The
Kolathunadu emerged into independent 10 principalities i.e.,
Kadathanadu (Vadakara),
Randathara or Poyanad (
Dharmadom),
Kottayam (
Thalassery),
Nileshwaram, Iruvazhinadu (
Panoor,
Kurumbranad etc., under separate royal chieftains due to the outcome of internal dissensions. The
Nileshwaram dynasty on the northernmost part of
Kolathiri dominion, were relatives to both Kolathunadu as well as the
Zamorin of
Calicut, in the early medieval period of malabar. Vatakara was the capital of the historical region called Kurumba Nadu, home of the
Kurumbar people. In the pre-British era, a major part of the current Vatakara taluk, including the area currently constituting the Vatakara municipality, was ruled by a chieftain as a feudatory to the
Kolathiri kingdom. The remaining part of the taluk was initially part of the Polathiri kingdom and later ruled by the
Zamorins of
Calicut. The boundary between these kingdoms is believed to have been in the region in Vatakara known as Puduppanam, with the Moorad river forming a geographical boundary. The
Kadathanad dynasty was established when a Polathiri royal was forced to cross over to Kolathunadu after an unsuccessful battle with the Zamorins, settled in the region, and married a Kolathiri princess. Vatakara became an important trade center in the region by the early 18th century, exporting agricultural products such as coffee, pepper and coconut. Together with smaller nearby ports at Chombal, Muttungal and
Kottakkal, Badagara became one of the major centers of trade at a level with those at
Cannanore,
Tellicherri and Calicut. Building on a thriving economy led by a strong sea trade, the Kadathanad rulers established a strong naval force which became known as the "Lord of the Seas", since it was the strongest naval force from the Malayalam-speaking region. A significant factor in the rise of Vatakara as a trade center was the rise and subsequent fall of the
Kunjali Marakkars of Kottakkal. During the 16th century CE, Kunjali Marakkars were the admirals of the Zamorin's naval fleet and were famous for their valor and sea battle tactics. The Marakkars established their stronghold in Kottakkal and built a fort there. The last Marakkar, Kunjali IV, was defeated at the beginning of the 17th century by the combined forces of the Zamorin, with whom he had fallen out, and the Portuguese, who resented the interference of Kunjali and his followers in their trade route. The fort was completely destroyed by a bombardment from the sea. However, the Marakkars' knowledge of ship handling and tactics continued to be passed down in the community of seafarers in this area of Vatakara, later allowing the ruler of Kadathanad to establish his supremacy in the sea and to enforce a 'pass' system for trade ships. The region became a separate kingdom , when the then chieftain took the title of Kadathanad Rajah. During this period, there are records of frequent skirmishes between Kadathanad and the ruler of
Kottayam as well as the foreign colonial powers of the British, based in
Thalassery, and the French, based in
Mahé. In legend, Vatakara is the birthplace of
Unniyarcha,
Aromal Chekavar, and
Thacholi Othenan, the heroes of the
Vadakkanpattu (
ballads of
North Malabar). The Thacholi family home, Thacholi Tharavadu, is still preserved and the anniversary of Thacholi Othenan's birth is celebrated in the Thacholi Manikkothu Kavu temple. Notable temples in the area include
Lokanarkavu and Kottakkal Bhagavathi Temple, the second richest temple in North Malabar. Kalari Ullathil Temple is also situated near Vatakara town.The martial art
Kalaripayattu originated in Vatakara. ==Demographics==