The Pakalomattam family is one of the ancient Syrian Christian (St. Thomas Christian) families of Kerala.•    The family claims to trace its Christian roots to the evangelisation by St. Thomas the Apostle in AD 52, though historical evidence is debated.  

    •    The Pakalomattam family traditionally held the position of Archdeacon (or Arkkadiyakon) for the St. Thomas Christian community in India, giving them significant ecclesiastical and social status.  

    •    Over centuries they branched out into numerous “sakha” (branches) and “tharavads” (family houses) throughout Kerala.  The family has many branches listed across Kerala; for example the branch called Pandalam Sakha is one among them.  

    •    On the official branch listing, Pandalam Sakha is recorded under the Thumpamon region (Reg. No. 017).  The Pandalam Sakha is part of the Thumpamon region branches of the Pakalomattam family.  

    •    It shares regional affiliation with other branches such as Vadakkedathu Omalloor, Vadakkedathu Thumpamon, Valiyachangaveettil Thatta, and Pallivathukkal Thumpamon.  

    •    Being a branch means: they trace their lineage to the common Pakalomattam ancestral family, maintain kin-relations, conduct family gatherings/kudumbayogams, and often have their own branch-level organisational structure.