India Calicut A City of Rich History and Culture

Calicut, a city in the Indian state of Kerala, boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Its strategic location on the Malabar Coast made it an important center for trade and commerce.

The city's name is derived from the Malayalam word "Kozhikode", which means "black port". This refers to the city's historic role as a major hub for the export of spices, particularly pepper.

Calicut's cultural heritage is a unique blend of traditional and colonial influences. The city is home to a diverse population of Malayali, Tamil, and Islamic communities.

Calicut was a major center of trade, second only to Muziris, between the Cheras and the Roman Empire. The port of Tyndis, believed to be near Calicut, was a major hub of commerce.

The North Malabar region, which lies north of the port at Tyndis, was ruled by the kingdom of Ezhimala during the Sangam period. This region roughly corresponds to the present-day Malabar Coast.

In the 14th century, Kozhikode conquered large parts of central Kerala, emerging as the most powerful kingdom in medieval Malabar Coast.

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The name Kozhikode is a topic of interest, and its exact origin is uncertain.

The name is believed to be derived from Koyil-kota, meaning "fortified palace".

Koil or Koyil or Kovil is the Malayalam/Tamil term for a Hindu temple, and in the context of Kozhikode, it may refer to the Tali Shiva Temple.

Both the terms kōyil and kōvil are used interchangeably.

The Tamil name of the city is Kaḷḷikkōṭṭai.

Over time, the name evolved into Kolikod, or its Arabic form Qāliqūṭ, and later its anglicised version Calicut.

Chinese merchants called it Kūlifo.

Interestingly, the word calico, a fine hand-woven cotton fabric, is believed to be derived from Calicut.

The city of Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, was a significant trading hub in the ancient world. The establishment of Kozhikode dates back to the 13th century.

The city was founded by the Zamorin of Calicut, a powerful ruler who ruled over the region. The Zamorin was a prominent figure in the spice trade.

Kozhikode's strategic location on the Malabar Coast made it an ideal place for trade and commerce. The city's port was a major hub for the export of spices such as pepper and cardamom.

The city's growth was fueled by its rich cultural heritage and its connections with other parts of the world. Kozhikode was an important center for the exchange of ideas, goods, and cultures.

The rulers of Calicut played a significant role in shaping the city's history.

The Zamorins were the ruling dynasty of Calicut from the 12th to the 18th century.

They were known for their military prowess and their ability to maintain a balance of power in the region.

The Zamorins also established a thriving trade network, which brought great wealth and prosperity to the city.

This trade network was facilitated by the city's strategic location on the Malabar Coast.

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The Zamorins were a powerful dynasty that ruled over Calicut, a city in the present-day state of Kerala, India. They were a Hindu family that rose to power in the 14th century.

Their rule was marked by a strong emphasis on trade and commerce, which brought great wealth to the city. They were known for their diplomatic skills and were able to maintain good relations with neighboring kingdoms.

The Zamorins were also patrons of the arts and architecture, and many beautiful temples and buildings were constructed during their rule. They were known for their love of learning and were said to have been patrons of the famous poet and philosopher, Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan.

The Zamorins were eventually overthrown by the Portuguese in 1498, who were attracted to the city's wealth and strategic location.

Calicut was the administrative capital of the Malabar District, one of the two districts on the western coast (Malabar Coast) of the Madras presidency.

The Malabar District was a significant producer of pepper, coconut, tiles, and teak during British rule.

Kozhikode municipality was formed on 1 November 1866 according to the Madras Act 10 of 1865 (Amendment of the Improvements in Towns act 1850).

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city with a rich history and plenty of exciting places to visit.

Kappad Beach is a must-visit, as it's where Vasco da Gama first landed in 1498, marking the beginning of European powers in India.

Beypore, located 10 kms south of the city, is a historic port town and fishing harbour with a ship building yard and traditional ship builders.

The Dolphin's Point beach is a great spot to see dolphins playing in the early hours of morning, and it's also home to an old lighthouse, Lions Park, and the Marine Water Aquarium.

Mananchira Square is a beautiful historic maidan with trees, plants, man-made hills, sculptures, and a musical fountain.

The Pazhassi Raja Museum is a treasure trove of ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes, old coins, and models of temples.

Badagara, 48 kms from Kozhikode, is a great place to learn about martial arts, as it's a commercial centre for Kalari Payattu.

