Published Paper Details:

A Kovilagam is the household of local political authorities who are present in length and breadth of Kerala from medieval times onwards. This is the residence, where all who have not succeeded to get kingship (raja) remain under the management of the eldest resident male or female member of that particular branch of the family. Literally kovil is a space where a deity dwels. Kovilakam is therefore a walled compound where the kovil is situated. The Kovil, being the abode of deity, possesses a supreme position in the day to day life of the members of the kovilagam during the medieval period though it has lost its importance in the present. The domestic practices as well as political life of the members of kovilagam are centered on the Kovil where the family deity is dwelling. Kovilathikari who is the supreme authority of the Kovilagam wielded his power ritually as the authority over the Kovil as the protector of the deity. Kovilagam may also include the properties attached to the household.