Calicut (Kozhikode)

A great sea port in olden days, was once the capital of the powerful Zamorins. It was here at Kappad that Vasco da Gama first landed in 1498. Later, the Dutch, the French and the British came to these shores to trade.

Kozhikode still maintains its commercial traditions, as cargo steamers visit the port even today. The town is famous for its boat-building yard, timber industry and historic temples and churches.

Kozhikode is situated on the south west coast of India. The district is bounded on the north by Kannur district, on the east by Wayanad district, on the south by Malapuram district and on the west by the Arabian sea. It is situated at latitude 11.15 North and longitude 75.49 East.

Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene arabian sea on the west and the proud peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this district has all the elements that fascinate a visitor.

The district has three distinct regions - the sandy coastal belt, the rocky highlands formed by the hilly portion of the Western Ghats and lateritic midland. Of the total area of 2344sq. kms., the sandy coastal belt is 362.85 sq. kms., lateritic midlands 1343.50 sq. kms. and rocky highlands 637.65 sq kms.

All the three taluks are spread over the three regions. The district has a coastal length of about 80 kms. The highland region accounts for 26.80 per cent and the lowland region for 15.55 per cent of the total area of the district.

History of Calicut

Calicut, the most important city of Malabar region of Kerala, was a leading trading centre for spices on the West Coast of India during the medieval period. Ruled by the Zamorin dynasty, calicut found a place in World History with the discovery of sea route to India in 1498 by the Portuguese navigator Vasco Da Gama. The landing of Gama at Kappad near Calicut changed the political scanario of India, which ultimately ended with it's colonization by the British. It remained under the Madras Presidency till the formation of Kerala in 1956 after independence.

Headquarters of Malabar district during British rule; became an independent district on January 1, 1957.

Not much is known about the early history of Calicut. However a few prehistoric relics like rock cut caves were found in the district at many places. During the sangam age, the district formed part of the Chera Empire. It played a leading part in fostering trade relations between Kerala and outside world. Tondi, the present Kadalundi as per scholars, was one of the most flourishing seaports of Kerala that time. Again nothing is known in the post-sangam age which is considered to be the Dark Age in South India's history. In the 9th century, Calicut became a part of the Second Chera Empire. The Chera's also known as Perumals, ruled the territory till 1122 AD. With the fall of Cheras, the kingdom was divided into many independent districts called 'Nadus' such as Ernad and Polanad. Originally Calicut area was under the Porlarthris, rulers of Poland. It became an important town in 13th century with the conquest of Polanad by the King of Ernad.

Formation of Calicut

The Udaiyavar of Ernad, whose headquarters was at Nediyiruppu wanted an outlet to the sea and after fighting with the Polatthiri King for 48 long years conquered the area around Ponniankara and build a fort at a place called Velapuram. Thus the city of Calicut came into existence sometime in the 13th Century AD. With the accession of Calicut, the status of Nediyirippu increased and he come to known as Swami Nambiyathiri Thirumulpad, which gradually became Samuri or Samuthiri over the years. The Europeans called him Zamorin. The place surrounded by the fort was known as Koyil (palace) Kotta (fort) and hence the name of the place became Kozhikode. Foreigners called it by different names, For Arabs it was Kalikat, for Chinese it was Kalifo while the city is known to outside world by its European name - Calicut.

Calicut became a mighty seaport, where the Arabs and the Chinese met to exchange the products of west with the east and vise versa. Religious tolerance, good administration, which gave security and impartiality to all and the friendly attitude of Zamorin to all traders, made Calicut the chief centre of trade in Malabar region. Zamorin gave special concession to Arabs (the Moors) to carry out trade. Islam was also propagated here.

According to K.V. Krishna Iyer, the rise of calicut is at once a cause and a consequence of Zamorin's ascendancy in Kerala. By the end of the century, Zamorin was at the zenith of his powers with all princes and chieftains of Kerala north of Cochin acknowledging his suzerainty.

The Arrival of Portuguese

Vasco Da Gama arrived in 1498 and obtained permission to carry out trade from Calicut. The Arabs sensing the threat posed by Portuguese to their commercial supremacy, opposed the Europeans. Bitter fights started between Portuguese and Arabs. The Portuguese went to Cochin for trade and the Raja of Cochin had an alliance with the Portuguese with aim of attaining sovereignty from Zamorin.

