North Malabar
Encyclopedia
North Malabar is a historic as well as geographic distinction in India used to refer the area covering; present Kasaragod
and Kannur
Districts, Mananthavady
taluk of Wayanad
District and Koyilandy
& Vatakara
taluks of Kozhikode
District in modern Kerala and the entire Mahé sub-Division of Pondicherry State.
Majority of North Malabar (except Mahé ) remained as one of the two administrative divisions of Malabar District
(an administrative district of British India under Madras Presidency
) till 1947 and later part of India
's Madras State
till 1956. Mahé remained under French jurisdiction
until 13 June 1954. On November 1, 1956, the state of Kerala was formed by the States Reorganisation Act
merging the Malabar District
, Travancore
-Cochin [excluding four southern taluks, which were merged with Tamil Nadu
], and the of Kasaragod taluk
of South Kanara District.
The area of North Malabar begins at Korapuzha
in the south and ends at Manjeshwaram
in the north of Kerala
and traditionally comprises erstwhile princely principalities and fiefdoms of Kolathu Nadu
, Kadatha Nadu
and southern parts of Tulu Nadu
.
Even during ancient and early medieval periods, North Malabar retained her distinct political identity. Cheras at no point of time could impose their full control on this zone and in many sense have features which set it apart from rest of Kerala culturally.
. The demographic distribution comprise of native Hindu
s, native Mappila
-Muslims, native Jains and migrant-Christian
communities and is characterized by distinct socio-cultural customs and behavior. The people of North Malabar have striven to preserve their distinct and unique identity and heritage from ancient times , through colonial times into modern political India
. Until early twentieth century there were cultural taboos among various communities from North Malabar for their women in marrying from souther n territories. Even in modern times it is not uncommon to see “alliances from Malabar region preferred” in matrimonial columns of native North Malabar families irrespective of their ethno-religious background within this area. Interestingly, traditionally North Malabar has remained the fountain source for erstwhile aristocracy to many southern territories of Kerala through displacement and adoptions including the Travancore Royal Family
. The Northern Malabar identity and pride is often possessively guarded by its natives of all ethnic and religious background , giving the impression akin to a sacerdotal supremacy.
Some peculiar social and cultural and historical features are:
1. In pre-democratic era, Marumakkathayam
-matriliniality was more widely prevalent among the natives of North Malabar thus including the Muslim community and the Nambudiri community of Payyanur
in addition to the other traditional matrilinial communities such as Nayar
s and Thiyyas. Even the practice of matriliniality was distinctly different and was predominantly matrilinial virilocal. Unlike other parts of erstwhile matrilinial-Kerala, polyandry was a strict taboo in North Malabar and exceptional customs such as Putravakaasham (purse/estate grants to children of male members) were occasionally allowed in matrilineal-North Malabar.
2. The landlords of Malabar during colonial and pre-colonial times were the largest landlords of Kerala and the political authority during this time was decentralized in contrast to southern principalities; with the station of Kolathiri
although immensely respected was politically titular. Interestingly, the Kolathiri Kings of North Malabar had the ritualistic status of Perumaal and thereby his official dignities (sthanis) retain their dignity all over Kerala excepting the Rajarajashwara temple at Taliparamba
. In addition, the lineages in North malabar claim and assert superior ritual-rank clan by clan to their equivalent clans from southern principalities.
3. Prevalence and adherence to a variant of malayalam calendar
4. Unique ritualistic art-forms like Theyyam
and Thidambu Nritham
.
5. The major festival of Hindus in this region is Vishu
instead of Onam
(which is the major festival of Hindus in rest of Kerala). In North Malabar, Vishu is celebrated as New Year. Because, the Kollavarsham month Medam - which is parallel to first Tamil month Chithirai - is the first month of the year for natives of North Malabar. Vishu festival is spread to two days Cheriya (small) Vishu and Valiya (main) Vishu. Unlike rest of Kerala it is not uncommon to see Hindu natives of this region cook and eat non-veg food during their festivals including Vishu & Onam and sometimes even in marriage households.
6. People from all religions participate in major festival of Temples, Mosques and Churches. Few examples are : Nadapuram
Mosque, Mahe Church, Moonnu Pettumma Palli Pappinisseri
and Theyyam
ritual art.
7. Unlike rest of Kerala, natives of North Malabar mix Coconut
paste with Sambar - the most common dish of South India
.
8. North Malabar cuisine is noted for its variety of dishes like chutneys, pancakes, steamed cakes and various dishes such as Kalathappam
, Kinnathappam
, Uruttu Chammanthi , Poduthol
, Pathiri
, Chatti Pathiri
, moodakadamban. The bakery-cuisine is well developed and has led to large segments of natives engaged in popular bakeries in Chennai
, Bangalore
, Mumbai
, Coimbatore
, Mysore, Pune
and Southern Kerala.
9. People are characterized by a stronger sense of socio-political aspirations often leading to larger number of political violence in the area.
10. Textile, Beedi
, hand-weaving
, plywood
and coir
represent important industries and cashew
, Cinnamon
(Asia's largest farm) and pepper
are important cash crops.
11. Dichotomy : North malabar represent on of the earliest and largest pockets of exposure to other cultures in Kerala
through Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Tuluva
s, Rashtrakuta
s, Kodava
s, Tulus, Arab
s, Persians
, Portuguese
, Dutch
, French
, British
, and through early employment and migrations in government and military services from the time of its incorporation in Madras Presidency
and yet conservatively possessive of its identity preferring a "geographical endogamy" culture.
12. North Malabar represents the only geographical entity where a quasi-independent Islamic Kingdom viz. Arakkal existed as a nominal vassal of the Kolathiri
rulers.
or Kollavarsham practiced in central/south Kerala excepting North Malabar began on August 25 825 A. D and the year commences with Simha-raasi (Leo
) and not in Mesha-raasi (Aries
) as in other Indian calendar
s. Although there are several accounts, current, recorded and heresay about the commencement of the Kollam era , however in erstwhile North Malabar / Kolathunadu, the Kollam era is reckoned from the next month, Kanya-rasi (Virgo) (September 25) instead. This variation has two interesting accounts associated with it.
(1) The traditional text Kerolopathi
attributes the introduction of Kollam era to Shankaracharya
. So if you convert the word Aa chaa rya vaa ga bhed ya (meaning Shankaracharya's word/law is unalterable) in to numbers in the Katapayadi notation it translates into 0 6 1 4 3 4 1 and these written backwards gives the age of the Kali yuga
on the first year of the Kollam era. Kali day 1434160 would work out to be September 25, 825 A.D which corresponds to the beginning of Kollam era in North Malabar, i.e. the first day of the Kanya-raasi (Virgo) .
(2) The second account is that Kollam era commenced in Malabar from the date on which the then King of Kerala, Cheraman Pallibana Perumal
adopted the religion of Islam
and set sail from the port of Pantalaayani-Kollam
in North Malabar.
, China
, South Canara
, Mysore, Kodagu
and European colonial powers for several centuries. Some of these dialects are Kasaragod Malayalam, Mappila dialect of Malayalam
etc. In modern times younger generation from North Malabar in particular and Malabar in general often face ridicule and taunt from their peers with other Malayalam dialects in schools and colleges and often face immense pressure and are co-erced to feel ashamed of their dialect. The youth of North Malabar and Malabar in general are trying their best to preserve this language and strive to conserve their dialects from the influence of supplanted text book Malayalam for conversation. However majority of the young-adult Keralites from other provinces who are ignorant of the rich melting culture of Malabar dialects are uncomfortable with this form of Malayalam and increased awareness of the rich heritage of Malabar dialects and their phonetic, semantic and syntax may be the way to future .
by performing Hiranyagarbham. Since the Namboothiris were not prepared, Udayavarman brought 237 families of ShivallyTulu Brahmins from Gokarna
and settled them in five counties namely Cheruthazham, Kunniriyam, Arathil, Kulappuram and Vararuchimangalam of North Malabar. For the 237 families to worship, Sree Raghavapuram temple (Hanuman Kavu) at Pilathara was assigned and they considered it as their village temple. The 93 Edukunchi families out of it had the hereditary trusteeship of Cheruthazham Sreekrishnapuram temple, 62 Gunavantham families that of Arathil Sreebhadrapuram temple and the 82 Vilakkoor families that of Udayapurath Haripuram temple. These 237 families adopted the customs of local Nambudiri Brahmins and came to be referred to as Embranthiris.
