Kunjali Marakkars
Also called: Marakkar · Topic: Europeans in India and the Rise of Company Rule · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Kunjali Marakkars were the hereditary naval chiefs of the Zamorin, the ruler of Calicut (Kozhikode). Hereditary means the post passed down within the family. They came from the Muslim Marakkar community of the Malabar coast. In the 16th century they led the fight against the Portuguese at sea. Using fast, light boats, they attacked Portuguese ships and challenged the Portuguese control of the Arabian Sea. They are remembered as early defenders of India's coast.
Example
Kunjali Marakkar IV was the last of the line. He was captured after his fort was besieged, and the Portuguese executed him in Goa in 1600.
Don't confuse with
- Rani Abbakka: she also resisted the Portuguese, but as queen of Ullal in southern Karnataka. The Marakkars were naval commanders who served the Zamorin of Calicut.