Chirakkal, Kannur

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Chirakkal is a census town in Kannur district, Kerala, India. It is about 7 km from Kannur city and serves as a suburb of the city.

History and heritage
- Chirakkal houses the palace of the Kolathiris (Kolathiri), the historic ruling family of the region. The ruler was known as the Chirakkal Raja.
- The Kolathiri dynasty historically influenced areas like Venad (now part of Travancore).
- The Kolathiris trace their lineage to the ancient Mooshika kings of northern Kerala, a history noted in the Mooshika Vamsham, a 10th‑century Sanskrit text.
- They were rivals of the Zamorins of Kozhikode. Bekal Fort (in Kasaragod) and Chandragiri Fort were originally under Chirakkal rulers before invasions by Shivappa Naik.
- Today, the Chirakkal Raja is remembered in local culture, especially by Theyyam artists, who may receive gifts such as silk and golden bangles in recognition of their art.

Demographics (2011 census)
- Area: about 13.5 square kilometers
- Population: around 45,600 (roughly 21,100 males and 24,500 females)
- Literacy: very high, about 96% overall (nearly 98% for males and about 95% for females)
- Sex ratio: about 1,159 females for every 1,000 males
- Households: around 9,600

Notable people
- Former Kerala Chief Minister K. Karunakaran was born in Chirakkal in 1918.