. A team of priests, especially of the O.S.H. Society and laymen were sent ahead to prepare the ground and to receive them on their arrival and the local area name was changed from Echikkol to Rajapuram
.In the same pattern of the project of Rajapuram
the diocese
organized another settlement at Madampam near Kannur
. The Diocese bought 2000 acres (8.1 km²) of land and 100 families migrated to the new area on May 3, 1943. The settlement was called Alexnagar after the name of Bishop Mar Alexander Chulaparambil. Madathumala
in Kasargod District at its eastern border with the Karnataka
state was the venue of a third settlement of 45 families. The land was purchased on September 26, 1969 and the settlement inaugurated on February 2, 1970 was dedicated to Bl. Virgin Mary, and was called Ranipuram
. Though there were initial difficulties due to wild animals, Ranipuram gradually prospered and today there is also a Government tourist center at Ranipuram. The Diocese of Kottayam made also arrangements with the Latin Ordinaries to have pastoral ministry and liturgical celebration according to their own Syro-Malabar Rite. Presently, one third of the Knanaya Catholic population is in the Malabar area.
In addition, taking advantage of the selling spree of landlords of Malabar in general and more particularly the larger landlords of North Malabar, several other Travancore
Christian families also immigrated into Malabar to purse agriculture. These migrations peaked during 1960-71.
and Tipu Sultan
from 1766 to 1792 multiple military invasions, plunder and systematic forcible conversions were performed in North and South Malabar alike. Fearing forcible conversion, a significantly large section (Chieftains and Brahmins) of Malabar chose to take refuge in the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore as Travancore had an alliance (Treaty of Mangalore
) with the English Company according to which "an aggression against Travancore would be viewed as equivalent to declaration of war against the English". Thus at various time points between 1766 to 1792 all female members and many male members of different royal families of North and South Malabar (Chirackal, Parappanad
, and Calicut), and chieftains families (Punnathoor
, Nilambur
, Kavalapara
, Azhvanchery Thamprakkal
(titular head of all Namboothiri Brahmins) ) took asylum in Travancore and temporarily settled down in different parts of Travancore. Even after the fall of Tipu Sultan's regime in Srirangapatnam
, some of the Malabar nobility, wholly or partly, preferred to stay back in Travancore because of fear of atrocities on return. The prominent aristocratic lineages in southern Kerala
that claim their origin from Malabar through displacement during this period are (1) Neerazhi Kovilakam, (2) Gramathil Kottaram, (3) Paliyakkara, (4) Nedumparampu, (5) Chempra Madham, (6) Ananthapuram Kottaram, (7) Ezhimatoor Palace, (8) Aranmula Kottaram
, (9) Varanathu Kovilakam, (10) Mavelikkara
, (11) Ennakkadu, (12) Murikkoyikkal Palace, (13) Mariappilly, (14) Koratti Swaroopam, (15) Kaippuzha Kovilakam, (16) Lakshmipuram Palace, and (17) Kottapuram
.
rulers of North Malabar has been a constant source for providing heirs to the Travancore Royal Family
by permitting some of its matrilineal branches of members to make settlements outside Malabar and be adopted. The first adoption took place around 1315 whereby the two princesses of the Kolathiri family were installed as Senior and Junior Rānis of Attingal
, with the titles of Āttingal Mootha Thampurān and Āttingal Elaya Thampurān respectively. Adoptions into the Travancore Royal Family followed in 1684, 1688, 1718, 1748 and 1788 until the 19th century. The celebrated Mārthanda Varma
the Great was a result of the 1688 adoption and his successor Dharmarājā
who fought and defeated Tipu Sultan of Mysore was an offspring of the 1718 adoption. The weak Balarama Varma
who ruled after Dharmarājā in the early 19th century belonged to the 1748 line. The famous Maharanis Gowri Lakshmi Bayi and Gowri Parvati Bayi belonged to the 1788 line as did the Maharajahs Swāthi Thirunāl, Uthram Thirunāl, Āyilyam Thirunāl
, Visākham Thirunāl
and Moolam Thirunāl.
, culture, traditions and Arts. Of late, the Govt. Kerala has realised the need to promote the folk art
s of North Malabar and constituted an institution viz. Kerala Folklore Academy
at Kannur in North Malabar.
Some of the major folk and ritual arts of this region are illustrated below:
----
Area (i.e. Present Vadakara), Theyyam is known as Thirra
. The performance is conducted on a stage called Theyya-thara in this area. There are around 400 types Theyyams. The weird head-hoods, colourful attires and body painting and dazing performances are amazing. Each type has a distinguishing headgear and costume made out of natural materials like coconut leaves and bark. Musical accompaniments are chenda
, elathalam and kuzhal (horn).
Theyyam
- A Ritual Art of North Malabar
----
Thottam Pattu
- A invocative prayer as a ritualistic l Art of North Malabar
. This has been developed between the 9th and 12th centuries.
Kalaripayattu - A Martial Art of North Malabar
----
of North Malabar. The movie Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha
capitalised on the popularity of these stories.
Vadakkan Pattukal - The Ballads of North Malabar
----
Thidambu Nritham
- A Temple Art from North Malabar
----
Poorakkali
- A Folk Art of North Malabar
----
The typical Kolkali group will contain sixteen to twenty members. One among them will sing the folksong and it will be chorused by rest. Harmonizing with the changes in new generation of the youth, Kolkali like all other folk-art of North Malabar, has also changed its look and style. The famous Kolkali groups are in Kasaragod District
.
Kolkali
- An evershining Folk Art of North Malabar
----
After Malappuram, almost all the famous artists of these Mappila arts are from North Malabar.
----
Kasaragod district
Kasaragod District is one of the districts of the Indian state of Kerala. Kasaragod District was organised as a separate district on 24 May 1984...
and Kannur
Kannur district
Kannur District is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala, India. The town of Kannur is the district headquarters, and gives the district its name. The old name Cannanore is the anglicised form of the Malayalam name Kannur. Kannur District is bounded by Kasaragod District to the north and...
Districts, Mananthavady
Mananthavady
Mananthavady is a small town on the banks of Mananthavady Puzha a tributary of the Kabini River in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India.This area was once ruled by the Pazhassi dynasty and the tomb of Pazhassi Raja is an important heritage site located in the heart of the town. This is also the...
taluk of Wayanad
Wayanad District
Wayanad District in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only municipal town in the district. The region was known as Mayakshetra in the...
District and Koyilandy
Koyilandy
Koyilandy is a city and a municipality in Kozhikode district in North Malabar region of the Indian state of Kerala. This town is between Calicut and Badagara and is on NH 17. It can be identified with Tyndis in Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. The freedom fighter K...
& Vatakara
Vatakara
Vatakara is a coastal Municipality in Kozhikode district of Kerala, a South Indian state, spread over an area of 23.33 km2. It is the headquarters of Vatakara taluk. This place is erstwhile Kadathanadu and was part of North Malabar province of Malabar District in Madras State during British...
taluks of Kozhikode
Kozhikode district
Kozhikode District , formerly Calicut, is a district of Kerala state, situated on the southwest coast of India. The city of Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is the district headquarters. The district is 38.25% urbanised...
District in modern Kerala and the entire Mahé sub-Division of Pondicherry State.
Majority of North Malabar (except Mahé ) remained as one of the two administrative divisions of Malabar District
Malabar District
Malabar District was an administrative district of Madras Presidency in British India and independent India's Madras State. The British district included the present-day districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad , and Chavakad Taluk of Thrissur District in the northern part of...
(an administrative district of British India under Madras Presidency
Madras Presidency
The Madras Presidency , officially the Presidency of Fort St. George and also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India...
) till 1947 and later part of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
's Madras State
Madras State
Madras State was the name by which the Indian districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Northern Kerala, Bellary and Dakshina Kannada were collectively known as from 1950 to 1953....
till 1956. Mahé remained under French jurisdiction
French East India Company
The French East India Company was a commercial enterprise, founded in 1664 to compete with the British and Dutch East India companies in colonial India....
until 13 June 1954. On November 1, 1956, the state of Kerala was formed by the States Reorganisation Act
States Reorganisation Act
The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 was a major reform of the boundaries and governance of India's states and territories. The act reorganised the boundaries of India's states along linguistic lines, and amended the Indian Constitution to replace the three types of states, known as Parts A, B,...
merging the Malabar District
Malabar District
Malabar District was an administrative district of Madras Presidency in British India and independent India's Madras State. The British district included the present-day districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad , and Chavakad Taluk of Thrissur District in the northern part of...
, Travancore
Travancore
Kingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of...
-Cochin [excluding four southern taluks, which were merged with Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
], and the of Kasaragod taluk
Kasaragod taluk
Kasaragod, is a taluk which along with Hosdurg taluk constitute the Kasaragod district, Kerala, India.- External links :* *...
of South Kanara District.
The area of North Malabar begins at Korapuzha
Korapuzha
Korapuzha also known as Elathur River is a short river of , with a drainage area of , flowing through the Kozhikode district of Kerala state in India. It is formed by the confluence of two streams, Agalapuzha and Punnoorpuzha which originate in the mountains of Wayanad district. The Korapuzha...
in the south and ends at Manjeshwaram
Manjeshwaram
Manjeshwar is the northern tip of Kerala, bordering Karnataka. It is a small coastal village in Kasaragod district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is 21 km from Mangalore town...
in the north of Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
and traditionally comprises erstwhile princely principalities and fiefdoms of Kolathu Nadu
Kolathunadu
Kolathunādu was one of the three most powerful feudal kingdoms on the Malabar Coast during the arrival Portuguese Armadas to India along with Zamorin's Calicut and Venad. Kolathunād had its capital at Ezhimala and was ruled by Kolathiri royal family and roughly comprised the whole northern...
