HISTORY OF KAYALPATNAM

Assalamu Alaikum.

You all must be aware of Wikipedia. It is a free encyclopedia on the web. The address of the site is: www.wikipedia.com. The site has a search box with which you can search the topic you are interested in. If you become a member of the site and if you are well informed about a subject, you too can post.

When I searched for Kayalpatnam and landed at the page I was really surprised to see the contents. The page has the following tag: “Any material not supported by sources may be challenged and removed at any time. This article has been tagged since March 2007.”

Let us see the contents. The second paragraph lists a few ‘pallies’ in the town. It says: “Kadal Karai Palli (the second mosque in India,first mosque of the town)”. Which is the first one in India? If a foreign tourist comes for research, do we have anything to prove this claim? Moreover, the content does not distinguish between tombs of saints (durgahs) and mosques. For example: Yousuf Appa Palli. Then go to the history part. The writer has doubts about the historical facts of Kayalpatnam. It reads as:”What is less certain, however, is whether that ancient port is what that exists today as the bustling town of Kayalpatnam. Several archeological evidences seem to suggest so, but still some doubts persist.”

While listing the masjids in the town, there is no chronological order of the mosques built. Latest one finds the first place. While listing the Islamic Colleges, the writers have forgotten the oldest ones: Mahlara, Zavia and recently found hifz madrasa Hameediya.

Then read the para ‘Why the name Kayalpatnam’. It says: “In Tamil, the word Kayal stands for the sea and the adjoining lands. Patnam literally means a city or town. Hence Kayalpatnam refers to the city adjoining the sea. Few towns nearby also carry Kayal as part of their name.” Is it so? If the answer is yes, is Kulasekarapatnam nearer to Kayalpatnam is a city? Do we have all infrastructures of a city?

The original inhabitants were Weavers of Nesavu Streets who were exporting sarees to Cleopatra (according to Prof. Abul Barakath), people of Parimar Street who were well versed with horses (Pari=horse) and people of Koman Street who were owners of ships (pai mara kappal) and sailors. No mention has been made anywhere about these original inhabitants. Poor Red Indians!

If you go through the entire page, you will see many contradicting and controversial matters which have been posted by immature persons or people who are interested in damaging the image and historical facts of the town. Unless we put in coordinated and concerted efforts, without any bias, the name of our town will be erased by some vested interests. Beware!