A graceful dignified lady stood on a hillock in Punnat in Northern Malabar surveying the lush green surroundings that stretched as far as the eye could see. The lady’s name was Kadiyumma. She deeply loved the serenity and the life giving energy of the hills, the verdant valleys and the silver lakes and cascades that made up the topography of the region. It was an intrinsic part of her being.

However, slung across her shoulder was a rifle which incongruously clung to her lithe profile. It served as a grim reminder of the realities of life, of that fascinating bygone era. A time when man needed to master the art of co existing with nature without treading any fine lines. Kadiyumma at that time was into the early stages of her pregnancy.

Constantly reminded of the uncertainties of life in such an unpredictable environment, Kadiyumma longed for a safe and secure upbringing for the child that nestled in her womb. Later that year, Kadiyumma gave birth to a beautiful baby girl who was named Ayesha. Shortly thereafter, her husband Uppi Haji and Kadiyumma moved into the newly constructed Punnat House, the completion of which almost coincided with the birth of their child. Kadiyumma’s wish for a safe and wholesome environment for her child was granted. Ayesha, later to be known as Ayesha Hajumma, was destiny’s child.

Not only was she blessed with beauty, in her adulthood, it was complemented by great foresight, vision, humility and compassion. Ayesha Hajumma grew up surrounded by all the love and affection that a large extended affluent family could provide. In due course she was married to her cousin Kunhalikutty. Ayesha Hajumma was a God fearing lady and was known for her piety. She was a generous benefactor to the needy and among her undertakings was a communal kitchen where every needy visitor to Punnat irrespective of religion , caste or creed could eat to their heart’s content.

Despite being uneducated herself, she placed great emphasis on education and learning. She was instrumental in setting up a ‘Darasu’[madrasa] in Punnat where valuable kitaabs and other facilities were provided for study. The news of this institution and the quality of its education spread far and wide across the land. Soon people from all over the country came to the far flung corner of the country to pursue knowledge and understand the true meaning of Islam. Ayesha Hajumma’s marriage to Kunhalikutty yielded eight children.

Among them was the illustrious A.K Kunhi Mayan Haji who later went on to carve his own niche in the history of the region and the country. That is however, another story that remains to be told. Meanwhile, the legends and history that makes the family what it is, lives on and continues to grow with each passing generation.