, Kadatha Nadu
Kadathanadu
Kadathanadu was a former Nair Hindu feudatory city-state in present day Kerala state, South India, on the Malabar Coast famed for its anthology of heroic songs, folklores and ballads and for Kalarippayattu.-Geographical location:Geographically, Kadathanadu is part of North Malabar...
and southern parts of Tulu Nadu
Tulu Nadu
Tulu Nadu is a Tulu-speaking region spread over to parts of present Karnataka and Kerala States of India. It consists of the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka and the northern parts of the Kasaragod district of Kerala up to the Payaswini River...
.
Even during ancient and early medieval periods, North Malabar retained her distinct political identity. Cheras at no point of time could impose their full control on this zone and in many sense have features which set it apart from rest of Kerala culturally.
Culture, Geography and its Folk
The socio-cultural background and geography of this area have many distinctions in contrast to remainder of KeralaKerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
. The demographic distribution comprise of native Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
s, native Mappila
Mappila
Mappila or Moplah refers to a Muslim community of Kerala, primarily in the northern region called Malabar, which arose in Malabar as a result of the pre and post Islamic Arab contacts. Significant numbers of the community are also present in the southern districts of Karnataka and western parts of...
-Muslims, native Jains and migrant-Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
communities and is characterized by distinct socio-cultural customs and behavior. The people of North Malabar have striven to preserve their distinct and unique identity and heritage from ancient times , through colonial times into modern political India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. Until early twentieth century there were cultural taboos among various communities from North Malabar for their women in marrying from souther n territories. Even in modern times it is not uncommon to see “alliances from Malabar region preferred” in matrimonial columns of native North Malabar families irrespective of their ethno-religious background within this area. Interestingly, traditionally North Malabar has remained the fountain source for erstwhile aristocracy to many southern territories of Kerala through displacement and adoptions including the Travancore Royal Family
Travancore Royal Family
The Travancore Royal Family descended from the Venad line of the Cheras and ruled over the Indian state of Travancore until 1947.The Royal family, alternatively known as the Kupaka Royal Family, Thripappur Swaroopam, Venad Swaroopam, Vanchi Swaroopam etc., has its seat today at Trivandrum in...
. The Northern Malabar identity and pride is often possessively guarded by its natives of all ethnic and religious background , giving the impression akin to a sacerdotal supremacy.
1. In pre-democratic era, Marumakkathayam
Marumakkathayam
Marumakkathayam is a matrilinear system of inheritance which was followed by all Nair castes including of Royal Families, some of the Ambalavasis, Arayars, Ezhava, some tribal groups and Mappilas in North Malabar of Kerala state, South India. Unlike other Brahmin families, Payanoor Nambootiris...
-matriliniality was more widely prevalent among the natives of North Malabar thus including the Muslim community and the Nambudiri community of Payyanur
Payyanur
Payyanur is a Municipal Town situated at the northern end of Kannur district in North Malabar region of Kerala, India. This Municipality consists of three administrative villages viz. Vellur, Korom and Payyannur. Other villages are; Annur and Kokkanissery....
in addition to the other traditional matrilinial communities such as Nayar
Nayar
Nayar, Nayyar or Nair can refer to:Groups of people:* Naga People from North Eastern India* The successors of Nāga tradition* Nayar – a caste from the South Indian state of Kerala...
s and Thiyyas. Even the practice of matriliniality was distinctly different and was predominantly matrilinial virilocal. Unlike other parts of erstwhile matrilinial-Kerala, polyandry was a strict taboo in North Malabar and exceptional customs such as Putravakaasham (purse/estate grants to children of male members) were occasionally allowed in matrilineal-North Malabar.
2. The landlords of Malabar during colonial and pre-colonial times were the largest landlords of Kerala and the political authority during this time was decentralized in contrast to southern principalities; with the station of Kolathiri
Kolathiri
Kolathiri or Kolathiri Rājā was the title by which the senior most male along the matilinial line of the Mushika or Kolathunādu Royal Family was styled...
although immensely respected was politically titular. Interestingly, the Kolathiri Kings of North Malabar had the ritualistic status of Perumaal and thereby his official dignities (sthanis) retain their dignity all over Kerala excepting the Rajarajashwara temple at Taliparamba
Taliparamba
Taliparamba is a city and a municipality in Kannur district in the Indian state of Kerala and spread over an area of 43.05 km2. It stretches from the coastal area of Ramanthali to Nuchiyard and Vayathur villages, touching the Karnataka border.Taliparamba is a big town of 67,000 people...
. In addition, the lineages in North malabar claim and assert superior ritual-rank clan by clan to their equivalent clans from southern principalities.
3. Prevalence and adherence to a variant of malayalam calendar
Malayalam calendar
Malayalam calendar is a solar and sidereal Hindu calendar used in Kerala, India. The origin of the calendar has been dated as 825 CE....
4. Unique ritualistic art-forms like Theyyam
Theyyam
Theyyam or Theyyattam or Thira is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu area Theyyam or Theyyattam or Thira is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu...
and Thidambu Nritham
Thidambu Nritham
Thidambu Nritham is a ritual dance performed in Temples of North Malabar. This is one among many rich art traditions of North Malabar. It is mainly performed by Namboothiris, and rarely other Brahmin communities....
.
5. The major festival of Hindus in this region is Vishu
Vishu
Vishu is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, usually on April 14 of the Gregorian calendar. This occasion signifies the Sun's transit into the Mesha Raasi , according to Indian astrological calculations, and represents the vernal equinox...
instead of Onam
Onam
Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It falls during the month of Chingam and lasts for ten days...
(which is the major festival of Hindus in rest of Kerala). In North Malabar, Vishu is celebrated as New Year. Because, the Kollavarsham month Medam - which is parallel to first Tamil month Chithirai - is the first month of the year for natives of North Malabar. Vishu festival is spread to two days Cheriya (small) Vishu and Valiya (main) Vishu. Unlike rest of Kerala it is not uncommon to see Hindu natives of this region cook and eat non-veg food during their festivals including Vishu & Onam and sometimes even in marriage households.
6. People from all religions participate in major festival of Temples, Mosques and Churches. Few examples are : Nadapuram
Nadapuram
Nadapuram is a special grade Panchayath, coming under Nadapuram assembly constituency. It is in North Malabar region of Kerala, India. Four times Nadapuram won the best panchayat award of Kozhikode district....
Mosque, Mahe Church, Moonnu Pettumma Palli Pappinisseri
Pappinisseri
Pappinisseri is a census town in Kannur districtകണ്ണൂര് கண்ணூர் कण्णूर in the Indian state of Kerala.-Geography:Pappinisseri is located at . It has an average elevation of 1 metres .-Demographics:...
and Theyyam
Theyyam
Theyyam or Theyyattam or Thira is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu area Theyyam or Theyyattam or Thira is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu...
ritual art.
7. Unlike rest of Kerala, natives of North Malabar mix Coconut
Coconut
The coconut palm, Cocos nucifera, is a member of the family Arecaceae . It is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which is not a botanical nut. The spelling cocoanut is an old-fashioned form of the word...
paste with Sambar - the most common dish of South India
South India
South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...
.
8. North Malabar cuisine is noted for its variety of dishes like chutneys, pancakes, steamed cakes and various dishes such as Kalathappam
Kalathappam
Kalathappam is a North Malabar delicacy made of rice flour, jaggery, fried onions or shallots and coconut flakes and either cooked in a pan like a pancake or baked in a traditional oven.-External links:...
, Kinnathappam
Kinnathappam
Kinnathappam is a very popular traditional sweet cake widely used in North Malabar. Its process of cooking is quite long..-External links:...
, Uruttu Chammanthi , Poduthol
Poduthol
Poduthol is a South Indian North Malabar side dish. This is avery famous and used on daily basis in all the families irrespective of religion in this region. This is generally cooked to have with cooked rice during lunch and dinner...
, Pathiri
Pathiri
Pathiri is a pancake made of rice flour. It is part of the local cuisine among the Mappilas of North Malabar and Malabar in Kerala State of Southern India. Crushed rice is made into a white dough and baked on pans called oadu...
, Chatti Pathiri
Chatti Pathiri
Chatti Pathiri is a layered pastry made in the North Malabar and Malabar region, of Kerala State. It is made in both sweet and savoury variations. The dish is very similar to the Italian lasagna. Instead of pasta; pastry sheets / pancakes made with flour, egg, oil and water is used in this recipe....
, moodakadamban. The bakery-cuisine is well developed and has led to large segments of natives engaged in popular bakeries in Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
, Bangalore
Bangalore
Bengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...
, Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
, Coimbatore
Coimbatore
Coimbatore , also known as Kovai , is the second largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a major commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is known as the "Manchester of South India"....
, Mysore, Pune
Pune
Pune , is the eighth largest metropolis in India, the second largest in the state of Maharashtra after Mumbai, and the largest city in the Western Ghats. Once the centre of power of the Maratha Empire, it is situated 560 metres above sea level on the Deccan plateau at the confluence of the Mula ...
and Southern Kerala.
9. People are characterized by a stronger sense of socio-political aspirations often leading to larger number of political violence in the area.
10. Textile, Beedi
Beedi
A beedi is a thin, South Asian cigarette filled with tobacco flake and wrapped in a tendu leaf tied with a string at one end.The word comes from beeda, Marwari for a leaf wrapped in betel nuts, herbs, and condiments....
, hand-weaving
Weaving
Weaving is a method of fabric production in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads are interlaced at right angles to form a fabric or cloth. The other methods are knitting, lace making and felting. The longitudinal threads are called the warp and the lateral threads are the weft or filling...
, plywood
Plywood
Plywood is a type of manufactured timber made from thin sheets of wood veneer. It is one of the most widely used wood products. It is flexible, inexpensive, workable, re-usable, and can usually be locally manufactured...
and coir
Coir
Coir is a natural fibre extracted from the husk of coconut and used in products such as floor mats, doormats, brushes, mattresses etc. Technically coir is the fibrous material found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut. Other uses of brown coir are in upholstery...
represent important industries and cashew
Cashew
The cashew is a tree in the family Anacardiaceae. Its English name derives from the Portuguese name for the fruit of the cashew tree, caju, which in turn derives from the indigenous Tupi name, acajú. It is now widely grown in tropical climates for its cashew nuts and cashew apples.-Etymology:The...
, Cinnamon
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum that is used in both sweet and savoury foods...
(Asia's largest farm) and pepper
Black pepper
Black pepper is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. The fruit, known as a peppercorn when dried, is approximately in diameter, dark red when fully mature, and, like all drupes, contains a single seed...
are important cash crops.
11. Dichotomy : North malabar represent on of the earliest and largest pockets of exposure to other cultures in Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
through Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Tuluva
Tuluva
The Tuluva -Geographic Distribution :Though most of the Tuluva population is found in the Tulu Nadu region, migrant poplulations are found the world over. In recent times, the first period of migration started at the beginning of the 20th century to places such as Mumbai and Chennai and other...
s, Rashtrakuta
Rashtrakuta
The Rashtrakuta Empire was a royal dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian Subcontinent between the sixth and the 10th centuries. During this period they ruled as several closely related, but individual clans. Rastrakutas in inscriptions represented as descendants of Satyaki, a Yadava well known...
s, Kodava
Kodava
The Kodavas are a patrilineal ethno-lingual group from the region of Kodagu, in Karnataka state of southern India who traditionally were land-owning agriculturists with martial traditions and natively speak Kodava takk...
s, Tulus, Arab
Arab
Arab people, also known as Arabs , are a panethnicity primarily living in the Arab world, which is located in Western Asia and North Africa. They are identified as such on one or more of genealogical, linguistic, or cultural grounds, with tribal affiliations, and intra-tribal relationships playing...
s, Persians
Persian people
The Persian people are part of the Iranian peoples who speak the modern Persian language and closely akin Iranian dialects and languages. The origin of the ethnic Iranian/Persian peoples are traced to the Ancient Iranian peoples, who were part of the ancient Indo-Iranians and themselves part of...
, Portuguese
Portuguese people
The Portuguese are a nation and ethnic group native to the country of Portugal, in the west of the Iberian peninsula of south-west Europe. Their language is Portuguese, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion....
, Dutch
Dutch people
The Dutch people are an ethnic group native to the Netherlands. They share a common culture and speak the Dutch language. Dutch people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in Suriname, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United...
, French
French people
The French are a nation that share a common French culture and speak the French language as a mother tongue. Historically, the French population are descended from peoples of Celtic, Latin and Germanic origin, and are today a mixture of several ethnic groups...
, British
British people
The British are citizens of the United Kingdom, of the Isle of Man, any of the Channel Islands, or of any of the British overseas territories, and their descendants...
, and through early employment and migrations in government and military services from the time of its incorporation in Madras Presidency
Madras Presidency
The Madras Presidency , officially the Presidency of Fort St. George and also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India...
and yet conservatively possessive of its identity preferring a "geographical endogamy" culture.
12. North Malabar represents the only geographical entity where a quasi-independent Islamic Kingdom viz. Arakkal existed as a nominal vassal of the Kolathiri
Kolathiri
Kolathiri or Kolathiri Rājā was the title by which the senior most male along the matilinial line of the Mushika or Kolathunādu Royal Family was styled...
rulers.
Calendar system
The version of Malayalam calendarMalayalam calendar
Malayalam calendar is a solar and sidereal Hindu calendar used in Kerala, India. The origin of the calendar has been dated as 825 CE....
or Kollavarsham practiced in central/south Kerala excepting North Malabar began on August 25 825 A. D and the year commences with Simha-raasi (Leo
Leo (astrology)
Leo is the fifth astrological sign of the Zodiac, originating from the constellation of Leo. In astrology, Leo is considered to be a "masculine", positive sign. It is also considered a fire sign and is one of four fixed signs ruled by the Sun.Individuals born when the Sun is in this sign are...
) and not in Mesha-raasi (Aries
Aries (astrology)
Aries is the first astrological sign in the Zodiac, which spans the zodiac between the zero degree and the 29th degree of celestial longitude. The Sun enters Aries when it reaches the northern vernal equinox, which is usually on March 21 each year, and remains in this sign until around April 20...
) as in other Indian calendar
Indian calendar
Indian calendar may refer to any of the calendars, used for civil and religious purposes in India and other parts of Southeast Asia:* The Indian national calendar , the calendar officially used by the Government of India....
s. Although there are several accounts, current, recorded and heresay about the commencement of the Kollam era , however in erstwhile North Malabar / Kolathunadu, the Kollam era is reckoned from the next month, Kanya-rasi (Virgo) (September 25) instead. This variation has two interesting accounts associated with it.
(1) The traditional text Kerolopathi
Keralolpathi
The Keralolpathi is a Malayalam work that deals with the origin of the land of Kerala. Shungunny Menon ascribes the authorship of this work to Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, a 17th century scholar of the Malabar region of India. The Keralolpathi is mostly an expansion from an earlier Sanskrit...
attributes the introduction of Kollam era to Shankaracharya
Shankaracharya
Shankaracharya, is a commonly used title of heads of mathas in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. The title derives from Adi Shankara, a 9th century CE reformer of Hinduism. He is honored as Jagadguru, a title that was used earlier only to Lord Krishna...
. So if you convert the word Aa chaa rya vaa ga bhed ya (meaning Shankaracharya's word/law is unalterable) in to numbers in the Katapayadi notation it translates into 0 6 1 4 3 4 1 and these written backwards gives the age of the Kali yuga
Kali Yuga
Kali Yuga is the last of the four stages that the world goes through as part of the cycle of yugas described in the Indian scriptures. The other ages are Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga and Dvapara Yuga...
on the first year of the Kollam era. Kali day 1434160 would work out to be September 25, 825 A.D which corresponds to the beginning of Kollam era in North Malabar, i.e. the first day of the Kanya-raasi (Virgo) .
(2) The second account is that Kollam era commenced in Malabar from the date on which the then King of Kerala, Cheraman Pallibana Perumal
Cheraman Perumal
Rama Varman Kulashekhara was the last King of the Later Chera Dynasty and the first ruler of the independent Venad state from 1102 A.D to 1122 A.D, according to the Rameswarathukoil Inscription. Kotha Varman Marthandam succeeded him as the ruler of Venad.-The end of the Chera dynasty:Rama Varman...
adopted the religion of Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
and set sail from the port of Pantalaayani-Kollam
Koyilandy
Koyilandy is a city and a municipality in Kozhikode district in North Malabar region of the Indian state of Kerala. This town is between Calicut and Badagara and is on NH 17. It can be identified with Tyndis in Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. The freedom fighter K...
in North Malabar.
Dialects
There are several dialects of Malayalam prevalent in North Malabar and loan words , excluding the huge number of words from Sanskrit and Tamil, originated mostly due to the centuries long interactions between the native population of North Malabar and the trading (horse and spice trading) powers of the world. These included trading contacts with Arabia, Persia, IsraelIsrael
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, South Canara
South Canara
South Canara was a district under the British empire, located at . It was bifurcated in 1859 from Canara district. It was the undivided Dakshina Kannada district...
