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Islam and Thrikkakkara

The long relationship between Thrikkakkara which is one of the Vaishnavite divya desams and Islam has given rise to many speculations and interesting theories about the advent and rooting in of the Islamic faith and the presence of numerous small and big mosques and madrasas in and around the place.

One of the theories is linked with tipu sultan and his attempted conquest of kerala. It is said that, as tipu reached Alwaye and camped there, a heavy sense of fear and anguish fell over the land as it was part of Edapally swarupam which was next in line in the onslaught of the Muslim army. The rumours of murders and forced conversions and mass killings and arson rang through the land. The people, it has been advocated by some, as a means of self protection converted to Islam as the sultan was known to be a devout Muslim and highly partial to Muslims; thus a major chunk of the population turned to Islam literally to save their souls. It ahs also been claimed that many clever opportunists converted to Islam in hope of obtaining privileges such as land lordship and important posts of administration from the sultan as Tipu used to leave the Muslims in charge of administration after his conquests.


Another theory put forward with regard to the concentration of the Islamic population in the place points towards the long standing bosom friendship that existed between the zamorins of Calicut and the Edapally raja. The zamorins were known to be supporters of Islam even though they themselves were Hindus. It is argued that they might have sent a fraction of their arm and navy manned by kunjali marakar and with a strong Muslim representation to Edapally as the kingdoms were military allies against the Kochi raja. This theory too has elements of truth in it as many of the Islamic families of this area can trace their roots back to Calicut.

Both the theories, under the present state of affairs can be believed to be true. The place may have had a small Muslim population which might have received an impetus through the invasion of Tipu. Anyway, the history and society of Thrikkakkara stands as a testimony of religious harmony which has indeed become a hallmark of this ancient land.