Kovilmala is the headquarters of Mannan community who preserves certain customs, traditions and form of governance, making them a unique tribal unit. The system of governance here is a democratic - monarchy in which a king is elected by the people to rule. The dynastic succession is through the matrilineal system of inheritance by which the properties are inherited by the nephew. The administration of Mannan community inhabited here is held by Raja Mannan, the title given to the elected king. He holds the responsibility to take care of the other 42 Kudis spread over the various parts of Idukki district. Today, these Kudis are located in places like Kumily, Adimaly, Vathikudy, Maniyarankudy, Machiplavu, Korangatti, Kattappana, Murickassery, Thopramkudy, Nedumkandam, Mankulam, Irumpupalam etc. The king has a council of 9 ministers named Kanis who assist him to settle the disputes regarding marriage, divorce, internal and external affairs. Annual meetings are held every year for the leaders who represents various kudis. These Kanis are also responsible to elect a new king after the death of any king. The current king of this community is 'Raman Raja Mannan', an economics graduate from Maharaja's college in Eranakulam, who ascended the throne following the demise of his uncle 'Ariyan Raja Mannan', the 16th king of this tribal dynasty. It is believed that the Mannan community were the warrior tribe of Pandyan lines, fled to the forest interiors of Idukki at time of the prolonged war between Cheras and Cholas in ancient Tamilakam. Today, they hosts an annual festival named 'Kalavoottu' as a tribute to the nature for providing sufficient harvest. An 'Aadivasi Koothu' is also conducted with the Kalavoottu festival which is primarily associated with the Kovalan-Kannagi story, mentioned in the famous Tamil literary work 'Silappatikaram'. It is also organized during the death ceremonies of kings and at times of official annual meetings.
Noted kings of Kovilmala
Thevan Raja Mannan: He was born in 1948 and became the raja in 1996 according to the matrilineal system of inheritance. He died of a heart attack in 2007 at the age of 54.
Ariyan Raja Mannan: His real name is 'Rameshan'. He succeeded the former king 'Thevan Raja Mannan' and ascended the throne in 2012. But he passed away in 2011 at the age of 29 due to illness. The Keralastate government gave all honors to him at the time of his funeral. Ariyan Raja Mannan is widely acknowledged as the youngest king in the Mannan community.
Raman Raja Mannan: His original name is N. Binu, a native of Kumily Mannankudy. He succeeded Ariyan Raja Mannan in 4 March 2012. He is the only literate king among the Mannan community who received the graduation in economics from Eranakulam Maharaja's College.
Access to Kovilmala
In the past, Accessing Kozhimala was quite difficult due to the absence of quality roads. But the transportation facilities were improved in the recent times as Kozhimala achieved great fame. The easiest route to Kozhimala is by Kattappana - Kanchiyar - Swaraj - Murikkattukudi route. Private buses operates to Kozhimala from Kattappana at regular intervals. Taxis are also available from the main junction at Swaraj.
