Malabar Regional History Project

Women in Malabar’s Public Sphere

The entry of women into public life in Malabar is a complex phenomenon deeply embedded in the wider colonial and national context

Vakkom Abdul Qader Moulavi’s Educational Reform

Useful knowledge or instruction was a pervasive trope that colonial authorities in India employed to frame their policies on education

Al-Muslim and al-Islam Journals

Al-Muslim was a monthly journal published by Vakkom Abdul Qader Moulavi in Malayalam from 1906 for ten years, until it was taken over in 1917 by his brother-in-law.

Vakkom Moulavi and the Islahi Reform Movement in Kerala

Vakkom Abdul Qadir Moulavi (1873-1932) is widely recognized as a Muslim reformer and patriot. He was the publisher of the newspaper Swadeshbhimani

Urbanisation of Calicut City: Navigating Historical Waves and Cultural Mosaics

This article delves into the urbanisation of Calicut, unraveling its evolution from the thirteenth to the fifteenth centuries in tandem with maritime trade

Ulama Involvement in the Malabar Rebellion: The Treatise of Pareekutty Musliyar

The period from 1919 to 1922 witnessed a unique moment in the history of Indian independence. Influential Muslim leaders and the Congress

Transformations in Punitive Measures: The Colonial Prison System in Malabar

The evolution of the colonial prison system in Malabar reflects a broader transition in punitive mechanisms witnessed during the late

TIYYA COMMUNITY OF MALABAR

Elizabeth Draper, the wife of Daniel Draper, the officer in charge of the Tellicherry fort between 1768–1769, frequently mentions her connections with the people, politics, and customs

TIRURANGADI PRINTING PRESS

The earliest kind of print technology was developed in China. In the eleventh century, Chinese paper reached Europe via the silk route. When Gutenberg finished perfecting

The Role of Mawlud and Mala Narratives in Kerala’s Devotional Culture

The devotional practices surrounding the recitation of the mala hold significant cultural and spiritual importance within

Sanaullah Makthi Thangal’s Thoughts on Language Learning

Sanaulla Makthi Thangal (1847–1912) is widely regarded as a pioneering figure who inspired the first generation of Mujahids in Kerala

The Malabar Rebellion and Changes in Land Tenure: Inquiry Commissions during the Colonial Period

The pre-British land tenure system in the Malabar region consisted of three classes of people

Resonating Echoes: Exploring the Legacy of Malabar’s Rebellion

The Malabar Rebellion of 1921-1922, a significant historical event in early 20th-century India, continues to captivate the interest of the Mappila

Rebellion as a Sin: The Ulama’s Opposition to the Malabar Rebellion

By the end of the second decade of the twentieth century, the grievances that Mappila Muslims had been raising since the region came

RARICHAN MOOPAN

The city of Calicut has changed significantly over time. In addition to being the administrative hub and capital of the Malabar district, it continued to be a significant seaport.

Performative Dimensions of Mappila Literary Culture: Bridging Scholarship and Tradition

The aim of this article is to offer a critical review of the approaches that have shaped studies

Muhyiddin Mala: A Beacon of Mappila Heritage

Muhyiddin Mala, composed by Qadi Muhammad of Calicut in 1607 AD, is the earliest extant work in Arabi Malayalam, a hybrid language blending

Mithavadi’s Impact: Unraveling Malabar’s Print Culture and Public Sphere

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a transformative period in Malabar's socio-political landscape, where print culture, journalism,

Mawlid Narratives: Honoring the Prophet’s Birth in Malabar’s Rich Tradition

The significance of the Prophet Muhammad for Muslims manifests itself not only in the Quran and other textual sources such as Hadith

Mappila Political Identity: Dynamics of Religion, Economics, and Communal Transformation in Malabar

Since the late 19th century, reformist tendencies among Muslim groups in the Malabar region

MANANCHIRA GROUND

Public spaces play a crucial role in both public life and social interactions. Many public or open spaces started to appear in colonial

Malabar Rebellion and the fanatic Mappilas

Two concepts that shaped colonial reports and correspondences on the Mappila rebellion were inherent criminality and religious fanaticism.

