Islamic History Museum Cheraman Juma Masjid
The Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur, believed to have been built in 628 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammed, is considered to be the earliest masjid in India. It has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries and is now getting a facelift as part of the Muziris Heritage Project. It is located towards the left of the Ernakulam- Guruvayoor NH 17 road, and 2 kms south of Kodungallur.
According to an apocryphal oral tradition, Cheraman Perumal the Chera king, went to Arabia, met the Prophet and embraced Islam. From there he sent letters to his relatives in Kerala through Malik Ibn Dinar asking them to be courteous to the latter. Thus it is believed that this masjid was built by Malik Ibn Dinar. The original structure was modified with a lot of additions over the years which made the structure a mix of features from Kerala and Middle Eastern architectural styles. The addition of a new museum here makes it the state’s first Islamic heritage museum maintained as part of the Muziris Heritage Project. It has been set up in the Cheraman Juma Masjid complex.
The museum illustrates the history of Islam in Kerala and is presented to visitors through information panels and visual media. Murals and paintings of the story of Cheraman Perumal, the Chera king who embraced Islam, are elaborately displayed in the museum. The active role of Kodungallur in the freedom struggle of India and the history of Muslim rulers are also narrated through audio-visual presentations.
Plan your visit
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Hours and Admission
10.00 AM – 05.00 PM
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Nearby Attractions
The museum is close to the earliest Brahmin temple Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple (10th CE) to the east and Keezhthali Siva Temple to the south. It is located 3 kms northwest of archaeological excavation sites like Kottappuram Fort and Cheramanparambu.
Azhikode Beach located 6 kms west of the museum.
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Features
- A portion of the Cheraman Juma Masjid has been retained (Monument)
- An inscribed traditional oil lamp placed inside the mosque (Monument)
- The mosque has a traditional thatched wooden roof (Monument)
- A burial ground
- Visuals of earlier mosques in Kerala, documentaries and interviews of people
- Miniature of the earlier mosque structure
- Wood carving panels from the earlier mosque
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Getting there
The museum is located 2 kms south of Kodungallur, positioned in Ernakulam-Guruvayoor highway (NH17), and approximately 37 kms from Ernakulam town. The museum is 1.5 kms away from Muziris Hop-On Hop-Off boat Jetty (No. 3).
Nearest Railway station: Aluva, about 30 kms and Ernakulam, about 40 kms.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 34 kms
