In the midst of a struggle for independence and freedom, there was a family whose unwavering commitment to their cause would leave a lasting mark on India's history. They were fighters, willing to risk everything for their beliefs and for the future of their people. This is the story of their family, a tale of courage and sacrifice, of heroes and martyrs, and of the ideals that propelled them forward in the face of adversity. From their earliest days of activism to their roles in the struggle for independence, this family's story is a testament to the power of conviction and the strength of the human spirit. Join me as we delve into their past and uncover the legacy they have left behind, a legacy of freedom and hope that continues to inspire generations to this day.
Malabar, a region in present-day Kerala, India, has a rich history of Islamic learning and scholarship. The region has been a center of religious education for centuries, attracting scholars and students from across the world. It is said that Malabar was a religious teaching place since the time of Malik Ibnu Dinar , and many mosques and madrasas were established during that time.
The Ponnani Waliya Jumuat Palli, also known as the Mecca of Malabar, is one of the most famous mosques in the region. It was built by Sheikh Zainuddheen Makhdoom, a renowned Islamic scholar and Sufi saint, in the early 16th century. The mosque is located in the Malappuram district of Kerala. In early 17th century, a young Islamic aspirant, Ahmed Hussain had came all the way from Yemen and became the student of world renowned Scholar Sufi Sheikh Zainudheen Maqdhoom. Ahmed Hussain was deeply influenced by the teachings of Sheikh Zainudheen Makhdoom and went on to become a prominent scholar and Sufi saint in his own right.
Odakkal Ali Hassan Musliar was the grandson of Sheikh Zainuddin Makhdoom. After completing his education, Odakkal Ali Hassan Musliyar moved to Tirurangadi, a town in the Malappuram district of Kerala. He was appointed as the first Qazi of the Tirurangadi mosque, which was one of the most prominent mosques in the region. Ahmed Mulla, a young Islamic aspirant, also came to Tirurangadi to study under Odakkal Ali Hassan Musliyar. Ahmed Mulla was deeply influenced by the teachings of his teacher and went on to become a famous scholar and Sufi saint in his own right. The two scholars worked together to promote Islamic learning and culture in Tirurangadi and beyond. The scholars promoted the values of tolerance, pluralism, and intellectual curiosity, which are the hallmark of Islamic learning. They helped to promote an Islamic culture that was rooted in the traditions of scholarship, Sufism, and social responsibility.
After completing his studies, Ahmed Mulla started teaching Islamic theology and law to the students of the Kiripalli Mosque. At that time, Islamic teachers were known as "Mulla," and Ahmed Mulla became renowned as a skilled and knowledgeable teacher. Ahmed Mulla was known not only for his scholarly achievements but also for his kind and honest behavior. He was respected by people of all faiths for his compassion and generosity. It is said that a Namboodhiri, gifted him a small piece of land with a house in Kuttassery as a token of his gratitude for his kindness. From that time on, Ahmed Mulla was known as Kuttassery Papa, and his descendants adopted the family name Kuttassery.
Ahmed Mulla was a man of many talents; not only was he a teacher, but he also sold hand-made topis to the locals. His final resting place can still be found in Thirurangadi, even after more than 350 years since his passing.
Ahmed Mulla had a family of four children, including three sons and one daughter. His eldest son moved to Elangur, which is located near Manjery. In 1686 AD, he settled in Elangur with his wife and seven children. He purchased a large parcel of land from a local landlord named Putttanikad Namboodhiri and began farming the land, which was well-suited for agriculture.
One hundred years later, in 1850, Kuttassery Hydru, one of the heirs of the Kuttassery family, built a new mosque in the area with the help of Kallur Manakkal Namboodhiri. The mosque still stands today as a testament to the religious and cultural heritage of the region.
The Khilafat Movement in Malabar was a significant event in India's freedom struggle against British colonial rule. Led by Ali Musliyar and Kunnath Kunjahmed Musliyar, the movement had the support of the Kuttassery family who bravely participated in the frontline. However, the British responded with brutality, arresting men near the Kuttassery Mosque and attacking those who sought refuge inside its walls.Today, the scars of this violence can still be seen on the walls of the mosque.
In part of Malabar Rebellion, Kuttassery Kunjalvi and Unnin Kutty participated in the Independence movement in Pandikad Town against the British. Unfortunately, Unnin Kutty was martyred as a result of the brutal attack by the British. It is estimated that over 300+ freedom fighters lost their lives in this battle, and many were cruelly burned with kerosene by the British.This event stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for India's independence and the need to preserve the country's rich history and heritage.
The Kuttassery family has a rich history that is intertwined with the Malabar Rebellion of 1921. All three sons of Kuttassery Moosa Kutty were born near the village of Manjeri P.O Elangoor of Ernad Thaluk, South Malabar, which was the center of the rebellion. The rebellion was against the British colonial authorities and the exploitative Jenmis, and it coincided with the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation movement.
