran'.

Vakkom Moulavi's maternal ancestors were from Hyderabad and Anjengo. His maternal grandfather Fateh Khan was a high ranking police officer in Travancore. Fateh Khan's family was originally from Hyderabad, Deccan. They migrated to Travancore when he received a job as an officer, thus, Moulavi's maternal ancestors were part of the colonial salariat class. Fateh Khan was married to the daughter of Kacheekaaran Saite from Anjengo. The couple had a son Mytheen Khan (also known as Dada Bhai) and a daughter Aash Beevi (mother of Vakkom Moulavi).

Notable members

References

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Sunday, February 28, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.