Malappuram was the military head quarters from ancient times. During the Sangam period Eranadan Malappuram was under the Chera Empire. The King of Mysore, Hydarali, conquered the places and her son, Tipu Sultan, handed over the area to the British as part of Srirangapattanam treaty. The British established the Haigh Barracks on top of the hill, at the bank of the Kadalundi river, to station their forces, where once Tipu had a fort. Main Barracks has now been turned into the seat of district administration. 

Malappuram Industrial Profile

Food processing, wood and furniture, textiles and garmets, general engineering are the major sectors of industries in Malappuram district.