Randuthara Achanmār is a conglomerate of four Nambiar families (Kandoth, Palliyath, Āyilliath and Arayath) who are descendants of Edathil Kadāngodan and Ponnattil Māvila and were chieftains of Poyanādu (a territory east of Dharmadom of Kolathunādu) in the present day Kerala state, South India.[1] [2] The erstwhile Poyanādu constituted of the later colonial era amsoms of Edakkād, Chembilod, Iruveri, Makreri, Anjarakandi, Māvilayi, Muzhappilangādi and were tenants-in-chief of the Kolathiri Rājā.[3]
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Legend has it that Cheraman Perumāl went (poyi in Malayalam) direct from this nād to Mecca and hence the name Poyanādu. The final point of departure of the Perumāl is said to have been the Chāla temple in Chāla desam in the Edakkād amsom of Chirakkal taluk. There remained to him at this time only two (randu) taras of all his possessions: hence the name of Randuthara. He had divested himself of all the rest of the possessions. These two taras and the temple of Chāla, where he was at the time residing was given to his two aide-de-camps (Kāryastans) namely Edathil Kadāngodan and Ponnattil Māvila from whom have sprung the four families of the Achanmar of Randuthara. The E. Kadangodan family lost place and the allied branch of that family from Kāpād desam in Elayāvur amsom (presently Elayavur grama panchayat in Edakkad block) usurped its place. The Kāpād branch then divided itself into the present Kandoth and Palliyath families of Achanmār. From P. Mavila the two other Achan families of Āyilliath and Arayath are said to be directly descended.
The senior Nambiār of these families was styled Achan.
A partial list is of notable members of this conglomerate of families is given below: