Context: Recently, 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 their Origin

• ‘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.
• By some accounts, they were of Arab origin and had migrated from Tunisia to Panthalayani near Koyilandy in present-day Kozhikode, and later moved to the region around present-day Kottakkal and Thikkotti near Payyoli.
• By other accounts, the Marakkars were descendants of affluent businessman from the Cochin kingdom who migrated later to Calicut.
• Historian M G S Narayanan said the name ‘Marakkar’ could have originated from maram or marakkalam, meaning ship, as these families lived along the coast and used ships.
• Alternatively, it could have originated from the Arabic word markaba, meaning those who migrated via ships. “The Marakkars were mostly Muslims, but in some parts, they have been found to be Hindus as well,” Narayanan said.

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.
In the span of 100 years, the exploits of the Kunjali Marakkars are said to have improved the naval fleet of Calicut as well as other kingdoms, stretching from Saurashtra to Ceylon along the Indian coast. War technologies and ammunition greatly improved as well.