Kulasekarapattinam

Did You Know?

• Marco Polo described the Pandyan port city of Kulasekharapatnam, noting pillars on the seashore that gave direction to ships.
• According to Marco Polo, ships from Hormos, Kis, Aden, and all Arabia came to the city laden with horses and other goods for sale.
• The town's name is derived from the Pandyan ruler Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I.

History

During the Pandya period, Kulasekharapatnam was also called Rowthers Palayam, a section of Muslims who maintained military cavalry, followed traditional customs, and traded horses. The town was an important trade centre before the arrival of Islam. Its current Muslim population, known as the Marakkar or Marakkayars, engaged in maritime trade and came from Kerala; it is said that Kunjali Marakkar's family members originated there. Like most port towns, Kulasekharapatnam has a lighthouse near Manapad. Hindus have inhabited the city since the 8th century CE. The name Marakkar is distinct from Marakkayar (also spelled Marikkar or Maricar in historical texts). According to many historians, Moppila or Moplah means 'Maha Pillai' (great son), while Marakkar derives from the Tamil 'marakalam' (wooden boat), meaning 'boatmen'. Thurston's 'Tribes of South India' states that the word Marakkar is usually derived from 'marakalam'. It was also a titular name for maritime traders, a prized title given by the Zamorin of Calicut. Derived from Marakka Rayar, it signifies captain of a ship ('Rayar' meaning 'king' or 'captain', and 'Marakkalam' meaning 'ship'). They are also called marakala rayars. Vessel captains are called malimars, from the Tamil 'malumi' (captain) and 'yar', while crew members are called sherangs. Traditionally, the Marakkars engaged in mercantile commerce and are primarily located along the coasts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Marakala, also known as Mogela or Mogaveera, is an influential fishing community in coastal Karnataka; their caste profession is fishing. Major Mogaveera kuladevata temples include the Barkoor Bennekudru Kulamahasthry temple, Uchila Mahalaxmi temple, and Bagvadi Mahishamardini temples.