It was in AD 52 the Apostle St. Thomas visited and preached Christianity in Kerala. When St.Thomas began to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, large number of prominent families or groups of people with powerful chieftains, have adopted Christianity as their religion.

Nilakkal Church was the most prominent Church which was instituted by St.Thomas. It is believed that the original Church at Aruvithura was instituted by St.Thomas. Till 14th Century, Nilakkal (also known as Chayal) was one of the biggest trade centre in Kerala in spices and timber having business relations with Romans, Jews, Parsis, Portuguese etc..

During the 14th Century, the Church of Nilakkal was destroyed by Para - Pattam and Vikram- Puli- Thevar and that resulted in a massive migration of Syrian Christians from Nilakkal to other places, especially to Chengannur, Mallappally, Vaipore, Kanjirappally, Puthuppaly and Aruvithura.

Valiyaveettil Family was a very prominent Syrian Christian family at Nilakkal when the migration started..