Kannur history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Kannur is rooted in deep antiquity. This coastal city, known in ancient times as the port of Naura, was mentioned in sources as early as the 1st century AD as one of the key trading centres on the Malabar Coast. Its geographical location made it a vital hub on the maritime routes connecting the Roman Empire, Persia, and Arabia with India. The city's name possibly derives from a fusion of the names "Kannan" (one of the names of Lord Krishna) and "Ur" (place), which translates to "Land of Krishna".

Key Factors of Development

The development of Kannur was defined by several key factors that shaped its rich historical heritage:

• Spice Trade: Beginning in the 12th-13th centuries, Kannur became one of the major centres for the spice trade, particularly pepper, with Arabia and Persia. This attracted merchants from all over the world to the region.
• Local Rulers: For many centuries, the city was ruled by the powerful local kingdom of Kolathiri (also known as Kolathunadu). The Kolathiri Rajas controlled vast territories and trade, contributing to the city's prosperity.
• Colonial Era: In 1498, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived here. Shortly thereafter, in 1505, the Portuguese built the formidable St. Angelo Fort, which remains one of the city's main attractions today. Later, control of the city passed to the Dutch, and then to the British, who turned Kannur (pronounced by them as Cannanore) into an important military base on India's west coast.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Early Kannur was a melting pot of cultures thanks to active maritime trade. The city's economy was firmly linked to the export of spices, coconuts, and textiles. The influence of Arab traders, and later European colonisers, is reflected in the region's architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The city was known not only as a trading port but also as a centre for unique art forms, such as the ritual dance Theyyam, which remains an important part of Kannur's cultural life.

Chronology of Key Events

The history of the city of Kannur spans millennia, evolving from an ancient trading port into a modern transport hub. Below are the major milestones that have shaped the character of this region.

• 1st Century AD — In ancient Greek and Roman texts, the city is first mentioned as the port of Naura, from where ships laden with spices departed for Europe.
• 1498 — Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama visited the city shortly after discovering the sea route to India, establishing trade relations with the local Raja.
• 1505 — The first Portuguese Viceroy, Francisco de Almeida, built St. Angelo Fort, which became a crucial stronghold for Europeans in Asia.
• 1663 — The Dutch captured the fort from the Portuguese, strengthening it and modernising its defensive structures.
• 1772 — The Dutch East India Company sold St. Angelo Fort to the Arakkal dynasty, the only Muslim ruling family in Kerala.
• 1790 — British forces under General Abercromby captured Kannur during the Anglo-Mysore Wars, transforming it into their military headquarters.
• 1867 — The Kannur Municipality was officially established, marking the beginning of the city's modern administrative system.
• 1902 — Construction of the railway line connecting the city with the rest of the Malabar Coast and Mangalore was completed.
• 1910 — The renowned publicist and patriot Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai was exiled by the authorities to Kannur, where he spent the final years of his life.
• 1930 — Residents of the city took an active part in Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March, organising acts of civil disobedience at Payyambalam Beach.
• 1957 — The administrative district of Kannur was officially formed as part of the new state of Kerala.
• 2015 — The city's status was upgraded to a Municipal Corporation due to population growth and urbanisation.
• 2018 — The grand opening of Kannur International Airport took place, becoming the fourth international airport in the state.

Stages of Formation: From Ancient Port to Modern Hub

The development of the city of Kannur is the story of a trading harbour transforming into a significant economic and cultural centre of India. Each era has left its mark on the urban planning, way of life, and economy of the region.

