Kunhali Marakkar

Who is Kunhali Marakkar?

The Kunhali Marakkar or Kunjali Marakkar was the title given to the Muslim naval chief of the Zamorin, Hindu king of Calicut, in present day state of Kerala, India during the 16th century. There were four major Kunhalis who played a part in the Zamorin's naval wars with the Portuguese from 1502 to 1600. Of the four Marakkars, Kunjali Marakkar II is the most famous. The Marakkars are credited with organizing the first naval defence of the Indian coast, to be later succeeded in the 18th century by the Maratha Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre.