Maritime Traditions of Medieval Malabar
This work is an indepth study of Maritime Life of Medieval Malabar (Kerala). The favourable natural factors like rain forests, good timber, rivers from western ghats flowing west to Arabian sea, six months rain heapful in transporting large logs as 'therappam' as discussed. Merits of teak-built ships compared with European oak-built is examined. The 24 groups of people involved in ship-building from Tribals in deep forest to investors often from abroad are studied in detail. The Odayis, real shipbuilders perform their works as a solemn ritual with many rites. Arrival of learned Sufis and Sayyids, the patron saints, and significance of Khanqah in trade and economic life is discussed in detail. The Kunjali Marakkars and their legacy is properly examined with newly unearthed evidences. The book also discussed the influence of maritime allegories in Sufi literature, social and folk life. The market oriented economy, evolution of ship-building methods to meet the modern requirements forms an interesting chapter. The last chapter is an assessment of the influence of maritime activities on the social life of medieval Malabar.
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