Malabar manual

The Malabar Manual, a compendium of administrative, judicial, and revenue procedures, stands as a hitherto underappreciated

KURICHYA REVOLT

Resistance movements have played a significant role throughout history, emerging in various parts of the world in response to oppressive

Defiance Confined: Anti-Colonial Struggles in Malabar’s Prisons (1792-1920)

The Malabar region, spanning from 1792 to 1920, embodies a profound saga of resistance against colonial subjugation and the unwavering

Dars education in Malabar

The Dars system, an indigenous mode of Islamic education, has been a cornerstone of intellectual and religious life in the Malabar region of Kerala for centuries.

Wilkinsons Law Library

Malabar was a district in the Madras presidency bounded on the north by South Canara and Coorg; on the South by Cochin and Travancore; on the East by Coorg

Communal Dynamics and Socio-Political Transformations in Post-Independence Malabar Coast Introduction : Communalisation in Malabar – Historical Roots and Sociopolitical Dynamics

The coastal expanse of Malabar has undergone profound socio-political shifts, particularly

Colonial Encounters and Communal Constructs: Tracing the Formation of Mappila Muslim Identity in Malabar

The intricate dynamics of communal identities, particularly in the historical context of the Mappila Muslims in Malabar, unfold through a complex narrative

Calicut was considered one of the important centres and was the capital of Malabar Province since 1800. Before Kerala State was formed in 1956, the District Court of Calicut was within the jurisdiction of Madras High Court, one of India's four chartered High Courts.

Behind Bars: A Historical Analysis of Colonial Prisons in Malabar

The colonial era in Malabar witnessed a profound transformation in its carceral landscape, reflecting broader shifts in governance

Marakkar Merchants of Malabar

Kunjali Marakkars gained prominence when the Zamorin appointed Kunjali I as the admiral of his naval fleet. However, prior to this, they were a merchant group,

The first voyage of Vasco da Gama and His ships

The first expedition of Vasco da Gama was undertaken with the order by King Dom Manuel, aiming to discover a direct sea route from

Estado da India (Portuguese State in India)

Estado de India denotes the Portuguese state in India. The Portuguese state in India emerged in the 16th century. Cochin was the initial

A Critical Approach to Tuhfat-al-Mujhahidin

The book Tuhfat-al-Mujhahidin is considered as an important historical text concerned with the

Portuguese Atrocities in Malabar

The arrival of the Portuguese, became a misfortune on the sea for the Muslim merchants of Malabar, both indigenous and foreign. To

Portuguese Fortresses on the Malabar Coast

With the arrival of the Portuguese, the competition for commercial dominance in India began, with Malabar serving as their initial

Alfonso de Albuquerque

Alfonso de Albuquerque was an admiral and served as the second Portuguese governor of India (Estado de India). He took charge as governor

Portuguese and the Establishment of a Commercial Monopoly in Malabar

The arrival of the Portuguese in Malabar marked a new era in maritime history, fundamentally changing the course of Indian Ocean trade.

The Chaliyam War of 1571 A.D.

Even after two decades, the Portuguese realised they had failed in their efforts regarding Calicut. Neither were they able to suppress

Temple entry movement in British Malabar

The term "Temple Entry Movement" refers to the social and political struggles against caste-based discrimination held in British Malabar,

Seethi Sahib

K. M. Seethi Sahib (1899 -1961) was a freedom fighter and political leader of the Muslim League from Kerala. He served as the Speaker of

School of Commerce, Calicut

The School of Commerce was established in Calicut on February 1, 1895. It was started to give commercial education and vocational

SAYYID SHAIKH JIFRI THANGAL

Sheikh Syed Jifri, a renowned Muslim spiritual leader, religious scholar, and preacher, is the first Ba alawi sufi of Calicut and a prominent

SAYYID HASAN JIFRI THANGAL

Sayyid Hasan Jifri Thangal (1710-1764) was a prominent Islamic scholar and spiritual leader of the Ba-Alawi Sufi order in Malabar during

