Unniarcha is a popular legendary warrior and heroine mentioned in the Vadakkan Pattukal, the old ballads of North Malabar. She is a popular character in Kerala's folklore. She is believed to have lived in northern part of Kerala, India during 16th century.Attummanammel Unniyarcha was from the famous Puthooram Veedu a Chekavar (Thiyya) family of Malabar.She was the sister of Aromal Chekavar and Unnikannan (another legendary warrior). She was trained in the arts of the kalari, and an expert at wielding the urumi, a flexible sword used in kalaripayat. She saved the women of her village from being forcibly kidnapped by a rival community. Unniyarcha spurned Chandu (or Chanthu) Chekavar's love for her, which led to the murder of her brother Aromal by Chanthu. Later, Aromalunni, the son of Unniyarcha, took revenge against Chanthu.Unniyarcha is praised for her bravery and beauty in Vadakkan Pattukal. She is considered as a heroine and symbol of female ability in Malayalee woman. Songs and chronicles have to this day kept the legend alive.
Vatakara is the capital of old Kurumbranadu, which was inhabited by a tribal folk known as Kurumbrar. The name Kurumbranadu has its origin in the name of this tribe. A Nambiar Lord known as "Vadakara Vazhunnore" was the former ruler of this area.Vadakara is known as the birthplace of Unniyarcha, Aromal Chekavar, Thacholi Othenan, the legendary heros of the Vadakkanpattu (ballads of North Malabar). These ballads of oral tradition are considered to be of great literary and aesthetic value. Thacholi Tharavadu (the original Thacholi family home) is still preserved and the birth anniversary of Thacholi Othenan is celebrated. Lokanarkavu is one of the famous temples in this area. Also the temple for the memory of legend Thacholi Othenan is located at Vadakara. This temple is named as Thacholi Manikkothu Kavu temple.The martial art form Kalarippayattu has the largest number of exponents in Vatakara. Also a temple resides near to Vatakara town named as Kalariyullathil Temple.In 1934 Mahatma Gandhi visited Vatakara as part of a fund raising trip to North Malabar.
The Movie is based on the story of Thacholi Othenan & Unniarcha
Unni archa
HISTORY
The Marakars were admirals of Zamorines. who valiantly resisted the Portuguese on high seas. Kunhali Marakars built a fort on the southern bank of Moorad river which was completely destroyed by Portuguese with the help of Zamorins for various reasons. The place is known today as Kottakkal. It is 46 Kms. North of Kozhikode.