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K. C. Ammalu Amma (1898 - 1985) |
Ammaalu was born towards the late 19th century in Kodungalloor (then Cranganore), in Kerala. Her parents were Ikkavu and Krishna Iyyer.
Ammaalu was the eigth child of Ikkavu Amma. While Ikkavu was expecting Ammaalu, her eldest, her 15 year old daughter Kunjikkavvu was expecting her first born too. In matrilenial societies, the eldest comes to be named after their mother. And thus the name Kunjikkavu (Junior Ikkavu). Sadly, Kunjikkavu gave birth to a still born. Kunjikkavu asked her mother if she could have Ammaalu as her own. Thus Ammaalu enjoyed the love from two mothers.
Polygamy was the norm and Krishna Iyer’s Brahmin wife was Swarnambaal. They had two sons and two daughters. Swarnambal was exceptionally fond of little Ammaalu. For every festival she took Ammalu over and gifted her with clothes and jewellery. Ammaalu, fondly called Thangu, thus grew up having the love of three mothers. These women bore a strong influence on Ammaalu.
In the matrilineal society of Kerala yore, mothers and daughters lived together forever. No girl would ever have to leave their home upon marriage. There have been families where upto seven generations of women lived under one roof at the same time; mothers, daughters, sisters, grandaughters, and so on. The only other known matrilineal communities in India were the Bunts of Karnataka, Garos/Khasis/Jintias of Meghalaya, and the Malikus of Lakshadweep.
In the matrilineal society of Kerala yore, mothers and daughters lived together forever. No girl would ever have to leave their home upon marriage. There have been families where upto seven generations of women lived under one roof at the same time; mothers, daughters, sisters, grandaughters, and so on. The only other known matrilineal communities in India were the Bunts of Karnataka, Garos/Khasis/Jintias of Meghalaya, and the Malikus of Lakshadweep.
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