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.
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.
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.
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Kerala old Photos part 2. 1850 മുതല് 1937 മലബാറിലെ ജീവിതവും കാലവും സ്ഥലവും എങ്ങനെയായിരുന്നുവെന്ന് കാട്ടിത്തരുന്ന ചിത്രങ്ങള് .
