Calicut

State: Kerala

Main languages: Malayalam and English

 

History:

 

The city is also known as Kozhikode and is located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is also the 3rd largest city of Kerala and the headquarters of Kozhikode district. Calicut was also the capital of an independent kingdom of ancient Malabar District. The city gets its name from koyil which means Palace and Kodu which means Fortified. It had been the famous trading port in the Arabian Peninsula. The city was also known as Kalikat in Arab and Kalifo in Chinese. Tipu Sultan had tried to change the name of the city to Ferozabad but was unsuccessful in the same. Trade of spices, silk, and other goods through the Indian Ocean was done here for over two millennia. Chinese travellers such as Zheng He mention Calicut in the 14th century.

In 1498 Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed near Calicut city which lead to the discovery of sea route from Europe to India. Portuguese then ruled the city till the 17th century when they were taken over by the Dutch. Tipu Sultan fought the British at the Third Anglo-Mysore War in 1792. 

 

Geography and Demography:

 

The city is located at 11.25° N 75.77° E with an average elevation of 1 meter. Various rivers and lake exist in the district like Chaliyar puzha, Kallayi Puzha, and many more. The city is an important trading centre. Calicut had a population of 436,527 as of 2001 census

 

Climate:

 

The city has abundant rainfall and hence has huge vegetation. The climate is humid with summer months ranging from March to July. The south west monsoons provide rain during the months of June to September. December and January are the cooler months. 

 

Culture and tourism:

 

The city is multiethnic and multi-religious with Hindus, Muslims and Christians living peacefully. There are various rules prescribed by the Sastras like Kavu dedicated to the Bhadrakali which has its own oracles called Velichappad. Deities like Ayyappan, Hanuman and Garuda are worshiped along with serpents. Muslims here are known as Mappilas and most of them follow Matriliny. Journalism occupies a major part of the cities culture. There are various places to see here like the Kozhikode Beach, Mananchira Square, Kappad Beach and many other places. Religious places here include Tali Mahadeva Temple, Tali Sree MahaGanapathy,

Azhakodi Devi Temple, Thiruvachira Temple, Lokanar kaavu, Pishari kaavu, Palayam Pattala Palli, Miskal Mosque, Muchundipalli, St.Mary's Church, Nadakkavu and Mother of God Church. Both continental and traditional south Indian cuisines are available here. 

 

Economy:

 

Trade through port is the main source of economy here. There are various shipping companies located in the area. Fishing and agriculture contribute to the economy also.

 

Education:

 

The city has some of the finest educational institutions here like the IIMK and the National Institute of Technology.

 

Transportation:

 

Calicut is well connected through Air, Rail and Road. The Airport is about 27 Km away and there is regular flights from here to Bombay, Bangalore, and Madras etc. It has various routes leading to the national highways also.