The origin of the family can be traced to Nittur village near Tellicherry where the Kalyatan family was
headquartered. About 250 years vack, a few members of this family migrated to Kanhirode to the east of Kannur and founded
the Kunnath house.
A branch of that family moved out to the nearby Koodali village and set up the Koodathil Kunnath house.
This was the precursor of Koodali Thazhath veedu. There is secondary documentary evidence that the house was gifted to one
Kunhathi (daughter of one Uppatti belonging to the Koodathil Kunnath house) by her husband.
Kunhathi's son Raman Nambiar founded the Kalari Sthanam in Thazhath veedu. Folk songs popular in olden days
in the locality state that the Raja of Kottayam awarded the Gurukkalachan and Kalliat Edava Sthanams for Thazhath Veedu.
This was around 1675 AD (circa 850 ME). Minor deities like Kuttichathan, Bhairavan, Ghandakarnan etc were re-lodged
in the Kalari.
Elevated Social Status
The family acquired higher status around this time. Raman Gurukkalachan was succeeded by Kelu Gurukkalachan
who in turn was follwed in 899 ME by Koran Gurukkalachan. On his demise in 905 ME, Kelu Gurukkalachan II assumed power. He
acquired forest lands in nearby Muttannur and Kavuthazha. Upon his demise in 940 ME, Koran Gurukkalachan II scucceeded him.
Honour in Death
It is said that apprehending captivity by and surrender to Tipu Sultan, Koran Gurukkalachan II got
himself shot dead by his Karyasthan as he stood worshipping the Kalari Bhagavathi.
He was succeeded by Kelappan Nambiar, the only sole surviving member of the family. He adopted one Uthala
Amma of Rambeth house who came from the Kanhirode Kunnath family. Her son Kunhamman Nambiar succeeded Kelappan Nambiar on
the latter's demise in 972 ME.
