Originally from a poor family, due to starvation he joined the retinue of Pazhassi Raja as a boy.
[2] Raja also arranged his marriage with a lady named Unniamma, who was sister of famous Kaitheri Ambu.
[4] Chandu after 1793 openly broke off his ties with Raja and joined forces with his uncle Vira Varma and then, with English East India Company.
But he was a spy who informed his master Kerala Varma Pazhassi about moves and plans made by enemies.
It is also said that it was English who did that as they felt he had outlived his utility, and also as a punishment for espionage he did for rebel Raja for nearly 12 years.