Thachudaya Kaimal of Travancore, the Yogathiripad of Thrissur and the ruling chiefs of South India The Thamprakkals were great patrons of mathematics and astronomy. The Kerala School of Astronomy and Mathematics flourished between 14th and 16th centuries of Common Era in Tirur-Tirunavaya-Triprangode region on the bank of the river Bharathappuzha. In the famous work Brahmandapuranam, of poet Thunchath Ezhuthachan, Azhvanchery Thamprakkals had been mentioned with the title "Netranarayanan". Title and Privileges The title of Thamprakkal literally means Emperor (having originated from the Sanskrit Samrat and later corrupted into Thampran) came to be used to refer to the Brahmins of Azhvanchery Mana family. The story according to popular lore is that while returning from the coronation ceremony of Kulashekhara Perumal with the gift of a golden-cow, the Thamprakkal was stopped on the road by Pakkanar, a person of low caste. He claimed that it was the exclusive right of his castemen to take dead cows. The Thamprakkal, affronted, sprinkled water on the golden cow and brought it to life. The low caste man exclaimed "You are indeed a Thamprakkal" and since then the title has stayed with the family. The Thamprakkal had four privileges within the Hindu Social Order of Kerala. Bhadrasthanam: The chief seat in any assembly Sarvamanyam: Universal respectability Brahma Samrajyam: Sovereignty over all Brahmins Brahmavarchas: Highest authority in Vedic learning The opinion of the Azhvanchery Thamprakkal was considered supreme in deciding matters relating to religion, caste, society etc. Only the anointed head of the family received the title. The junior members of the family are ordinary Adhyan Namboodiris and use the style of Namboodiripad. References Travancore State Manual, Volume II by V.Nagam Aiya, page number 249. Census Report of Travancore, 1901 which mentions the Azhvanchery family and their special status with details. See also Parasurama Namboodiri Nair Kerala Malappuram Kingdom of Tanur (Vettattnad) Athavanad Grama Panchayat Athavanad Thamprakkal History of Malappuram district Kerala society Malayali Brahmins People from Guruvayur