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A REPORT OF MEETING WITH MR. K.K.MARAR

 The facts suggests that, the town was initially known as
Thiruvangadu (old village, meaning big forests), as
mentioned in Gazetteer of Madras Provinces published
during First World War.
 But as per the legends, it was initially known as
“Shwetaranyapura” (Shweta - white , aranya - forests, pura -
city)
 - This is dated back to the times of the sage Shweta Muni or
the scholar Shwetaketu (a Shavitie Scholar)
 The British renamed it as Tellicherry meaning head
quarters of Cherries - the streets, kachahari - taluka
 In 1498AD Portuguese landed at Calicut, and later during
the British Period it was established as the Headquarters of
the Malabar district.
 Thalassery emerged as Headquarters of North Kerela and
Headquarters of South Kerela was Palakkad.
 Vasco-Da-Gama although landed at Calicut first but the
trade first began with Kolotharis. Now known as Palayagadi,
there was a famous port Madai which was their centre. The
Portuguese and Dutch established their warehouses during
the late fifteenth century.
 King Samudri was against growing interference of the
Portuguese and so were the localities.
 In the later period, French also came here, and Punnol (under the ownership of
Local ruler - Kurungothu Nair) became an active Port.
 In the first part of the seventeenth century, French built their warehouses in
Punnol. They settled their and started collecting Spices.
 French contacted the local ruler, Kurungothu Nair who was under the Kottayam
ruler for their support.
 Next it was the British, who joined in the race of trade. They directly contacted
the Charrakal Palace, residence of the Kolothary Ruler. He gave them
permission build their stores.
 It was the period, when the French-British fights were happening in the Europe.
The same reflected over here, French were against the growing successful trade
of the British and the local Kurungothu ruler was burning under the fire of
negligence by British. So thus, very soon around the beginning of the 18th
century British faced attacks at the Thalassery centres.
 This enforced their demand to establish a fortified factory and they got the
permission. The construction of the fort started in 1702AD and finished by
1708AD.
 As the different companies came, they established their own
warehouses in and around the port area.
 Portuguese built the Rosary Church.
 British had built their own fort and factory.
 A Sub Collector‟s Bungalow was established in the close
proximity to the fort.
 T.H. Baber built Palli Centre Bungalow. District Court and District
Judge‟s bungalow was established.
 Sir Brown built a Bungalow over here similar to his bungalow in
England at the banks of river Thames. The campus has now been
converted to Kannur Medical College.
 In the St. Peters Area, several hospitals established.
 A Coffee Curing Centre of Volkart was constructed.
 Mumballi‟s bakery was the first in India located here
 Chirrakal Shiva Temple + Temple Pond
 Thiruvangad Temple, one of the ancient temples, dated back to more
than 2500 years.
 Jagannatha Temple -established by Sri Narayana Guru for especially
lower communities but people from all classes were allowed.
 Thodikalam Temple - demolished by British Army in 1797AD, led by Col
Dunlop and Col Dove by the order of General Stewart
 20 kms from Thalassery, Kannur Kootkumparambi road, famous for
Snake worship.
 Thirukai Centre Temple, which had a 16acre tank, which now has
became 10 acres only. Currently under Kottayam kings.
 Konkani Brahmins established Lakshmi Narayana temple
 Kadirur Surya Narayana Temple
 Small shrine at the back of the Juma Masjid
 Old mosque in Valvattanam (more than 1000yrs old).
 Odathil Palli, primarily belonging to Keyis but all are allowed,
burial only of Keyis.
 Stadium Juma Masjid , one of the very old mosques.
 Islam came here around 1400 years ago, by Arabs who came
here for trade
 Mattambram Palli
 Peringadi Mosque near New Mahe
 Vallapattanam Mosque
 Molliangomme Mosque- people from all communities came for
worshipping while going to sea
 Ibu Minar mosque
 „Arrakal Kingdom‟, first Muslim kingdom, have a Matriarchal
system
 Rosary Church, under Goan Diocese
o In 1609 AD, Archbishop of Varapura adopted this church, thus then
it came under KERELA DIOCESE
Anglican Church
St. Peter‟s Church
 KAAVU
 PALLIYARA
 GURUKULAMS
 THARAVADS
o Akkaraveedu, old tharavad
o Tharavad of CVN
o Tharavad of Prof. K.T. Ravindran
o Under the Bishop of Thalassery (between Kadirur-Nayauar Road)
 MALIAKKAL RESIDENCES
 KEYI community Houses, first Keyi was Haukarnausa, who became commisioner
agent of East India Company, managing imports and exports.
 PIERS: dated back to more than 100 years old. Used for transportation purposes;
built by British.
 HOUSES:
 Chandu Menon‟s house, now completely demolished
 Sattiu Sanya‟s house, a very famous author
 Seshagiri Prabhu‟s house, an eminent Theatre person, very old house with a European
appearance
 Lingileri House in Kothuparambu
 Thalassery is known worldwide for the best spices and oil.
 Tellicherry Pepper, Cinnamon and Oil were the main agents
which attracted the traders.
 Sir Mardok Brown established once biggest Cinnamon estate of
Asia in Ancharakandi.
 The town is famous for its 3 C‟s, Cakes, Cricket and Circus.
British used to bring along with them their Army , to feed them
they needed Bakers. Thus soon the localities learnt the baking
techniques and Bakeries were established over here. Arthur
Welleselley is considered responsible for the attraction of Cricket
in Thalassery.
 Theyyam - It is another major magnet of the area attracting, it is
performed solely by specific communities only. There exist more
than 400 types of Theyyams. Kaavas have their associative value
with them.
 British banned Kallari weapons
 A Kallari, 100yrs back in Thalassery against British
 Tharavad of CVN, outhouse first Kallari, for Kallari Martial
Arts and sytems of Medicine
 Kallari-Kuzhi Kallari, no permanent buildings, but had the
centres with absolute unique measurements
 For traditional Kallari, pit must be made
 JHETKHAS: horse carts, old Jhetkhas with wood, later with
Brass
 BRUHAM: pulled by 3-4 horses
 HANDLOOM: special Kannur centre, German influence, Pil
looms used for bathing towels
 Weaver‟s street, weavers centre in Kannur
 Street LAMP, special kerosene street lamps
 EDUCATION centres
 ANGLO INDIAN COMMUNITY, near Nettar
 Story of PALASHI and his BALLADS
 Community of Performers
 More than 400 types
 Mega festivals of Theyyam- Perungodiyattam once in 10-15
years
 Meaning of Kaavu- full of trees
 Theyyam done in two stages
 Oorachari Gurukulam- 3 gurus
o Gurus- teachers of Sanskrit
o Scholars in Sanskrit and Malayalam
o They claim to be Guru of Gundert