Introduction to Anthraper History book by Benyamin.

The Anthraper Family History book was republished in 2015. The famous Indian novelist and short story writer, Benyamin has written the introduction to the republished edition of  Anthraper Family History book. In it he mentions the situation in which he wrote the novel ' Manja veyil maranangal'.

https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/social-issues/the-arrival-of-portuguese-and-origin-of-anthrappers-1.29766

The history of Anthraper family

     

The history of Anthraper family goes back to the early 16th century. The very name 'Anthraper' is derived from Andrew Feretta, a Portuguese name, and also 'AntharaPeriyavar', a term used to denote a person of high nobility.


It begins with the arrival in Cochin of Andrew Feretta of Portugal and his wife Catherina and son Diego Feretta along with Vasco de Gama, the explorer, in 1502. Andrew Feretta settled down in Cochin, rising to the rank of Military Commander of the King of Cochin and in time, his son inherited his father's mantle and served the King well. Diego Feretta was made a 'Madambi' (Local chieftain or Earl) in 1545, and was the only Christian Madambi among 71 other Madambis of Cherthala Area. The Anthrapers always married ladies of Portuguese origin until 1786 when Kochandy Anthraper accepted a bride Anna, from the local parish. And with this, their integration with the land was complete. All the living Anthrapers of many branches are the descendants of this couple.

https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/social-issues/the-arrival-of-portuguese-and-origin-of-anthrappers-1.29766