From Legend to Landmark: The Story of the Ten Malabar’s Earliest Mosques

Abstract

This study investigates the origins and historical narratives surrounding ten early mosques established along the Malabar Coast, tracing their connections to the legend of Cheraman Perumal and the missionary journeys of Malik ibn Dinar and his companions. Drawing on classical Arabic manuscripts such as Qissat Shakarwati Farmad, indigenous inscriptions, and colonial-era records, the paper explores how Islamic influence in Kerala was initiated through peaceful trade and religious propagation rather than conquest. The research highlights the geographic and historical context of ten coastal sites—Kodungallur, Kollam, Madayi, Barkur, Mangalore, Kasaragod, Kannur, Dharmadam, Koyilandy, and Chaliyam—where these early mosques were established, often correlating with major trade hubs of the medieval period. Each site is examined for architectural features, epigraphic evidence, and historical continuity. The paper also addresses scholarly debates over chronology and authenticity, noting the blend of legend and local history in Islamic historiography of South India. By integrating oral tradition, textual sources, and archaeological observations, the study provides a nuanced understanding of the Islamic heritage of Malabar and its integration into the broader Indian Ocean maritime cultural landscape.