Chance discovery of treasure pot sparks frenzy

Chance discovery of treasure pot sparks frenzy

Sub: History

Sec: Art and Culture

The chance discovery of a pot containing 18th century gold and silver coins, and other period artefacts has suddenly elevated the profile of the sleepy village of Chengalai in Kannur district of Kerala.

• Coins bore the hallmarks of the late 18th century, with some displaying Indo-French and Kannur Ali Raja markings.
• The bead necklaces appeared to be from the same era.

King Ali Raja

• Ali Rajawas the title of the Muslim king of Arakkal dynasty of Kannur, who ruled during the 17^th – 19^th
• Arakkal dynasty Kerala’s only Muslim kingdom
• The eldest member of the family, whether male or female, became its head and ruler.
• While male rulers were called Ali Rajah, female rulers were known as Arakkal Beevis.