A history of patriotism and service.

"They not only occupied a very high position in the social scale, but also enjoyed at different times the rare distinction of forming part of the bodyguards of the King and the Militia of the country"
--- Castes and Tribes of Southern India, volume 6, page 447.


"The Surianis of Malabar trained their children in martial arts from the age of 8 to 25. They always carried a sword in their right hand and some even carried guns. Though they carry weapons, they are generally and very gentle and peaceful people"
-- Padmanabhamenon, Kochirajyacharithram Volume 1,page 472-473.


"The portuguese respected the MALANKARA syrian christians as allies and good soldiers. Because the Malankara Syrian christians of St.Thomas are the best warriors, more courageous and handy with the musket in the whole of Malabar"
---Gouvea, Travancore State Manual 11.page 154


"Only when they went to church did they laid down their weapons. Since they were much sought out by kings for use in wars,they were not entitled to pay any taxes"
---Bishop Middleton,Lives of missionaries in India,page 54-54


"In arms, in arts and possibly in virtue, they excelled the natives of Hindustan. The husbandsmen cultivated the palm tree, the merchants were enriched by the pepper trade. The Soldiers preceded the Nairs or nobles of Malabar, and their hereditary privileges were respected by the gratitude or the fear of the King of Cochin and by the Zamorin(Samoothiri) himself"
---History of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire,1787,page 836.