The puyyappla and the matrilineal house

Husbands who came to live in the wife's house, and the women who held it together.

Kuttichira tharavads followed marumakkathayam, where husbands, the puyyappla, joined the wife's home.

Our grandfather came from a nearby mahal and learned the rhythms of a large joint household.

Property passed through daughters, so the nadumuttam echoed with children's voices for decades.

Decisions were taken with the karnavar and the eldest women together over evening tea.

Today the law has changed, but the respect for our mothers' house remains.