, Mysore, Kodagu
Kodagu
Kodagu , also known by its anglicised former name of Coorg, is an administrative district in Karnataka, India. It occupies an area of in the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka. As of 2001, the population was 548,561, 13.74% of which resided in the district's urban centres, making it the least...
and European colonial powers for several centuries. Some of these dialects are Kasaragod Malayalam, Mappila dialect of Malayalam
Mappila dialect of Malayalam
The Malayalam language spoken mostly by Mappila Muslim community of Kerala state, India is called Mappila dialect of Malayalam or simply as Mappila Malayalam...
etc. In modern times younger generation from North Malabar in particular and Malabar in general often face ridicule and taunt from their peers with other Malayalam dialects in schools and colleges and often face immense pressure and are co-erced to feel ashamed of their dialect. The youth of North Malabar and Malabar in general are trying their best to preserve this language and strive to conserve their dialects from the influence of supplanted text book Malayalam for conversation. However majority of the young-adult Keralites from other provinces who are ignorant of the rich melting culture of Malabar dialects are uncomfortable with this form of Malayalam and increased awareness of the rich heritage of Malabar dialects and their phonetic, semantic and syntax may be the way to future .
| Some influences are enumerated | |
| Loaned from | Usages |
|---|---|
| Hebrew | Shalom/salaam aayi meaning died (lit. entered the state of peace). |
| Arabic | Bejaar meaning anxiety; Matlab meaning consequence; Barkat/Varkkat meaning Value are few examples |
| Portuguese | Veeppa meaning “basket“, |
| Cryptic Sanskrit tendencies | In North Malabar fish curry is referred to as Malsya-curry (from the Sanskrit word Matsya for fish) rather than southern usages of Meen-curry. Similarly, feeling hungry is Paikkunnu rather than southern usages of Vishakkunnu. Other examples are annam instead of Choru (cooked rice), Dhani instead of kaashukaaran (rich man), the word amba (mother) for cow , gauli (lizard) etc. |
Historic immigrations into North Malabar
The 3 important waves of immigrations of historic significance are enumerated below:Tulu Brahmin immigration
In 1617 A.D Kolathiri Raja, Udayavarman, wished to become KshatriyaKshatriya
*For the Bollywood film of the same name see Kshatriya Kshatriya or Kashtriya, meaning warrior, is one of the four varnas in Hinduism...
by performing Hiranyagarbham. Since the Namboothiris were not prepared, Udayavarman brought 237 families of ShivallyTulu Brahmins from Gokarna
Gokarna, India
Gokarna is a village in the Uttara Kannada district of the Karnataka state, India. It is a Hindu pilgrimage centre as well as a tourist destination in India. Gokarna is a temple town and is referred to in a number of Hindu historical literature pieces. The main deity is Lord Mahabhaleshwara, a...
and settled them in five counties namely Cheruthazham, Kunniriyam, Arathil, Kulappuram and Vararuchimangalam of North Malabar. For the 237 families to worship, Sree Raghavapuram temple (Hanuman Kavu) at Pilathara was assigned and they considered it as their village temple. The 93 Edukunchi families out of it had the hereditary trusteeship of Cheruthazham Sreekrishnapuram temple, 62 Gunavantham families that of Arathil Sreebhadrapuram temple and the 82 Vilakkoor families that of Udayapurath Haripuram temple. These 237 families adopted the customs of local Nambudiri Brahmins and came to be referred to as Embranthiris.
Christian immigration
The landlords in North Malabar were the largest land-holders in Kerala, however the introduction of Kerala Land reforms bill in 1957 sent these landlords into panic driven selling spree of their dry lands and forest lands. This was followed by immigration of the Knanite-Christians into the North Malabar Region in search of virgin land to cultivate and to get relief from the poverty and financial strain caused by the Second World War under the direction of Prof. V.J. Joseph Kandoth , Bishop Mar Alexander Chulaparambil. The Diocese of Kottayam bought 1800 acres (7.3 km²) of land in the Kasargod area in 1942. The new venture was announced in all the parishes of southern Kerala and applications were invited and each family was allotted 11.5 acres (46,538.9 m²) of land 1943. The emigrants from all southern Kerala parishes reached cochin by boat and from there by train to Shornur and KanhangadKanhangad
Kanhangad is a town and a municipality in Kasaragod district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is 28 km from the district headquarters of Kasaragod. Bekal Fort is a 300-year old fort, one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala and lies 10 km north of Kanhangad. The fort is...
. A team of priests, especially of the O.S.H. Society and laymen were sent ahead to prepare the ground and to receive them on their arrival and the local area name was changed from Echikkol to Rajapuram
St. Pius X College, Rajapuram
St. Pius X College is a post-secondary educational institution in Rajapuram, Kasaragod district of Kerala, India. It was established in 1995 and was the first college in Kerala to offer a B.Sc. degree in Microbiology...
.In the same pattern of the project of Rajapuram
St. Pius X College, Rajapuram
St. Pius X College is a post-secondary educational institution in Rajapuram, Kasaragod district of Kerala, India. It was established in 1995 and was the first college in Kerala to offer a B.Sc. degree in Microbiology...
the diocese
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
organized another settlement at Madampam near Kannur
Kannur
Kannur , also known as Cannanore, is a city in Kannur district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the administrative headquarters of the District of Kannur and 518km north of state capital Trivandrum. During British rule in India, Kannur was known by its old name Cannanore, which is still in...
. The Diocese bought 2000 acres (8.1 km²) of land and 100 families migrated to the new area on May 3, 1943. The settlement was called Alexnagar after the name of Bishop Mar Alexander Chulaparambil. Madathumala
Ranipuram
Ranipuram is a hill station located within Kasargod district of Kerala state, south India. It is located about east of Kanhangad on the Panathoor road branching off at Panathady and lies above sea level adjacent to Bhagamandala forest range.-History:Evidence of pre-settlement traditions exist in...
in Kasargod District at its eastern border with the Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
state was the venue of a third settlement of 45 families. The land was purchased on September 26, 1969 and the settlement inaugurated on February 2, 1970 was dedicated to Bl. Virgin Mary, and was called Ranipuram
Ranipuram
Ranipuram is a hill station located within Kasargod district of Kerala state, south India. It is located about east of Kanhangad on the Panathoor road branching off at Panathady and lies above sea level adjacent to Bhagamandala forest range.-History:Evidence of pre-settlement traditions exist in...
. Though there were initial difficulties due to wild animals, Ranipuram gradually prospered and today there is also a Government tourist center at Ranipuram. The Diocese of Kottayam made also arrangements with the Latin Ordinaries to have pastoral ministry and liturgical celebration according to their own Syro-Malabar Rite. Presently, one third of the Knanaya Catholic population is in the Malabar area.
In addition, taking advantage of the selling spree of landlords of Malabar in general and more particularly the larger landlords of North Malabar, several other Travancore
Travancore
Kingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of...
Christian families also immigrated into Malabar to purse agriculture. These migrations peaked during 1960-71.
Immigration of teaching staff
The number of large land owning private-Tharavad-owned schools proliferated in North Malabar in the first half of twenth century in colonial Malabar due to (1) the lure for government grant-in-aid for such enterprises from 1939 (2) corporate expansion of land owning Tharavads (3) to decrease European engineered proletysing of depressed classes. These schools often had teaching staff from educated family members. In democratic Kerala however many of these schools evolved as public and government enterprises and lead to recruitment of teachers from southern provinces which led to the immigration of teaching staff of all ethno-religious backgrounds , many of whom preferred to settle in the area permanently.Historic emigrations to Southern Kerala
The 3 important waves of emigrations of historic significance are enumerated below:Dispersement of erstwhile ruling elite
During the period of Hyder AliHyder Ali
Hyder Ali was the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India. Born Hyder Naik, he distinguished himself militarily, eventually drawing the attention of Mysore's rulers...
and Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan , also known as the Tiger of Mysore, was the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. He was the son of Hyder Ali, at that time an officer in the Mysorean army, and his second wife, Fatima or Fakhr-un-Nissa...
from 1766 to 1792 multiple military invasions, plunder and systematic forcible conversions were performed in North and South Malabar alike. Fearing forcible conversion, a significantly large section (Chieftains and Brahmins) of Malabar chose to take refuge in the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore as Travancore had an alliance (Treaty of Mangalore
Treaty of Mangalore
The Treaty of Mangalore was signed between Tippu Sultan and the British East India Company on 11 March 1784. It was signed in Mangalore and brought an end to the Second Anglo-Mysore War.-Background:...
) with the English Company according to which "an aggression against Travancore would be viewed as equivalent to declaration of war against the English". Thus at various time points between 1766 to 1792 all female members and many male members of different royal families of North and South Malabar (Chirackal, Parappanad
Vallikkunnu
Vallikkunnu is a village in Malappuram district in the state of Kerala, India with an area of 25 km2.It's latitude and longitude are 11'07" N and 7'51"E respectively.Vallikkunnu was awarded the best panchayath of kerala in 1997.-Demographics:...
