Guide to the Manas of Kerala
Mana or Illam is the home of Brahmins who are generally scholars, ayurveda geniuses or vedic exponents. The erstwhile Manas were mostly very big Jammies .Jammies mean landlords. The structure of Manas is always big in size with several rooms, halls and inner courtyards.
Almost all Manas are Nalukettu (structure in four sides with inner courtyard). The structure is almost 2-storeyed. 3-storeyed and single storeyed are also there. All old Manas are tile roofed, supported by wooden planks and heavy wooden beams. Pillars are also made of wood. In some cases the pillars are made of granite stones. The wood used is of top quality, mostly teak, and the thickness of the planks and beams are unusually heavy. The artisans’ wood work is highly commendable. Engraving on the woodwork is marvellous. As the Manas were once big landlords, Pathayam (wooden granary storage tank) of a minimum storage capacity of 1000 measures is an integral part of Mana. A Mana is always considered as an archaeological stuff as it is a cluster of so many ancient things which are very rare to be seen anywhere else.
The Brahmins are mostly known in the surnames of Namboodiri, Namboodiripad, Bhattathiri, Bhatathiripad, Moosss et al. There is a slight difference between Namboodiri and Namboodiripad. In religious status Namboodiripad is a step above Nambooidiri. Similar is the case between Bhatathiri and Bhathiripad. The Brahmins are always the upholders of high moral value and they have a special status in the society.......Click here to see more