Role of Pandikkad in Malabar Rebellion

Pandikkad is an important town in the Ernad Taluk of Malabar district, the present-day Malappuram district of Kerala. It is the largest of gram panchayats in the Malappuram district consisting of three villages Pandikkad

Rethinking Education among Muslim Women in Malabar (1885-1947): A Critical Review

This article critically examines the intertwining strands of Mappila resistance against colonial educational

Rajyasamacharam

Rajyasamacharam, which means ‘the news of the nation’ in Malayalam language was the first newspaper to be published in Malayalam. It was published by Herman Gundert, a Christian religious missionary

Prabhatham Newspaper

Prabatham was a Malayalam weekly newspaper founded in 1935 by E.M.S. Namboodiripad. The newspaper served as the mouthpiece

Pinarayi Conference

The Pinarayi Conference refers to a secret meeting held in December 1939, of the Kerala Congress Socialist Party at Pinarayi,

Paschimodayam

Paschimodayam is the second publication from the Basel Mission Press at Tellicherry after Rajyasamacham, the first Malayalam journal

Nilambur Teak Plantation

Nilambur was a town in the Ernad Taluk of the Malabar district, situated close to the Nilgiri range of Western Ghats and the Chaliyar River.

Moyinkutty Vaidyar

Ottu Paarakandy Alungalkandy Moyinkutty Vaidyar (1852–1892) also known as Moyinkutty Vaidyar is one of the most renowned poets

Modern Medicine in British Malabar

Modern medicine, known as "Doctory" in Malabar, was introduced to the native population of British Malabar during the colonial period.

Mithavadi

A Malayalam journal established by T. Sivasankaran in 1907, Mithavadi focused on promoting social reform

Mappila Succession Act, 1918

The Mappila Succession Act, 1918 was an important legislative enactment for the Indian Muslim communities, particularly

Malayala Manorama

Malayala Manorama, first published on March 22, 1890, from M.D. Seminary, Kottayam, is the second oldest Malayalam newspaper

Malabar Christian College, Kozhikode

The Malabar Christian College (MCC), established in 1909, is one of the oldest institutions of the Malabar district

Local history of Kalikavu

Kalikavu is the third largest village with an area of 14182 hectares located in the Nilambur taluk of the Malappuram

The Kurikkals of Manjeri and the Resistance to Colonialism

The Kurikkal family is an aristocratic family located in Manjeri of the Ernad Taluk of the

Khan Bahadur K. Muhammad

K. Muhammad also known as Khan Bahadur K. Muhammad (1896-1976) was the education officer of the Malabar District Education Board

Khan Bahadur Chekuty Sahib

Koorimannil Valaimannil Chekutty, also known as Anakayam Chekutty Sahib (death.1921) was a British-supportive Muslim

Khan Bahadur Ata Koya Thangal

Koyilandi Puthiya Maliyakkal Aata Koya Thangal also known as Khan Bahadur Aata Koya Thangal (1866-1924) was a Muslim

Kerala Sanchari

Kerala Sanchari was a Malayalam weekly published for the first time on October 7, 1886, by the Spectator Press in Kozhikode.

Kerala Pathrika

The Kerala Pathrika was the earliest newspaper to be printed in Malayalam in the Kozhikode district. First published on October 19, 1884,

K. Madhavan Nair

Karuthodiyil Madhavan Nair, also known as K Madhavan Nair (1882 - 1933) was a freedom fighter from Malabar and one

K. Damodaran

K. Damodaran (1912–1976) was a Marxist writer, intellectual and early leader of the Communist Party from Malabar.

Jewish Settlements in Malabar

According to historians such as P. M. Jussay, the first Jews to reach Kerala were traders. They came around 2000 years ago,

History of Wayanad

Wayanad is a mountainous region with an elevation of 700- 2100 meters above sea level. It has dense forests, hills, slopes,

Himayathul Islam Sabha

Himayathul Islam Sabha, formed in 1889 in Calicut was the first Muslim organization in Malabar. The organization focused

Hidayathul Muslimeen Sabha

The organization known as the Manjeri Hidayathul Muslimeen Sabha was established in 1897 and had its main office in Manjeri.

