Jeevan's KALLI VALLI : Old Mosques in Calicut, Mishkal Masjid, Kuttichira

Calicut

It is said that the name Calicut is derived from the Malayalam word Koyil Kotta, a fortified place. While others think Kalicut is an Arabic version of Kozhikode, which the colonisers morphed to Calicut, which in turn gave the name Calico to the hand-woven cloth that originated here.

Kozhikode is an ancient settlement and played an important role in the history of Kerala. The Zamorins or Samutiris of Kozhikode established a stable government in the 15th century and were responsible for its growth. It is here, at Kappad, that Vasca do Gama landed in 1498. Much before the Portuguese arrived, there were Muslims and early Christians settled in Kozhikode.

Among many heritage structures in the city, the old mosques around the Kuttichira square and the Muslim houses nearby are architecturally rich.

Mishkal Masjid, Kuttichira, is the oldest mosque in Kozhikode(formerly Calicut). It is named after the rich Arab merchant who built it. A four-storeyed structure supported by wooden pillars, the mosque is a rare specimen of the architectural splendour of Kerala.

In 1510, the Portuguese Naval force burnt down some portions of it. Some charred portions still remain on the top floor of the mosque.

Of the all the Indian cities, if there is one city, which had a high order of cosmopolitanism and cultural variety, it is Kozhikode. And not surprisingly it has many names such as Kalicut and Calicut. Some have even given it the peculiar name — The Cock Fort.

Unique structures

More About Kuttichira Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in the city, this four storeyed structure supported by wooden pillars proudly proclaims the architectural splendour of yester years. In 1510 the Portuguese burnt down some parts of it, but the charred portions still remain. The mosque is named after the rich trader who built it. Till today, the Muslims of the area make a visit to the mosque to offer their everyday namaz.

The Mishkal Mosque is a place where anybody can enter irrespective of their caste or social status. Thus in today's world of ethnic violence and caste difference, the Mishkal Mosque stands as the symbol of peace and is one of the most important pilgrimage centers in India.

Kuttichira community The city centre itself is filled with a lot of smaller localities surrounding mosques and temples. One of our first venture was the Kuttichira community, specifically the Mishkal Mosque, Kuttichira Tank and the Juma Masjid. The local community were a lot enthusiastic to provide information, which showed their friendliness. Mishkal Mosque at Kuttichira, Kozhikode, was built by Nakhuda Mishkal in the 14th century. Nakhuda Mishkal was a renowned trader and ship owner from Yemen. The title Nakhuda is of persian origin, meaning Captain of the ship;. As you can see, the mosque was designed in the traditional Kerala architecture of that period. The Mishkal Mosque at Kuttichira stands as a symbol of communal harmony.

In 1510 AD, the Portuguese had attacked the mosque and partially destroyed it. Supposedly, their mission was to divide and rule, breaking the harmony between hindus and muslims. The Samoothiri (Zamorin), the local ruler at that time, didn't fall for this and helped in defending and repairing the mosque. The mosque was 5 storeyed, but after the destruction, it remained as a 4 storeyed structure. The walls of the mosque, except the ground floor are made of wood. Remnants of the portuguese destruction can still be seen on the upmost floor.

History

The Mosque was built by an Arab merchant, Nakhooda Mishkal, nearly 650 years ago. It is named after him.It is located in a part of Thekkepuram region in Kozhikode city. Nakhuda Mishkal was a renowned trader and ship owner from Yemen. The title Nakhuda is of persian origin, meaning Captain of the ship; from nāv = boat +khudā = master. The mosque was designed in the traditional kerala architecture of that period. The Mishkal Mosque at Kuttichira stands as a symbol of communal harmony. In 1510 AD, the Portuguese had attacked the mosque and partially destroyed it. Supposedly, their mission was to divide and rule, breaking the harmony between hindus and muslims. The Samoothiri (Zamorin), the local ruler at that time, didn't fall for this and helped in defending and repairing the mosque.

For a wonderful panoramic view visit here (warning;about 4 MB data required, but a worth to visit)

More about Muchundi Mosque

Built in the 13th century AD with its unique Hindu temple architectural style, it is one of the oldest mosques in present day Kerala. Muchundi Mosque holds a bilingual stone inscription known as the Muchundi Inscription dating back to the 13th century. It is written in Arabic and an older form of Malayalam language. Scholars have translated it to read that one Shihabuddin Raihan, a freed slave built this mosque out of his own money on the land donated by the local ruler.

The mosque is associated with Shaikh Zainuddin Makhdoom II, the famous author of Tuhafat-ul-Mujahidin. It was in the mosque where Shaikh Zainuddin Makhdoom II used to teach young students and probably this is where he wrote his famous book which chronicles the history of Islam in Malabar.