Historical Roots of the Keyi Rubath Controversy
In the heart of Mecca, near Islam's holiest site, Masjid al-Haram, once stood Keyi Rubath, a 19th-century guest house built in the 1870s by Mayankutty Keyi, a prosperous Indian merchant from Malabar, now known as Kerala. Keyi's trading empire spanned from Mumbai to Paris, and the guest house served as a haven for Indian pilgrims performing Hajj. However, in 1971, the structure was demolished to accommodate Mecca's urban expansion, setting the stage for a decades-long conflict.
Saudi authorities, upon demolishing the property, deposited 1.4 million riyals—equivalent to about $373,000 today—into the kingdom's treasury as compensation. At the time, no rightful heir could be identified, leaving the funds untouched for years. This unresolved issue has since ignited a fierce inheritance dispute among descendants of the Keyi family in India, thousands of miles away from where the guest house once stood.
Family Feud Over Forgotten Fortune
The compensation held in Saudi Arabia's treasury has become the focal point of a bitter tussle between two sprawling branches of the Keyi family. Each faction is striving to establish its lineage and claim what they believe is their rightful inheritance. The dispute, now over 50 years old, has drawn significant attention as the annual Hajj pilgrimage concludes, rekindling interest in this historical controversy.
In 2011, the situation escalated when rumors circulated that the compensation could be worth millions, prompting over 2,500 individuals to flood a district office in Kannur, Kerala, claiming to be descendants of Mayankutty Keyi. A senior Keyi family member noted the absurdity of some claims, stating, 'There were people who claimed that their forefathers had taught Mayankutty in his childhood. Others claimed that their forefathers had provided timber for the guest house.'
This chaotic influx of claimants has only complicated the legal and familial battle, with no clear resolution in sight. The story of Keyi Rubath has taken on a life of its own, fueled by speculation and the allure of a substantial payout still held in a foreign treasury.
Legacy and Ongoing Challenges
The saga of Keyi Rubath is more than just a property dispute; it reflects the complexities of historical legacies intertwined with modern legal battles. The guest house's demolition was a small part of Mecca's broader expansion, yet its impact resonates deeply within the Keyi family and the wider community in Kerala. As the funds remain unclaimed, the question of rightful ownership continues to loom large.
Efforts to resolve the dispute have been hampered by the sheer number of claimants and the difficulty in verifying lineage dating back over a century. The case serves as a reminder of how historical properties and compensations can spark enduring conflicts, especially when cultural and religious significance are involved. Until a definitive heir is recognized, the intrigue surrounding this Indian guest house in Mecca will persist as a captivating chapter of cross-border history.