The Role of Keyis in the Socio-Economic Devel...

The Role of Keyis in the Socio-Economic Development of Thalassery

Author Name : Sheeba. P.K

ABSTRACT

The Keyis are aMappilaMuslim community in Thalassery,Kannur district, Kerala. The history of Keyis can be traced back to 17^th century.They played a little more prominent role in their living society.The Keyi family from Thalassery,which grew up as a trading power,became very influential in the Western part of India and the Bombay presidency also.The article also explores how the Muslim mercantile community influenced the socio-economic realm of the then society.The trading relationship with the British became a turning point in the history of British imperialism in India.However,the arrival of Keyis had opened a new chapter in the history of Thalassery and within a short period of time the Keyis had grown up into a rich and prosperous with its own uniqueness in many aspects.The aim of the study is to understand how much the history of Thalassery has gained fame through Keyi family.

Keywords: Taravadu, Mappilas, Malabar, Thalassery