Sorry bel, but you started me off, and this is what I came across:
KOLLANGODE: Kollangode kingdom lay to the south of Palghat. Its rulers were called Venganad Nambidis. They claim descendancy from an ancient Kshathriya chief named Vira Ravi and hence the chiefs of Kollangode have the name Ravivarma affixed to their names. The principality comprised of eight villages and the Zamorin, during his conquests in South Malabar, annexed it. The Raja of Kollangode lived as a pensioner under the English East India Company.
My great-great-grandfather (paternal grandmother's side - so not in line to any regal inheritance) was Ittapu Thamburan (if the old women inthe village are to be believed), one of the last Rajas of Kollengode (I spell it with the 'e' instead of 'a' - it sounds closer).
Ha ha. I have found out something about my ancestry thanks to you. [thrilled with this internet thingy emoticon]
cheer
the snark
