We have some old microfilm in our archives which is labelled as having been taken some at Nedumpilli Mana, Taikkat Mana and Kavapramarth Mana.

I've found this website "Famous Manas in Kerala" 

which lists Nedumpilli Mana amoung others but I'm still not clear what exactly is meant by a "Mana".  Is it an extended family home?, the center of a religious sect?, a religious school? or something else.

Apologies if this is an elementary question, any help would be appreciated.

Harry Spier

Manager, Muktabodha Digital Library