Kozhikode history

Kozhikode, known to Europeans in the past as Calicut, is a city with a rich and multifaceted history that is closely intertwined with the Age of Discovery and the global spice trade. Its past is a kaleidoscope of cultures, trade connections, and significant historical events.

Foundation and Formation

The first mentions of the area where Kozhikode is located date back to the ancient Sangam period (approximately from 300 BC), when it was part of the Tamil Chera Empire. However, Kozhikode began to take shape as a city much later. After the fall of the Chera Empire in the early 12th century, local rulers known as the Zamorins declared independence. In the 13th century, a fortress was founded, marking the beginning of the modern city. By the early 15th century, Kozhikode had become the capital of the powerful Zamorin kingdom.

Key Development Factors

The main engine of Kozhikode's prosperity was its role in international trade. Thanks to its strategic location on the Malabar Coast, the city became one of the most important ports in the Indian Ocean.

• Spice Trade: Kozhikode was a global centre for the trade of black pepper and other valuable spices. Arab merchants had been actively visiting the city since the 7th century, establishing strong trade ties with the Middle East.
• Geographic Location: Although the harbour was not the most convenient, the city served as a key intersection for trade routes between China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. In the early 15th century, the port was visited by the fleet of the famous Chinese explorer Zheng He.
• Arrival of Europeans: The city's global history changed forever on 20 May 1498, when the expedition of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached the shores of India near Kozhikode. This event marked the beginning of a direct sea route from Europe to India and initiated the era of colonial interactions.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Middle Ages, Kozhikode was a thriving and cosmopolitan centre. It was home not only to Hindus but also to large communities of Arab and Chinese merchants. The city was famous not only for spices but also for the production of cotton fabric known as "calico", the name of which comes from the European corruption of the city's name — Calicut. Economic power based on trade allowed the Zamorins to become some of the most influential rulers on the coast.

Timeline of Key Events

• 7th Century: Arab merchants begin settling in the region, laying the foundation for the city's future transformation into a major trade hub.
• 13th Century: Local rulers, known as the Zamorins, found the city-state of Kozhikode (Calicut), which soon becomes their capital.
• Early 15th Century: The port of Kozhikode is visited by the fleet of the famous Chinese explorer Zheng He, testifying to its importance in international trade.
• 20 May 1498: Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama lands in Kozhikode, opening a direct sea route from Europe to India and beginning an era of European influence.
• 1513: After several conflicts, the Portuguese establish a trading factory and a fort in the city, aiming to monopolise the spice trade.
• 1525: The Zamorin successfully expels the Portuguese from the city, restoring his control over trade.
• 1664: The British East India Company opens its trading factory in Kozhikode, entering into competition with other European powers.
• 1766: The city is captured and destroyed by the troops of the Mysore ruler Hyder Ali during his expansion on the Malabar Coast.
• 1792: Following the Anglo-Mysore Wars, Kozhikode officially comes under the control of the British East India Company, becoming part of the Malabar District.
• 1947: After India gains independence, the city becomes part of Madras State.
• 1 November 1956: As a result of the reorganisation of states on linguistic lines, Kozhikode becomes part of the newly formed state of Kerala.

Kozhikode, known in the past as Calicut, is a city with a rich history that has been closely linked to global trade and great geographical discoveries for centuries. Key stages of its development have shaped the modern appearance of this important cultural and economic centre on the Malabar Coast of India.

Spice Trade Centre

Starting from the Middle Ages, Kozhikode was one of the world's main centres for the spice trade. Arab and later Chinese merchants arrived here for black pepper, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. This turned the city into a thriving port and a meeting place for different cultures, contributing to its economic growth and multicultural atmosphere.

The Era of the Zamorins

Under the rule of powerful sovereigns bearing the title of Zamorin, the city reached the peak of its prosperity. The Zamorins patronised trade, maintained order, and created conditions for the city's development, which attracted merchants from all over the world. Their reign is considered the "golden age" in the history of Kozhikode.

Arrival of Vasco da Gama

In 1498, the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama landed on the coast near Calicut, thereby opening a sea route from Europe to India. This event had world-historical significance, marking the beginning of the era of European presence in the region and radically changing global trade.