Hermann Gundert

Hermann Gundert (1814-1893) was a German missionary of the Basel mission, scholar, and linguist who is renowned for his earliest

Guruvayur Satyagraha

Guruvayur Satyagraha refers to the non-violent demonstrations held in the Guruvayur temple in the Ponnani Taluk of Malabar district

Government Brennen College,Tellicherry

The Government Brennen College, situated in Dharmadam, Tellicherry (Thalassery), of the Malabar district,

Ezhimala

Ezhimala is a seven-peaked mountain located seven kilometers from Payyanur in the Kannur district of Kerala.

English education in Malabar

The systematic introduction of the English language and related subjects into Malabar by the British rulers is known as English

Edakkal Caves

Edakkal caves are two natural caves on Ambukuttymala, which is located 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala.

Treatment of diseases in Colonial Calicut City

Medical practices in Malabar were closely tied to local faith and culture. The British intervened in

Coir industry

The coir industry is a traditional cottage industry in the Malabar region of Southern India. It first started in the coconut-producing regions

Civil disobedience movement in Malabar (1930-1934)

Civil disobedience movements held in Malabar from 1930–1934 were part of the national civil

Chengalathu Kunjirama Menon

Chengalathu Kunjirama Menon (1857–1935) also called Chengalathu Valiya Kunjirama Menon was a writer and journalist from Malabar.

Chakkeeri Ahmed Kuty

Chakkeeri Ahamed Kutty (1915–1993) was a social worker and political leader of the Indian Union Muslim League from Kerala.

Conolly Canal

The Elathur-Kallai Canal, also called the Conolly Canal, was built in 1848 on the orders of H.V. Conolly, the Collector of Malabar.

Bi-lingualism amongst Mappilas

Bi-lingualism amongst the Mappilas refers to the linguistic phenomenon within the Mappila Muslim community in the northern

Bafakhy Thangal

Sayyid Abdu Rahman Bafakhy Thangal (1905-1973) was a renowned merchant and Muslim religious and political leader from the Malabar

Arabi-Malayalam

Arabi Malayalam, also referred to as Mappila Malayalam, is a unique combination of Dravidian languages with significant

Arab Cultural Influence in Malabar

This article delves into the profound and enduring influence of Arab culture on the Malabar region, unraveling its multifaceted

Al Ameen newspaper

Al Ameen, meaning "the honest” in Arabic, was a Malayalam language newspaper founded in 1924 by Mohammed Abdur Rahman,

Agriculture and Colonialism in Malabar

Agriculture served as the primary economic activity in Malabar, providing livelihoods for the majority of its population.

Wagon Massacre

The Wagon Massacre [19th November 1921] refers to the death of 70 prisoners who were transported from Tirur to Bellary prison.

V T Bhattathiripad

Vellithuruthi Thazhathu Karutha Patteri Raman Bhattathiripad (1896-1982) also known as V T Bhattathirippad, or V T was a great Indian

Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar

Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar [1860- 14 Nov 1914] was a Malayali essayist, short story writer and a landlord.

Variamkunnath Mohammed Haji

Variamkunnath Mohammed Haji (VK Haji) [1883-20 January 1922] grew up to become one of the foremost leaders of the Malabar

Vallathol Narayana Menon

Vallathol Narayana Menon [1879-1958] was one of the kavithrayam (poets'-trio) of modern malayalam along with Kumaran Asan and Ulloor

Vakkom Abdul Kadir Moulavi

A prominent Muslim scholar, writer and freedom fighter, Vakkom Abdul Khadir Moulavi (1873-1932AD) was born in the Chirayinkil

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (1908 -1994) was a social critic, freedom fighter and prominent writer of Malayalam literature.

Vagbhatananda Gurudev

Born as Kunhikannan [27 April 1885- October 1939], and popularly known as Vagbhatananda, was the founder of Atmavidya Sangham in

Varakkal Mullakoya Thangal

Varakkal Mullakoya Thangal (1840-1932) was a Muslim Sunni scholar from northern Kerala who belonged to the Shafi’i School of thought.

