Remembering the Arakkal Dynasty: Museum, Memory and Regional Identity of Kerala

Abstract

Museums play a crucial role in understanding the history and cultural heritage of a region. Regional history in India provides valuable insights into the country’s diverse socio-economic, cultural and political landscape, highlighting local identities and historical experiences often overlooked in centralized narratives. By incorporating indigenous sources, oral traditions and regional records, it helps reassess the past and broadens the scope of historiography. The Arakkal Museum in Kannur, established in 2005 after the restoration of the Durbar Hall, preserves the legacy of the Arakkal dynasty—the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. Dating back to the 16th century, the dynasty played an important role in maritime trade, regional politics and interactions with European and Mysore powers. The museum displays royal furniture, weapons, documents, family seals and traditional utensils that provide insights into the socio-economic life of the Malabar Coast. The Arakkal rulers maintained strong links with Indian Ocean trade networks and controlled the Lakshadweep Islands for centuries. Their political alliances and conflicts with the Portuguese, Dutch, Mysore rulers and the British shaped regional history.  Exploring the Arakkal Museum therefore offers a window into Kerala’s maritime past and the historical transformations of the region. By preserving artefacts and local narratives, the museum significantly contributes to strengthening regional historiography and enriching the broader understanding of India’s diverse historical heritage.