It is the tenth largest urban agglomeration in the country and the largest one in Kerala.[8] Kozhikode city is the third largest city proper in the state with a corporation limit population of 609,224[12][13] Kozhikode is classified as a Tier-2 city by the Government of India.[14]
It is the largest city on theMalabar Coast and was the capital of the British-eraMalabar district. It was the capital of an independent kingdom ruled by theSamoothiris (Zamorins).[1] The port at Kozhikode acted as the gateway to the medievalSouth Indian coast for theChinese, thePersians, theArabs, and finally the Europeans.[15] According to data compiled by economics research firmIndicus Analytics in 2009 on residences, earnings and investments, Kozhikode was ranked the second-best city in India to live in.[16] In 2023, Kozhikode was recognised byUNESCO as India's firstCity of Literature.[17]
The exact origin of the name Kozhikode is uncertain. According to many sources, the name Kozhikode is derived fromKoyil-kota, meaning "fortified palace".[18]Koil orKoyil orKovil is theMalayalam/Tamil term for aHindu temple. In the context of Kozhikide, it may refer to theTali Shiva Temple.[19] Both the termskōyil andkōvil are used interchangeably. The Tamil name of the city is Kaḷḷikkōṭṭai.[20]
The name evolved intoKolikod, or its Arabic formQāliqūṭ (IPA: qˠaːliqˠːuːtˤ) and later its anglicised version Calicut.[21][22]Chinese merchants called itKūlifo.
The wordcalico, a fine hand-woven cotton fabric that was exported from the port of Kozhikode, is believed to be derived fromCalicut.[23]
Names, routes and locations of thePeriplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st century CE)Painting ofKozhikode, India titled 'Calicut, the most famous trading center of India' fromGeorg Braun and Frans Hogenberg's atlasCivitates Orbis terrarum, 1572
In the 14th century, Kozhikode conquered large parts of central Kerala after the seizure of theTirunavaya region fromValluvanad, which was under the control of the king ofPerumbadappu Swaroopam (Cochin). The ruler ofPerumpadappu was forced to shift his capital (c. CE 1405) further south fromKodungallur toKochi. In the 15th century, the status of Cochin was reduced to a vassal state of Kozhikode, thus leading to the emergence of Kozhikode as the most powerful kingdom in medievalMalabar Coast.[15] During the 15th century,Kalaripayattu played a significant role in Malabar's history. Notable warriors includedPuthooram Veettil Aromal Chekavar and his sisterUnniyarcha.[32][33][34]
The port at Kozhikode held a superior economic and political position along the medieval Kerala coast, while Kannur,Kollam, andKochi were commercially important secondary ports where traders from various parts of the world gathered.[35] In the 15th century, Kozhikode was visited several times by ships from China, which became known asMing treasure voyages.[36]
Kozhikode was the capital of an independent kingdom ruled by thesamoothiris (Zamorins) in the Middle Ages and later of the erstwhileMalabar District under British rule.Arab merchants traded with the region as early as 7th century, and Portuguese explorerVasco da Gama landed at Kozhikode on 20 May 1498,[37] opening a trade route between Europe and India. A Portuguesefactory and a fort existed in Kozhikode for a short period (1511–1525, until theFall of Calicut). TheEnglish landed in 1615 (constructing a trading post in 1665), followed by theFrench (1698) and theDutch (1752). In 1765,Mysore captured Kozhikode as part of its occupation of the Malabar Coast.
Accounts of the city and the conditions prevailing then can be gleaned from the chronicles of travellers who visited the port city.
Uru, a type of ship that was historically used for maritime trade, built atBeypore, Kozhikode
Ibn Battuta (1342–1347), who visited six times, gives the earliest glimpses of life in the city. He describes Kozhikode as "one of the great ports of the district of Malabar" where "merchants of all parts of the world are found here". The king of this place, he says, "is an infidel, who shaves his chin just as theHaidariFakeers ofRoom do... The greater part of the Muslim merchants of this place are so wealthy that one of them can purchase the whole freightage of such vessels put here and fit out others like them".[38]
Ma Huan (1403), a Chinese sailor who was part of the Imperial Chinese fleet under Cheng Ho (Zheng He)[39] lauds the city as a great emporium of trade frequented by merchants from around the world. He makes note of the 20 or 30 mosques built to cater to the religious needs of the Muslims, the unique system of calculation by the merchants using their fingers and toes (followed to this day) and the matrilineal system of succession.
