Kondotty

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Kondotty is a growing town in Malappuram district, Kerala, South India. Kondotty is located near the Calicut Airport.

Kondotty is famous for the Nercha (Malayalam for 'offering') in the Pazhayangadi Mosque. Kondotty is the birthplace of the great Mappila poet, Moyinkutty Vaidyar. He popularised Mappilapattu (Mappila songs) by his poems on non-religious and romantic themes. A memorial for this poet has also been built in Kondotty.

The history of Kondotty is connected with that of the 18th century Kondotty Thangals, the Sufi exponents. Tipu Sultan of Mysore brought the first Thangal Muhammad Shah, to bring the Mappilas on his side. The Thangal first resided at Areekode and later settled in Kondotty. When the British arrived, putting an end to the reign of Tipu Sultan, the Thangal switched sides and joined the British. Hence, during the 1921 upsurge, the Mappila mob attacked the house of the seventh Thangal, Nasiruddin Shah.

Kondotty Nercha is held every year at Pazhayangadi Mosque, which contains the tomb of the first Thangal, Muhammad Shah. Thousands of devotees attend the Nercha, which consists of certain religious processions. Unconventional Muslims in Kerala are against the Nercha at the tombs of dead persons (see: Islahi Movement in Kerala). Fairs are also held during the Nercha.

Nediyiruppu is a place 2 km from Kondotty. It is from where the Zamorin kingdom was expanded. During the ancient times, Zamorins were known as Neiyiruppu Swaroopams. There is a developing city named Pulikkal near Kondotty. Famous singer and chairman of Kerala folklore academy V M kutty residing here. The current descendants of the Zamorin Dynasty (currently known by the family name 'Pulikkal') include, Ahmed Pulikkal(residing in Saudi Arabia), Mohammed Syed Alavi, Kabeer Pulikkal(active member of INC), Saleem Pulikkal and Ahmed's son, Nihal Ahmed (who is currently pursuing his studies in the United Kingdom), along with many others, most of whom reside either in Saudi Arabia or in Kondotty itself.

Calicut international Airport is residing near to kondotty (3 km). Airport is situated at karipur which is in kondotty panchayath. The major NH17 road connecting Palakkad-Kozhikkode is passing through Kondotty.