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 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.