Abdur Razzak (1442–1443), the ambassador of Persian EmperorShah Rukh found the city's harbour perfectly secured and notices precious articles from several maritime countries, especially fromAbyssinia, Zirbad andZanzibar.
The ItalianNiccolò de' Conti (1445), one of the earliest known Christian travellers to document Kozhikode, describes the city as abounding in pepper, lac, ginger, a larger kind of cinnamon, myrobalans and zedoary. He calls it a noble emporium for all India, with acircumference of 13 kilometres (8 miles).
The Russian traveller Athanasius Nikitin orAfanasy Nikitin (1468–1474) calls 'Calecut' a port for the whole Indian sea and describes it as having a "big bazaar."
Kozhikode and its suburbs formed part of thePolanad kingdom, a vassal state of theKolathunadu ofNorth Malabar, ruled by thePorlathiri.[42] TheEradis ofNediyiruppu, based inKondotty (Eranad,Malappuram district), wanted an outlet to the sea to initiate trade and commerce with distant lands.[43] After a prolonged conflict with the Polathiri lasting 48 years, they conquered the area aroundPanniankara. Following this,Menokki became the ruler ofPolanad and came to terms with the local troops and people.[44]
Subsequently, the town of Kozhikode was founded close to the palace at Tali.[45] The Eradis then shifted their headquarters from Nediyiruppu to Kozhikode. The Governor of Ernad built a fort at Velapuram to safeguard their new territory. The fort most likely lent its name toKoyil Kotta, the precursor to Kozhikode. The city thus came into existence sometime in the 13th century.[citation needed]
As the status of the Udaiyavar (king) increased, he became known as Swami Nambiyathiri Thirumulpad, eventually assuming the title Samuri or Samoothiri. European traders referred to this title in a corrupted form asZamorin.[citation needed]
At the peak of their power, the Zamorins ruled over a region from Kollam (Quilon) to Panthalayini Kollam (Koyilandy).[46][21] Following the discovery of the sea route from Europe to Kozhikode in 1498, the Portuguese began to expand their territories and ruled the seas betweenOrmus and theMalabar Coast, and as far south asCeylon.[47][48] Some prominentJenmis in Kozhikode were engaged insea trade andshipping as early as two centuries ago.[49]
According to historianK.V. Krishna Iyer, Kozhikode's rise was both a cause and a consequence of Zamorin's ascendancy in Kerala. By the late 15th century, the Zamorin was at the zenith of his power, with all princes and chieftains of Kerala north of Kochi acknowledging his suzerainty.[50] TheSweetmeat Street (Mittayi Theruvu) was an important trading street under Zamorin's rule.
Throughout the 16th century, continuous naval conflicts between the Zamorin's navy, led byKunjali Marakkar (Fleet Admiral) and the Portuguese significantly reduced the importance of Kozhikode as a centre of trade. Kunjali Marakkar is credited with organizing the first naval defense of the Indian coast.[51]
By the early 17th century, the Zamorin expelled the Portuguese with the help of theDutch East India Company. In 1602, the Zamorin sent envoys toAceh, promising the Dutch a fort at Kozhikode in exchange for their support in trade. Two factors, Hans de Wolff and Lafer, were sent from Aceh, but the two were captured by the chief of Tanur, and handed over to the Portuguese.[52]
In November 1604, a Dutch fleet under AdmiralSteven van der Hagen arrived in Kozhikode, marking the beginning of the Dutch presence in Kerala. On 11 November 1604, the Dutch East India Company signed its first treaty with an Indian ruler, forming an alliance with Kozhikode to expel the Portuguese from Malabar.[15] In return, the Dutch were granted trading rights in Kozhikode andPonnani, including spacious storehouses.[52] By this time, however, the kingdom and port of Kozhikode had lost much of their former prominence.[52]
Kozhikode was the administrative capital of theMalabar District, one of the two districts on the western coast (Malabar Coast) of theMadras presidency. During British rule, Malabar's importance lay in the production ofpepper,coconut,tiles, andteak.[58] Kozhikode municipality was formed on 1 November 1866 according to the Madras Act 10 of 1865 (Amendment of the Improvements in Towns act 1850).[59][60][61][62]
Kozhikode has atropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classificationAm). A brief spell of pre-monsoonmango showers occurs in April. The primary source of rainfall is thesouthwest monsoon which begins in early June and lasts until September. The city also receives significant precipitation from thenortheast monsoon, which begins in mid-October and continues through November. Winters (December–February) are warmer than summers (June–August), with spring (March–May) being the hottest season.
