Arakkal Museum

The Arakkal Museum is a heritage museum housed in the durbar hall of the former Arakkal Royal Palace (Arakkalkettu) in Ayikkara, near Kannur city. Dedicated to the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal dynasty in Kerala, it showcases artifacts reflecting their maritime legacy, colonial connections, and cultural heritage. The museum opened in July 2005 after government renovation and displays royal heirlooms including furniture, weapons, manuscripts, and antique items from the palace.

Visitors can explore the converted durbar hall displaying artifacts from the Arakkal royal family's history. The museum exhibits include traditional furniture, swords, daggers, spears, mantle sticks, utensils, antique telephones, telescopes, royal copies of the Holy Quran, and other valuables. The building features traditional Kerala architecture with wooden floors and double-shuttered windows with colored glass panes. Visitors must remove footwear before entering.

The Arakkal Museum preserves the legacy of the Arakkal dynasty, Kerala's only Muslim royal family, whose origins trace back to the 12th century. The Arakkal rulers controlled the northern coastal region of Kerala and Lakshadweep until the British seized their properties in 1870. The family followed a matrilineal system with male rulers called Ali Rajahs and female rulers called Arakkal Beevis. The palace was purchased from the Dutch in 1663, and the durbar hall was converted into a museum in 2005 after renovation.

The museum represents the unique cultural heritage of Kerala's only Muslim royal dynasty and reflects the fusion of Arab, Indian, and European influences in Malabar. It showcases the matrilineal tradition of the Arakkal family and their significant role in the region's maritime spice trade and diplomatic relations with colonial powers.