Mappila Leader in Exile: A Political Biography of Syed Fazl Tangal

In the biography of Syed Fazl, Dr K.K. Muhammed Abdul Sathar traces the political outlook and disposition of Mamburam Syed Fazal Tangal (1824-1900) from his roots among Ba Alwis in Yemen to the blood-soaked Malabar of the 19th century. There are references to Syed Fazal as a religious scholar, reformer, and spiritual guide, all these roles buttressing his political stance against the British and their yes-men, the landlords of the erstwhile Malabar. Syed played a pivotal role in enhancing the spirit of revolution among Mappilas so much that the British had to deport him to Arabia. He went to turkey and served as a plenipotentiary of the ottoman caliphate. During the struggle for India’s independence, he turned out to be a leader in exile, inspiring national leaders like Muhammad Abdul Rahman Sahib from afar.