Ever since colonial powers established their presence in Malabar, resistance from the native inhabitants has been a defining characteristic of the region’s history. Over the centuries, this resistance took various forms, including diplomacy, armed struggle, and non-violent political activism, ultimately culminating in the nation’s independence. Intriguingly, a long-standing tradition of communal harmony existed between Hindu and Muslim communities in Malabar throughout these tumultuous years.
They viewed resistance against colonial forces as a shared responsibility rather than a ‘fanatical’ reaction by a specific community, as often portrayed in colonial records. In his recent book ‘Musaliar King: Decolonial Historiography of Malabar Resistance’, Dr Abbas Panakkal of St Andrews University, UK, and a native of Vengara in Malappuram district, delves deeply into the history of Malabar’s resistance. He challenges prevailing narratives of Malabar’s past, offering a nuanced and multifaceted account of the region’s struggle against colonial rule.
During the Portuguese era, a unique tradition emerged: Hindu fishermen families often raised a Muslim boy to champion the cause of resistance. In the 19th century, Mappila resistance against oppressive landlords and British colonial powers saw significant participation from lower-caste tenants. Moreover, during the 1921 Khilafat Movement, prominent Hindu and Muslim leaders, such as MP Narayana Menon and Kattilassery Muhamm.