Climate data for Kozhikode (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2020)
The total population within the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation limits is 550,440.[69] Males account for 47.7% of the population, while females make up 52.3%.
Kozhikode has been a multi-ethnic and multi-religious town since the earlymedieval period. TheHindus form the largest religious group, followed byMuslims andChristians.[70] Hindus form the majority at 57.37%(315,807 people),[69] while Muslims form 37.66% (207,298 people).[68]
Kozhikode Municipal Corporation has an averageliteracy rate of 96.8%[11] (national average is 74.85%). The male literacy rate is 97.93% and female literacy rate is 95.78%.[11]
Historically, Kozhikode has been home to diverse communities and regional groups. Many of these communities continued their traditional occupations and customs until the 20th century.[71] Brahmins primarily resided near Hindu temples in the city. Regional groups such asTamil Brahmins, Gujaratis, andMarwari Jains settled in the city, residing near their shrines.[72]
TheNairs formed the rulers, warriors and landed gentry of Kozhikode.[73] TheSamoothiri had a ten thousand strong Nair bodyguard called the Kozhikkottu pathinaayiram (The 10,000 of Kozhikode) who defended the capital and supported the administration within the city. He had a larger force of 30,000 Nairs in his capacity as the Prince of Eranadu, called the Kozhikkottu Muppatinaayiram (The 30,000 of Kozhikode).[74] The Nairs also formed the members of the suicide squad (chaver).[75] TheThiyyar formed thevaidyars (Ayurveda Physicians), local militia, and traders of Kozhikode. The Muslims of Kozhikode are known asMappilas, and according to the official Kozhikode website "the great majority of them areSunnis following theShafi school of thought.[70] There are some smaller communities among the Muslims such asDawoodi Bohras of Gujarati origin.[76] Many of the Muslims living in the historic part of the city followmatrilineality and are noted for their piety.[77] ThoughChristianity is believed to have been introduced in Kerala in the 1st century CE, the size of the community inMalabar (northern Kerala) began to rise only after the arrival of Portuguese missionaries towards the close of the 15th century. A few Christians ofThiruvitankoor andKochi have lately migrated to the hilly regions of the district and are settled there.[77]
TheTamil Brahmins are primarily settled around the Tali Siva temple. They arrived in Kozhikode as dependants of chieftains, working as cooks, cloth merchants and moneylenders.[78] They have retained theirTamil language and dialects as well as caste rituals. TheGujarati community is settled mostly around theJain temple in and around the Valliyangadi. They owned many establishments, especially textile and sweet shops. They must have arrived in Kozhikode at least from the beginning of the 14th century. They belong to either the Hindu or the Jain community. A fewMarwari families are also found in Kozhikode who was basically moneylenders.
The city is administered by the Kozhikode Corporation, headed by a mayor. For administrative purposes, the city is divided into 75wards,[80] from which the members of the corporation council are elected for five years. Recently neighbouring suburbsBeypore,Elathur,Cheruvannur and Nallalam were merged within the municipal corporation.
Kozhikode Corporation is the first City Corporation in Kerala after the creation of the state. Established in 1962, Kozhikode Corporation's first mayor was H Manjunatha Rao. Kozhikode corporation has four assembly constituencies – Kozhikode North, Kozhikode South, Beypore and Elathur – all of which are part ofKozhikode.[81]
TheKozhikode City Police is headed by a commissioner, anIndian Police Service (IPS) officer. The city is divided into six zones each under a circle officer. Apart from regular law and order, the city police comprise the traffic police, bomb squad, dog squad, fingerprint bureau, women's cell, juvenile wing, narcotics cell, riot force, armed reserve camps, district crime records bureau and a women's station.[82] It operates 16 police stations functioning under the Home Ministry ofGovernment of Kerala.
SH 29 passes through the city. It connects NH 766, Malabar Christian College, civil station,Kunnamangalam, Koduvally, Thamarassery, Chellot, Chitragiri and Road to Gudallor from Kerala border.
SH 54 connects the city toKalpetta. The highway is 99.0 kilometres (61.5 mi) long. The highway passes throughPavangad, Kozhikode, Ulliyeri,Perambra, Poozhithodu,Peruvannamuzhi and Padinjarethara.SH 68 starts fromKappad and ends in Adivaram. The highway is 68.11 kilometres (42.32 mi) long.
