Chempil Arayan

Admiral of Travancore navy Chempil Arayan
Travancore navy
Nickname(s)	Chempil Koli
Born	Chempu, Travancore Kingdom
Allegiance	Travancore Kingdom
Service/branch	Travancore navy
Rank	Admiral
Battles/wars	Thiruvithamkoor rebellion

Chempil Thailamparambil Anantha Padmanabhan Valiya Arayan Kankumaran, known as Chempil Arayan, was the Admiral of the fleet in the service of Avittam Thirunal Balarama Varma, King of Travancore. He was born at Chempu, near Vaikom, in Kottayam, Kerala, India. He belong to the Koli community of Kerala.^[1][2]

Chempil Arayan was involved in the Travancore War under the command of Velu Thampi Dalawa in 1809; among other things he led an attack on Bolghatty Palace, the residence of the then Company Resident, Colin Macaulay. The Resident escaped narrowly with his life, eluding the attackers through a tunnel and fleeing in a small boat. The Arayan was later captured, and freed after the payment of a ransom; he died in battle against the forces of the Company.

Chempil Arayan was well known for his naval exploits using the traditional Kerala boat known as the "Odi Vallam". Chempil Arayan's Nalukettu (Ancestral home) known as Thailamparampil House is in Chempu, Vaikom. The family members have preserved the Nalukettu and all the old artefacts used by Mr.Arayan including his sword and stone statue. Chempil Arayan's tomb is situated next to his ancestral home.

See also[]

• List of Koli people
• List of Koli states and clans

References[]