The Chandrika started publishing from Tellicherry (1932) as a monthly platform for north Kerala Muslim community uplift and with a 'reformist' orientation.[3][1] Its establishment was led by leading local Muslims such as A. K. Kunjumayin Haji, Sattar Sait and K. M. Seethi Sahib.[1] K. K. Muhammad Shafi and C. P. Mammu Keyi were first editor and managing editor of the publication respectively.[3] It became a daily newspaper in 1939.[1] The daily played a significant role in the development of the Muslim community of north Kerala.[5] It moved its headquarters to Calicut in 1946.[1]
C. H. Muhammed Koya, the future Education Minister of Kerala, served as a sub-editor and the editor of Chandrika in the 1940s.[3] Former Union Minister E. Ahamed was once the reporter of the daily and later served in the board of directors.[6] The daily currently represents 'traditionalist' orientation among the Kerala Muslims.[3]