, and Calicut), and chieftains families (Punnathoor
Chirakkal Raja
Chirakkal Raja is the title of the senior most king of the Chirakkal branch of the Palli division of the Kolathiri dynasty of the erstwhile feudal state of Kolathunadu in North Malabar, Kerala state, South India. Chirakkal Rajas and Kolathiris traces their ancestry back to the Mushika dynasty of...
, Nilambur
Nilambur
Nilambur is a municipality and a taluk in the Malappuram district of Kerala, South India. It is famous for its forests, especially its wildlife habitats, rivers, waterfalls and teak plantations. It is situated close to the Nilgiris range of the Western Ghats on the banks of the Chaliyar River...
, Kavalapara
Kavalappara Swaroopam
Kavalappara Swaroopam or Kavalappara is a former Hindu Nair feudal city-state in Malabar, South India. Kavalappara Nairs were the vassals of the Zamorins of Calicut, and ruled some parts of Ottappalam, Chittur and Palakkad. At the peak of his glory, king of Kavalappara ruled some 96 village from...
, Azhvanchery Thamprakkal
Azhvanchery Thamprakkal
The Azhvanchery Thamprakkal or Azhvanchery Samrat is the title of the senior most male member of the Brahmin feudal lords of Azhvanchery Mana, located in Athavanad, present day Malappuram district, Kerala state, South India...
(titular head of all Namboothiri Brahmins) ) took asylum in Travancore and temporarily settled down in different parts of Travancore. Even after the fall of Tipu Sultan's regime in Srirangapatnam
Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan , also known as the Tiger of Mysore, was the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. He was the son of Hyder Ali, at that time an officer in the Mysorean army, and his second wife, Fatima or Fakhr-un-Nissa...
, some of the Malabar nobility, wholly or partly, preferred to stay back in Travancore because of fear of atrocities on return. The prominent aristocratic lineages in southern Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
that claim their origin from Malabar through displacement during this period are (1) Neerazhi Kovilakam, (2) Gramathil Kottaram, (3) Paliyakkara, (4) Nedumparampu, (5) Chempra Madham, (6) Ananthapuram Kottaram, (7) Ezhimatoor Palace, (8) Aranmula Kottaram
Aranmula Kottaram
Aranmula Kottaram or Aranmula Palace is an old palace at Aranmula, a historical and traditional village in Kerala, India. Aranmula Palace was built more than 200 years ago. This palace is known as Aranmula Vadakke Kottaram. Aranmula palace is the halt place of holy journey "Thiruvabharana khosa...
, (9) Varanathu Kovilakam, (10) Mavelikkara
Mavelikkara
Mavelikara is a town in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India, spread over an area of 12.65 km2. It is in the southern part of Alappuzha district on the banks of the Achankovil River. Mavelikara is located 8km east of National Highway. Mavelikara is known as the capital of...
, (11) Ennakkadu, (12) Murikkoyikkal Palace, (13) Mariappilly, (14) Koratti Swaroopam, (15) Kaippuzha Kovilakam, (16) Lakshmipuram Palace, and (17) Kottapuram
Kottapuram
Kottapuram is a part of the Thrissur district and at the southernmost border of the Kodungallur municipality. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kottapuram which is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, has its see here....
.
Adoptions of erstwhile ruling elite
The KolathiriKolathiri
Kolathiri or Kolathiri Rājā was the title by which the senior most male along the matilinial line of the Mushika or Kolathunādu Royal Family was styled...
rulers of North Malabar has been a constant source for providing heirs to the Travancore Royal Family
Travancore Royal Family
The Travancore Royal Family descended from the Venad line of the Cheras and ruled over the Indian state of Travancore until 1947.The Royal family, alternatively known as the Kupaka Royal Family, Thripappur Swaroopam, Venad Swaroopam, Vanchi Swaroopam etc., has its seat today at Trivandrum in...
by permitting some of its matrilineal branches of members to make settlements outside Malabar and be adopted. The first adoption took place around 1315 whereby the two princesses of the Kolathiri family were installed as Senior and Junior Rānis of Attingal
Attingal
Attingal is a town and a municipality in the Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala state, India, bounded by the Mamom and Vamanapuram rivers. It is situated 30 km to the north of state capital of Thiruvananthapuram.-Demographics:...
, with the titles of Āttingal Mootha Thampurān and Āttingal Elaya Thampurān respectively. Adoptions into the Travancore Royal Family followed in 1684, 1688, 1718, 1748 and 1788 until the 19th century. The celebrated Mārthanda Varma
Marthanda Varma
Marthanda Varma , was the founder of the Indian Hindu feudal kingdom of Travancore from Venad SwaroopamHe ruled from 1729 till his death in 1758, having succeeded his maternal uncle Dharma Raja.King Marthanda Varma is usually credited as the "founder of Kingdom of Travancore" from...
the Great was a result of the 1688 adoption and his successor Dharmarājā
Dharmaraja
Dharmaraja refers to several things in Buddhism and Hinduism:* Dharmaraja, the original Sanskrit term for Chogyal, which may refer to a secular ruler of Sikkim or Bhutan, or a higher-ranking monk in Tibetan Buddhism...
who fought and defeated Tipu Sultan of Mysore was an offspring of the 1718 adoption. The weak Balarama Varma
Balarama Varma
Avittom Thirunal Balarama Varma was a ruler of the Indian princely state of Travancore from 1798 to 1810, succeeding Maharajah Dharma Raja. His rule of Travancore was full of disturbances and internal and external problems...
who ruled after Dharmarājā in the early 19th century belonged to the 1748 line. The famous Maharanis Gowri Lakshmi Bayi and Gowri Parvati Bayi belonged to the 1788 line as did the Maharajahs Swāthi Thirunāl, Uthram Thirunāl, Āyilyam Thirunāl
Ayilyam Thirunal
Maharajah Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma was the ruler of the princely state of Travancore in India from 1860 to 1880. His reign was highly successful with Travancore gaining the appellation of "model state of India"...
, Visākham Thirunāl
Visakham Thirunal
Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma was the Maharaja of the erstwhile Indian kingdom of Travancore from 1880-1885 AD. He succeeded his elder brother Maharajah Ayilyam Thirunal to the throne of Travancore.-Early life:...
and Moolam Thirunāl.
Economic migration in democratic India
In 1956, the State of Kerala was formed on linguistic basis, merging Travancore, Cochin and Malabar regions and the first Kerala Legislative Assembly was formed on March 1, 1957. The subsequent 50 years saw migration of lawyers, politicians, businessmen and government officials from North Malabar to southern cities of Kerala especially Cochin and Trivandrum.However many of these families still retain their link to their natal area through marriage association, partial retention of natal property and often a characteristic sacerdotal North Malabar self-identity.Folk Arts
North Malabar has a very rich and nourishing history for folk-artFolk art
Folk art encompasses art produced from an indigenous culture or by peasants or other laboring tradespeople. In contrast to fine art, folk art is primarily utilitarian and decorative rather than purely aesthetic....
, culture, traditions and Arts. Of late, the Govt. Kerala has realised the need to promote the folk art
Folk art
Folk art encompasses art produced from an indigenous culture or by peasants or other laboring tradespeople. In contrast to fine art, folk art is primarily utilitarian and decorative rather than purely aesthetic....
s of North Malabar and constituted an institution viz. Kerala Folklore Academy
Kerala Folklore Akademi
Kerala Folklore Akademi is an autonomous corporate body constituted by the Government of Kerala on 28 June 1995 under the Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Kerala...
at Kannur in North Malabar.
Some of the major folk and ritual arts of this region are illustrated below:
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Theyyam (Thirra)
Theyyam is ritual art performed since ancient days in North Malabar. In this form of art, a man will be fabricated as God’s symbol. In KadathanadanKadathanadu
Kadathanadu was a former Nair Hindu feudatory city-state in present day Kerala state, South India, on the Malabar Coast famed for its anthology of heroic songs, folklores and ballads and for Kalarippayattu.-Geographical location:Geographically, Kadathanadu is part of North Malabar...
Area (i.e. Present Vadakara), Theyyam is known as Thirra
Thirra
Thirra is a ritual dance of North Malabar region in the Kerala State, South India, performed in Bhagavati temples. Thirra is performed primarily in Thalassery and Vadakara areas. This art form is performed by the artists of Peruvannan community. This art is performed during Utsavam...
. The performance is conducted on a stage called Theyya-thara in this area. There are around 400 types Theyyams. The weird head-hoods, colourful attires and body painting and dazing performances are amazing. Each type has a distinguishing headgear and costume made out of natural materials like coconut leaves and bark. Musical accompaniments are chenda
Chenda
The Chenda is a cylindrical percussion instrument used widely in the state of Kerala, and Tulu Nadu of Karnataka State in India. In Tulu Nadu it is known as Chande....
, elathalam and kuzhal (horn).
Theyyam
Theyyam
Theyyam or Theyyattam or Thira is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu area Theyyam or Theyyattam or Thira is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu...