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Tali temple, a 14th century shrine built by Swamy Thirumulpadu Zamorin, is a fine example of Kerala architecture.

The Backwater of Calicut is a favourite spot for boating, with Elathur Canal and River Kallai being popular spots.

Peruvannamuzhi Dam, 60kms away from the main town, is a great place to see crocodiles and birds, and it also offers boating.

Calicut is well-connected to major cities in India through its national highways. National Highway 66 connects Calicut to Mumbai and Kanyakumari, passing through several important towns along the west coast of India.

You can reach Calicut from other parts of the country by bus, with Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) running regular services to many destinations in the state and neighboring states. The city has three bus stands, making it convenient for travelers.

KSRTC Bus Stand Kozhikode is the largest bus stand in Kerala, covering an area of 36,036.47 square meters. Private buses operate from the Palayam Bus Stand, while KSRTC buses depart from the KSRTC bus stand on Indira Gandhi Road.

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National Highway 66 connects Calicut to Mumbai via Mangaluru, Udupi and Goa to the north and Kochi and Kanyakumari near Thiruvananthapuram to the south along the west coast of India.

This highway covers a vast stretch of over 4,000 kilometres, providing a crucial transportation link between major towns and cities.

National Highway 66 passes through major towns like Kasaragod, Kanhangad, Kannur, Thalassery, Mahe, and Vadakara, making it an essential route for locals and tourists alike.

It's worth noting that NH 66 is one of the longest national highways in India, making it a vital part of the country's transportation network.

National Highway 766 connects Calicut to Bangalore through Kollegal in Karnataka via Tirumakudal Narsipur, Mysore, Nanjangud, Gundlupet, Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta, and Thamarassery.

This highway covers a distance of over 300 kilometres, providing a convenient route for those traveling between Calicut and Bangalore.

National Highway 966 connects Calicut to Palakkad through Malappuram and Perinthalmanna, covering a distance of 125 kilometres.

This stretch connects the city and Calicut International Airport, making it a vital route for air travelers.

Buses are a convenient way to get around the city and surrounding areas. City buses are painted green.

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs regular services to many destinations in the state and to neighboring states. These services are available from the KSRTC bus stand on Indira Gandhi Road.

There are three bus stands in the city, all of which serve different purposes. The Palayam Bus Stand is where private buses to suburban and nearby towns ply from.

KSRTC Bus Stand Kozhikode is the largest bus stand in Kerala, covering an area of 36,036.47 square meters. This is a testament to the city's growing transportation needs.

If you're planning a trip to Bangalore, there are three routes available. The preferred route is Kozhikode–Sulthan Bathery-Gundlupet–Mysore–Bangalore, which is quite busy.

Private tour operators also offer luxury bus services to various cities, including Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. These services are usually night services and operate from the Palayam area.

Calicut, a city in India's Kerala state, has a diverse demographic profile. The city's population is approximately 3.5 million people, with a mix of Malayali, Tamil, and other communities.

Calicut's economy is driven by various industries, including IT, manufacturing, and trade. The city is home to several major IT parks and industries, contributing significantly to the state's GDP.

The city's strategic location on the Malabar coast makes it an important centre for trade and commerce, with the Calicut Port being a major hub for international trade.

Calicut city has a population of 550,440 people, with males accounting for 47.7% and females making up 52.3% of the population.

The city is predominantly Hindu, with 57.37% of the population identifying as Hindu, followed by Muslims at 37.66% and Christians at 4.60%.

The literacy rate in Calicut is impressive, with an average literacy rate of 96.8% and a national average of 74.85%. The male literacy rate is 97.93% and female literacy rate is 95.78%.

Here's a breakdown of the population by religion:

Malayalam is the dominant language spoken in Calicut, with 97.64% of the population speaking it as their first language, followed by Tamil at 0.91%.

Calicut is one of the largest economic hubs in the Indian state of Kerala, with its economy primarily driven by the service sector, followed by industrial activities.

The city has a rich banking history, being the birthplace of Nedungadi Bank, the first and oldest bank in modern Kerala, which was established by Appu Nedungadi in 1899.

Calicut is emerging as a major center for information technology (IT) in Kerala, with Cyberpark, a Government of Kerala initiative, set to become the third IT hub in Kerala.

Cyberpark is expected to generate around 100,000 direct job opportunities, making it a significant contributor to the city's economy.

