The correct answer is: B) Port cities.
The Arakkal kingdom was a Muslim kingdom that ruled over the port city of Kannur in Kerala, India. It was founded in the 16th century by Ali Raja, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The Arakkal kingdom was unique among Kerala’s princely states in that it was ruled by a Muslim family. The kingdom was also unique in that it was a maritime power, with a strong navy. The Arakkal kingdom was a major trading partner of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. It was also a major center of Islamic culture in Kerala. The Arakkal kingdom came to an end in 1947, when India gained independence from British rule.
The other options are incorrect because:
- A) Zamindars were Hindu landlords who ruled over large tracts of land in India.
- C) Temple towns were cities that were home to important Hindu temples.
- D) Princely states were independent kingdoms that existed in India before and after British rule.