Zamorin

Zamorin (also Samoothiri) is a title of the kings of Kozhikode (Calicut), India.

The Samoothiri Raja (anglicized as Zamorin) were the erstwhile rulers of Kozhikode (Calicut). Manavikraman Raja the Samoothiri of Kozikode received the first European (Vasco da Gama) to visit India by the sea route, and thus opening a direct trade route to Europe in 1498.

However soon afterwards, the Europeans turned against the Zamorin. A long battle by the Zamorin's navy led by Kunjali Marakkar ensued and lasted several years. Finally the Zamorin had to allow the first European post in India to be established at Chaliyam.

The Samoothiris are also known for the long battles (Mamankam) with the neighboring kingdom of Walluvanad.