Kochitty Kuruvilla was born during the reign of the benevolent King Dharma Raja (Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, 1758-1798), a period considered the Golden Age in the history of Travancore. Tragically, he lost his parents at a young age. He was raised by his grandfather, Kizhakkeveettil Cheriachen and elder brother, Cherian. Even in his childhood, Kochitty demonstrated a deep faith in God, adhering to the principle that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
He excelled in his studies, mastering Sanskrit, Tamil, and Nanam Moonan, the administrative language of the time. He later pursued legal studies in Trivandrum under the guidance of Ayyappan Pillai, a distinguished member of the Madavana Hindu Nair family. Kochitty married Annamma from the Thoompunkal family, founded by Pakalomattom Sankaran Narayanan Bhattathiri. They resided in Poothicote Puthen Purackal, a house situated north of the river. Annamma bore him five children before her untimely demise. He subsequently married another Annamma from Mavelikkara, who blessed him with five more children.
Kochitty served as a judge during the reigns of two regent queens: Sethu Lakshmibai and Sethu Parvathibai. During this era, certain qualities were highly valued in Christian judges appointed by the royalty: aristocracy, lineage, wealth, family support, education, reputation, influence, trustworthiness, and personality.
Kochitty's judicial career began in 1818 as an Additional District Judge in Kollam. He later served as District Judge in Mavelikara, Paravoor, and Cherthala. Known for his honesty and fearlessness, he faced challenges due to his uncompromising integrity. On one occasion, a powerful Nair defendant attempted to bribe him, which he steadfastly refused. This act of defiance led to false accusations against him. However, an investigation conducted by the English Chief Justice of Travancore cleared him of all charges and commended him for his honesty and integrity.
The Sheeravallil Pottees, a prominent and wealthy Brahmin family from Mepral, had entrusted all their land and gold to Judge Kochitty during a period of temporary absence from their home. They had sought his assistance despite having many influential Hindu relatives in Mepral. Upon their return, Judge Kochitty faithfully returned all their wealth and accrued income, demonstrating his unwavering trust and integrity.
He was a compassionate employer, treating his workers from various communities, including Christians, Nairs, Ezhavas, Pulayas, and Parayas, with respect and fairness. Managing 700 acres of paddy fields and 700 plots of land was no small feat, even in those times.
Judge Kochitty Kuruvilla passed away in 1851 at his home. He was laid to rest within the Niranam Church, near the tomb of Marthoma II Metropolitan.
Oommen (of the Kalikavil family)
Oommen, a member of the Kalikavil family(originally migrated from Palayoor) was settled in Kuruvilangad, and was closely associated with the church. Due to evolving political circumstances related to the church, Oommen, along with his brother and sister, migrated from Kuruvilangad to Changanassery around the latter part of the 17th century (approximately 1663 AD). His brother became a priest in the Changanassery church and was later buried there.
Kuruvilla and Itty Mathan were descendants of Oommen (either children or grandchildren). Itty Mathan moved to Kavumbhagom, near Thiruvalla, and is the founding father of the Chalakkuzhy family. Kuruvilla moved to Azhiyadathuchira, near Mepral, at the invitation of Azhiyadam Madathile Koth edaprabhu.
Kuruvilla had two sons:
1. Padinjaraeveettil Kuruvila: He had a son, Kuruvilla Kunjuthomman, who became a priest and resided at the Niranam church. He was an assistant to Mar Thoma VI(also known as Mar Dionysius I) and also became a trustee of the Malankara church. Kuruvilla also had a daughter, Kunjandamma. Kunjandamma married Pothen of the Thazathu Manammel family in Puthupally. Pothen was the son of the renowned Judge Pothen of the Thazhathu family. Pothen and Kunjadamma inherited the Padijareveedu property in Mepral from Kuruvila. The present Manammel family of Mepral descends from this couple.
2. Kizhakkeveettil Cheriachen: He had only one son, Kunju Thommen. Kunju Thommen married Accamma of the Moolamannil family. Their children were:
1. Cherian, the eldest son of Kunju Thommen, had two daughters: Accamma and Kunjadamma. Cherian died when his daughters were of marriageable age. His brother, Kochitty Kuruvila, gave them in marriage, providing the customary dowry of the time. Accamma married into the Thonipurackel (Chaluvaleth) family in Puthupally.
Kunjadamma, Cherian's second daughter, married into the Polackel family in Edathua. The Illampally, Kattumbhagam, Karimparampu, and Padupurackel families of Edathua are her descendants.
2. Kochitty Kuruvila, the youngest son of Kunju Thommen and Accamma of Moolamannil, was much younger than his brother Cherian. His parents died when he was young, and he was raised by his grandfather Kizhakkeveettil Cheriachen and his brother Cherian.
Kochitty Kuruvila is the ancestor of all members of the present Poothicote family. He is commonly known as Judgi Valliappan (Judge Great-grandfather). Judge Kochitty Kuruvila married Annamma, the daughter of the elder brother of Mavelikkara Thoompunkal Judge, Angadikkal Kochacko Tharakan. After her death in ME 1001, he remarried in ME 1002, under pressure from relatives. His second wife was also named Annamma, the daughter of the then District & Sessions Judge of Mavelikkara.
1st Marriage
1. Accamma - daughter married to Chackochen, Sankaramangalam, Eraviperoor.
2. Kunjachen (Niranam Grandpa) Born ME 985 - son
3. Chackochen (Puthenveettil) Born ME 988 - son
4. Cherian (Puthenpurackal) Born ME 990 - son
5. Kochitty Kuruvilla or Kochunjachen Born ME 997 - son
2nd Marriage
6. Kuruvilla Kunjakonda (Kunju) (Medayil) Born ME 1003 - son
7. Aleyamma - daughter married to Mammachen of Chalakuzhy
8. Annamma - daughter married to Deacon Ninan of Kanianthara
9. Unnoonny (Kuruvilla Kochitty Kuruvilla) Born ME 1012 - son
10. Kuruvilla Kochukoshy - Born ME 1018 - son
Thus, Judge Kochitty Kuruvilla had 7 sons and 3 daughters who set up the first branches of the Poothicote family. Generations are counted by tradition from Judge Kochitty Kuruvilla as 1st Generation (not from his father who is the founder)