Buses, predominantly run by individual owners, ply on the routes within the city and to nearby locations. City buses are painted green.Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs regular services to many destinations in the state and to the neighboring states. The city has three bus stands. All private buses to the suburban and nearby towns ply from the Palayam Bus Stand. Private buses to adjoining districts start from the Mofussil Bus Stand on Indira Gandhi Road (Mavoor Road). Buses operated by the KSRTC drive from the KSRTC bus stand on Indira Gandhi Road. KSRTC Bus Stand Kozhikode is the largest bus stand in Kerala having a size of 36,036.47 meter square.[84] There are also KSRTC depots inThamarassery,Thottilpalam,Thiruvambady andVatakara.There are three routes available to Bangalore. Kozhikode–Sulthan Bathery-Gundlupet–Mysore–Bangalore is the preferred one and is very busy. Another route, is Kozhikode-Manathavady-Kutta-Mysore-Bangalore. The third one, less used, is Kozhikode–Gundlupet–Chamarajanagar–Kollegal–Bangalore.
Kozhikode has a main railway station, where all passing trains stops. There are other railway stations within the City limits. They are Elathur, West Hill, Vellayil and Kallai. Only local passenger trains stops in these stations. One can travel to almost all destinations within the country from Kozhikode. The history of railways inKerala dates to 1861 when the first tracks were laid betweenTirur andBeypore.[85]
Calicut International Airport is 26 kilometres (16 mi) from the city. It began operations in 1988. Domestic services are operated to major Indian cities. It received the status of an international airport in 2006.[86]
High-rises near NH Bypass Calicut"Calicut Bypass near Cyberpark – a growing economic corridor."
Kozhikode is one of the largest economic hubs in the Indian state ofKerala, with its economy primarily driven by the service sector, followed by industrial activities. The city has a rich banking history, being the birthplace ofNedungadi Bank, the first and oldest bank in modern Kerala, which was established byAppu Nedungadi in 1899. The bank was later merged withPunjab National Bank.[87]
Information Technology and Business SectorKozhikode is emerging as a major center for information technology (IT) in Kerala.Cyberpark, a Government of Kerala initiative, was established to build, operate, and manage IT parks in theMalabar region to promote investment in IT and IT-enabled services (ITES). It is set to become the third IT hub in Kerala, followingTechnopark inThiruvananthapuram andInfopark inKochi. The Cyberpark initiative, along with its satellite centers inKannur andKasaragod, is expected to generate around 100,000 direct job opportunities.[88][89]
Other major IT and business hubs in Kozhikode include UL Cyberpark, which is the first IT SEZ (Special Economic Zone) in the Malabar region, Government Cyberpark, and Hilite Business Park, which houses multiple IT firms and corporate offices.
Industrial and Infrastructure DevelopmentKozhikode is also witnessing significant industrial growth, with key upcoming projects such as:
Birla IT Park (Mavoor) – A proposed technology and industrial park.Malaysian Satellite City (Kinaloor) – A large-scale industrial park planned byKINFRA, covering 160-hectare (400-acre).[90]Kozhikode Bypass Economic Corridor – A growing commercial and IT corridor near Cyberpark.Additionally, Beypore Port is undergoing development to enhance maritime trade and cargo handling capabilities.
Cultural RecognitionIn 2012, Kozhikode was officially recognized as the "City of Sculptures" (Shilpa Nagaram) due to the numerous architectural sculptures and artistic landmarks found throughout the city.[91]
With its growing IT sector, industrial expansion, and infrastructural improvements, Kozhikode continues to develop as a key economic and technological hub in Kerala.
The city has a strong mercantile tradition, with trade and commerce playing a significant role in its economy. Historically, the primary commercial hub was Valiyangadi (Big Bazaar), located near the railway station. This area served as the center of business activity for decades, catering to wholesale and retail traders. Over time, the commercial focus gradually shifted to other parts of the city, with Mittai Theruvu (Sweetmeat Street or S. M. Street) emerging as the new commercial hub. This bustling street is lined with a variety of shops selling textiles, cosmetics, household essentials, and electronics. It is also home to several well-known restaurants and traditional sweetmeat shops that reflect Kozhikode’s rich culinary heritage.