The hostilities between the Zamorin and the Portuguese continued for many decades and the role played by the Kunjali Marakkar in these battles can not been forgotten. Kunjali Marakkar were the hereditary admirals of the zamorin and organized a powerful navy to fight the Portuguese. Kunajali II, the greatest of Zamorin's Admirals, fought bravely and captured the Portuguese ships and massacred the crew members. Kunjali III built a fort at Kottakkal and enjoyed all the privileges enjoyed by the Nair chiefs. The caused heavy damages to the Portuguese shipping and trade but with the defeats in 1528 and 1538 they lost their glory.

The Portuguese built a fort at Chaliyam at the mouth of the Baypore River in the middle of the Zamorin's territory. Due to the prolonged struggle, Zamorin's strength deteriorated and entered into a treaty in 1540 and allowed the Portuguese to have monopoly over trade at Calicut port. The peace was temporary and war broke out again resulting in the demolition of Chaliyom Fort in the 1571 by the Zamorin.

The battles continued unabated till 1588 when the Portuguese were allowed to settle down at Calicut. However Kunjali opposed the move. Moreover the Kunjali IV declared himself as the 'King of the Moors' and disobeyed the Zamorin. Zamorin could not digest this and sided with Portuguese to destroy the powerful Kunjalis and in 1600, kunjalis surrendered and subsequently executed. It was really ironical that Zamorins had to ally with Portuguese and to fight the Kunjalis, who saved the Calicut Kingdom for decades in its fight against Portuguese.

In the meanwhile, the Dutch, English and the French arrived in Kerala. Zamorins allowed the Dutch to trade in Calicut and sought their help to drive out the Portuguese. The position of Portuguese weakened gradually due to international events and their position in Kerala deteriorated. Dutch captured Cochin and Cannanore and established trade. However, by 1721, the Dutch formally withdrew from all interference in native wars.

The arrival of English

In 1615 Captain Keeling arrived in Calicut. They agreed to assist the zamorins in expelling the Portuguese. They faced stiff opposition from French and Dutch. In 1664, English Company opened factory in Calicut. The English East India Company faced serious competition from the French in North Malabar as elsewhere in India. In 1725, French captured Mayyazhi and the place was renamed as Mahe after the French Captain Bertrand Francois Mahe De Labourdonnais. The English who were at Tellichery wanted to capture Mahe but as per instructions from top bosses, they agreed for peaceful coexistence with the French. Apparently this was done to keep the price of pepper down in 1728.

In the middle of 18th Century, Zamorin attacked Cochin. This brought the Rajas of Cochin and Travancore together and forced Zamorin to conclude a treaty with Travancore. Zamorin himself went to Padmanabhapuram the Capital of Travancore, to sign the Treaty.

The Mysorean Conquest

In 1756-57, Zamorin captured Naduvattu, a part of Palghat taluk. Raja of Palghat sought the protection of Mysore King changing the political situation of Malabar. Acting under the instructions of the King of Mysore, Heyder Ali, the then faujder of Dindigal, sent forces to stop zamorin. The Calicut forces had to treat and agreed to pay a war indemnity of 12 lacks but could not pay as zamorin's treasury was emptied by then. Hyder Ali invaded Calicut and he was assisted by the Raja of Cannanore and the local moplah population.

Zamorin's troops could not restrict Haider. Unable to face the humiliation, the then zamorin committed suicide by blowing up his palace. Leaving Calicut under Madanna, a civil Governor, Haider left for Coimbatore. IN 1776, rebellions broke out in Malabar and the Nair chieftains fought bravely forcing Haider to restore Calicut to the Zamorins in return for an annual tribute. Haider was not happy with the tribute and sent his troops under Srinivasa Rao and captured Calicut again. Zamorin left calicut and took refuge in Travancore. During 1778-1782 the Nair chieftain fought the Mysore forces led by Tipu, son of Haider Ali. With the death of Haider in December 1782, Tipu returned to Mysore to consolidate his position.

