Malabar History journal

Introduction: History of Integration

The term “Malabar” evokes the rich historical tapestry of Kerala’s northern coastline, a region that has been a magnet for trade travelers throughout the ages. Its status as the famed land of spices attracted merchants from diverse corners of the globe, fostering harmonious trade relations with Arabs, Greeks, and Chinese traders. The roots of this historical intermingling date back to 3000 B.C., documented in Sumerian records that highlight the spice trade between Kerala and civilizations such as Egypt, Babylon, and Assyria.

The seventh century witnessed the rapid expansion of Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf, eventually reaching the shores of Kerala through Arab traders. The emergence of the Muslim community in Malabar can be traced back to the influential presence of Arab traders and Ulemas who journeyed to the region. The welcoming ethos of Malabar’s coast, irrespective of state or religion, is well-documented in the journals of Ibn Battuta, an African traveler whose observations in the fourteenth century shed light on the size, population, and institutions of the Muslim community in Malabar, particularly in Calicut (Dale, 1990).
Ibn Battuta’s findings reveal that Malabar Muslims shared a distinct Arabic-Islamic culture, aligning with the broader Muslim populations in the Indian Ocean sea trading area. Unlike the rest of India, Malabar Muslims adhered to the Shafi school of Islamic law. The Zamorin, profiting from trade, established Calicut as a significant hub for western traders, even appointing a Bahraini businessman as the chief port administrator. Maritime ties between Kerala and the Arabs trace back through centuries, with traders from centers like Muscat frequenting the Malabar port (Mohamed, 1990).

Sassen’s (2005) structural analysis of global cities unveils three distinct tendencies, namely wealth concentration, urban-rural divides, and the emergence of marginalized communities. Strikingly, these trends, reflective of contemporary urban life, found resonance within the Muslim community of Malabar. In its initial stages, the Muslim community in Malabar experienced marginalization. However, through subsequent phases marked by integration and migration to Gulf countries, this community underwent a transformative journey, emerging as an integral and indispensable part of Kerala’s diverse population. This essay endeavors to unravel the profound and intricate connection between Malabar and Arab countries, exploring the historical, cultural, and economic ties that have shaped the unique identity of this coastal region.

Arab Trading Diaspora’s Impact on Mappila Culture

The term “diaspora” takes center stage as we examine the restructuring of social and spatial relations resulting from a fundamental shift in the spatial distribution of a population. The cross-cultural phenomena emerging from Hadrami interactions created a mosaic, blending both Indian and Arabic characteristics within the Mappila Muslim community. This cultural amalgamation intensified due to globalization and migration to Gulf nations, fostering more similarities with Middle Eastern Muslims than their mainland Indian counterparts.

Malabar’s pivotal role in the Afro-Asian-led global economy positioned it as a cultural melting pot. Historical records, including the Terisappalli Copper plate, provide evidence of interactions between Malabar and the Middle East since ancient times. The rewards bestowed by Hindu emperors upon Arab traders are immortalized on these copper plates (Ilias, 2007).

The majority of Kerala’s kingdom’s income was derived from international trade, and the Zamorins’ support for Malabari traders propelled Calicut onto the international trading stage. Arab traders, backed by the region’s Muslim population, controlled Malabar’s trade. Calicut, during the fourteenth century, became a major mercantile hub, characterized by the convergence of three strands of Muslims: paradesi Muslims, Marakkar Muslims, and native Mappila Muslims, all adhering to the Shafi’ite tradition (Malekandathil, 2001; Subrahmanyam, 1990).

Matrilineal customs, prevalent among high-caste Hindus in Malabar, found resonance among the Mappila Muslims. This adaptation to local traditions became apparent as trade diasporas, formed by merchants engaging in long-distance commerce, led to the establishment of settlements. The influx of Arab and Persian sailors contributed to the formation of Arab Muslim settlements, fostering both temporary (Mut’ah) and permanent marriages.

The term Mut’ah, rooted in the Arabic word for ‘enjoyment,’ symbolized a marriage contract for a specific period, often involving an agreed-upon bride’s payment. The extensive travels of seafaring Arabs to the Malabar Coast played a pivotal role in the prevalence of temporary marriages, despite facing opposition from Malabar ulama who deemed Mut’ah unlawful. Over time, these merchants entered Mut’ah marriages with lower-caste converts, giving rise to the Mappila community. Tracing their lineage through the maternal side, Mappilas emerged as skilled tradesmen and seamen around the thirteenth century, acting as privileged intermediaries in trade with the Islamic world (Wink, 1990). The exclusivity of the Mappila community to Mut’ah marriages is questioned, as sojourn Muslim merchants often brought their wives to Calicut (Babu, 2020).

Urban Transformation and Cultural Synthesis

The Arab diaspora’s impact is not confined to economic and cultural spheres; it has also played a role in shaping urban centers in Malabar. The goods and services brought by Arabs were integral to the development of a civilized society. The distinctive attire of Mappilas, resembling Hadramites, reflects a cultural fusion encompassing the adoption of lungis, turbans, and Yemeni knives. The evolution of dress codes extended to women, who began donning burqas and hijabs.

Arabs, upon arriving in a new trading location, typically make efforts to acquire and speak the local language. In Malabar, this cultural exchange manifested in the emergence of Arabi-Malayalam, a hybrid language that became the primary trading language along the Malabar Coast. Initially, it was a Malayalam dialect written in Arabic script, with modifications to account for regional phonetics. This linguistic fusion extended to rural areas, finding applications in Islamic schools, mosques, and even in personal correspondences like letters and poetry by women from the Mappila community, emphasizing its rising popularity (Ilias, 2007).

Culinary traditions in Kerala, especially Malabar, bear witness to the enduring Arab influence. The fusion of Keralan and Arab culinary styles has given rise to what is now renowned as Mappila cuisine. The creation of pathiri, a rice bread, stands as a testament to this culinary synthesis. The unique preparation of biryani by Mappilas reflects the blending of spices, masala, and culinary techniques from both cultures.

Conclusion: A Dynamic Cultural Legacy of Arab Influence in Malabar

In the rich cultural history of Malabar, the influence of Arab culture stands as a vibrant thread, intricately woven into the fabric of Kerala’s identity. Over the centuries, the northern coastline has been a gateway, welcoming diverse cultures and embracing them into the fold. This assimilation has shaped a pluralistic society characterized by tolerance and adaptability (Tharoor, 2005). From the historical integration of Arab traders with the Zamorin-ruled Calicut to the economic prosperity fueled by international trade, and the resulting cultural synthesis seen in the Mappila community, the Arab influence in Malabar is a living legacy.

In conclusion, the Arab cultural influence in Malabar is far more than a historical artifact; it is a dynamic force actively shaping the contemporary identity of Kerala. The lasting impact on language, culture, and economic prosperity is evident in the resilience of the Mappila community and the overall vibrancy of Malabar. This influence stands as a testament to Kerala’s remarkable ability to embrace diversity, creating a unique and inclusive cultural mosaic that continues to evolve.

References

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