maritime activities economy and social customs of the muslims of ...

The tinditional pearl market shifted from Kayal I Palayakayal) to Kilakkarai by 1531, where the
~ar&yar pearl merchants were concentrated. During sixteenth century the pearl merchants had to
pay 1/2 panam for every 100 pearls sold and it was used for the Ninaithathai Mudithan Vinayakar
temple at Kilakkarai, according to an inscription in the temple'49.
Ceasar Frederih, the Venetian merchant who visited the Thirunelveli coast by about 1563, says
that the divers engaged by the Portuguese in pearl fishey were christian Paravas. It Wil be seen that the
Muslim divers were left out with aversion150.
Arunachalam goes to the extent of putting it that the Muslim Labbai and Mamkkayar divers who
were not encouraged in their lawful persuit in pearl fishing became discontented and might have joined
the pirates151. However, the Muslim divers of Kayalpattanam. Kilakkarai, Periapattanam,
Soundarapandiapattanam, KaraiWtal, and Adiramapattanam participated in the fisheries conducted in
the respective regions, of course in lesser number15Z. Thus the Portuguese were enjoying mastery over
this maritime industy (till they were ousted by the Dutch) to the detriment of the Muslim traders and
diwn.
The Nay& of Madumi were content With the free stones and privileges in pearl fishery given to
them by the Portuguese. But later at a point of time the Nayaks supported the Muslims against the
Paravas, in pearl fiihery.Thima!ai Nayak who came to power in 1623 entered into an agreement With
the headman of Muslim community at Kayalpattanam and extended them concessions in pearl fishery.
He diverted the free stones giwn to his account to the Muslim community leader Mudali Pillai Marakkayar
and he was authorised to superintend the activity as the agent of the ~ a~ak'~~. The Sethupathis also
established similar connections with Kllakkarai Marakkayars. They encouraged the Marakkayar pearl
merchants and established pearl trading centres at Rameswaram and ~eriapattanam'~~. These pearl
trading centres were called " Muthupettai " and " Muthuchavadi " . The street at Ramewararn where the
pearl market was siplated is called Muthuchavadi street even to this day. The Sethupathis donated the
free stones allowed to them to the temples of Ramewamm and Thiruppulani. Fishing for the above free
Stones was enbusted to the M&ym
the family of one Sultan Marakkayar of ~ameswararn'~~
of the region. Fishing for Rameswaram temple was enbusted to