In 1788, Tipu conquers Calicut again and built a fort at Faroke. The Rajas of North Malabar continued struggle against Tipu with the support of English troops. The end of 1790 Tipu forced to retreat from Malabar. The treaty of Srirangapatnam was signed in 1792 and as a result of which, the Malabar district was ceded to the English East India company bringing the Mysore era in Malabar to an end.

The Sultans of Mysore had been guilty of many atrocities, which had antagonized the native population. The Nairs kept up a resistance against Mysore rulers for a period of 25 years which is unparalleled in Indian History.

The English Rule

After 1792, the British Governer General decided to bring Malabar Under the direct rule of company and accordingly two commissioners were sent to Calicut for negotiations with Zamoris. The English entered into a agreement with Zamorin to rule Calicut in exchange for an annual allowance. Thus Malabar came under the direct rule of British. In May 1800, Malabar district was transferred from Bombay province to the Madras province and the first Principle Collector, Major Macleod, took charge of the district. Revenue and judicial administration departments were set up.

The district of Malabar became part of the Madras Presidency in 1800 A.D. A principal collector assisted by nine subordinate collectors were put in charge of its administration and major Macleod took charge as the first principal collector of Malabar on October 1, 1801. the malabar district thereafter made progress as a distinctive adminiatrative unit of the Madras Presidency.

One of the earliest endeavours of the British administration was to evolve a judicial system for Malabar. Enen as early as 1793 the Joint Commissioners promulgated a code for the administration of civil and criminal justive. Several changes in the judicial organisation of Malabar took place since then, until at last the district came to be divided into the District Judgeships of North and South Malabar, with headquarters at Tellichery and Calicut respectievly.

There was steady improvement of communication in the district under the British administration. The road from Cannanore to Coorg was constructed in 1848-1851 and it was an important link in the communication system of the district. Some companies of the Madras pioneers worked in the districts between 1810 A.D and 1830 A.D and undertook the consturction of several roads, the Priya Ghat road being the most important. The rise of the plantation industry in Wynad also gave a spurt to road building activities in Nort Malabar. During the period 1861-1907 A.D, a railway line was laid form the southern end of the district to the north.

The Malabar district made progress in the economic and social fields as a result of the labours of the Government as well as of private agencies. In 1797 AD the English Eash India Company established a spice plantation at Anjarakandi. Cofee, cinamon, pepper, nutmeg and such other crops were cultivated here on experimental basis. It was from here that coffee was introduced into Wynad. The industrial development of the district also recieved attention. The Basel Evangelical Mission was responsible for startintg factories, some of the earliest weaving mills and tile factories in Malabar.

In the 19th Century the Malabar district made progress in the field of education. The Basel missionaries were pioneers in this field also. The mission opened a primary school at Kallayi in 1848 A.D and it developed into the Malabar Christian College of later days. The modern Victoria College, Palghat, began in 1866 A.D as a rate school and the Zamorin's College, at present Guruvayurappan College, Calicut in 1877 A.D as a school for the young princess in the Zamorin's family.

In the field of local self government also, Malabar made considerable progress in the 19th century. The Municipalities of Calicut, Tellicherry, Cannanore and Palghat came into existence in 1867 A.D, under the provisions of the Madras Town Improvement Act of 1865 A.D. The local bodies also provided social services to the people of running educational institutions and dispensaries.

On March 30, 1973, Malabar was divided into two administrative divisions namely Northern and Southern with headquaters at Tellicherry and Cherupulasseri respectively. Each division was placed under the control of a superientendent. A supervisor and Chief Magistrate was appointed for the whole of Malabar with headquarters at Calicut and he was to exercise general control over the superintendents. With the transfer of Malabar from Bombay to Madras Presidency in 1800 A.D, the commission was abolished. Major Macleod, the principal collector, took charge of the district of Malabar in 1801 A.D.