Colonial Period

After the Portuguese, the Dutch, French, and British fought for control over the city and its wealth. In 1664, the British East India Company opened its trading factory here. The name of the fabric "calico" originated from the European corruption of the city's name — Calicut, which was an important centre for cotton exports. This period brought both economic changes and numerous conflicts.

Development in the 19th–20th Centuries

Under British rule, Kozhikode continued to develop as an administrative and commercial centre. Infrastructure projects were built that facilitated the further integration of the city into the economy of British India. During this period, the foundations were laid for its future growth within an independent country.

Modern Stage

Today, Kozhikode is a dynamically developing city, the third-largest in the state of Kerala, with an international airport and a thriving economy. It preserves its cultural heritage, being a centre of literature and art, while simultaneously looking to the future by developing modern industries and maintaining close ties, including with the Arabian Gulf countries.

The architectural appearance of Kozhikode is a multi-layered canvas upon which different eras and cultures have left their mark. From traditional structures of the powerful Zamorins' time to colonial-era buildings and modern constructions, the city reflects its rich and dynamic history.

Traditional Architecture and Urban Planning

Historically, the urban planning of Kozhikode developed according to the canons of Hindu architecture. The layout was based around the ancient Tali Shiva temple, which served as the energetic and spiritual centre of the city. A grid of streets and neighbourhoods formed around it. Traditional Kerala architecture, examples of which can be found in old districts, is characterised by the following features:

• Use of Natural Materials: Construction was dominated by wood (especially teak), laterite stone, and terracotta roof tiles.
• Unique Roof Forms: Sloping tiled roofs, often multi-tiered, were designed to protect against heavy monsoon rains and ensure natural ventilation.
• Courtyards (Nalukettu): Many traditional houses and structures were designed around an open inner courtyard, which provided lighting and air circulation.

Era of Colonial Influence

With the arrival of Europeans, a new stage began in Kozhikode's architecture. Although many early Portuguese-period structures did not survive due to numerous conflicts, British rule, which began in the late 18th century, left a noticeable mark on the urban landscape. The city was largely rebuilt and became an important administrative centre.

• Indo-European Style: The British introduced elements of European architecture, adapting them to the local climate. Buildings with high ceilings, wide verandas, arches, and columns appeared.
• Iconic Structures: Colonial-era buildings can still be seen along the promenade and in old quarters. A striking example is the old lighthouse on Kozhikode Beach and two piers built over a hundred years ago. Many administrative buildings and old bungalows also date back to this period.

Modern Development

After India gained independence, the city continued to develop, combining heritage preservation with modern needs. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Kozhikode's architecture became more eclectic. Modern concrete buildings in the modernist style appeared, as well as large commercial and residential complexes. The development of the IT sector led to the creation of facilities such as Cyberpark, which is an example of modern functional architecture. Today, the city continues to grow, preserving the charm of historic quarters while showcasing layers of its unique history.

The city of Kozhikode and its surroundings have given India and the world quite a few outstanding individuals who have left a significant mark on politics, sports, literature, and art.

One of the most famous natives of the city is V. K. Krishna Menon (1896–1974), a prominent statesman, diplomat, and Minister of Defence of India. He was a key figure in shaping the country's foreign policy after independence and became famous for his powerful speeches at the UN, where he defended India's interests. His education began at the Zamorin's College in Kozhikode, which laid the foundation for his brilliant career.

In the world of sports, Kozhikode is inextricably linked with the name of P. T. Usha (born 1964), the legendary track and field athlete known as the "Queen of Indian Track and Field". Born in a village near Kozhikode, she became one of the greatest athletes in the history of India, winning numerous medals at the Asian Games. P. T. Usha narrowly missed winning a bronze medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, falling short by just 1/100th of a second. After retiring, she founded her own athletics school in Kerala.

The city's literary fame is largely owed to M. T. Vasudevan Nair (1933–2024), one of the most revered writers and screenwriters in modern Malayalam literature. Although born in a neighbouring district, he lived and worked for most of his life in Kozhikode, which became his home. His works, deeply rooted in the culture of Kerala, earned him India's highest literary honour, the Jnanpith Award. He was also a distinguished screenwriter and film director who received numerous national awards.