A heritage spanning nearly two millennia β from the first Christian converts of Kerala to 773 documented members across 12 generations, settled across India and the world.
Click to edit text above or below the chart.
The chart below traces the Powathikunnel lineage from its origins in AD 52 through to the founding of the Mavelikara branch in AD 1806. Click the chart to open a full-size view.
Click chart to view full size Β· Generations 1β12 Β· Mavelikara Branch
From the Mallappally settlement, six main family branches spread across Kerala and beyond:
The founding branch, named after Bhagavathikunnu
One of the earliest offshoots from Mallappally
Branch that later moved to Edathua via Veliyathu
Family of Orthodox Metropolitan H.H. Geevarghese Mar Deevannasios
Settled in the Thuruthy area of central Kerala
One of the prominent Mallappally family lines
The complete narrative as recorded in the Powathikunnel Kudumbayogam family history book. Each chapter can be expanded for the full account.
Honouring those who have dedicated their time, knowledge and care to preserving the Powathikunnel family history across the generations.
Our forefather Chitramezhuthu K. M. Varghese was the first person to systematically record the history of the Mavelikara Powathikunnel families, documenting nearly two hundred years of the family's life at Mavelikara.
His research extended to Palayoor village, Chavakkadu β tracing its history across more than 1,600 years β establishing the family's origins in the Pakalomattom Tharavadu of Palayoor among the earliest Christian converts of Kerala following the arrival of St. Thomas in AD 52.
He is rightly regarded as the First Historian of the Mavelikara Powathikunnel Families. Everything recorded here stands on the foundation he laid.
The Powathikunnel Kudumbayogam β Mavelikara Unit produced the printed family history book from which much of this directory has been drawn. The committee below dedicated their time and effort to researching, compiling and publishing that work, ensuring the family's story was preserved for future generations.
Source: Mavelikara Powathikunnel Family History Book β Powathikunnel Kudumbayogam, Mavelikara Unit (2007)
This family directory is compiled as part of an ongoing effort to digitize, document and preserve the complete history of the Powathikunnel family for future generations.
This family tree is the continuation of a journey that began long before the digital age. The foundation was laid by my grandfather, whose dedication to recording our family's history preserved valuable stories, relationships, and memories for future generations. His work was later expanded and enriched by my uncle Thomas George (Roy) and a team of family members who collaborated to produce the family history book from which much of this information has been drawn.
The directory currently covers 775 members across 12 generations from two family trees β the Mallappally Varghese tree and the Ulahannan Ittyavirah tree. Data has been sourced from the Powathikunnel Kudumbayogam family history books (Mavelikara Powathikunnel Family β 2007) and family records.
What makes this family tree different from many traditional genealogies is the principle on which it is now re-built. Historically, Christian family records in Kerala often followed a patriarchal model, tracing primarily the male lineage and giving less prominence to daughters and their descendants. This digitized tree takes a different approach. It is based on kinship through shared ancestry and bloodline rather than gender. Every descendant, whether through a son or a daughter, is considered an equally important part of our family story.
This is not merely a record of names and dates; it is a celebration of our shared heritage and the connections that unite us. My hope is that by preserving and expanding this work, we honour those who came before us while creating a lasting legacy for those who will come after us.
A quick guide to finding family members, navigating the tree, and suggesting additions or corrections.
Type any name, location, or pet name in the search bar to find a family member instantly. Use the dropdowns to filter by Generation, Gender, or Family Tree.
Click any member card to open their full profile β showing their biography, parents, spouses, date of birth, location, and children.
Hover over any card to reveal the β edit button. Click it to correct a name, add a date, or update any details. Changes save automatically and are visible to all family members.
Open any profile and click π· Add Photo. You can upload one or several photos. They are stored securely and visible to everyone. You can also remove a photo using the π button.
Click the οΌ Add Member button at the top. Fill in as much or as little as you know β even just a name and generation is helpful. The new member will appear immediately.
Select either the Mallappally Varghese Tree or the Ulahannan Ittyavirah Tree from the dropdown. The tree starts from the root ancestor.
Click any ancestor card on the left to go up the tree. Click any descendant card on the right to go deeper. The focused person always appears in the centre with full details.
Use the search box in the tree toolbar to jump directly to any family member by name β no need to navigate step by step.
The gold breadcrumb bar at the top shows your path from the root. Click any name in it to jump back up the chain instantly.
Use this form to suggest a correction, provide additional information, or request that a family member be added. Your suggestion will be reviewed before being added to the directory.
β οΈ Conditions for contributing will be added here shortly. All suggestions are reviewed before being applied.
Review new member entries and suggestions. Only published entries appear in the live directory.