- A Ritual Art of North Malabar
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Thottam Pattu
Thottam Pattu is vocal ballad sung just before performing Theyyam ritual. These are played in Theyyam temples before the commencement of Theyyam Art.Thottam Pattu
Thottam Pattu
Thottam Pattu is a vocal ballad sung just before performing the Theyyam ritual. These are played in Theyyam temples before the commencement of Theyyam Art. Thottam Pattu is invocative. This is a mythological belief that by performing this ritual, the performer will be possessed by divine spirits...
- A invocative prayer as a ritualistic l Art of North Malabar
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is a very famous martial art which was originated from North Malabar. It is known as indigenous martial art of IndiaIndia
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. This has been developed between the 9th and 12th centuries.
Kalaripayattu - A Martial Art of North Malabar
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Vadakkan Pattukal
The Ballads of North Malabar or the Vadakkan Pattukal extol the adventures of brave men and women of North Malabar, set against a feudal and medieval background, the stories celebrate the valour and skills of the renowned characters. The Vadakkan Pattukal reflect the peak of Kerala folk-poetry and these ballads are associated with KadathanaduKadathanadu
Kadathanadu was a former Nair Hindu feudatory city-state in present day Kerala state, South India, on the Malabar Coast famed for its anthology of heroic songs, folklores and ballads and for Kalarippayattu.-Geographical location:Geographically, Kadathanadu is part of North Malabar...
of North Malabar. The movie Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha
Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha
Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha is a 1989 Malayalam film directed by Hariharan, written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, and starring Mammootty, Balan K. Nair, Suresh Gopi, Madhavi, Geetha, and Captain Raju.The film is based on a legend about the famous Chekavar warriors of present day northern Kerala...
capitalised on the popularity of these stories.
Vadakkan Pattukal - The Ballads of North Malabar
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Thidambu Nritham
Thidambu Nritham (dance with the replica of the deity) is a ritual dance performed in Temples. This is one among many rich art traditions of North Malabar. It is mainly performed by Namboothiris, and rarely other Brahmin communities.Thidambu Nritham
Thidambu Nritham
Thidambu Nritham is a ritual dance performed in Temples of North Malabar. This is one among many rich art traditions of North Malabar. It is mainly performed by Namboothiris, and rarely other Brahmin communities....
- A Temple Art from North Malabar
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Poorakkali
Poorakkali is a ritualistic folk art of North Malabar. This is a traditional art form performed by a group of people chanting the holy verses from 'Ramayana' or 'Bagavata'. This is a type of dance performed by exclusively male members of the society during the nine day Pooram festival in Bhagavathy temples. Payyannur, Trikaripur and nearby places like Vengara, Ramanthali, Karivellur, are very famous for this art form.Poorakkali
Poorakkali
Poorakkali is a traditional dance ritual performed by men during the nine-day Pooram festival in Bhagavathy temples across North Malabar in Kerala State of south India....
- A Folk Art of North Malabar
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Kolkali
Kolkali is an exclusive traditional art of North Malabar. This is the one and only Folk Art which is performed by two religions viz. Hindus and Muslims. This art is also performed and conducted by Men and Women. Muslim Kolkali is bit different from Hindu's Kolkali. Muslims perform this art as a form of entertainment during social gatherings and marriages. Whereas the Hindus perform this at the temple festivals. With its rapid limb movements and simultaneous chanting of folksong, Kolkali draw the attention of one and all. The players moving in pairs, hit their batons (koles) to the opponent’s one in a methodical way in tune with folksongs sung in an enchanting manner. It is played according to Vaithari or Thalam by the Gurukkal (Teacher).The typical Kolkali group will contain sixteen to twenty members. One among them will sing the folksong and it will be chorused by rest. Harmonizing with the changes in new generation of the youth, Kolkali like all other folk-art of North Malabar, has also changed its look and style. The famous Kolkali groups are in Kasaragod District
Kasaragod district
Kasaragod District is one of the districts of the Indian state of Kerala. Kasaragod District was organised as a separate district on 24 May 1984...
.
Kolkali
Kolkali
Kolkali is a folk art performed in North Malabar region of Kerala State in south India. The dance performers move in a circle, striking small sticks and keeping rhythm with special steps. The circle expands and contracts as the dance progress...
- An evershining Folk Art of North Malabar
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Mappila (Muslim) Folklore
The Mappila folklore has deep roots in the region. The major Mappila arts of North Malabar are :- OppanaOppanaOppana is a popular form of social entertainment among the Mappila community of Kerala, south India, prevalent all over, especially in the northern district of Malappuram.. The Oppana Pattu might have come from Tamil culture. The Malayalam word Oppana Pattu is the derivation of Tamil word 'Oppanai...
- - Duff Muttu -
- Mappila Paattu -
After Malappuram, almost all the famous artists of these Mappila arts are from North Malabar.
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List of personalities from North Malabar
- Kerala Varma PazhassiPazhassi RajaKerala Varma Pazhassi Raja , popularly known as Kerala Simham or Lion of Kerala, was the Hindu Nair King of Kottayam , which was based in modern Kannur District, North Malabar zone of Kerala State in...
(c. 1753 - c. 1805) popularly known as the Lion of Kerala was a prince from the royal dynasty of Kottayam (Malabar)Kottayam (Malabar)Kottayam is a former Hindu vassal feudal city-state in the erstwhile province of Malabar in present day Kerala, in the Indian subcontinent. Kottayam is famed for Pazhassi Raja , one of principle leaders of Wynaad Insurrection .-Geography:The Kingdom of Kottayam covered what is today Talassery...
which now belongs to Kannur DistrictKannur districtKannur District is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala, India. The town of Kannur is the district headquarters, and gives the district its name. The old name Cannanore is the anglicised form of the Malayalam name Kannur. Kannur District is bounded by Kasaragod District to the north and...
of Keralawho waged 27 years of war against Mysore and British.
- K. KelappanK. KelappanK. Kelappan was born in the small village Muchukunnu in Calicut in Kerala. He studied in Calicut and Madras and graduated from the University of Madras. He began his career as a teacher at in St. Berchmans High School, Changanassery and was the founder President of the Nair Service Society. Later...
- was the founder President of Nair Service Society later he became the Principal of a school run by the society . He fought for social reforms on one hand and the British on the other. He was a great revolutionary, social reformer and crusader for justice to the backward classes. He was called Kerala Gandhi.
- V.P.Shankaran Nambiar (Industrialist and Businessman) Established first match factory in North malabar in 1946 at Kuthuparamba.
- P. T. Usha- The first Indian spinner to reach Olympics. Winner of several Gold Medals in Asian Games.
- K.T. Kunhiraman Nambiar (volunteer of Indian National CongressIndian National CongressThe Indian National Congress is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Bharatiya Janata Party. It is the largest and one of the oldest democratic political parties in the world. The party's modern liberal platform is largely considered center-left in the Indian...
and participant in Salt SatyagrahaSalt SatyagrahaThe Salt March, also known as the Salt Satyagrahah began with the Dandi March on March 12, 1930, and was an important part of the Indian independence movement. It was a campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly in colonial India, and triggered the wider...
in Malabar, and later president of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, and member of the undivided Communist Party of IndiaCommunist Party of IndiaThe Communist Party of India is a national political party in India. In the Indian communist movement, there are different views on exactly when the Indian communist party was founded. The date maintained as the foundation day by CPI is 26 December 1925...
.)
- Lt Gen Satish NambiarSatish NambiarLieutenant General Chenicheri Satish Nambiar is an Indian general who achieved international recognition as the first Force Commander and Head of Mission of UNPROFOR, the United Nations Protection Force in the former Yugoslavia, between March 1992 and March 1993...
- recipient of a Vir ChakraVir ChakraVir Chakra is an Indian gallantry award presented for acts of bravery in the battlefield. Award of the decoration carried with it the right to use Vr.C. as a postnominal abbreviation Vir Chakra is an Indian gallantry award presented for acts of bravery in the battlefield. Award of the decoration...
and Force CommanderForce CommanderForce Commander can refer to:* Force commander , a command post in the British Army and several other armed forces or multinational forces* Star Wars: Force Commander...
of UNPROFOR
- Lt Gen Padmanabhan Nambiar Ex Adjutant General Indian Army is from the famous Kadangot Tharavadu
- Ayillyath Kuttiari Gopalan Nambiar born on October 1904 to March 22, 1977, popularly known as A. K. Gopalan or AKG, was an Indian communist leader.
- Erambala Krishnan Nayanar (December 1919 - May 2004) born in Kalliasseri, Kannur was a prominent Indian political leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). He held the post of Chief Minister of Kerala three times.
- K. Karunakaran (July 1918 - December 2010) was an Indian politician from ChirakkalChirakkalChirakkal may refer to:* Chirakkal Royal Family* Chirrakkal Kingdom* Chirakkal, Kannur* Chirakkal, Thrissur...
in Kannur District
- Vijay K. NambiarVijay K. NambiarVijay Nambiar is a veteran Indian diplomat and the Chef de Cabinet under UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon since 1 January 2007. He holds the rank of Under-Secretary-General and is a member of the Secretary-General's Senior Management Team....
