Malabar region Kanyakumari on India's southern tip. In ancient times the term "Malabar" was used to denote the entire south-western coast of the Indian peninsula. The region formed part of the ancient kingdom of Chera until the early 12th century. Following the breakup of the Chera Kingdom, the chieftains of the region proclaimed their independence. Notable among these were the Kolathiris, Travancore, Zamorins of Calicut, the Coylot Wanees Country of northeast and coastal Ceylon (including Puttalam), Valluvokonathiris of Walluvanad. The Malabar Coast is sometimes used as an all-encompassing term for the entire Indian coast from the western coast of Konkan to the
North Malabar in a methodical way in tune with folksongs. It is played according to Vaithari or Thalam by the Gurukkal (Teacher). The typical Kolkali group will contain between sixteen and twenty members. One among them will sing the folksong and it will be chorused by rest. Harmonizing with generational changes, Kolkali like all other folk-art of North Malabar, has also changed its look and style over time. The noted Kolkali groups are found in the Kasaragod District. Mappila folklore has deep roots in the region. The major Mappila arts of North Malabar are : After Malappuram, almost all the well known