One of the important subjects in the historical studies of Monsignor Dr. Jacob Kollaparambil is the later migration of the Knanaya community from Kodungallur and the development of Kottayam as a major centre of the Knanaya community. Kodungallur was one of the earliest important centres of the Knanaya settlers who traditionally arrived in Kerala under the leadership of Knai Thoma. At that time, Kodungallur was one of the major port cities of Kerala and was an important centre of trade and international contacts.
Over time, the political and commercial importance of Kodungallur underwent significant changes. As a result, different sections of the Christian community living in the region gradually moved to other parts of Kerala. A significant section of the Knanaya community also migrated to inland regions, including Kottayam. This migration was not merely a movement from one place to another. It was also an effort to preserve their traditional customs, ecclesiastical life, family relationships, and distinct community identity in their new settlements.
The Kottayam region was favourable for agriculture and inland trade. After settling there, the Knanayas established churches and community structures and continued their liturgical traditions, customs, marriage practices, and communal life. As a result, Kottayam gradually developed into one of the principal social and ecclesiastical centres of the Knanaya community.
Kottayam Valiyapally has a particularly important place in this historical development. It was not merely a place of worship but also became an important centre of the social and ecclesiastical unity of the Knanaya community. The community’s ecclesiastical organisation and social life became increasingly established around Kottayam. The establishment of the Kottayam Vicariate in 1911 and, subsequently, the Diocese of Kottayam gave a more formal ecclesiastical structure to the distinctive organisation of the Knanaya community.
Therefore, the historical significance of Kottayam in Knanaya history does not mean that the Knanayas originated in Kottayam. Rather, a migrant community with a West Asian Syriac Christian background passed through various historical stages in Kerala and eventually developed Kottayam into one of its principal centres. In the continuity of Knanaya history that began at Kodungallur, Kottayam became an important and decisive chapter.
