History of Malappuram
Malappuram District has a long history starting from the pre-historic times. The district was ruled by the Tamils, Mysoreans and the British. After 1947, Malappuram became part of the Indian republic. Malappuram became a separate district in 1969.
Ancient History
Caves found in Oorakam, Melmuri and Vengara show human settlements in pre-historic times. Ernad was ruled by the Tamil during the Sangam period.
King of Calicut
The king Zamorin of Calicut also ruled Malappuram for some time. The chieftain of Zamorin Para Nambi ruled Malappuram with headquarters at Kottappady, Malappuram.
Mysore Sultans
[1] The 800 year old rule of the Zamorin came to an end with the arrival of Hyder Ali from Mysore. His successor Tippu Sultan handed over the area to the British government. Thus Malappuram became part of the British Malabar.
British Rule
The headquarters of the British garrison became the headquarters of the Malabar Special Police. The Moplas of Malappuram fought courageously against the British and their uprising is memorized in the Malappuram Nercha festival celebrated in every summer. The British built the first school of Malappuram and it was called Anglo Indian Vernacular School.
Modern History
After India achieved Independence in 1947, Malappuram became part of the newly formed Kerala state. Malappuram became a separate district in 1969.
Environmental Agitation
The people of Malappuram conducted a heroic agitation to protect the river Chaliyar from pollution. The source of the pollution was the liquid waste coming from Gwalior Rayons factory at Mavoor. The leader of the agitation was K.A.Rahman and the finally the factory closed down and the river regained its vitality.
References
- "History of Malappuram and the Mappila Revolt | Centre for Vedic and Islamic studies". malappuramtourism.org. Retrieved 21 January 2016.