Kunjali Marakkar Memorial Museum Iringal, Vatakara, Kozhikode is one of the places that evoke vivid memories of the fierce struggle of the indigenous people of Kerala against colonial rule. The museum is housed in a historical monument that remains related to the Kunjali Marakkars who led the naval battles of Kozhikode Samoothiri's army (1524-1600) against the Portuguese. The Kottakkal fort and city were destroyed in the attack by the Portuguese army. Later, the Portuguese tactically made an alliance with Samoothiri and this alliance led to the end of the patriotic war of Kunjali Marakkar. Houses associated with Marakkars were also destroyed. Part of a house that remained intact was turned into a memorial museum in 2004.
It is a small building consisting of one vestibule and three rooms. The main exhibits here are the cannons and swords found in the nearby areas, which commemorate the naval battle. A copy from the Samoothiri Granthavari of the order giving Marakkar position to Kunjali Marakkar, Pictures of major centre related to Kunjalis, a model of the Kunjali Marakkar Fort, cannons, and a memorial stupa erected by the Indian Navy as a tribute to the Marakkars can also be found here. Veerarayan silver coins of the Samoothiri era, Portuguese tanka coins and a Neolithic (2500-1000 C.E.) polished stone axe found in the Kottamam River (tributory of Periyar) in Aluva add variety to the already rich collection of the museum. Megalithic pottery, beads and iron tools from the laterite caves of Kakkur, Peringathur and Kuruvattoor in Kozhikode district are also displayed here.
Kottakkal Valiya Juma'ath Mosque, built in the unique Kerala style of architecture, carries many historical memories and is just half a kilometre away from this museum. We can see there the throne and sword captured by the Kunjali Marakkar from the Portuguese.
Visiting Time: 9:00 -5.00
Ticket Time: 9.00-4.45
Holidays: Monday, National Holidays
Ticket Rates:
Adult-10
Children-5
Mobile Phone Camera-20
Address: Kunjali Marakkar Memorial Museum, Iringal, Kottakkal, Vatakara, Kozhikode 673521.
Phone: 0496 2606011
