Historical insight

Known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions is one of a few historical places in the south Indian State of Kerala, Vatakara.

Historically, Vatakara was the capital of old ‘Kurumbranadu’.  This name was derived from a tribal flock known as ‘Kurumbrar’, who were the main inhabitants of this place. Vatakara was also known as Kadathanadu, a place widely acclaimed for the origin and propagation of ancient form of martial arts, “Kalaripayattu”, some 3 centuries ago, but this name is not prevalent today.  This is that precious land where warriors like Thacholi Othenan and Kunhali Marakar once lived.

Geographical location

Geographically, Vatakara is situated along the vital Coast of Arabian Sea, in the north-west of Kerala.  It is located to the west of Kozhikode by the side of historical Kottakkal puzha.

Vatakara is a commercial focal point in the business district of Kozhikode with all the vital amenities available for a modern township.

Vatakara – The Origin

The name for today’s Vatakara has its origin in ‘Vadakkekara’ due to its geographical location in the north bank of Kottakkal puzha.  Popular usage of Vadakkekara led to its present name, Vatakara.

Gandhijis Visit

In 1934, Mahathma Gandhi visited Vatakara as part of his campaign trip to Malabar for his heart-warming social cause, the Harijan Fund Raising when the Kaumudi initiative received wide popular applause and attracted national fame.

Vasco Da Gama

Vasco Da Gama arrived in 1498 and obtained permission to carry out trade from Calicut. The Arabs sensing the threat posed by Portuguese to their commercial supremacy, opposed the Europeans. Bitter fights started between Portuguese and Arabs. The Portuguese went to Cochin for trade and the Raja of Cochin had an alliance with the Portuguese with aim of attaining sovereignty from Zamorin.

The hostilities between the Zamorin and the Portuguese continued for many decades and the role played by the Kunjali Marakkar in these battles can not been forgotten. Kunjali Marakkars were the hereditary admirals of the zamorin and organized a powerful navy to fight the Portuguese.

Kunajali

Kunajali II, the greatest of Zamorin's Admirals, fought bravely and captured the Portuguese ships and massacred the crew members. Kunjali III built a fort at Kottakkal and enjoyed all the privileges enjoyed by the Nair chiefs. This caused heavy damages to the Portuguese shipping and trade but with the defeats in 1528 and 1538 they lost their glory.
The Portuguese built a fort at Chaliyam at the mouth of the Baypore River in the middle of the Zamorin's territory. Due to the prolonged struggle, Zamorin's strength deteriorated and entered into a treaty in 1540 and allowed the Portuguese to have monopoly over trade at Calicut port. The peace was temporary and war broke out again resulting in the demolition of Chaliyom Fort in the 1571 by the Zamorin.

The battles continued unabated till 1588 when the Portuguese were allowed to settle down at Calicut. However Kunjali opposed the move. Moreover the Kunjali IV declared himself as the 'King of the Moors' and disobeyed the Zamorin. Zamorin could not digest this and sided with Portuguese to destroy the powerful Kunjalis and in 1600, kunjalis surrendered and were subsequently executed. It was really ironical that Zamorins had to ally with Portuguese and to fight the Kunjalis, who saved the Calicut Kingdom for decades in its fight against Portuguese.

In the meanwhile, the Dutch, English and the French arrived in Kerala. Zamorins allowed the Dutch to trade in Calicut and sought their help to drive out the Portuguese. The position of Portuguese weakened gradually due to international events and their position in Kerala deteriorated. Dutch captured Cochin and Cannanore and established trade. However, by 1721, the Dutch formally withdrew from all interference in native wars.