Thursday, January 10, 2008

70. Mayi-Kala in ancient Mangalore II

Where was the Buddhist ‘Mayi Kala’ located in the ancient town of Kudala/Mangalore? In the earlier days people had to enter Mangalore through boats that landed at the southwestern corner of Mangalore (or through the Railway, subsequently, in the British period). Therefore it is presumed that ‘Mayi Kala’ and the ancient township of Kudala (Mangalore) existed somewhere near the old port area.
Maya-Kala at Old Port
Vishwanath Hosabettu adds some authentic information on the Mayi Kala theme:
A piece of information about 'Mayi-kala', which I learnt during my earlier school days at native place:
Mayi-kala is a place where Bearys burnt wood in lots for preparing 'iddalu' for local consumption as well as for export by sailing ships near the old port areas of Kudala. Kala is a place for specific purpose/activity, as in 'bara-kala', meaning a place for pounding paddy to get rice.
It is true that Bearys perpetuated the word 'Mayi(Mai)-kala', as it is heard (‘Maikaltu poyi/ povu’) very often from Bearys, engaged in fish trade.

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