Other major IT and business hubs in Calicut include UL Cyberpark, Government Cyberpark, and Hilite Business Park, which house multiple IT firms and corporate offices.

Birla IT Park (Mavoor) and Malaysian Satellite City (Kinaloor) are two key upcoming projects that will further boost Calicut's industrial growth.

The Kozhikode Bypass Economic Corridor is a growing commercial and IT corridor near Cyberpark, showcasing the city's potential for economic development.

Beypore Port is undergoing development to enhance maritime trade and cargo handling capabilities, further solidifying Calicut's position as a key economic hub in Kerala.

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Calicut has a rich cultural scene, with a long history of music appreciation. The Tyagaraja Aradhana Trust has been conducting a five-day music festival in honour of Tyagaraja every year since 1981.

The festival features a range of musical performances, including Uncchavritti, Divyanama kritis, and Pancharatna Kritis. It's a great opportunity to experience the city's love of music.

Calicut's music scene also includes a tradition of Ghazal and Hindustani music appreciation, with many Malayalam Ghazals being composed and performed in the city.

Calicut has a rich tradition of music appreciation, with a special emphasis on Ghazal and Hindustani music.

The city has a long history of hosting music festivals, including the annual Tyagaraja Aradhana Trust's five-day music festival, which has been running since 1981.

This festival features a range of performances, from Uncchavritti to concerts by professional artistes and students of music, showcasing the city's vibrant music scene.

Malayalam Ghazals are also a unique aspect of Calicut's music culture, with many local artists creating their own versions of this style.

The late film director and play back singer M. S. Baburaj, from Calicut, was influenced by Ghazal and Hindustani music, adding to the city's musical legacy.

Newspapers have a long history in Calicut, dating back to 1879 when the English weekly West Coast Spectator was launched.

The first Malayalam newspaper in Calicut was Kerala Pathrika, established by Chengalathu Kunhirama Menon in 1884.

Keralam, Kerala Sanchari, and Bharathivasam were other notable newspapers published in Calicut during the 19th century.

Mathrubhumi and Mithavadi, two major newspapers that contributed to the Indian independence movement, were based in Calicut.

Today, almost all major Malayalam newspapers have editions in Calicut, and English newspapers like The Hindu and The New Indian Express also have Calicut editions.

The Church and Diocese of India Calicut have a rich history dating back to the 6th century.

The Diocese of Calicut was established in 607 AD by Saint Thomas the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles.

The church played a significant role in spreading Christianity in the region, particularly during the reign of the Zamorin of Calicut.

The St. Francis Church in Calicut is one of the oldest churches in India and is believed to be the final resting place of Saint Thomas.

The church has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, with the current structure dating back to the 16th century.

The Diocese of Calicut is a part of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, a major eastern Catholic Church in India.

The church has a strong tradition of education and has established several schools and colleges in the region.

The St. Joseph's College in Calicut is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in the region.

Calicut was one of the great ports of the district of Malabar, where merchants from all over the world were found. This is according to Ibn Battuta, who visited the city six times between 1342 and 1347.

The king of Calicut was an infidel, who shaved his chin just like the Haidari Fakeers of Room do, as Ibn Battuta noted. This was a significant cultural observation made by the traveler.

Ma Huan, a Chinese sailor, was impressed by Calicut's great emporium of trade, which was frequented by merchants from around the world. He visited the city in 1403 as part of the Imperial Chinese fleet under Cheng Ho.

The city had 20 or 30 mosques built to cater to the religious needs of the Muslims, as Ma Huan pointed out. This shows the diversity of the city's population.

Abdur Razzak, the ambassador of Persian Emperor Shah Rukh, found the city's harbour perfectly secured in 1442-1443. He was also struck by the precious articles from several maritime countries, especially from Abyssinia, Zirbad, and Zanzibar.

Niccolò de' Conti, an Italian traveller, described Calicut as a noble emporium for all India in 1445. He noted that the city was abundant in pepper, lac, ginger, a larger kind of cinnamon, myrobalans, and zedoary.

The city's circumference was 13 kilometres (8 miles), according to Niccolò de' Conti. This gives an idea of the city's size and layout.

The Russian traveller Athanasius Nikitin or Afanasy Nikitin called 'Calecut' a port for the whole Indian sea in 1468-1474. He described it as having a "big bazaar."

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