Consider the following statements regarding the medieval history of the Zamorins (Samoothiris) of Calicut: 1. The Zamorins rose to immense political and commercial prominence by patronizing Arab merchants and controlling the spice trade through the port of Calicut (Kozhikode). 2. The hereditary title or office of the naval chief of the Zamorins, who fiercely defended the Malabar coast against early Portuguese incursions, was known as the Ali Rajah. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Zamorins of Calicut established commercial supremacy by encouraging Arab and foreign merchants to trade spices through their ports, making Calicut a premier emporium of the Indian Ocean. Statement two is incorrect because the hereditary naval commanders of the Zamorins were the Kunjali Marakkars, whereas the Ali Rajahs ruled the Arakkal kingdom centered around Cannanore. This maritime alliance enabled the Malabar coast to dominate the international spice trade for centuries prior to European arrival. Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut in fourteen ninety-eight, initiating a prolonged conflict with the Zamorin forces.