Arakkal Ali Rajas

The Arakkal Ali Rajas were a royal Muslim family that ruled the Arakkal Kingdom, located in parts of Kerala, India, from the 18th to early 20th centuries. They were unique as a matrilineal dynasty, meaning inheritance passed through the female line. The family held both political and religious authority, and their leadership included a queen known as the Arakkal Queen or Arakkal Beevi. They played a significant role in local governance, maritime trade, and cultural traditions, maintaining a distinct identity within the region's diverse historical landscape. Their legacy is reflected in the architecture, customs, and history of coastal Kerala.