Exploring Utopia in Agrahaarams : Early Tamil Brahmin settlements in Kerala

Abhishek Koduvayur Venkitaraman

Exploring Utopia in Agrahaarams : Early Tamil Brahmin settlements in Kerala

Abhishek Koduvayur Venkitaraman

Abstract

This review examines the concepts followed in the planning of Agraharaams – Tamil Brahmin Villages in various parts of South India, stressing upon the social aspect of the community living. It is also intended to highlight the various traditions and customs followed over centuries by Tamil Brahmin sects mainly Iyers and Iyengars. Some five centuries ago, a majority of Tamil Brahmins, fearing the invasion of a muslim ruler, migrated and settled down in various parts of Kerala and established their own communities and villages-Agrahaarams based on Traditional aspects of Vedic Town Planning. Over the years, times have changed but the villages are in a time-warp, continuing the traditions and customs of their ancestors.

Keywords

Utopia in Agrahaarams, Early Tamil Brahmin settlements, Iyers and Iyengars, traditions and customs

Full Text:

PDF

References

Mrs.N.V.Thailambal & Mr.K.S.Venkitaraman : Residents of Nurani interviewed on 24th Feb,2013

Arboleda, Gabriel. “Architecture without Architects” Berkeley.CA, .Nov 9-2004.

Desai A.R, “Rural Sociology in India”.Popular Prakashan. 2005.

Iyer Krishna K.V. “The Brahmins of Kerala”. Mathrubhumi. 1962.

Krishnan Ajit, “History of Kalpathy Heritage Village”, Palakkad Tourism Forum Index, Oct30-2005,

Oliver Paul, “Shelter and Society – Vernacular Architecture in its Cultural Contexts”

Prabjakaran G, “Preserving Kalpathy”. The Hindu (National Newspaper).Nov.25-2005.

“District Handbooks of Kerala – Palakkad”. Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Kerala. Feb 2003.

Kerala Iyers Trust – Net Samooham. “Welcome to Kerala Iyers.com”. Powered by Drupal,(http.www.keralaiyers.com)[24th Feb,2013]

Sriparasukhanandanadha, P.K. Ramakrishnan, “Sanskrit – Request”., Sanskrit The Mail Archive.

Vernacular Architecture – Changing Paradigms : A Case Study of Agraharams in Palakkad Ar. Priya Sasidharan, Measi Academy of Architecture, Chennai.

Documentation of Kalapathy Village done by Architecture Students of Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering ,Kollam,Kerala

Thirty Letters in my name: Hari Jagannathan Balasubramanian http://thirtylettersinmyname.blogspot.in/2010/12/in-search-of-agraharam.html [27th Feb,2013]

Wikipedia Links : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utopia%5B27th Feb,2013]

Nurani Village official Website: http://www.nuranivillage.org/%5B27th Feb,2013]

http://abhishekiyer21.blogspot.in/2012/09/being-iyer.html[27th Feb,2013]

http://sharatsunderrajeev.blogspot.in/2009/12/tales-from-capital-city-iii_4392.html[27th Feb,2013]