Malappuram
| Malappuram | |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala |
| Country | India |
| Headquarters | Malappuram town |
| Official Language | Malayalam |
| Area | 3,550 km² |
| Population | 41 lakh (approx.) |
| Taluks | 11 |
| Founded | 1969 |
Malappuram is a district located in the northern part of Kerala, India. Established in 1969, it is one of the most culturally rich and historically significant districts in Kerala. The district is bordered by Kozhikode to the north, Palakkad to the east, Thrissur to the south and the Arabian Sea to the west. Malappuram is known for its deep-rooted Islamic cultural traditions, natural beauty, historical monuments and the famous Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River.
History
Malappuram district was carved out of the Kozhikode and Palakkad districts on 16 June 1969 as a separate administrative district. The region has a rich history spanning several centuries and was an important centre of the Zamorin Kingdom of Calicut during the medieval period.
The district witnessed significant events during India's freedom struggle, including the Malabar Rebellion of 1921 — also known as the Moplah Rebellion — a major uprising against British colonial rule and the feudal landlord system in the Malabar region. The rebellion is an important part of the historical identity of the Malappuram region.
Geography
Malappuram district is situated in the northern part of Kerala between the Western Ghats to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. The Bharathapuzha River — the second longest river in Kerala — flows through the district, and the Chaliyar and Kadalundi rivers also drain parts of Malappuram.
The district has a diverse landscape encompassing coastal plains, midland hills and the forested slopes of the Western Ghats in the east. The Nilambur forests in the eastern part of the district are part of one of the most important teak forest reserves in Asia.
Economy
Malappuram's economy is driven by several key sectors:
- Remittances — Malappuram has one of the highest concentrations of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Kerala, predominantly in Gulf countries; remittances form a major part of the district's income
- Agriculture — Rice, coconut, rubber, ginger and banana are major crops
- Trade and Commerce — Malappuram town and Tirur are important commercial centres
- Handloom and Textiles — The district has a tradition of handloom weaving, particularly in Tanur and Tirur
- Education — Malappuram is home to several educational institutions and is emerging as an education hub in northern Kerala
- Construction and Real Estate — A rapidly growing sector driven by NRI investment
Tourism
Malappuram offers several significant historical, religious and natural attractions:
- Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple — An ancient and important Vishnu temple on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, the site of the historic Mamankam festival held once every 12 years
- Kottakkunnu — A scenic hilltop park and cultural centre in Malappuram town
- Nilambur Teak Museum — The world's first teak museum, located in Nilambur, showcasing the history and heritage of teak cultivation
- Adyanpara Waterfalls — A beautiful waterfall located near Nilambur in the eastern forests of Malappuram
- Tirur — A historically important town known for its connection to the great Malayalam poet Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, the father of the Malayalam language
- Tanur Beach — A scenic coastal destination on the Arabian Sea
- Pazhayangadi Mosque — One of the oldest and most historically significant mosques in Kerala
Culture
Malappuram has a rich and distinctive cultural identity rooted in its Islamic heritage, Malayalam traditions and the syncretic culture of northern Kerala. The district is known for its vibrant tradition of Mappilappattu — the classical musical tradition of the Muslim community of Kerala — and Oppana, a traditional women's art form.
The famous annual Mamankam festival — a grand gathering held at Thirunavaya once every 12 years on the banks of the Bharathapuzha — was one of the most important cultural and commercial events in medieval Kerala, attracting traders and visitors from across the subcontinent.
Education
Malappuram is home to several important educational institutions:
- University of Calicut — Located at Tenhipalam, Malappuram; one of the largest universities in Kerala
- Government Engineering College, Thrissur (affiliated with the region)
- MES College of Engineering, Kuttippuram
- PST Government Medical College, Perinthalmanna
Transport
Malappuram has a developing transport network:
- Nearest Airport — Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode), approximately 35 kilometres from Malappuram town
- Railways — The district is connected by the Shoranur-Mangalore rail line with stations at Tirur, Tanur, Parappanangadi and Kuttippuram
- Roads — Well connected by National Highway 66 (formerly NH 17) running along the Kerala coast and state highways connecting interior areas