Shaman mannan full biography of king
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A few have government jobs, mainly in the Forest Department as watchers.
Children attend regular schools, and exogamy — marriages outside the community — have become common. Each of the Mannan community’s 46 settlements also boasts a 13-member committee, which looks at local matters.
King Raman occupies the apex of this comprehensive governance structure.
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The Mannan community
The Mannan tribal community is around 3,000 strong today, and is spread across 46 settlements mainly in Idukki district.
The community traces its origin to present-day Tamil Nadu — the Mannan forefathers were forced to flee during a bloody war between Chola and Pandya kings.
His life is far removed from the grandeur typically associated with royalty, embodying the simplicity and traditions of his community.
The Mannan community
The Mannan tribal community, with a population of around 3,000, is primarily based in 46 settlements across Idukki district. The Mannans, traditionally engaged as farm laborers and daily wage workers, maintain their unique customs, including a self-governance system where the king’s advice is sought after in their affairs.
Interestingly, the Mannan community follows a matrilineal system — descent and inheritance in the community is traced through the female line.
Who Is Raman Rajamannan? He does not even collect levies from the members of his community, although they do make contributions during special festive occasions.
The Kerala government will cover the travel expenses for Rajamannan and his wife.This invitation is not only a personal honor but also a recognition of the Mannan community’s rich heritage and its unique cultural role in southern India.
The Mannans’ history is one of resilience. Yet, his influence is undeniable.
Although he has no kingdom to rule, Rajamannan is responsible for the welfare of his people.
Reportedly, this marks the first instance of a tribal king being invited to the national parade. They found a safe haven in the dense forests of Idukki, where they formed their own small kingdom.
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There are some 36 sub-castes within the Mannan community.
His simple lifestyle contrasts with his ceremonial duties, where he dons a traditional 'thalappavu' headgear and traditional attire to honour his community's heritage.
Minister OR Kelu, who announced the king’s participation in a social media post, confirmed that the Scheduled Caste Development Department would cover the travel expenses.
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Although the king has no official role in civil society, he oversees community matters with the assistance of four deputies, a prince and a council of 50 ministers known as kaanis.
His family and he also run a temple in the village.
Roles and responsibilities
The king has no rights or duties in civil society, but oversees community matters with the help of four upa rajas (deputies), one ilayaraja (prince), and a 50-member council of ministers, known as kaanis.
The council meets three to four times in a year to discuss intra-community matters.
An economics graduate, he is also a farmer and manages a local temple. Despite his royal title, Rajamannan leads a modest life in Kozhimala village under Idukki’s Kanchiyar panchayat.
Rajamannan oversees the Mannan community, which comprises 300 families spread across 48 settlements in Idukki district. Unlike traditional rulers with kingdoms and thrones, Rajamannan leads a people with a rich heritage that traces back centuries.
The council convenes several times a year to discuss broader issues.
The tribe traces its origins to present-day Tamil Nadu, where their ancestors fled centuries ago during the Chola-Pandya wars. The couple is among the selected individuals from tribal communities across India who will represent their people during the grand occasion.
Rajamannan’s journey as the king of the Mannans began 12 years ago when he ascended to the role after the passing of the previous king, Aryan Rajamannan.
The community has a unique governance structure led by their king, Rajamannan, supported by a council of 50 ministers called kaanis. The community practices matrilineal inheritance and has embraced modern education, with children attending regular schools.
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A modest king
Raman Rajamannan, 39, became the king of the Mannan tribe some 12 years ago, after the passing of the reigning Aryan Rajamannan.
They are also scheduled to visit historical sites like Agra. He is a graduate in economics, and lives in Kozhimala, a small tribal settlement in the Idukki district.
The king has no palace or official vehicle.
They sought refuge in Idukki’s dense forests and established a small kingdom.
Traditionally forest dwellers, most Mannans now work as farmers, daily wage labourers, or employees in the Forest Department. The event marks the first time a tribal king from the Mannan community has been invited to the national celebration.
Accompanied by his wife, Binumol, Rajamannan has already reached Delhi, where their itinerary includes meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and other dignitaries.
Who is Raman Rajamannan?
Rajamannan, 39, serves as the ceremonial leader of the Mannan tribe while leading a modest life as a farmer in Kozhimala, a tribal settlement in Idukki district.