Rebellions of 19th Century

In the early 19th century, British faces rebellions against Malabar. Kerala Varma the Raja of Pazhassi, led a rebellion that shook the very foundation of British Rule during 1800-1805. However , the rebellion was put down and the Pazassi Raja was killed. Beginning 1836, several Mappila outbreaks were reported till the end of the century, in which Mappila tenants killed the Hindu landlords. Strong measures were taken to suppress the Mappila unrest. In 1855, four Mappilas killed H.V. Conolly, the District Magistrate of Malabar at Calicut. One of the grievances of Mappiilas was said to the lack of sites for Mosques and burial grounds. William Logan was appointed as the special Commissioner to enquire into the land tenures and tenant rights in Malabar and highlighted the agrarian discontent and poverty among the Mappilas as the causes of the unrest. The Malabar compensation for Tenants Improvements Act was enacted in 1887. According to Prof. Sreedhara Menon, the Mappila outbreaks were due to three main causes, viz., religious fanaticism, agrarian discontent and poverty.

National Movement

During the freedom struggle, the Malabar rebellion in 1921 was an important landmark in the history of Kerala. The Khilafat issue assumed importance due to the sizable population of Muslims in Malabar. Police tried to suppress the movement and this led to the Malabar rebellion, which lasted for about six months. One incident that need to be mentioned is the Wagon Tragedy. Police arrested Mappila rebels and transported them in a closed railway goods wagon. When the wagon was opened the inmates died of suffocation. The Wagon Tragedy is an illustration of the British barbarity in suppressing the Malabar rebellion. The rebellion was peaceful initially but the Mappilas resorted to forcible conversion and looting of Hindus later on. There was a period of lull in political activity in Malabar due to the congress decision to discontinue the Noncooperation movement. However, in 1928, the All Kerala Provincial Congress met at Payyannur under the presidency of Pandit Nehru and generated great enthusiasm among the masses. In 1930, Salt Satyagraha was held under the leadership of K. Kelappan. The satyagrahys marched from Calicut to Payyannur.

In 1935, The Kerala Provincial Congress Committee met at Calicut and demanded the formation of a United Kerala State In 1936 elections to the Madras Provincial Legislature, Malabar elected congress candidates and one of its leaders Kongattil Raman Menon joined the Rajagopalachari Ministry. People of Malabar took active part in the Quit India Movement. A secret journal called "Swatantra Bharatam" was published regularly.

After Independence, Kerala was formed in 1956 as a separate state for Malayalees and Calicut became an important city in the northern region. The district of Malabar was divided into Calicut, Palghat and Cannanore. In 1969, Malappuram district was curved out of Calicut and Palghat. In 1980, Wayanad district was formed combining some taluks of Cannanore and Calicut. Kasargode district became operational in the 90s. Thus the earlier Malabar district has been divided into six districts at present. Calicut continues to be the most important place in the Malabar region. The name of the city has been restored to its original name - Kozhikode recently.

The Zamorin Era

The Zamorin,(Samoothiri) ruler of Calicut, was the central figure in the medieval history of Kerlala. The Zamorins were highly cultured and accomplished rulers. The rise and fall of the Zamorins synchronise with the beginning and the end of the Middle Ages respecitvely. The original seat at Nediyiruppu. The possibility of gaining easy access to the sea prompted him to invade Polanad, the fertile hinterland around Calicut. There he founded a town which came to be called Kolikottu, Perhaps, Calicut derived its name from its fortified palace - Koyil Kotta.

The Zamorin then started on a career of conquests to bring the neighbouring principalities under his suzerainty. By the end of the fifteenth century, the Zamorin had become, directly or indirectly, the ruler of nearly half of Kerala. His authority extended along the coast from Puthuppatanam in the North to Kayamkulam in the South. His power and prestige increased to such an extend that he adopted the high sounding title of Kunnalakonathiri, the ruler of the hills and waves and exercised a sort of overlordship over the greater part of Kerala.

The kingdom of Calicut was divided into several districts.A hereditary Governor called Naduvazhi was in charge of the administration of each Nadu. There was a well organized civil service to carry on the day to day admininstration. the Zamorin of Calicut made remarkable contributions. Early Zamorins were great scholars and gave generous patronage to poets and scholars. The legend relating to the conversion of the last Chera Emperor, Cheraman Perumal, to Islam after partitioning the country comes as a dramatic climax to the fanciful story of the foreign Perumals. the Perumal who left Kerala is said to have landed at a port on the Arabian coast and met Muhammad, the Prophet, at the place called Jeddaj.