Umar Qazi

A Muslim scholar, reformer and poet Umar Qazi (1765-1844) is also well known for his strong anti-British stance.

ULCCS

The genesis of the present day Uralungul Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) lies in the Uralungul Koolivelakarude Paraspara Sahaya Yogam

Seethikoya Thangal

Prominent freedom fighter and political leader Kumaramputhur Seethikoya Thangal [1898-1921] was born in Kumaramputhur, a village in the Palakkad

Samastha Kerala Jam’iyyatul Ulama

>Samasta Kerala Jam’iyyatul Ulema, also called Samasta is an association of Sunni Scholars in northern Kerala who follow the shafi’i school of thought.

Pulikkottil Hyder

The Kunchan Nambiar of Mappilappattu", Pulikkottil Hyder (1879 - 1975) was a popular poet who was titled so by C H Muhammad Koya

Pangil Ahmed Kutty Musaliar

An erudite scholar, writer and orator, Pangil Ahmed Kutty Musaliar (1888-1945) was a leading Sunni Shafi’ī scholar of the Malabar

Palliveettil Muhammad Moulavi

Palliveetil Muhammad Moulavi (1881-1950) was one of the founding figures of Samasta Kerala Jam’iyyatul Ulema. He was the general secretary

Maulana Abdul Bari

Maulana Abdul Bari (1881-1965) was an eminent scholar of Northern Kerala. He was one of the founding figures of Samasta Kerala

M P Narayana Menon

M P Narayana Menon [1887-1966] was one of the most important Congress leaders in the Malabar region in the early 20th century.

Morazha Struggle

Since the formation of the karshaka sanghams (peasants organisation) under the initiative of those in the Congress Socialist Party within

Moorkoth Kumaran

Moorkoth Kumaran [23 may 1874-25 June 1941] was a social reformer, short story writer and a teacher. He was the founder of Mithavadi,

Muhammad Meeran Musaliar

Prominent scholar and orator Muhammad Meeran Musaliar [1894-1947] was one of the earliest leaders of Samasta Kerala Jam’iyyatul

MOHAMMED ABDUR RAHMAN

A political leader and social critic, Mohammad Abdur Rahman (1898-1945) was also a prominent freedom fighter. He was the President

Mithavadi Krishnan

Changaram Komarath Krishnan Vakeel [11 June 1867- 29 Nov 1938] was a social reformer, journalist, and advocate who worked for the

M.C.C Abdu Rahman Moulavi

Prominent Muslim scholar and reformer M.C.C Abdul Rahman moulavi (1906-1964) was born in 1906 in Parappanangadi

Maulana Abdul Qadir Halfari

Maulana Abdul Qadir Halfari (1895-1944) was an eminent scholar, orator and poet. He was one of the founding figures of Samasta Kerala

Manjeri Rama Iyer

A freedom fighter and Social worker, Manjeri Rama Iyer (1877-1958) was an early activist of the Theosophical Society in Malabar

Manjeri Conference

The Manjeri conference refers to the conference held in the Malabar district by the Indian National conference on 28 and 29 April

Mampuram Thangal

Sayyid Alavi Thangal (1752–1845) also known as Mampuram Thangal was an Islamic scholar and freedom fighter who

Malu Hajjuma

Mallu Hajjuma-Parvetty Fatima [1879-1960] was a freedom fighter who fought against the British during the Malabar Rebellion.

Malabar Tenancy Act, 1930

The Malabar Tenancy Act, 1930 is considered a turning point in the history of land relations in Malabar.

Malabar Special Police

The Malabar Special Police, (MSP, henceforth) in its current form was formed on 30th September 1921 with the sole aim

MALABAR FAMINE

The Malabar Famine that took place in 1943 wreaked havoc in the lives of common people in the region.

