Kadaangot Makkam

The story of a woman scorned This story takes you to a region north of Calicut and introduces you to two flamboyant art forms of North Malabar, namely Thira and Theyyam. Many studies examine these art forms, including the stories recounted in these dances, and their history is covered in many works …

The Story of Aden

Part 1 - Haines – The Ingliz Sultan and the formation of Aden Having focused thus far on the Calicut end of the Red Sea-Malabar trade route, I thought it would be a good idea to head over to Aden and see how the port developed into the place I had heard so much about from old timers in Calicut and f…

The Odiyans of Malabar

The Odi Cult and the Kalladikode Neeli In the previous article, we read about Yakshis , especially Kalliangattu Neeli and the Panayanar Yakshi, and their connection to the Kadamattathu Kathanar. While those stories and myths were linked to Travancore, Malabar was also well known for sorcerers, witchc…

Roman Presence in India

Muziris, Arikamedu, and Aalgankulam - Windows to Roman Trade In the previous post, we discussed Indians who ventured abroad and sometimes settled in Red Sea ports and Egypt for short periods while engaged in Roman–Indian trade. While we uncovered some shipping routes, ancient ports, and evidence of …

Major N G Swami, INA’s Unheralded Phantom

Azad Hind – Head of Secret Service and Intelligence Most INA-related books focus on Subhash Bose's central role as the leader and often overlook details about the people, characters, actions, and stories of bravery at the lower levels of the force he commanded. However, the Rani Jhansi army, whi…

Early Indians in Egypt

And the graffiti made by Cikkai Korran, in the Valley of the Kings It should be no surprise to anyone interested in the Indian Ocean trade that there was robust intercourse between India and the various dynasties that ruled Egypt and Rome. As one might guess, it was mainly fostered by trade, though …