Raman Rajamannan, the tribal king of Kerala's Mannan community, has been invited to attend the 76th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The invitation was extended by the Scheduled Tribes Development Department. Accompanied by his wife, Binumol, Rajamannan has already reached Delhi, where their itinerary includes meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and other dignitaries. The couple will also visit historical sites, including Agra, before returning to Kerala on February 2.

A king without a palace

Despite his royal title, Rajamannan, 39, lives a humble life as a farmer in Kozhimala, a tribal settlement in Idukki district. The Mannan community’s traditions make him their ceremonial leader, but he has no palace or official vehicle. Instead, he resides in a modest concrete house and shares responsibility for managing a local temple with his family.

The king, known for his traditional headgear called thalappavu, maintains a simple lifestyle despite his ceremonial status. While his tribe honours him during social gatherings, he continues to work as a farmer, like most members of his community.

Rajamannan became king in 2012, succeeding Ariyan Raja Mannan. He is notably the first literate king of the Mannan tribe, having graduated in Economics from Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam. His daily life is far removed from the grandeur often associated with royalty, as he lives without collecting levies from his people. Contributions from the community are made only during special festivals.

The tribe

The Mannan tribe, numbering around 3,000, is spread across 46 settlements, primarily in Idukki. The community follows a distinct governance system, with Rajamannan at its apex. A council of 50 ministers, known as kaanis, assists him, alongside four deputy kings (upa rajas) and a prince (ilayaraja). Local matters are managed by 13-member committees in each settlement, while the council meets several times a year to address broader issues.

The tribe traces its origins to present-day Tamil Nadu, where their ancestors fled the Chola-Pandya wars centuries ago. They settled in the dense forests of Idukki, forming their own kingdom. While historically forest dwellers, most Mannans today are farmers, daily wage workers, or employees in the Forest Department. The community, which follows a matrilineal inheritance system, has embraced modern education, with children attending regular schools.

The invitation

Kerala’s Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, OR Kelu, personally handed over the Republic Day invitation to Rajamannan. The event marks the first time a tribal king from the Mannan community has been invited to the national celebration.

In the past, Pandian, another member of the Mannan community, attended the Republic Day parade. Rajamannan’s presence at the event symbolises the recognition of tribal cultures and their significance in the nation’s history. The Scheduled Tribes Development Department has covered the couple’s travel expenses, ensuring they can represent their heritage on the national stage.