Explanation:

• The Kunjali Marakkar or Kunhali Marakkar was the title given to the Muslim naval chief of the Zamorin of Calicut, by King of Calicut 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. 
• Kunjali Marakkars organised the first naval defense of the Indian coast by safeguarding Calicut from Portuguese invasion for almost a century.
• 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.The Marakkars were mostly Muslims, but in some parts, they have been found to be Hindus.