A short sketch of the Second Dynasty of the Zamorins of Malabar (1742-1774)
By K. V. Krishna Ayyar
Summary
In this historical overview the author traces the fortunes of the second dynasty of the Zamorins of Calicut during the mid‑eighteenth century. The narrative opens with the succession crises following the death of the previous Zamorin and details how rival branches of the royal matrilineal family vied for power. The article recounts the dynasty’s wars with neighbouring polities, particularly the Raja of Cochin and the king of Travancore, as well as their entanglement with European traders. An entire section is devoted to the interventions of Hyder Ali of Mysore, whose invasions of Malabar disrupted traditional power structures and ultimately led to the fall of the Zamorin capital. The author uses letters, Dutch East India Company records and local chronicles to reconstruct alliances, treaties and battles. Genealogical tables clarify the succession of Zamorins and illustrate the complexities of matrilineal inheritance. The piece concludes with an assessment of the dynasty’s cultural contributions, including patronage of temples and festivals, and reflects on the eventual absorption of the region into Mysore and later British domains.
Conclusion
The article provides a concise but richly detailed account of a pivotal period in Kerala history. By integrating political, military and cultural perspectives, it shows how the second Zamorin dynasty navigated a world of shifting alliances and external threats. Its emphasis on indigenous sources offers a corrective to narratives dominated by European viewpoints.