Calicut history and its Shopping Culture Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a historic city located on the southwestern coast of India in the state of Kerala. The city has a rich cultural heritage and has played a significant role in the maritime history of the Indian subcontinent. Calicut has also been an important trading center for centuries and is renowned for its shopping culture. In this article, we'll explore the history of Calicut and its shopping culture in detail. The history of Calicut dates back to the 9th century when it was ruled by the Samoothiri Kingdom. The city was an important center of trade and commerce, attracting merchants from far and wide. During the time of the Samoothiri Kingdom, Calicut was a major hub for the spice trade, particularly pepper, which was in high demand in Europe. The city was also known for its thriving shipbuilding industry and was considered an important center for maritime trade. In the 14th century, Calicut was visited by the famous Moroccan traveler, Ibn Battuta, who marveled at the city's prosperity and the hospitality of its people. The city was also visited by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498, who was the first European to reach India by sea. Calicut was one of the first Indian cities to have contact with the West and was an important center for trade between India and Europe. The 16th century saw the rise of the Portuguese empire in India and the decline of the Samoothiri Kingdom. The Portuguese established a factory in Calicut and controlled the spice trade for several years. However, their monopoly was eventually challenged by the Dutch and the English, who also established their presence in the city. During the colonial period, Calicut was a major center for the export of pepper, cinnamon, and other spices. The city was also an important center for the production of coir, a type of fiber obtained from coconut husks, which was in high demand in Europe. In the 19th century, Calicut was a major center for the Indian independence movement, with several influential leaders and thinkers hailing from the city. Today, Calicut is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving economy. The city is renowned for its shopping culture, with a number of traditional markets, modern malls, and street vendors selling a wide range of goods. One of the most famous shopping destinations in Calicut is the Mittai Theruvu, a traditional sweets street that has been around for centuries. The street is lined with sweet shops that sell a variety of Indian sweets, including the famous Calicut halwa. The street is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who come to sample the delicious sweets and take a stroll through the bustling market. Another popular shopping destination in Calicut is the Mithai Theruvu, a street that is famous for its street food vendors. The street is lined with stalls selling a variety of traditional Indian snacks and sweets, including the famous Calicut halwa. The street is a popular hangout spot for locals and is always bustling with activity. The Mananchira Square is a large public square in the heart of Calicut that is surrounded by several shops and street vendors. The square is a popular gathering place for locals and is the site of many cultural events and festivals. The shops and street vendors in the square sell a variety of goods, including traditional clothing, jewelry, and textiles. For those looking for a more modern shopping experience, the City Centre Mall is one of the largest malls in Calicut. The mall features a wide range of shops and stores, including international brands, a food court, and a movie theater. The mall is a popular destination for both locals and tourists
