135 Karnataka royals live under one roof

Janiscad

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsIn an era of nuclear families, the complex joint family at Vittal Aramane (palace) in Vittal, 45 km from Mangalore, is a rare spectacle. The size of this extended family, which consists of 135 members, ensures there is never a dull moment in the 30-room building. The families, who have separate kitchens, get together on festive occasions.The practice of a matrilineal system in the family where a girl marries her mother’s brother has prevented descendants from leaving the fold. Besides, an adoption process started by Ravivarma Narasimha Raja, that left ten children as his successors between 1873 and 1934, was another reason for the descendants becoming a unique example of a complex joint family.Further, due to a genetic trait, most of the family members are less than five feet tall. This has made them shy and reluctant. The inmates of the one-storey Vittal Aramane, living as commoners, are descendants of the royal Arasu dynasty, which has a history of 750 years, making it older than the Wodeyar dynasty.Descendants of the dynasty, Janardana Varma Arasa (79) the oldest living member of the family, and Nanda Varma Arasa said the dynasty was known not for its wars but for charity. Historians had highlighted the wars waged by Hyder Ali against Vittal in 1768 and Tipu Sultan in 1784.first published:August 16, 2012, 10:20 ISTlast updated:August 16, 2012, 10:20 IST
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In an era of nuclear families, the complex joint family at Vittal Aramane (palace) in Vittal, 45 km from Mangalore, is a rare spectacle. The size of this extended family, which consists of 135 members, ensures there is never a dull moment in the 30-room building. The families, who have separate kitchens, get together on festive occasions.

The practice of a matrilineal system in the family where a girl marries her mother’s brother has prevented descendants from leaving the fold. Besides, an adoption process started by Ravivarma Narasimha Raja, that left ten children as his successors between 1873 and 1934, was another reason for the descendants becoming a unique example of a complex joint family.

Further, due to a genetic trait, most of the family members are less than five feet tall. This has made them shy and reluctant. The inmates of the one-storey Vittal Aramane, living as commoners, are descendants of the royal Arasu dynasty, which has a history of 750 years, making it older than the Wodeyar dynasty.

Descendants of the dynasty, Janardana Varma Arasa (79) the oldest living member of the family, and Nanda Varma Arasa said the dynasty was known not for its wars but for charity. Historians had highlighted the wars waged by Hyder Ali against Vittal in 1768 and Tipu Sultan in 1784.