The story says that being duly canonised by the prophet, he married the sister of the King of Arabia, lived there in comfort for five years and then undertook journey to Kerala to spread Islam in this country, but before he could accomplish his mission he died and was buried at a place on the Arabian coast. This story is described with slight differences in the various of the Keralopathi. Onedynasty, besides Chera, chola and Pandya, which stands out prominently in the ancient history of the South, is that of the Pallavas. It is proved by inscriptions that the dynasty was in existence in the second or third century. It is quite possible that the dynasty is still represented in Malabar by the Vallodi or Valluvanadi caste of Nayars. It is suggested that Cheraman, the real aborigines of the ancient Chera Kingdom, were displaced to some extent at least by a more independent race of Shepherds, who in turn gave way to the Valluvar.

The fact that the Kurumbars preferred a roving life in the jungles to a sedentary one in the plains, proves that they were the superior race and indeed to the present day they retain their characteristic. As to when the Tugar or Islanders and the Nayars came into Malabar is at present is an impossible guess. These castes constituted by far the largest portion of the Hindu population of the present day. They were certainly settled in the country at the time when the Jew's and Christian deeds of privileges were grante, but there is very little evidence as to, how long they had been settled in the land.

Kunjali Marakkar

The origin of the Kunjali marakkars is not clear. According to tradition, they were originally manine merchants of Cochin who left for Ponnani in the Zamorin's dominion when the Portuguese came to Cochin. The Zamorin took them into his service and eventually they became the admirals of the Calicut fleet. The struggle between the Zamorins and the Kunjalis continued even after Kutti Ali, their leader was taken prisoner. In view of the activities of the Marakkars, Portuguese trade in Indian waters almost came to a standstill.

The new Viceroy established the portuguese supremacy in Indian waters once again by erecting a fort at Chaliyam. By this time it was almost a habit with Kunjali II to capture Portuguese vessels and massacre the entire crew. The two fleets confronted each other on the high seas on many occasions. In the meantime the Zamorin tried to seek the help of the Turks but this wasn't fruitful. As a result of the continous fighting Zamorin became bankrupt and entered into a formal treaty with the Portuguese in 1540 A.D. As result of this treaty Portuguese got the monopoly of trade at Calicut. The treaty of 1540 A.D between the Zamorin and the Portuguese proved to be worthless. In 1550 A.d., war again broke out. a fierce battle followed and it continued for atleast twenty years intermittently.

In 1571 the Zamorin's army besieged to the Portuguese fort at Chaliyam and forced the Portuguese to abandon it. The fall of Chaliyam marked the begining of the end of Portuguese power in Kerala. But even then the Zamorin gave permission to open a factory at Ponnani. The growing friendship between the Zamorin and the Portuguese was brought about by the gradual estrangement between the Zamorin and Kunjali Marakkars. the Kunjalis had become extremely powerful after the expulsion of the Portuguese from Chaliyam. In two improtant naval engagements in 1586 and 1589 the Kunjalis inflicted crushing defeats on the Portuguese. But by 1600 the Zamorin managed to crush the Kunjalis.

The fall of the Kunjalis did not help to retrieve the situation for the Potuguese. In the meantime the Dutch had appeared on the scene as a serious rival. The failure of the Portuguese to establish an enduring dominion in India with Kerala as the base was inevitable. Their early successes on the Kerala coast were facilitated by the naval supremacy they enjoyed in the Indian waters. The portuguese could retain their hold on the local powers only so long as other European powers like the Dutch and the English were absent from the scene. Their naval supremacy proved to be an illusion in the wars with the Dutch and before long they had to give way. The Portuguese failed to establish an efficient system of government in the territories which came under their sway. The religious policy of the Portuguese was not based on liberal or enlightened principles. The Portuguese at no time enjoyed the confidence and support of the native population.

Apart from the unscrupulous acts which made the Portuguese administration suspicious in the eyes of the people, the Portuguese government in India presented the picture of a house divided within itself. There was also acute rivalry between the religious orders and the Portuguese administarators. Above all, with the absorption of Portugal by Spain under Philip II, the personal interest which the King of Portugal had taken in the progress of the Portuguese possessions in India vanished. The Portuguese contact led to some results in the political, economic and social fields. The most important political result was that the political disunity of Kerala was confirmed by a century and a half of Portuguese contact.

