Based on Keralolpathi, the last Perumal, Ramavarma Kulasekhara Perumal, of the Second Chera Kingdom (Kulasekhara Samrajyam, 800-1102), with its capital at Mahodayapuram, divided his kingdom to his relatives and Nair chiefs.
The fortunes of the family went into decline in the 19th century as result of the end of feudalism and through the slow decline of marumakkathayam.