• Rise of the Port of Naura (Antiquity).
  Significance: Economic foundation.
  The mention of the city in Greek and Roman chronicles as the port of Naura cemented its status as a global trading node. The export of spices, timber, and ivory ensured an influx of wealth and formed a multicultural community open to the outside world.
• Era of the Kolathiri Dynasty (Middle Ages).
  Significance: Cultural identity.
  Under the patronage of the Kolathiri Rajas, the unique cultural code of the region was formed. It was during this period that temple arts and the ritual dance Theyyam flourished, becoming the city's calling card and retaining its significance to this day.
• Rise of the Arakkal Dynasty.
  Significance: Maritime influence and architecture.
  The only Muslim ruling dynasty in Kerala controlled maritime trade and coastal territories. Their rule gifted the city a palace complex and a unique architectural style combining local and Islamic traditions.
• Construction of St. Angelo Fort (1505).
  Significance: Urban dominance.
  The erection of a powerful fortress by the Portuguese forever changed the coastal landscape. The fort became a centre of attraction for settlements and military infrastructure, determining the vector of the coastal city's development for centuries to come.
• Creation of the British Cantonment (19th Century).
  Significance: Western-style urbanisation.
  The British introduced regular planning, built wide roads, barracks, schools, and churches. This divided the city into the "old" trading district and the orderly military town (Cantonment), a distinction still visible in the street structure today.
• Establishment of the Textile Industry ("Manchester of Kerala").
  Significance: Industrial breakthrough.
  The development of handloom weaving made the city famous worldwide as a centre for high-quality textile production. This industry became the backbone of the local economy, providing employment and export potential in the 20th century.
• Opening of the International Airport (2018).
  Significance: Global integration.
  The launch of the fourth international airport in the state became a powerful driver for tourism and business. This event brought the city out of the shadow of its more popular neighbours, opening North Kerala to direct international flights and investments.

The architectural appearance of Kannur is a multi-layered canvas woven from traditional Kerala craftsmanship and successive colonial eras. The city's development as a major port and military centre over centuries is reflected in its buildings and layout.

Local and Islamic Architecture

Historically, the foundation of urban planning in Kannur was traditional Kerala architecture. It is characterised by the use of laterite (local porous stone), wood, and sloping tiled roofs to protect against monsoon rains. Elements of this style can be seen in old residential homes and temples. A special place is occupied by the Arakkal Palace (Arakkal Kettu) — the residence of the only Muslim ruling dynasty in the region. This building is a unique example of the fusion of the Kerala style with Islamic architectural motifs, distinguished by its spacious layout and intricate wood carving.

European Colonial Influence

With the arrival of Europeans, the city's architecture began to change radically. Each colonial period left its mark:

• Portuguese Period (16th-17th centuries): The main legacy of this era is the monumental St. Angelo Fort. It is a classic example of European military architecture of that time. The massive triangular structure made of laterite with powerful bastions and walls was built exclusively for defensive purposes and is devoid of decorative elements. Later, the Dutch, who captured the fort, strengthened and expanded it.
• British Period (18th-20th centuries): The British had the greatest influence on urban development, turning Kannur into their main military outpost on the Malabar Coast. They established a vast Cantonment (military town), which remains a distinct district of the city today. This period is characterised by buildings in the colonial bungalow style with spacious verandas, administrative blocks, and churches. A striking example is the Holy Trinity Church (CSI), built in the Neo-Gothic style.

Modern Development

After India gained independence, Kannur's architecture followed a path typical of many Indian cities. Active construction of modern functional buildings made of concrete and glass for residential, commercial, and administrative needs began. Despite this, historical districts, especially the Cantonment and the coastal zone around the fort, retain their unique appearance, reminding visitors of the city's rich and multifaceted past.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Kannur

The city of Kannur and its surroundings have gifted India and the world with many talented individuals in various fields — from politics to the arts. Here are just a few of them:

• E. K. Nayanar — A prominent political figure who served as the Chief Minister of Kerala three times. He was one of the longest-serving heads of government in the state's history and played a key role in the region's political life during the second half of the 20th century.
• K. Karunakaran — An influential politician who served as the Chief Minister of Kerala four times and was the Minister of Industries in the Government of India. His political career spanned several decades, during which he was a central figure in the Indian National Congress party.
• Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai — A fearless journalist, writer, and social activist of the early 20th century. As the editor of the newspaper "Swadeshabhimani", he openly criticised the authorities, for which he was exiled. He is considered a pioneer of journalism in Kerala, and a memorial is dedicated to him at Payyambalam Beach in Kannur.
• Sreenivasan — A renowned Indian actor, screenwriter, director, and producer working primarily in Malayalam cinema. Hailing from the outskirts of Kannur, he has made a huge contribution to cinema, creating numerous satirical and socially relevant films that have received acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
• Samyuktha Varma — A popular actress who, despite a relatively short career, managed to win numerous awards, including two Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actress. She is known for her striking roles in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
• Vineeth Kumar — An actor and director who began his film career as a child. He has starred in many successful films and later debuted as a director, gaining recognition for his storytelling style.