Shopping Malls in KozhikodeWith urbanization and the growing influence of modern retail culture, Kozhikode has witnessed the rise of shopping malls that offer a mix of retail outlets, entertainment zones, and dining facilities. Some of the major malls in the city include:
Focus Mall – The first shopping mall in Kerala, marking the beginning of modern retail spaces in the state. It features a range of branded outlets, a food court, and entertainment facilities.
HiLITE Mall – The largest shopping mall in the Malabar region, part of the HiLITE City project. The mall houses over 200 retail stores, including international and domestic brands, a multiplex cinema, a large food court, and dedicated entertainment zones.[92][93]
Gokulam Mall – A mid-sized shopping complex featuring multiple retail outlets, dining options, and a multiplex.Address Mall – A modern shopping destination with luxury brand stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.RP Mall – A popular retail and entertainment hub, featuring a mix of branded stores, food courts, and a cinema.Lulu Mall Kozhikode – Developed by LuLu Group International, this newly established mall in Mankavu is one of the largest retail projects in the region. It brings a world-class shopping experience with a variety of international brands, hypermarkets, and entertainment facilities.
The emergence of these malls has significantly transformed Kozhikode’s retail landscape, providing residents and visitors with modern shopping and leisure experiences.
In addition to the Malabar Mahotsavam, the annual cultural fest of Kozhikode,[94] every year since 1981 the Tyagaraja Aradhana Trust has been conducting a five-day music festival in honour ofTyagaraja. The festival is complete with the Uncchavritti, rendering of Divyanama kritis,Pancharatna Kritis, concerts by professional artistes and students of music from morning to late in the evening.[95]
Kozhikode has a tradition ofGhazal andHindustani music appreciation. There are many Malayalam Ghazals. The late film director and play back singerM. S. Baburaj, from Kozhikode was influenced byGhazal and Hindustani.[96]
Newspaper publishing started in Kozhikode with the launch of the English weeklyWest Coast Spectator in 1879. Edited by Dr. Keys and printed by Vakil Poovadan Raman from the Spectator Press, it was rechristened theMalabar Spectator in later years. The first Malayalam newspaper in Kozhikode wasKerala Pathrika established byChengalathu Kunhirama Menon in 1884.Keralam,Kerala Sanchari andBharathivasam were among the other newspapers published in Kozhikode in the 19th century. Some of the major newspapers that contributed to theIndian independence movementMathrubhumi andMithavadi, were based in Kozhikode.[97][98] Now almost all the major newspapers in Malayalam have editions in Kozhikode. English newspapers such asThe Hindu andThe New Indian Express also have Kozhikode editions.
The Kozhikode radio station ofAll India Radio has two transmitters: Kozhikode AM (100 kilowatts) and Kozhikode FM [Vividh Bharathi] (10 kilowatts). Private FM radio stations areRadio Mango 91.9 operated by Malayala Manorama Co. Ltd.Radio Mirchi operated by Entertainment Network India Ltd. andClub FM 104.8 operated by Mathrubhumi group andRed FM 93.5 of the SUN Network. AIR FM radio stations are Kozhikode – 103.6 MHz; AIR MW radio station is Kozhikode – 684 kHz.
Satellite television services are available throughDD Direct+,Dish TV,Sun Direct DTH andTata Sky.Asianet Digital TV is popularly known as ACV telecasts daily city news. Spidernet is another local channel. Other local operators include KCL and Citinet.
The Calicut Press Club came into existence in 1970. It is the nerve centre of all media activities, both print and electronic. Begun with around 70 members in the roll, this Press Club, became a prestigious and alert media centre in the state with a present membership of over 280.[99][better source needed]
TheUniversity of Calicut is the largest university in Kerala and is located inThenjipalam, about 24 kilometres (15 mi) south of Calicut. This university was established in 1968 and was the second university set up in Kerala. Most of the colleges offering tertiary education in the region are affiliated to this university.[104] TheCalicut Medical College was established in 1957 as the second medical college in Kerala. Since then, the institution has grown into a premier centre of medical education in the state. Presently it is the largest medical institute in the state with a yearly intake of 250 candidates for the undergraduate programme.
TheGovernment Law College, Kozhikode situated inVellimadukunnu on the out skirts of kozhikode town, is owned by the Government of Kerala and affiliated to the University of Calicut. The college caters to the needs of the north Malabar region of Kerala it is the third law college in kerala state founded in 1970.
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