Author: K. Venugopal
Publication: The Asian Age
Date: November 2, 2011
URL: http://www.asianage.com/india/no-tax-or-loot-wealth-padmanabha-temple-cellars-claims-book-666
The wealth found in the cellars of the Sree
Padmanabha Swamy temple was not accumulated through oppressive taxes or through
looting during wars, claims a new book which will be released this week.
Instead, as much as 95 per cent of the wealth
comprised of regular donations made by various branches of the Travancore
royal family, according to 'Charithram Kuricha Sree Padmanabha Swamy Kshethram,'
written by noted historians M.G. Sasibhooshan and Dr R.P. Raja.
Dr Sasibhooshan termed as utterly false the
contention that the wealth consisted of funds garnered through harsh taxes
such as 'Mulakkaram' (breast tax).
"This allegation is being made on the
basis of a casual reference by historian Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai, who did
not present any evidence to prove it," he said. "The records show
that the tax revenue went to the state coffers and not to the temple."
Mr Sasibhooshan added that each contribution
made to the temple was meticulously entered in the Mathilakom records, including
contributions of Christians and Muslims. "Not a single paisa has come
in through taxes or through wars and conquests," he said.
At the same time, there were regular contributions
from the Kollam, Kalakkad, Kottarakkara, Negumangad and Padmanabhapuram branches
(swaroopams) of the royal family. "The biggest contributions were made
during the time of Marthanda Varma in the 18th century and Swati Tirunal in
the 19th century," said Dr Sasibhooshan.
The book also points out that the Mathilakom
Records functioned as a the de facto Constitution of Travancore.
"Whenever there was a crisis, the kings
used to consult the temple records to find out how their predecessors had
handled such issues," he said.
The book narrates an interesting episode in
this connection. After the demise of Bala Rama Varma in 1810, one Kerala Varma
had staked claim for the throne. The 'Yogathil Pottis' of the temple ratified
his claim. Interestingly, they did not make this proclamation from the Ottakkal
Mandapam of the temple, from where only truth could be uttered.
However, a day later they retracted in repentance
and said that they had lied after being threatened with death. The records
disproved Kerala Varma's claim, they said. Following this, Gouri Lakshmi Bai
was made the regent of Travancore.
"Such was the power of the temple,"
said Dr Sasibhooshan. "Its role was not just religious, but also political."