Kunjali Marakkar was the commander of the
navy of the Zamorin of Calicut. The Portuguese came to India in
1498. They first established trade in Calicut. Even before this
the Arabs were carrying on trade with Calicut. When the Portuguese
attacked on Arab ship coming to Calicut the Zamorin was angry with
them. The Zamorin decided to attack the Portuguese. Kunjali fought
and defeated them in several battles. Kunjali was a great patriot.