The Portuguese put an end to the age old trade connection between Kerala on the one hand and Arabia and Egypt on the other. The Portuguese introduced into India a number of new agricultural products such as cashewnut, tobacco, custard apple, pineapple and pappaya. The credit for having introduced salutory changes in coconut cultivation also goes to the Portuguese. The Portuguese contact led to some results in the educational and cultural fields as well. The Portuguese founded theological seminaries and colleges at Cochin, Cranganore, Ankamali, and Vaipicotta for the purpose of training Christian counterpat of the Hindu Kathakali originated and grew into a popular form of entertainment under the patronage of the Portuguese missionaries. Apart from some fo the influences the relations between Portugal and India did not have any formidable political results.

Heritage

The temples and mosques of this district contain sculptures and inscriptions which are of considerable interest to the students of art. Kozhikode town itself has many temples, the most important of which are the Tali Temple, the Tiruvannur temple, Azhakodi temple, Varakkal temple, Bilathikulam temple and Bhairagimadom temple. Some of these temples contain sculptures and paintings of very high artistic order. The Thiruvilangad temple contains many ancient sculptures. Its gateway is interesting because it is built in the same style as the Jain Bastis.

At Meppayur, 16.09 kms. south-east of Vadakara, is the Elavattara temple of Durga, in the grove attached to which are some sculptured images. South-east of Vadakara by 4.92 kms. is the Lokanarkav, in the vicinity of which are three rock-cut caves. There is an art gallery and Krishna Menon Museum at East hill in Kozhikode city. Lalithakala Acadamy also has an art gallery adjacent to town hall, Kozhikode.

In the field of Malayalam Language and Literature, Kozhikode has made most significant contributions. The district is famous for folk songs or ballads known as Vadakkan Pattukal. The most popular folk songs among them are those which celebarate the exploits of Tacholi Meppayil Kunju Othenan, "the Robinhood of North Malabar'.

During temple festivals and improtant social functions entertainments like Koothu, Kathakali, Ottanthullal and Kaikottikali are performed. There are also ritual dances such as Thira and Theyyam.

One of the favourite pastimes of the Muslims of this district is the singing of the Mappilapattu and Oppana. These songs are sung in a distinctive tune and cover a wide range of themes. The songs are composed in a composite language of Arabic and Malayalam.

Festivals

The important festivals in the district are held at Arakkal temple, Madappali, Vadakara (Pooram Festival, March/April), Lokanarkavu Bagavathi temple, Memunda, Vadakara (two festivals-(1) March/April, (2)November/December), Kadappally Kumbhom Thira, Puduppanam, Vadakara Shri Pisharikavu Bhagavathi temple, Viyur, Thikkody (Kaliatta Mahotasavam in March), Vettakkorumakan pattu in the Balussery Fort, Koyilandy, Sreekanteswara temple festival, Kozhikode (Sivarathri Festival for seven days in February/March), Thacholi Manikkoth Temple Festival (February), and Appavanibha Nercha at Idiyangara Sheik Kasjid.

Revathy Pattathanam

The famous intellectual debate for vedic scholars to win the coveted position of Pattathana takes place at Thali temple during the month of Thulam. It is said that this unique intellectual gathering commenced during the fag end of 13th centurey. Many stories are attributed to the beginning of the Pattathanam. The seven-day debate starts on Revathi day and concludes on thiruvathira day of the Malayalam month of Thulam.

Religion

Hindus constitute the majority of the population and next come the Muslim and the Christian communities respectively.

The Hindu community is organised on the basis of caste and sub castes as elsewhere in the State. They worship all the major gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon as well as several minor deities. Vishnu and Siva are the major gods worshipped. The temples here are in many respects different from those of the East Coast. Elaborate rules prescribed by the Sastras are followed in their construction. The Kavu dedicated to the Bhadrakali is a typical example. They have their own oracles called Velichappad. There are also temples devoted to such deities as Ayyappan, Hanuman and Garuda. Serpent worship has been widely prevalent here. Ancestor worship is practiced by the Hindus.

