A group of history students from New York University reached the district on Saturday as part of studying certain Mapila practices that came to Malabar from across the seas.
The graduate students specialising in Sea and Science programme offered by the university chose PSMO College, Tirurangadi, as their prime destination for interaction with Kerala scholars.
Led by History Professor Lauren Minsky, the NYU team spent several hours on the PSMO campus, interacting with the students and teachers there. They were apparently wowed by the interesting pieces of knowledge they got to know about some traditional Mapila healing practices.
They were introduced to Unani treatment and the traditional Talsamat practised by some orthodox Mapila scholars. “The talismanic practices being followed by some sections are still a curious area to study,” said P.P. Abdul Razak, Head of the Department of History at PSMO College. Dr. Razak addressed the foreign students about Mapilas and the knowledge that came from across the seas.
The programme on Sea and Science lays emphasis on the peoples and their cultures across Indian oceans and the branches of knowledge they spread.
The group curiously watched the traditional chronograph used by the Mapilas of yesteryear to ascertain their prayer time. “We used to call it Nizhal Khadikaram or shadow clock,” explained Dr. Razak with a chuckle.
Dr. Razak and team took the foreign visitors to a dhow making unit at Beypore in the evening. “They were fortunate to witness the launching of a dhow,” he said.
Prof. Minsky and instructor Eric Staples explained to the students about the importance of Sufi shrines in Malabar and the various practices being followed in the dargahs. The team is visiting other parts of Kerala as well.
