Calicut, or Kozhikode, has long been a meeting point of civilizations. Situated on the Malabar Coast, the city was once a gateway for international trade, drawing merchants from Arabia, China, and later Europe. The Arabs, Portuguese, and Dutch, in particular, left deep imprints on Calicut’s culture—shaping its food, architecture, faith, and commerce. Even today, walking through Calicut’s streets offers glimpses of this layered past, where every spice-scented breeze carries echoes of centuries-old exchanges.
The Arab Influence – Traders and Faith
The Arabs were among the earliest foreign visitors to Calicut, arriving as early as the 7th century. They came primarily for the spice trade, especially black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. However, their legacy went far beyond commerce.
- Trade and Commerce: Arab traders established strong ties with the Zamorin rulers, creating Calicut’s reputation as the “City of Spices.”
- Cultural Exchange: The Arabs introduced new culinary traditions, including dishes like Moplah biryani, pathiri, and the popular sulaimani tea.
- Religion and Community: Arab settlers played a role in the spread of Islam along the Malabar Coast. The Mappila Muslim community that thrives in Calicut today is a living testament to this exchange.
- Architecture: Many mosques in Calicut, such as the Mishkal Mosque, reflect a blend of Kerala and Arab influences with sloping roofs and intricate wooden carvings.
The Arab footprint in Calicut is visible not only in heritage structures but also in the rhythms of daily life, festivals, and the city’s enduring reputation as a cosmopolitan hub.
The Portuguese Chapter – Exploration and Conflict
In 1498, Vasco da Gama arrived in Calicut, marking the beginning of the Portuguese era in Kerala. His landing at Kappad Beach changed the course of global trade.
The Portuguese sought to dominate the spice trade, but their relations with the Zamorins were often tense. Conflicts broke out, and the city witnessed both alliances and battles.
- Maritime Control: The Portuguese introduced new shipping and navigation practices, attempting to monopolize trade routes.
- Architecture and Religion: They built churches and fortifications, some of which influenced the region’s urban landscape.
- Cultural Impact: Portuguese words entered the Malayalam language, and new crops such as cashews and pineapples were introduced.
- Cuisine: The use of vinegar, baked bread, and certain seafood preparations in Malabar kitchens can be traced back to Portuguese influence.
While their dominance eventually waned, the Portuguese left behind cultural threads that continue to enrich Calicut’s identity.
The Dutch Period: Traders and Strategists
By the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company had taken interest in Calicut. Unlike the Portuguese, their focus was less on religion and more on commerce. They aimed to secure pepper and other spices while challenging Portuguese supremacy.
- Trade Practices: The Dutch introduced more organized systems of trade and accounting, leaving behind a more administrative style of influence.
- Fortifications and Warehouses: They built warehouses, bastions, and settlements that shaped the port town’s infrastructure.
- Botanical Exchange: The Dutch were also known for documenting and encouraging the cultivation of spices, strengthening Malabar’s reputation as a spice capital.
- Decline: Over time, competition from the British reduced Dutch influence, but their legacy still exists in place names and trade records.
The Dutch period was shorter compared to the Arab and Portuguese presence, yet it added another layer to the multicultural story of Calicut.
Experiencing Calicut’s Multicultural Heritage
A heritage walk through Calicut reveals these influences in tangible and intangible ways. The aroma of Moplah cuisine reflects Arab connections, while colonial buildings and place names echo Portuguese and Dutch memories. Festivals, food, and architecture all highlight how this port city thrived as a meeting ground for different worlds.
Visitors can:
- Explore S.M. Street for its trading heritage.
- Visit Mishkal Mosque to witness Arab-Kerala architecture.
- Stroll along Kappad Beach to recall Vasco da Gama’s landing.
- Discover remnants of Dutch and Portuguese trade in local museums.
These experiences bring history alive for those eager to see how global interactions shaped a coastal Indian city.
Conclusion
The Arab, Portuguese, and Dutch footprints in Calicut’s culture illustrate how global connections shaped local traditions. From the spices that drew merchants here to the cuisine, architecture, and communities that remain today, Calicut is a city built on centuries of cultural exchange.
For modern travelers, exploring these influences is not just about history—it is about experiencing a living culture that continues to evolve. Choosing a stay at premium hotels in Calicut, such as The Raviz Calicut in the city center, gives visitors the perfect base to discover the city’s vibrant blend of heritage and modern life.For those seeking a riverside retreat, The Raviz Kadavu stands out among the finest resorts in Calicut. Nestled along the serene Chaliyar River, it combines natural beauty with Malabar-inspired architecture, offering a peaceful escape while staying connected to the cultural richness of the region.