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Muslims of Kerala-Mappilas

The first mosque in India was build at Methala near Kodungalloor (Cranganore), Trichur District of kerala in A.D. 629 named Cheraman Juma Masjid.

Origin

There had been much trade and commerce between Kerala and Arabia even before the time of Prophet Muhammad. As long before as the 3rd Century BC, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Chinese and Babylonians had trade relations with Kerala. The arrival of Islam in India, was through the seaport of Kodungalloor, near Cochin (A business port in Kerala at that time) at the time of Prophet itself. Kerala was the first place in India to host this faith. It is believed that Malik Ibin Deenar, a contemporary disciple of prophet was the person who propogated Islam in Kerala.It came to Kerala in its genuine form which attracted the King of Cheraman, Pallibana Perumal who has been ruling a major geographical area of Central & northern Kerala. He embraced Islam later and even participated in one of the Hajj session.

Historical Facts

                         The Arabs settled down primarily on the West Coast(Malabar), where the Zamorin of Calicut welcomed them. He encouraged them to marry with the local women and serve on his armed forces. During the time of the Zamorins dynasty (Samuthiries) of Calicut the Muslims of Malabar played major role in the local army and navy as well as ambassadors to Arabia and China. Even before this period they had settlements in in southern Travancore(The Southern part of Kerala). Muslims from Pandi    Desham (Tamilnadu) migrated for trade to Kottayam district. Ibn Battuta who visited Kerala between 1342 and 1347 gives detailed information on Muslims in different parts of Kerala. His journey from Calicut to Quilon lasted 10 days. He writes: "At all the halting places  there are houses belonging to Muslims at which Muslim travelers stop and buy food and other provisions. Muslims are the most highly honored people." At one point (twelfth century) the Muslims even had their own rulers Arakkal family of (Cannanore) Kannoor.

                        During the invasions of Tipu Sultan (1782-1792),of Mysore dynasty, many Keralites were seized and forcibly converted to Islam. The Mysore Sultan Tipu is the reason why there are so many Muslim Mappilas in the districts of Cannanore, Tellicherry, Calicut, and Malappuram.The Mysorean invasions and Muslim conversions shattered the myth of the social superiority of the Brahmins and improved the self-image of the lower classes. The 1832 earthquake in Malabar and subsequent famine led to mass migration of Muslims to Cochin and Travancore. Mappila Rebellion of 1921 was a great chapter of India's freedom struggle. It was the expression of the built up frustration and rage amongst Muslims against British Government and landlords.None of the community in Kerala lost wealth and people compared to Muslims of Kerala, especially from Malabar. Kerala Muslims are Sunnis, Shias and Kutch and are highly educated as well as flowing  with the mainstream.

                    The first mosque in India was build at Methala near Kodungalloor(Cranganore), Trichur District of Kerala  and it is known as Cheraman Juma Masjid, which is the name of the then ruling family.  It was built in 629 A.D. and resembles a temple in appearance.Most of the older mosques are built like Hindu temples. Examples are the mosques in Calicut, Kottayam and Kodungallore.The Muslim mosques in South India are quite distinct in this regard compared to the ones in northern India. Kerala Muslims follow some Hindu traditions. 'Nerchakal' (Offerings for getting favours from God or  Express their gratitude for favours received from God) are traditional Hindu customs adopted by Muslim mosques in Kerala. Observances such as 'Chandanakudam' 'Kodikuthu nerccha' are certainly derived from distinctly Kerala Hindu influences. A ceremony called 'Thali kettu', (tying of a necklace to bride by bridegroom during marriage) which is a Kerala tradition is widely practiced among Muslims.
                    Kerala Muslims also had distinctive recreational sports. Women's 'oppanapattu', men's 'nasheed (mouleed)', kolukali Daf Muttu (aravanamuttu) are some of these art forms. In central Malabar there was a practice called 'padayani'. Muslims owned 'kalaris', (the martial art of Kerala) where they trained in traditional techniques.

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