Malappuram District
Most populous district in Kerala, renowned for Islamic scholarship, educational institutions, and scenic beauty. Famous for rich cultural heritage, teak forests, and traditional knowledge systems.
Area
3,550 sq km
Population
4.1 million
Headquarters
Malappuram
Economy
Timber industry, spice cultivation, marine products, traditional crafts, remittances
Climate
Tropical coastal climate, monsoon-influenced, moderate temperatures
Best Time to Visit
October to March for pleasant weather and outdoor exploration
History
Malappuram district was formed on June 16, 1969, deriving its name from Malayalam meaning "over the hill," and was the site of numerous Mappila Revolts between 1792 and 1921 as uprisings against the British East India Company, while serving as the military headquarters of the Zamorins of Kozhikode who conquered regions including Kottakkal, Malappuram, Manjeri, and Nilambur. The Zamorin became the Raksha Purusha of Mamankam and ruler of Tirunavaya, Triprangode, and Ponnani, earning revenue by taxing spice trade through ports that emerged as major centers of foreign maritime trade in medieval Kerala. The region became renowned as a major center for Islamic learning, often called "The Little Mecca of Malabar," with Ponnani serving as a captivating destination for Muslim spiritual leaders instrumental in propagating Islam, while communities like Kurikkals claiming Arab origin settled around Manjeri. The district contributed to freedom struggles through Mappila Paattu poets including Chakkeeri Shujayi, Chakkeeri Moideenkutty, and Manakkarakath Kunhikoya, and is also notable for housing Thunchan Parambu at Tirur, the birthplace of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language.
Geography
As the third-largest district by area covering 3,554 square kilometers with a 70-kilometer coastline along the Arabian Sea, Malappuram spans diverse terrain from coastal lowlands bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west to hilly highlands bounded by Western Ghats on the east, with characteristic midland regions featuring undulating hills such as Arimbra, Amminikkadan, Oorakam, Cheriyam, Pandalur, and Chekkunnu hills. Four important rivers flow through the district - Chaliyar, Kadalundippuzha, Bharathapuzha, and Tirurpuzha - creating fertile river valleys that support agriculture and settlements, while the total forest area of 758.87 square kilometers is concentrated mainly in Nilambur and Wandoor blocks with extensive teak forests that have supported traditional timber industries. The tropical coastal climate with monsoon influences creates moderate temperatures and adequate rainfall that supports the district's agricultural activities, while the varied topography from sea level to mountain foothills provides diverse ecosystems supporting both traditional communities and modern urban centers.
Culture
Malappuram stands as India's premier center for Islamic scholarship and education, home to Darul Huda Islamic University (DHIU) founded in 1986 and upgraded to university status in 2009, with educational programs from secondary to post-graduate levels integrating religious and modern subjects, and alumni overseeing 2,512 madrasas across 12 states providing education to 113,431 students. The district uniquely represents the only location in Kerala where Muslims outnumber Hindus, creating a distinctive cultural landscape enriched by centuries of maritime trade that produced a cosmopolitan cuisine blending traditional Kerala, Persian, Yemenese, and Arab food cultures, including the famous Malabar Biryani (Kuzhi Mandi), Pathiri rice pancakes, and authentic regional specialties. Cultural expressions include traditional art forms like Kolkali, Daffmuttu, and Arbanamuttu of the Muslim community, Chavittukali or Cherumakkali folk performances, and contributions to Kathakali through renowned artists from Kottakkal Natya Sangam, while the district serves as an educational hub housing the University of Calicut (established 1968) and Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University (established 2012), demonstrating the seamless integration of Islamic heritage with broader South Indian cultural traditions.