KOLLAM: Every region’s name carries a rich tapestry of history and untold tales. Much like this, Kollam district, the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, shares a captivating historical bond with Kozhikode district. Despite their distinct geographical identities, a ward named ‘Kollam’ within the Koyilandy municipality in Kozhikode and another named ‘Kozhikode’ within the Karunagappally municipality in Kollam share parallel narratives.
According to local historians, the Kozhikode ward in Kollam once served as the residential centre of the Karunagappally kingdom, which held a strategic alliance with the neighbouring Kayamkulam kingdom.
They say that the term ‘Kozhikode’ finds its origin in ‘Kovilthottam’, signifying an area where the royal palace or administrative headquarters resided. Additionally, it is believed that during the 17th century, inhabitants of the Kozhikode ward gradually migrated to Koyilandy, settling in what is now known as the Kollam ward.
“The Karunagappally kingdom had a residential hub for the king in the present Kozhikode ward. Furthermore, the residences of other nobles and the royal palace were also situated in Kozhikode. The term ‘Kozhikode’ stems from ‘Kovilthottam,’ a Tamil word denoting a palace or noble residence. Over time, the appellation ‘Kozhikode’ emerged,’’ said Suresh Madhav, a local historian and professor.
‘’In 1734, the Travancore kingdom, led by Marthanda Varma, launched an assault on Karunagappally, leading to the subjugation of King Kitambi Kumaran. Also, references to Kovilthottam in Karunagappally can be traced back to the 14th-century poem ‘Unnineeli Sandesam.’ Throughout the ages, inhabitants of Kozhikode ward migrated to the present-day Kollam ward in Koyilandy, while individuals from the Kollam ward ventured to settle in the Kozhikode ward,” he said.
“The primary impetus to these migrations encompassed commercial pursuits, royal decrees, pacification efforts, and punitive measures. Consequently, the appellation ‘Kollam’ came to be associated with the Kollam ward, presumably through repeated use by residents. The naming of any locality intertwines with its history, geography, and populace,” said Suresh Madhav.
Meanwhile, residents recall a bygone era when traders from Kozhikode district frequented Kozhikode ward for commerce, particularly in coir and cashew-related transactions.
“Our forebears recounted tales of a bustling marketplace in Kozhikode ward akin to the renowned Kozhikode market. However, today, such infrastructure is nonexistent. Nonetheless, trade between both locales flourished in yesteryear,” remarked Vijayalekshmi S, councillor of Kozhikode ward.
Links to yesteryear
The term ‘Kozhikode’ finds its origin in ‘Kovilthottam’, signifying an area where the royal palace or administrative headquarters resided. Additionally, it is believed that during the 17th century, inhabitants of the Kozhikode ward gradually migrated to Koyilandy, settling in what is now known as the Kollam ward.