Due to their involvement in the rebellion, the three brothers Kuttassery Abdulla, Brambayil Kuttassery Ahmed and Kuttaasery Moideen were taken into custody and detained as under-trial prisoners. They were kept in the Manjeri Sub-Jail before being transferred to various jails, including the Madrass Central Prison, which was built in 1837. The Madrass Central Prison was known for its poor conditions and was infamous for being one of the most brutal prisons in the British Empire.
Many people were arrested and deported to the dreaded Cellular Jail in Andaman. Kuttassery brothers were also among the prisoners who were arrested and sent to the Cellular Jail in Andaman in 1921-22.
After several years of imprisonment, the British government started allocating lands to the prisoners to establish settlements for their families. They were asked to bring their family after being granted land in Andaman. While some prisoners decided to settle in the Andaman Islands, many chose to return to their homeland in Kerala and other parts of India. It is important to note that the allocation of land by the British government was not an act of benevolence, but rather a calculated move to establish a colony in the Andaman Islands. The prisoners were used as a means to achieve this goal by being forced to clear the land and establish settlements.
After being granted land in Andaman, some of the prisoners, including Kuttassery Abdulla and Ahmed chose to settle permanently in the Andaman Islands.
Today, there are approximately 20 Kuttassery families living in the islands, which is a testament to the enduring legacy of these prisoners and their families.
Ahmed, one of the three sons of Kuttassery Moosa Kutty, was deported to Andaman in 1922 in one of the earliest batches. His jail chest number was 44947 in Cellular Jail. His other two brothers were also deported in later batches.
In 1930, Ahmed and Abdulla returned to Andaman with their families after the British started resettlement. They first settled in Haddo before moving to Muslim Basti, now known as Ograbraj. In 1945, they returned to Kerala.
However, in 1952, Ahmed returned to Andaman and settled permanently in Bambooflat. Sadly, he passed away in 1960. And he was burried in the cemetery of Bambooflat village. Ahmed had three children: Kuttassery Maanu, Abdulla Kutty, and Hamsa Haji. Abdulla Kutty had eight children, while Kuttassery Maanu had two sons. Hamsa Haji was born in Ross Island Hospital which was considered as the most facilitated hospital of that time in Andaman Islands. He also served as the treasurer of Raulathul Uloom Arabic College (RUAC) during 1989 and later returned to Kerala, where he passed away on February 6, 2007. His grave is located near Kuttassery Mosque in Kerala.
Abdulla Kutty passed away on January 5th, 1959, and was laid to rest in the Phoenix Bay graveyard. Meanwhile, Kuttassery Manu fell ill and traveled to the mainland for medical treatment. However, he passed away during the return journey and was buried on Nicobar Island due to the circumstances.
Kuttassery Abdulla returned to Andaman with his wife Kunnaisha and their three children: Bijja Kutty, Abdurehman, and Kunju Mohammad. Bijja Kutty was married off soon after in Panighat. The family has three more children borned in Andaman - Moosa, Fathima, and Alvi Kutty. Later, they returned and were raised in Kerala and had three more children - Ahmed Kutty, Khadeeja, and Hamsa.
Abdurehman returned to Andaman and served as a scholar in the Bambooflat Mosque. Kunju Mohammad also returned to Andaman with his family, which included four sons and three daughters. They were all born in Andaman and settled here in island.
Kuttassery Fathima has 10 children. They were all born in Kerala . The Eldest son Moideen Kutty moved to Andaman in his childhood and setteled here in Muslim Basti, Ograbraj with his family.
The story of Kuttassery Abdulla's family is one of migration and perseverance. Despite moving back and forth between Kerala and Andaman, they were able to establish roots and build a life for themselves in both places.
Kuttassery Moideen was a man who chose to settle in Kerala. He lived in the Chatakavil House of Kuttassery, which was his ancestral home. Moideen had two children. Moosa, the son of Kuttassery Moideen, who had two children. One of his son is an Islamic scholar who lived in the town of Manjery, Malappuram In Kerala.
Despite the hardships faced by the prisoners, their sacrifices helped pave the way for India's independence from British colonial rule. The legacy of their struggle continues to inspire and motivate future generations to fight for justice and freedom.
Apart from these leaders, there were many other freedom fighters from Malabar who played a key role in India’s struggle for independence. However, their contribution has often been overlooked and forgotten. It is important to remember and honor the sacrifices made by these brave warriors, who fought against the British colonial rule and paved the way for India’s freedom.
As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day, it is important to remember and pay homage to all the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. The contribution of the freedom fighters from the Malabar region deserves special mention and recognition. We must ensure that their names and their sacrifices are not forgotten, and that their legacy lives on forever.
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