the chiefdoms within the kingdom of the Chera Perumals (until the 12th century). The chieftain of Valluvanad, the nadu-udayavar, claimed authority through kinship and descent. The Hundred, the military organisation of the chiefdom, was the "aru-nurruvar" (the Six Hundred). The Vellattiri chieftain (the udayavar) initially exercised suzerain rights over a large portion of central Kerala. A 10th century Chera inscription from Irinjalakuda temple, declaring its protection by the Six Hundred of Valluvanad, shows either the southern extent of the border (or influence) of the chiefdom. Some scholars state that the Valluvanad in northern Kerala, ruled by hereditary chieftains, was possibly organised in the beginning of the 10th century with a chieftain or general from Valluvanad in the south Kerala nominated as hereditary chieftain so that the name of Valluvanad was also transplanted there. Rayiran Chathan, the chieftain (the udayavar) of Valluvanad, is mentioned as a witness in the Jewish copper plates of Cochin () issued by the Chera Perumal. Other references to Valluvanad Irayira Chekaran of Valluvanad was involved in a temple resolution to take over the village of Taviranur and bring it under the village of Sukapuram (Edappal) (inscription). Irayiravar, the Valluvanad chief, is seen in three temple transaction-related inscriptions from Avattiputhur/Avittathur (near Kodungallur) - an example of the chief performing regulatory functions outside his chiefdom. When a market centre was established at Irinjalakkuda (namely "Bhaskarapuram"), the protection of the area was given to the "aru-nurruvar" of Valluvanad (inscription dated to the close of the 10th century). - an example of the Hundred Organisation performing regulatory functions outside the chiefdom. Independent chiefdom With the fall of the Chera Perumal kingdom around the 12th century, the various autonomous chiefdoms became independent. A Valluvanad ruler is mentioned as a witness in the Viraraghava Copper Plates from 1225. The Brahmins of Sukapuram were supporters of Valluvanad. Zamorin's encroachments After the fall of Chera Perumal kingdom in the 12th century, the right to preside over the Tirunavaya Mamankam festival (as the 'Rakshapurusha') passed on to the Vellattiri (according to local traditions). When the zamorin (the samoothiri) of Calicut became a major force in Kerala, they made inroads into Valluvanad and even usurped the right to preside over the Mamankam . The zamorin eventually extended his kingdom as east as Nilambur and as deep as Venkattakota (now called Kottakkal) . Ever since, the Vellattiri used to send groups of suicide warriors (known as the