Calicut

Calicut
Name	Calicut
Other name	Kozhikode
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	11, 15, N, 75...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Kerala
Subdivision type2	District
Subdivision name2	Kozhikode district
Established title	Municipal Corporation
Established date	1962
Government type	Municipal corporation
Governing body	Kozhikode Municipal Corporation
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Beena Philip
Area total km2	128
Population total	432,097
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Languages
Demographics1 title1	Official
Demographics1 info1	Malayalam
Timezone1	IST
Utc offset1	+5:30
Postal code type	PIN
Postal code	673001–673032
Area code type	Telephone code
Area code	0495
Registration plate	KL-11, KL-18, KL-56, KL-57, KL-76, KL-77, KL-85
Website	https://www.kozhikodecorporation.lsgkerala.gov.in/

Calicut. Calicut, officially known as Kozhikode, is a major coastal city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Renowned for its historical prominence as a global trading port, it was the capital of the powerful Zamorin dynasty and a pivotal point on the ancient Spice Route. The city's legacy is deeply intertwined with the Age of Discovery, famously serving as the landing site for the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498, which marked the beginning of European colonialism in Asia. Today, it remains a vital economic and cultural hub, celebrated for its unique Mappila heritage, serene backwaters, and distinctive Malayalam dialect.

History

The early history of the region is linked to the Chera dynasty, but Calicut rose to preeminence under the Zamorin rulers from the 12th century onward, establishing a formidable naval power and a cosmopolitan port. It attracted traders from across the Arab world, China under the Ming dynasty, and later from Venice and Genoa, dealing in prized commodities like black pepper, cardamom, and Indian textiles. The arrival of Vasco da Gama at Kappad beach initiated direct European trade and conflict, leading to battles like the Battle of Cochin and the Siege of Calicut. The city later came under the influence of the Kingdom of Mysore under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, witnessed the Anglo-Mysore Wars, and was incorporated into the British Raj following the Treaty of Seringapatam. Post-Indian independence, it became part of the state of Kerala.

Geography

Calicut is situated on the Malabar Coast, bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east. The city's topography is characterized by flat coastal plains intersected by rivers, most notably the Kallayi River and the Chaliyar River, which have supported trade and agriculture for centuries. Key geographical features include the Kozhikode Beach, the Mananchira tank, and the nearby Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary. The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification, with a heavy southwest monsoon season.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census of India, Calicut had a population of over 432,000, with the broader urban agglomeration exceeding two million. The city has a high literacy rate, consistent with Kerala's social indicators. The major religious communities are Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. A significant and historic community is the Mappila Muslims, whose culture and folk art forms are distinctive to the Malabar region. Malayalam is the primary language, with the local Kozhikode dialect being particularly noted.

Economy

Historically centered on the spice trade, Calicut's modern economy is diverse. It is a major commercial center for the Malabar region, with trade in commodities like coconut, rubber, and black pepper. The city hosts important institutions like the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode and the National Institute of Technology Calicut. Key industries include information technology, with parks like UL CyberPark, healthcare, and education. The Kozhikode railway station is a major hub on the Southern Railway zone, and the Calicut International Airport provides international connectivity.

Culture

Calicut is famed as the "City of Spices" and is a cradle of Malayalam literary and intellectual traditions, being the birthplace of renowned figures like S. K. Pottekkatt and Uroob. The annual Malabar Mahotsavam showcases traditional arts such as Theyyam, Oppana, and Kolkali. The unique Mappila cuisine, featuring dishes like Kozhikode biriyani, halwa, and pathiri, is a major cultural export. The city is also a noted center for Malayalam cinema, with many film studios and the state film awards ceremony often held here.

Administration

Calicut is administered by the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation, headed by a Mayor. It is the headquarters of the Kozhikode district and the Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency. The city's civic and judicial administration includes the Kozhikode City Police and the High Court of Kerala bench at Kochi. It falls under the Kozhikode parliamentary constituency and several legislative assembly constituencies, including Beypore and Kozhikode North.

Category:Calicut Category:Cities in Kerala Category:Port cities in India