Governance
There were no recognized organs in Calicut, and the government was an autocracy. Women were not allowed to be the ruler, and the oldest male member traced the female becomes the next Zamorin.
The Zamorin was assisted in the work of government by four hereditary Chief Ministers called Sarvadhi Karyakkar (the Mangattachan-the Prime Minister, the Tinayancheri Elayatu, the Dharmottu Panikkar- the instructor-in-arms who commanded the Army and the Varakkal Paranambi- treasury and accounts) and number of Ministers called Karyakkar. Zomarin had a good naval fleet which was commanded by Kunjali Marakar. The Karyakkar were appointed and removed by the Zamorin.
The sources of revenue were,
- Cherikkal lands (royal estates)
- Amkam (fee for permitting to held a trail by battle)
- Chunkam (tolls and duties)
- Ela (proceeds of lands confiscated)
- Kola (forced contribution for emergencies)
- Tappu (mulets/unconditional offences)
- Pizha (fines)
- Purushantaram (vassal succession fee)
- Pulyatta pennu (the proceeds from the sale of out-casted women) etc.
Read more about this topic: Zamorin Of Calicut
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