Kayalpatnam (Tamil Nadu state, India, latitude N 8°34', longitude E 78°8'), the "city of Kayal" renowned for maritime trade, is now a small town almost entirely inhabited by Muslims who differ in complexion from their Tamil neighbours and claim, with some justification, to be of Middle Eastern origin. Like their ancestors, they are involved in world-wide commerce focused mainly on precious stones and metals. 1. History The town is the site of the celebrated port of Kayal or Qāʾil (Coil on some old European maps) on the