Historiography Of Kasaragod: An Overview

Abstract

Kasaragod, the northernmost region of Malabar and the last-formed district in Kerala has a unique cultural background that dates back to the ancient period. This culturally pluralistic small region was an integral part of ancient Tulunadu and was also famous for the use of seven local languages, many art forms, migration of different ethnic groups, foreign invasions, freedom movement, etc. The primitive tribal societies in this region and various religions like Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam made much contribution to the development of a unique culture to Kasaragod. The descriptive and theoretical studies on the formation and development of Kerala are available in many forms.  However, most scholars, including historians and linguists, provided little information on the unique cultural background of the extreme north of Kerala St[1]ate. Many indigenous and foreign scholars tried to discuss the regional kingdoms and the general history of Kasaragod through their works. Locally specific works on the historical background of Kasaragod are tiny, and most of them provide only a general overview and scattered reference on the region's social, political and cultural development. No severe studies have been conducted regarding the historical background of the present Kasaragod. Both the scholars of Kerala and Karnataka had neglected this backward region in their writings. Research works on Megalithic culture, Christian migration, Art forms, and Languages were conducted, but most of the studies were confined to certain areas only. This paper is an attempt to analyse critically the major historical studies made by scholars and the general historiography of Kasaragod.