Mahin Hamadani Thangal

Sheikh Muhammad Mahin Hamadani Thangal (d.1922) was a reformer and Sufi scholar. He was one of the founding

Khilafat Prasthanam

The Khilafat Movement (1919–24) is one of the important movements in India’s freedom struggle. The main objective of the movement

Kottal Uppi Sahib

Kottal Uppi Saheb Bahadur (1891–1972) was an influential political leader and social worker from Kannur, north Kerala.

K.M Moulavi

K.M. Moulavi(1886-1964) was a prominent scholar, reformer and freedom fighter. He was one of the earliest leaders of the Islahi

Makthi Thangal

Sayyid Sanaullah Makthi Thangal (1847-1912) was a prominent Islamic scholar, writer and journalist.

Kerala Muslim Aikyasangham

Kerala Muslim Aikyasangham, formed in 1922 in Kodungalloor of Thrissur district was the first all-Kerala organisation of Muslims.

Kerala Jam’iyyatul Ulama

Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama Ahlussunna wal Jamaat", also known as Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama (KJU) is an organization of Muslim

Kayyur Samaram

Kayyur Samaram (strike), [28th March 1941], refers to the historic fight of peasants against feudalism and British

KAVUMBAI STRUGGLE (Incomplete)

Kavumbai refers to a historic peasant uprising in the district of Kannur in December in 1946. This struggle emerged out of

Kattilassery Muhammad Musliyar

Kattilasseri Muhammad Musliar (1879-1943) was a poet, social reformer and freedom fighter from Kerala.

K MOIDEENKUTTI HAJI

Kattachirakkal Moideenkutti Haji aka Bava Haji (1918-1997) was an eminent politician and speaker

K Kelappan

Freedom fighter, a social reformer, renaissance leader, journalist, politician and the founding member and president

Dr. E K Janaki Ammal

Called the first Indian woman botanist, Edavalath Kakkat Janaki Ammal (4 November 1897 – 7 February 1984)

Fazal Pookoya Thangal

Sayyid Fazal Pookoya Thangal (1820-1901) was a Muslim scholar and political leader. He was the only son

EMS Namboodiripad

EMS Namboodiripad [13 June 1909-19 march 1998], popularly known as EMS was a Marxist theoretician, a remarkable journalist

E.M. Moulavi

E Moidu Moulavi (1886–1995) was an Islamic scholar, freedom fighter, social reformer and political leader.

E K Nayanar

Claims the distinction of serving the longest term as the Chief Minister of Kerala state, Eranpala Krishnan Nayanar

Deshabhimani

Deshabhimani newspaper was founded in 1942 as a successor to Prabhatham weekly which was published in 1935.

Chembrassery Thangal

A prominent scholar and one of the most eminent leaders of the anti-British rebellion in Malabar in 1921, Chembrassery Thangal

Chalilakath Kunjahmed Haji

Prominent Muslim scholar, writer, orator and reformer Chalilakath Kunjahmed Haji (1919-1866) is known as the architect

BRAHMADATTAN NAMPUTHIRIPPAD

Mozhikkunnath Brahmadathan Namputhirippad (1897-1964) was one of the important leaders of the Malabar revolt of

Battle of Pookkottur

The Battle of Pookottur was a turning point and a threshold in the Malabar Rebellion that started in August 1921. The incident refers to

Battle of Pandikkad (Incomplete)

As the war intensified between the British and the rebels in Malabar, the British took to increasing the size of its army contingent

Ayyathan Gopalan

Ayyathan Gopalan [3 March 1861- 2 May 1948] was a social reformer, crusader of Kerala renaissance, a doctor, writer and philanthropist.

Ali Musliyar

Ali Musliyar (1854-1922) was a prominent scholar and freedom fighter based in the Malabar province of British India. He was a Makkah-

Al Bayan Magazine

Al Bayan(transl. The Explanation) Monthly was the first magazine to be released in the Arabi-Malayalam language, , a language used widely till

A K Gopalan

Popularly known as AKG, or A K Gopalan, his full name is Ayillyath Kuttiari Gopalan (1904-1977). Famous as one of the

Aaron Mill Strike, 1939

The Aaron Mill Strike was one of the first and important industrial working-class strikes organized by the Communist Party in the state

Get In Touch

Malabar History journal