Kayalpatnam

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Kayalpatnam(aka Kayalpattinam, Tamil - காயல்பட்டினம்) or Korkai is a town in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu, India. Kayal is referred to in Marco Polo's travel diaries dating to 1250 AD. Korkai or Kayal (Chayal) was an ancient port dating to the 1st centuries of the Christian era and was contemporaneous to the existence of Kollam, another Pandyan port. Kollam served the Pandyas on the west coast while Korkai/Kayal served them on the east coast connecting them to Ceylon and the pearl fisheries in the Gulf of Mannar facing the Tirunelveli Coast. Kayal has muslim settlements dating from 7th century AD but Marco Polo's reference to the tomb of Thomas and the Christian communities would indicate Syrian Christian communities in the region prior to that era. The ancient port had connections with Egypt, Rome and Greece. The other ports on the Coromandel Coast were Kaveripumpattinam (Poompuhar) and Arikamedu (near Pondicherry). On the west coast the ancient ports were Kollam and Kodungallur and Barugachha (Broach) in Gujarat. (Refer: Nilakanta Sastri: History of South India).

A famous port during the times of the Pandyan kingdom, it is also a chief port of Mabar (Tirunelveli Coast or Coromandel Coast adjoining the Gulf of Mannar). Since 8th century AD, Kayal is inhabited by Muslims belonging to the Dravidian race. The current population has also people from the Nadar, Devar, Harijan Adi Dravidian and Christian communities living in peace. It is believed that the original Muslim inhabitants migrated from Egypt.

There are several references to this trading port in various literary works, notably in the travel work of Marco Polo. Kayalpatnam was also an important trade center even before the arrival of Islam. Five thousand years ago, it was the capital of second Tamil Sangam, called Kapadapuram. The northern part of Kayal is called Palaiya Kayal and Punna Kayal. The town has a number of mosques. Prominent among them are Kutba Periya Palli, Kutba Siru Palli, Al-Jamiul Azhar, Kaadiriya Kodimara Siru Nainar Palli, Kuruvithurai Palli, Erattai Kolathu Palli, Appapalli, Maraicar Palli, Kadal Karai Palli (the second mosque in India, first mosque of the town), Karup-Udaiyar Palli, Kattu Mogudoom Palli, Mogudoom Palli of Mogudoom street and Yusuf Appa Palli

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[edit] History

Few doubt today that an ancient city called Kayal (Qail, Quil) ever existed. It is widely acknowledged by the scholars that a city by that name did flourish in ancient time as a commercial port - carrying on trading with countries as far away as Greece and China.

There are several references to this trading port in various literary works, notably in the travel work of Marco Polo. What is less certain, however, is whether that ancient port is what that exists today as the bustling town of Kayalpatnam. Several archeological evidences seem to suggest so, but still some doubts persist.

[edit] Early settlers of Kayal

[edit] The First Wave

In about 875 AD, or so the legend goes, not far way from Cairo, the capital of Egypt, on the shadows of Mount Mukhadham, existed a town called Qirafathul Kubra. It was from this town that year, the legend continues, about 224 men, women and children, all descendants of the first caliph of Islam, Abubacker Siddique (Ral), belonging to the Bakhri tribe, left the Egyptian shores, under the leadership of Mohamed Kalji, in a ship made of wood (hence marakayar?) and eventually landed on the shores of Kayal.

This region, at that time, was under the rule of the Pandya king Abhirama Raja Adhiraja Raja Jayaveera Rajukaar. It is said that the new arrivals were given land by the King to settle and carry on their trading. A land title was also issued by the King to this effect.

[edit] The Second Wave

In about 1284 AD, it is said, 5 boat loads of people, escaping repression and natural disaster, left Egypt to various destinations. One such boat people, it is believed, reached the city of Kayal. The number of people in this 'second major wave' of settlers is unknown, but they were reportedly well received by the Pandya ruler of the time, Sundarapandya Thevar. The settlers were led by Syed Jamaludeen, believed to be the 21st descendant of Prophet Muhammed (Sal)[citation needed].

It is said that the Pandya king sent Syed Jamaludeen as his emissary to the court of Kublai Khan. After his return, it is believed, Syed Jamaludeen regularly supplied horses to the king and eventually rose to become the commander of the king's army. Following the death of Sundarapandya in 1294 AD, Syed Jamaludeen is believed to have succeeded to the throne.

[edit] Is Kayalpatnam remnant of an ancient city?

[edit] Literary Argument

As evidences to the claim that the present Kayalpatnam is indeed on the site where ancient Kayal existed, several passages from literary works are quoted. One such is from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's Discovery of India. Bishop Caldwell's History of Tinnevelly is also quoted. But these are not conclusive evidences.

[edit] Archeological Argument

Burial grounds of Kayalpatnam have turned in few objects of interest. At one place, Chinese porceleins were found. They are believed to be centuries old. At another place, swords and other arms were found. These, it is suggested, probably belonged to a dead soldier who was buried along with his armaments. In the least, these evidences point to a well developed, major urban settlement dating to some time early in the present millennium.

[edit] Numismatical Argument

Bishop Caldwell, in his History of Tinnevelly reports discovery of large quantities of Arabic coins on the roads leading to Kayalpatnam. It is a well established belief that there was brisk trade between the people of Kayal and other foreign countries. Discovery of these coins so near Kayalpatnam does add more weight to the belief.

[edit] Tombstones Argument

The Muslim community of Kayalpatnam must have mostly consisted of Arabs and also some Persians. This is reflected in the early tombstones found in the town. Some of the tombstones record the origin of the deceased as al-qahiri, indicating that the person or his ancestors were from Egypt. Another tombstone at a different site records the origin of the deceased as al-Iraqi. Some other tombstones carry the surname al-mabari (the natives). These tombstones seem to be, by far, the most persuasive of all the evidences.

