And their links to Calicut
Some years ago, we discussed the Chaliya community at Chaliyam near Calicut, focusing on Calico and its origins, and later, as related to the mystery of Chinese Sha-mi-ti. Today, we will explore how community members migrated to Ceylon as weavers, their hardships, and how they transitioned from that traditional trade to cinnamon peelers.
And the treasure that vanished
In the previous post, we discussed the intriguing story of a Nair boy who was captured by Hyder, converted, and eventually became the Governor of Bednore (also called Bednur, Bidanoore — present-day Nagaram in the Konkan) and Mangalore. That was Ayaz Khan, or Hyat Sahib (as the British called him), the Nawab of Bednore, who was the Chirakkal chela (slave) favored by Hyder, which greatly angered and disgusted Tipu. But that was how it was, and Ayaz ruled over Bednore, a strategically located district that held significant treasures, a large 13th-century fort, an armory, and a mint.
