Calicut, known as Kozhikode, is a historical city on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, India. The city has a rich past and was once the capital of the Zamorin dynasty, an influential Hindu dynasty that ruled over the Malabar region.
The city has a long and fascinating trade history dating back around 3000 BCE. Calicut was a central hub of trade and commerce, with ships from Arabia, Persia, Sri Lanka, and China regularly arriving at its port. Trade relations with the Arab world, in particular, were significant, as they helped the city develop as a major centre of trade in the Indian Ocean region.
Favourable climatic conditions, communal harmony, well-organized administration, and the availability of pepper, known as the "black gold," contributed to the city's growth as a significant trading centre. Pepper was one of the most essential commodities traded in Calicut, and it was in high demand in Europe and other parts of the world.
As the 13th century dawned, the Arabs governed the town's trade. This management shift brought about a cultural and religious metamorphosis, leading a significant portion of the locals, now known as the Mappilas, to embrace Islam alongside the Arabs. This transformation birthed a place of worship, the Mishkal Palli mosque, a testament to the town's evolving identity.
The mosques of Kerala stand apart from other regions of India, showcasing a unique blend of Islamic and indigenous architectural styles. The Mishkal Palli mosque, in particular, is a striking example. Its construction, characterized by the extensive use of timber, tiered roofs, and other distinctive elements, is a testament to the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture in the region.
The Mishkal Palli mosque, one of the oldest monuments of the town, was constructed by Nakhuda Mithqal. He was a famous ship-owner with vast wealth and many ships for his Trade with India, China and the Arabian Peninsula. The mosque, built between 1300 and 1350 C.E., stands as a tribute to the rich history of Calicut and the cultural and religious exchanges that shaped the town.
Apart from its unique architectural features, the Mishkal Palli was among India's most prominent and few purpose-built mosques. It served as a hub for the town's trade and cultural exchanges, attracting merchants and scholars from across the region and contributing to its prosperity and intellectual growth.
The columns and the balusters that support the canopy are made of turned wood. The frame of the coffered canopy and the panels consists of inlay work, which could be similar to those found in Yemen. The mimbar bears several inscriptions – some record the dates of its renovations and redecorations. There is a reference to the fire (written in Naksh script) caused by the Portuguese in 1510.
The Mihrab has a wide border consisting of pilasters that are adorned with mouldings, which are simple foliations .This feature is very unusual in Middle Eastern and Hindu architecture.
The mosque's public entrance is from the East. Its base structure is a stone plinth with four steps that run around the building. The raised floor of the modern entrance hall obscures the eastern side. The mosque is around 30m in length and 20 m in width. The arches have a wide stone frame consisting of pilasters with moulded capitals.
The Courtyard on the east leads to the Antechamber, which is five bays wide and three aisles deep. The Courtyard also leads to the large prayer hall, which is square in plan and measures 15.35 m. square. It has four rows of four columns supporting a wooden ceiling similar to the Antechamber.
The columns and the balusters, 2. The Mihrab
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