[edit] Doubts raised

There are many who dispute the claim that Kayalpatnam is the Kayal of the legend. Among them is Henry Yule, who has translated the works of Marco Polo. He says that the real site of this once celebrated port (Kayal) has never been identified in any published work. He continues,

They state also that the name of Kayalpattanam has only recently been given to it, as a reminiscence of the older city. The old Kayal, and the erroneously named Koil in the Ordinance Map of India, is situated on the Tamaraparni river about a mile and a half from its mouth.

Yule tentatively suggests Nagore as the probable site. There are also many other suggested sites.

There are old Dutch nautical maps dating back to 1665 demonstrating Kayalpatnam, suggesting that this was a busy port at the time, and unlike Bishop Caldwell says, not a town of recent times. See link below.

[edit] Why the name 'Kayalpatnam'?

In Tamil, the word Kayal stands for the sea and the adjoining lands. Patnam literally means a city or town. Hence Kayalpatnam refers to the city adjoining the sea. Few towns nearby also carry Kayal as part of their name.

[edit] Demography

Population: 45,000 (1999) Area: 32 km². Density: 1400 persons/km² Sex Ratio: 1000:1005 (1990) (Male:Female) % of Muslims in the population: 77.35 (1990)

No. of Wards: 18 No. of Streets: 110 No. of Houses: 9,400

No. of Voters: 28,176 (2001)

[edit] Masjids

Kayalpatnam has many Masjids. People can pray their prayers without fails in Masjids nearest for them. It has Masjid for each Streets. These include:

  • Al-Jami-ul-Azher
  • Masjid-ul-Khabeer
  • Masjid-ul-Sagheer
  • Masjid-ul-Thayim
  • Magdoom Palli (Built 1050 years ago)

and much more

[edit] Education

The town of Kayalpatnam had good philanthropists to promote education amongst not only in Kayalpatnam, but also in the neighboring towns. Some of the leading schools and colleges were promoted by the people from the town. These include:

Islamic Colleges

  • Aisha Sideeqa Women's College For Women
  • Muaskar Rahman Women's Arabic College For Women
  • Zaviya College
  • Mahlara College
  • Wavoo Wageeha Arts And Science College For Women
  • Arusul Jannah Women's Arabic College, Deevu Street

Institutes of Kayalpatnam

  • Elkay Higher Secondary School
  • Muhyiddeen Matriculation Higher Secondary School for Boys
  • Muhyiddeen Matriculation Higher Secondary School for Girls
  • Central Higher Secondary School
  • Kamalavati Higher Secondary School
  • Government Girls Higher Secondary School
  • Zubaida Higher Secondary School For Girls
  • Thulir Institution For Mentally Disabled Children

[edit] Historical Philanthropists:

Kayalites can be proud that their town produced numerous philanthropists like Lebbappa brothers (300 years ago), and Vallal seethakkaathi.

Lebbappa Brothers: History has little mentioned about Shaik Abdul Kader alias Sinna Lebbappa and Mohamed Abdul Kader alias Peria Lebbappa, descendants of Prophet Muhammad, who lived 300 years ago during the reign of Mogul Emperor Aurangazeb. The generous mind of Lebbappa brothers bears tokens of proof even today 300 years after they had left the world. The numerous square shaped wells(நால்முனை கிணறு) built by Lebbappa brothers all over Tamil Nadu(for the benefit of general public) remain as a standing reminder for the contemporary community, urging them to involve in social activities.

Lebbappa brothers, benevolently donated to the poor and needy. In fact, these brothers who were also rich merchants dealing in precious stones(மாணிக்கம்) were not only generous men but also teachers who taught to the poor providing food and shelter. The Muthu Mandapam in Madurai was built by Lebbappa bros. and similar such srtuctures were built by them to enable travellers to rest during their journey. Their nobility extended even up to Sri Lanka, during times when mobility was such a difficult issue. Khazana vilai now known as kachanavilai was a village which was used by Lebbappa brothers as their Granary from where abundant Food grains were stored. They were also very big land lords who distributed land freely to the less fortunate ones.The same genrosity and social attacement is still found in hearts of Lebbappa's children who still live in our town today(and in Sri Lanka). May Allah bless them.

[edit] Roads

The highway connecting Rameswaram and Kanya kumari passes through Kayalpatnam. The road length in Kayalpatnam was, in 1999, about 40 km (all types).Kayalpatnam is located near Tiruchendur and is well connected by roads from Tuticorin and Tirunelveli.

[edit] Electricity

There is a 110/11 kv sub-station providing electricity to the town. There are about 750 street lights in the town excluding the 200 Sodium Vapour lights. In 1999, there were about 8,400 electric connections .

[edit] Water Supply

First plans to supply Water to the town were drawn in 1945. A storage tank with the capacity to hold 300,000 litres of water was inaugurated by the then CM of Tamil Nadu, Mr. K. Kamraj. It cost 37.5 lakh rupees to construct.

In 1970, under Kayalpatnam Water Supply Development plan, a storage tank with the capacity of 400,000 litres was constructed. The then DMK government contributed 7.5 lakhs to the total cost of 24 lakhs. The rest was obtained from LIC as loan.

In 1981, with the help of the then Tiruchendur MP Mr. K.T. Kosalram, a third water tank was constructed.

In 1988, a fourth water storage tank was constructed near Appapally Grounds, with the help of Haji V.M.S. Lebbai.

There are 5 storage tanks of combined capacity to hold 1.1 million litres of water. In 1999, there were about 5100 connections.

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 8°34′N, 78°07′E