The Kunjali Marakkars were maritime merchants of Arab descent who supported the trade in the Indian Ocean who settled in the coastal regions of Kayalpattinam, Kilakarai, Thoothukudi, Nagore and Karaikal.  

• With the emergence of the Portuguese in India, some Marakkars were forced to take up arms and enlist themselves in service of the Hindu king (the zamorin) of Calicut.  
• The Marakkar naval chiefs of the Calicut were known as Kunjali Marakkars. 

Source: Spectrum Modern India.