Octogenarian Adiraja Mariyumma, alias Cheriya Bikkunhu Beevi, is the new head of the Arakkal family, the royal house that once ruled old parts of Kannur and controlled some islands which form part of Lakshadweep.

Ms. Beevi, who resides at her residence at Arakkal Kettu, the compound comprising houses of members of the royal family, took over as new head of the family in a simple and brief function attended by family members on Wednesday evening. Wife of the late A.P. Aluppi Elaya, retired administrative officer, Chennai Ports Trust (CPT), 85-year-old Ms. Beevi has been residing at Almar Mahal here ever since she returned from Chennai 19 years ago.

She assumed charge as new head of the family following the death of her predecessor and cousin, 86-year-old Sulthan Arakkal Adiraja Fathima Muthu Beevi, on May 4.

Matrilineal system

As the family follows the matrilineal system of succession common among Mappila Muslims in the region, the eldest member of the family becomes the head of the royal family which once ruled the lone Muslim principality in the State.

“The senior-most member of the Arakkal family, regardless of gender, becomes the titular head of the family,” said Abdul Shukkoor, son of the new head of the family. When the Arkkal properties were partitioned in 1960 there were 59 members and 39 of them had died after serving as head of the family as per the seniority norm in succession, said Mr. Shukkoor, 58, who is working as Superintendent in the Finance Department of the CPT.

Titles

Traditionally, female heads of the Arakkal house are known as Arakkal Beevis, while male heads are called Ali Rajas.

The royal family had good relationship with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore. When the British had defeated Tipu Sultan in the last decade of the 18th century, the family was forced to cede their land to the British.

Mr. Shukkoor said the Arakkal family once had revenues from landed properties and rented buildings and trade activities including pepper and coir.

Much of the land of the family had been surrendered following the enforcement of the Land Ceiling Act during the rule of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Kerala / by Mohamed Nazeer / Kannur – May 09th, 2019