Pothen Kuruvilla the founder of Olassa family in Changanacherry had 3 sons. The eldest among his sons was Kuruvilla Kochandy. It is presumed the 3 sons were born before coming to Changanacherry.

Kuruvilla Kochandy was enthusiastic, brave and eminent person loved by the people at large . Moreover he was a government employee. His date of birth is not known exactly but it is presumed that he was born during the end of 18^th century or beginning of 19^th century.

Tamil and Malayalam were the prevailing languages, English education was not there then. The prayer books and songs were in Tamil and Malayalam. Kuruvilla Kochandy learned Tamil and Malayalam. He helped his father Pothen Kuruvilla in business and agriculture.   

Kuruvilla Kochandy got married from the famous Kodikkal family in Muttar when he was 20 years old. He had five  children, four sons and a daughter. He bought property and house where Taluk Hospital Changanacherry now functions. His second son Pothen was born in this house. Later he bought more land and constructed a new bungalow using the materials of a Namboothiry Mana which was  dismantled. This is considered as the second house of Olassa family. Construction of the new building was based on Brhamin' thachusasthram'. Brahmin houses were known as ‘Mana’, the walls were made of wood. The Nazrani Christians had followed untouchability practice and hence there was a separate place called ‘Thalom’ for the untouchables to wait and see the Christians.  There was a big gate in front of the house called ‘padipura’. Kuruvilla Kochandy’s grandson O P Joseph (Ousephachan) was the last person who lived in this Bungalow. Kochandy constructed a ‘Malika’ (double storyed building) on the western side of this for his son Thomma who was studying for priesthood.

Later, part of Kochandy’s house was renovated and houses were built where Dr. T V Jose (Alphonsa Hospital) and P P Jose (Ex-Municipal chairman) settled. They were maternal descendants of Kochandy .Part of this property was sold to the government for Taluk Hospital.

Kochandy earned financial stability in agriculture.  He acquired large amount of land and paddy field from the govt. In those days agriculture was very profitable as there were adians who served like slaves. Kochandy was able to add large amount of peroperty in Paipad and Kuttanad as well .

Even before the opening of Changanacherry chanda by Veluthampy Delava there was a market. There was a chowka here using which the govt. collected tax from the seller and buyer. The old Anchuvilakku was situated here. There was a ‘Kurisody’ also here. The place between the Kurisady and old Anchuvilakku was known as padinjare chandha (west market). The place in the eastern side of the cross road was known as kizhakke chandha (east market).

During AD 1838 Kochandy was appointed as Treasury officer by the govt. and this appointment  gave him fame and public status. During 1835 chowkas were closed by the government and government decided to sell the land of chowkas  on tender.

Kochandy got the land in auction and he decided to construct a building for doing  business in spite of many  public   objections. Kochandy engaged his elder sons to run the business. Later his second son started textile business. There after for a period of  50 years Olassa family held business here. Later the place was taken by government and declared  as a public place.

During AD 1846 Kochandy decided to send his son Thomma for priesthood. In those days for sending a boy for priesthood, pattakuri was required. ‘Pattakuri’ was actually the consent of the Palliyogam. When Kochandy approached the vicar Maliakkel Mathaichen. Palliyogam raised an objection that there were dues of his father Pothen Kuruvilla  to be cleared  . Actually these dues were charged on Pothen Kuruvilla while he was ‘Kanakkan’ and he was made a scope goat for mismanagement of the church committee. Kochandy remitted 2500 chakrams and got pattakuri. He then raised a complaint to Varapuzha  Archbishop who  made an enquiry and found Kochandy innocent and ordered to repay 2500 chakrams to Kochandy. But Kochandy, a man of principle  did not accept this, but paid back to the church . More about Kochandy’s involvement in the church politics can be read  on pages 27, 28, 29 of Kudumba charithram.

In those days there were only very few who got officer posts in the government of the king. After becoming Treasury officer (Muthalupedikkaran) Kochandy became very popular. The higher posts in government were earmarked for upper class Hindus. During 1800 AD when Col. Mandro became the British resident at Travancore. Revenue department became independent from Devaswom department. Till then appointment in to Revenue Department was monopoly of Hindus. When the Revenue Department was detached from Devaswom, upper class Christians also became eligible for higher parts. Thus the Kochandy became Muthalupedikkaran.

Kuruvilla Kochandy may be the first christian to get this post.Actually this post was reserved for wealthy people and members of very decent families. The Travancore kings were giving Kappam to the British Government in those days. In certain times the revenue was not sufficient to give Kappam. During such times the Treasury officer would remit this from his own wealth. Later this  would be reimbursed. 

As trustee of the church, Kochandy made many reforms in the church. His leadership, initiative and ability to implement  many innovative ideas were accepted by one and all. He was responsible for constructing the boundry wall for cemetery and digging the well in front of the church.

Kochandy was tall, fair and handsome  intelligent person with very pleasing behaviour and qualities.. It is presumed that he died in 1859 before the age of 60.

Kochandy had four sons and a daughter. His daughter Mariamma was married to Kuzhiampackal family in Pulincunnoo. Children of Kuruvilla Kochandy.

Children:

1. Kochandy Vareeth
2. Kochandy Thoma (Thomma Kathanar)
3. Kochandy Pothen
4. Kochandy Chandy
5. Mariamma Kuzhiyampackal (Mammy)