(Former ambassador to China & Pakistan and current Chef de CabinetChef de CabinetChef de Cabinet is the head of an office in the United Nations Secretariat, appointed by the Secretary-General, or in the European Commission, appointed by an individual European Commissioner for his personal cabinet. The position's rank and responsibilities are equivalent to a chief of staff....
(Chef of Staff) under UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-MoonBan Ki-moonBan Ki-moon is the eighth and current Secretary-General of the United Nations, after succeeding Kofi Annan in 2007. Before going on to be Secretary-General, Ban was a career diplomat in South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the United Nations. He entered diplomatic service the year he...
)
- K.P.P. Nambiar (Founder of Keltron- Kerala Electronics complex Limited. Former Secretary to Government of India, Department of Electronics, New Delhi)
- T.P.G. Nambiar (Chairman and founder of BPL groupBPL groupBritish Physical Laboratories Group is an Indian electronics company that deals with consumer appliances , home entertainment products and health care devices.-History:...
-British Physical Laboratories Ltd.)
- T. V. ChandranT. V. ChandranT. V. Chandran is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, and actor. He is most known for his art-house films which have references to history and undertones of politics and feminism...
(The Great Film Director of Malayalam Film Industry.)
- Mavila Vishwanathan NairMavila Vishwanathan NairMavila Vishwanathan Nair is one of the seniormost bankers in the Indian Banking Industry. He is the current Chairman & Managing Director of the Union Bank of India. Earlier he was the Chairman and Managing Director of the Dena Bank...
(Well known banker)
- VineethVineethVineeth is an Indian film actor and classical dancer who has acted in several well received films in his native Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. He studied in Good Shepherd Public School, Ooty, and at St. Joseph's Boys' High School, Thalassery.Vineeth is nephew of the famous Travancore...
born on 23 August 1969, a South Indian film actor and classical dancer
- M. N. NambiarM. N. NambiarM. N. Nambiar M. N. Nambiar M. N. Nambiar ( (born Manjeri Narayanan Nambiar 7 March 1919 — 19 November 2008) was a film actor in Tamil cinema and had been in the film industry for more than 50 years.-Biography:...
(1919 —2008) was a film actor in Tamil cinema and had been in the film industry for more than 50 years
- Vengayil Kunhiraman NayanarVengayil Kunhiraman NayanarVengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar was a Malayali barrister, landlord, journalist, essay writer, critic and short story writer. He was one of the pioneers in these fields in Kerala.-Early life:...
(1861–1914) was a Malayali journalist, essay writer, critic and short story writer born in Chirakkal Taluk and was a close friend of Dr. Hermann GundertHermann GundertRev. Dr. Hermann Gundert was a German missionary and scholar, who compiled a Malayalam grammar book, Malayalabhaasha Vyakaranam , the first Malayalam-English dictionary , and translated the Bible into Malayalam. He worked primarily at Tellicherry on the Malabar coast, in Kerala, India...
and William LoganWilliam LoganWilliam Logan may refer to:*William Edmond Logan, Canadian geologist*William Logan , U.S. Senator from Kentucky*William Logan , U.S. poet and critic*William Logan , Scottish author of Malabar Manual*William F...
researchers on the history, language, culture of Kerala
- Kaitheri AmbuKaitheri EdamKaitheri Edam is a famous Nambiar clan from which Kaitheri Makom as well as a number of other prominent Nair rebels like Kaitheri Ambu Nambiar, Kaitheri Eman Nambiar and Kaitheri Kammaran Nambiar hailed from. The family deity of this clan is situated in the Sri Kaitheri Edam Bagavathi temple,...
Brother in law of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja. Famous for his daring military exploits.
- Kannavath SankaranKannavath Sankaran NambiarKannavath Sankaran Nambiar [circa 1760 - November 27, 1801] was the prime minister or Sarvadikaryakar of Pazhassi Raja.Word "Kannavath" means that which is associated with Kannavam - Kannavam is name of a village which is located in Thalasseri taluk of Kannur district...
Minister of Pazhassi Raja who was active in resistance to Mysore and British invaders.
- Cherusseri Nambudiri (1466–1471) author of Krishnagaattha - a scholar who decorated the royal assembly of Raja Udayavarman of Kolathunaadu
- Panakkad Nambudiri (1624-1694 AD) from EdakkadEdakkadEdakkad is one of the grama panchayats in Kannur District of Kerala state, in southern India.-History:Edakkad grama panchayat of Kannur in ancient times was referred to as Madhya-adavi . Similarly Eda means middle and kadu means forest...
and author of Prasna margam a seminal treatise in Horary astrology.
- Damodaran Nambudiri author of the astrological treatise Muhoorthaabharanam from Thriprangod near Taliparamba.
- SreenivasanSreenivasanSreenivasan is an award winning Indian film actor, screenwriter, director, and producer. He is noted for his satirical, screwball, and black comedy screenplays. As an actor he is famous for his comic performances....
a famous Malayalam Film Actor and Director.
- Samvrutha SunilSamvrutha SunilSamvrutha Sunil is a South Indian actress from Kerala. She was introduced to the film industry through a Malayalam film Rasikan opposite Dileep. She had acted in several films in Tamil and Malayalam...
a famous Malayalam Film heroine.
- Kavya MadhavanKavya MadhavanKavya Madhavan is an Indian film actress who works in Malayalam cinema. She made her debut in Pookkalam Varavayi as a child artist. In 1999, she became a lead actress in Lal Jose's Chandranudikkunna Dikhil.-Background:...
a popular Malayalam film actress
- O. M. NambiarO. M. NambiarO. M. Nambiar is a renowned Indian athletics coach who was awarded Dronacharya award in 1985 . He coached the well known Indian athlete P.T.Usha. He hails from Kerala state.- References :*...
is a renowned Indian athletics coach
- Kodiyeri BalakrishnanKodiyeri BalakrishnanKodiyeri Balakrishnan is one of the prominent communist leader from Kerala , India.During 2001 to 2006 United Democratic Front government, he was the deputy opposition leader of Left Democratic Front . During 2006 to 2011 LDF government, he was the home and tourism minister of Kerala state...
(Home Minister in present Achutanandan ministry of Kerala)
- K.P.R. Gopalan (Veteran Communister leader)
- K.P.R. Rairappan (Another veteran Communister leader)
- Justice R. Basanth (Justice of the Kerala High CourtKerala High CourtHigh Court of Kerala is the highest court in the Indian state of Kerala and in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The High Court of Kerala is headquartered at Kochi...
)
- K.K. Vijayan Nambiar - Eminent astrologer.
- P. C. D. Nambiar - (Former Chairman - State Bank of IndiaState Bank of IndiaThe State Bank of India is the largest Indian banking and financial services company with its headquarters in Mumbai, India. It is state-owned. The bank traces its ancestry to British India, through the Imperial Bank of India, to the founding in 1806 of the Bank of Calcutta, making it the oldest...
)
- O.M. Nambiar - who coached P.T.Usha
- Kanayi KunhiramanKanayi KunhiramanKanayi Kunhiraman is a sculptor from Kuttamath in Hosdurg Taluk in Kasaragod district of Kerala state, India. He is the Former Chairman of the Lalit Kala Academy....
- (Famous Sculptor)
See also
- Mysore invasion of Kerala
- Tulu NaduTulu NaduTulu Nadu is a Tulu-speaking region spread over to parts of present Karnataka and Kerala States of India. It consists of the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka and the northern parts of the Kasaragod district of Kerala up to the Payaswini River...
- Vadakkan Pattukal
- Kalaripayattu
- Lingua Malabar TamulLingua Malabar TamulMalabar Thamozhi, known to Portuguese as Malabar Tamul and as Malabar language to British was a writing scheme adopted to print books in the spoken language of early indigenous Christians in Malabar..Lingua Malabar Tamul or Malayalam-Tamil was a dialect of Tamil spoken by majority of people of...
- Arakkal
- TheyyamTheyyamTheyyam or Theyyattam or Thira is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu area Theyyam or Theyyattam or Thira is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu...
- KeralaKeralaor Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
- Mahé
- Kozhikode DistrictKozhikode districtKozhikode District , formerly Calicut, is a district of Kerala state, situated on the southwest coast of India. The city of Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is the district headquarters. The district is 38.25% urbanised...
- Wayanad DistrictWayanad DistrictWayanad District in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only municipal town in the district. The region was known as Mayakshetra in the...
- Kannur DistrictKannur districtKannur District is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala, India. The town of Kannur is the district headquarters, and gives the district its name. The old name Cannanore is the anglicised form of the Malayalam name Kannur. Kannur District is bounded by Kasaragod District to the north and...
- Kasaragod DistrictKasaragod districtKasaragod District is one of the districts of the Indian state of Kerala. Kasaragod District was organised as a separate district on 24 May 1984...