Kannur

Kannur, a historic coastal city in northern Kerala, has long been shaped by maritime trade, powerful local dynasties, and European colonial rivalry. In early and medieval periods, Kannur and its surrounding region were linked to the wider spice routes of the Arabian Sea, attracting traders from West Asia and beyond. The area later came under the influence of the Kolathiri Rajas, who played a major role in regional politics and commerce and maintained relations with foreign merchants.

From the late 15th century onward, Kannur became a key stage for European powers seeking control over the spice trade. The Portuguese established St. Angelo Fort (1505), making the port strategically important for shipping and coastal defense. Over the next centuries, the fort and the region saw repeated contests involving the Dutch and the British, reflecting Kannur’s value as a military and trading outpost on the Malabar Coast.

Alongside these political shifts, Kannur developed a distinctive cultural identity. It is renowned for Theyyam—an ancient ritual performance tradition—along with strong folk arts, weaving, and handloom heritage. In the modern era, Kannur became known for education, social movements, and a busy connection to the wider Gulf migration economy. Today, it stands as a city where layered history, living traditions, and coastal landscapes come together.