Valiyangadi Juma Masjid in Malappuram near Calicut in Kerala is an epitome of communal harmony and is a great reminder of Hindu-Muslim unity story in the country. Built in 18th century, the mosque celebrates Hindu martyr. Interestingly the mosque the resting place of Hindu martyr who dies three centuries ago.
Locally revered as a legendary figure, Kunhelu is believed to have lost his life, along with 43 Muslim warriors, in a battle against the erstwhile Zamorin king of Kozhikode 290 years ago.
Kunhelu, who belonged to the Thattan (goldsmith) community, joined with his Muslim friends under the leadership of Ali Marakkar. Muslims were forced to flee the region when the mosque was set ablaze by Nambi.
Later, the issue was resolved and Nambi himself took the effort of rebuilding the mosque and brought many Muslim families back to Malappuram. The mosque evolved over the years to become a major religious centre in Malappuram Town.
Muslims of Malappuram lived quite peacefully under the Zamorins and his chieftains and the construction of the mosque itself was a gift of earlier Paranambi. Basically the cause lay in the land lord- tenant conflicts since the immediate reason for the war was the decision of Nambi to exact the tax arrears from the lords. What happened was that when Ali Marakkar asked the lords to pay the arrears they lodged complaints to Nambi against Ali Marakkar for which he was not basically responsible. The lords, being the relatives of Nambi he put the blame up on Marakkar and was forced to support the lords in their cause. It is also to be noted that the Muslims, in their battle were helped by the local Hindu tenants that a gold smith called Kunhelu was one of those who killed in the battle on Muslim side.
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Descendants of Kunhelu are invited during prayer meetings and the annual aadu nercha (goat sacrifice) held in memory of the martyrs at the mosque. The family members are invited to prayer meetings. During the nercha, held in the Arabic month of Sha’ban, cheerni (sweet) is prepared and distributed among the public.
The tradition showcased the unity among Hindus and Muslims, interestingly this place has been the witness for people cutting across communities joining hands in fighting for a common cause centuries ago.
Several generations later, through the religious polarization in the past century, the blood that he shed for his Muslim brothers has not been forgotten. Kunhelu is a revered figure and the mosque continues to offer prayers at his grave even today.
Behind this seemingly ordinary story of Hindu-Muslim unity story is the interesting tale of trade, religion, politics and social structures and how it pushed lower-caste Hindus closer to the Muslim community in Malabar.
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