The Muslims of the district are knows as a Mappilas. a great majority of them are sunnis following the Shafi school of thought. They are noted for their piety.

Though Christianity is believed to have been introduced in Kerala in 52 A.d, not much progress was made by the Christians of this district before the advent of the Portuguese towards the close of the 15th century. Almost all different sections of Christians are represented here. Christians of Travancore and Cochin have migrated to the hilly regions and have settled there.

Education

There were reputed centres of learning and culture in Kozhikode district even in the early and medieval periods. One of the most important of such centres was Kozhikode itself. Under the rule of the enlightened Zamorins, it became famous all over South India as a rendezvous of scholars and men of learning.

The beginning of western education may be traced back to first half of the 19th century, when in 1848 the Basel Evangelical Mission started a primary school at Kallai. In 1877, a school for the young rajas was started in Kozhikode. This was later thrown open to all caste Hindu boys. In 1879, it was affiliated to the University of Madras as a second grade college and with this, collegiate education in the district received a fillip.

Secondary education recorded an appreciable progress since 1915. The erstwhile Malabar district, of which the present Kozhikode district formed a part, holds a high rank among the districts of Madras presidency in secondary education.

According to the 1991 census, the percentage of literacy is 79.12, i.e. 82.59 percent males and 75.76 percent females. Total of the literate and educated persons are placed at 20,68,072 with the break up 10,63,029 males and 10,0,043 females.

The seat of the University of Calicut is 23 kms. south of Kozhikode city at Tenhipalam in Malappuram district. The University of Calicut was established in 1968.

There are 14 Arts and Science Colleges, of which eight colleges are under private management.

Places of Interest

Art Gallery and Krishna Menon Museum

Situated adjacent to the Pazhassiraja Museum, this art gallery contains paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma. The museum has a special section dedicated to V.K. Krishna Menon, where his personal belongings and souvenirs are exhibited.

Timings: 10.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs Closed on Mondays

C V N Kalari Centre

Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s martial art, is performed at this centre. Special demonstrations can be arranged on request.

Closed on Sundays

Mananchira Square

At the heart of the city is the Mananchira Square. The Square was built around Mananchira, a large pond that supplies water to the city. Important institutions like the Town Hall, Public Library, The Commonwealth Factory etc are situated adjacent to this. A lush green park with a large lawn previously known as the Mananchira Maidan, musical fountains and a basket ball court are the other attractions here.

Pazhassiraja Museum

Located at East Hill, this museum is maintained by the State Archaeological
Department. The articles on display here include copies of ancient mural
paintings, antique bronzes, coins, temple models and megalithic monuments.

Timings: 10.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs. Closed on Mondays

Excursions

Beypore (10 km)

Beypore town is situated at the mouth of the Beypore river. It was one of the chief ports of Kerala and an important trade and maritime centre. Beypore is also a major fishing harbour, and the boat building yard here is famous for its country crafts.

Cheliya

The Kathakali Vidhyalayam, a Kathakali training centre is situated here, on the way to Quilandi. Kathakali classes are held here on weekends and special performances are arranged on request.

Kappad (16 km)

Vasco da Gama landed on these shores in 1498; there is a pillar here to commemorate this event. The beach itself is a calm haven, set amidst picturesque fishing villages and beautiful rock formations.

Payyoli

Payyoli is a place of historical importance due to the old fort and mosque of the Kunhali Marakkans. This place is also known for its sacrifice rock which can be found at about 13 km away in the sea.

Peruvannamoozhi Dam (60 km)

This picturesque dam site also has a crocodile farm and bird sanctuary here.
Boating facilities are also provided.

Vadakara

Situated on the right bank of Kuttiyadi river, Vadakara has a historical fort which is now in ruins. About 5 km away from this town is the famous 1500 year old Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple, where the main deity is goddess Durga. The annual festival is celebrated during March/April. There are three rockcut caves near the temple containing interesting murals and carvings.

How to get there

The Kozhikode airport (nearly 23 km away from Kozhikode town) has regular flights connecting it with various important cities like Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore and Chennai.