Relevance: Prelims: Modern History
Why in news?
- A descendant of Kunjali Marakkar has filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court seeking to stop the release of the upcoming movie ‘Arabikadalinte Simham’ based on the life of the 16th century naval chieftain of the Zamorin of Calicut, for allegedly “distorting history”.
About:
- ‘Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham’ is an upcoming Indian Malayalam-language epic historical drama film co-written and directed by Priyadarshan.
- Set in the 16th century, the film is based on the battle exploits of Kunjali Marakkar IV—the naval chieftain of the Zamorin of Calicut.
Background
The Kunjali Marakkar or Kunhali Marakkar was the title given to the Muslim naval chief of the Zamorin of Calicut (Samoothiri of Kozhikode), by King of Calicut, in present-day state of Kerala, India during the 16th century. There were four major Kunjalis who played a part in the Zamorin’s naval wars with the Portuguese from 1507 to 1600. The Marakkars are credited with organizing the first naval defense of the Indian coast.
The title of Marakkar was given by the Zamorin. It may have been derived from the Malayalam language word marakkalam meaning ‘boat,’ and kar, a termination, showing possession.
The four key Kunhali Marakkars:
- Muhammed Marakkar / Kutti Ali – Kunhali Marakkar I
- Kunhali Marakkar II
- Pate Marakkar / Pattu Kunhali – Kunhali Marakkar III
- Mohammed Ali – Kunhali Marakkar IV
According to tradition, Marakkars were originally Muslim marine merchants of port Kochi who left for Ponnani in the Zamorin’s dominion when the Portuguese fleets came to Kingdom of Cochin. They offered their men, ships and wealth against the Portuguese to the Zamorin of Calicut-the king took them into his service and eventually they became the Admirals of his fleet.
Another version suggests that they were merchants of Cairo, Egypt who settled in Kozhikode and joined the Samoothiri’s navy.
For more such notes, Articles, News & Views Join our Telegram Channel.
Click the link below to see the details about the UPSC –Civils courses offered by Triumph IAS. https://triumphias.com/pages-all-courses.php