‘Arab traders built the city of Kozhikode’: Dr MGS Narayanan

‘Arab traders built the city of Kozhikode’: Dr MGS Narayanan

Kozhikode: The city of Kozhikode was built by Arab traders and they contributed even the name ‘Malabar’, said historian Dr MGS Narayanan. He was inaugurating the ‘Malabar-Arabia’ seminar as part of the Malabar Mahotsavam in the Kozhikode Town Hall.

Mr Narayanan said that Arabia was the nearest land of Kerala in history. At a time when it took months to go to the neighbouring state Tamil Nadu, only 40 days was the travelling distance between Arabia and Kerala. Arabs were the closest friends of the Zamorin, ruler of Kerala based in Kozhikode. That was why he did not agree to the Portuguese demand not to give permission for the Arabs to trade.

Kerala has much historical importance as people of several countries came here. But the researches pertaining to it are not developing locally in the state. Much of the history regarding the relation with the Arab countries is yet to be known, much more than what is revealed already. Even the Arabic wall-writings in old mosques have not been properly deciphered. Muslims still have a misunderstanding that mosques should be built in the Arab style with minarets only. But the old mosques which began to be built since the beginning of relations with the Arab lands were built with (the native) architectural style. They are the archaeological wealth of the whole of Kerala, and not just of religion, he added.

Dr Frederic Sunil Kumar presided over the seminar and Dr SM Muhammed Koya presented the paper. Dr GR Anil welcomed and Dr Vasanthi delivered the vote of thanks.

The 14th Malabar Mahotsavam began on February 11, 2011 (Friday) at the Kozhikode beach. The four-day festival, inaugurated by Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem, is a meeting venue of Malabari-Arab-Chinese cultures and the cultures will be presented in seven different venues. The festival began with a performance of Chinese artists. There was a music fest also on the first day. The second day of the fest was graced by the Qawali of Ustad Ahsan Khan and Adil Husain Khan Wasi. The day began with a performance of the ‘Kalarippayattu’, traditional martial arts of Kerala. Chinese artists took the audience into their hands with their stunning performance including music and dance. Arabian artists presented their shows today.

The festival is not altogether Arabian and Chinese. Traditional art forms of Kerala were performed at another venue. Chakiar Koothu, Karakayattam, Kavadiyattam, folk dance, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakkali etc were performed on Saturday. Oppana, naadan pattu, Margam Kali and