Calicut Heritage Walk

A Walk Through The History Of The City Of Truth

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, MAMO COLLEGE, MUKKAM

The Department of History's Calicut Heritage Walk aims to explore the cultural heritage of Kozhikode town by showcasing important monuments and heritage sites. The walk follows historic routes taken by traders for the Spice-Trade. The project began in 2019 and the first walk was in collaboration with Alpha Ville Education Center, Kottakkal and included selected school students from Malabar.

Introduction

Kozhikode has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by the many civilizations that have contributed to its development over the centuries. The city has been a melting pot of cultures, with a mix of Hindu, Muslim, and Christian traditions. Kozhikode was an important center for trade and commerce, attracting merchants and traders from different parts of the world. This has contributed to a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape, with influences from Arab, Chinese, and European cultures, among others.

Kozhikode is also known for its art and literature, with a long tradition of folk songs and storytelling. Kozhikode is also known for its cuisine, which is a blend of local and global flavors. The city's signature dish is the spicy and flavorful biryani, which is a must-try for visitors. Overall, Kozhikode's cultural heritage is a testament to its rich history and the diverse communities that have contributed to its development.

Objectives

1.To promote and create awareness about the rich cultural and historical heritage of Kozhikode city.

2.To provide an opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the city's historical and cultural significance.

3.To showcase important monuments and heritage sites in the city, and their cultural and historical significance.

4.To follow the historic routes that traders from various countries took to reach Kozhikode for the Spice-Trade, and to understand the impact of this trade on the city's development.

5.To provide a unique experience for visitors to learn about the city's history and heritage by walking through the city's streets and engaging with a historian to gain a deeper understanding of the city's rich cultural and historical significance.

Malabar

Malabar had been famous as the principal source of spices and timber from time immemorial. This region – a narrow strip of mountainous land between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, stretching from Konkan in the north to Cape Comorin in the southern tip of the peninsula – had been famous even from the time of the Byzantine geographer of the 6th Century, Cosmas Indicopleustus (literally, Cosmas who sailed to India). Cosmas mentions having visited the Malabar coast in 522 A.D., although historians do not agree on the veracity of this claim. It was known as Male' among Arab navigators. Albiruni in the 11th Century was perhaps the first to call this coast Malabar. Other variants are Malibar, Manibar, Mulibar and Munibar.

Calicut (Kozhikode)

Kozhikode emerged as a port city in the 13th Century after the second Chera Dynasty broke up. Calicut was part of the kingdom of Polanad, which was ruled by a local chieftain with the title of Porlathiri. The Eradis of Nediyiruppu, who controlled the Eranad area, were land-locked and did not have access to any port, so they did not benefit from the flourishing foreign trade from the Malabar coast, despite being rich in natural resources like spices and teak wood.

The Walk

The tour takes the guests along the soul of Calicut, showcasing the iconic monuments and the major heritage points of the city. Guests can find themselves travelling along the historic routes along which traders from various West-Asian and European Countries came to Spice-Trade to Calicut. Calicut Heritage Walk has handpicked the Major Points for the package to suit the quick the tour. The guest can have a brief overview of what the heritage of Calicut is all about in the half day tour. But, to completely experience the land of Kozhikode in a go is something unimaginable!

Calicut Heritage Walk In Mathrubhumi Yatra magazine as Cover Story in December 2019

Calicut Heritage Walk in News Papers

Appreciations

Calicut Heritage Walk - 1

The first heritage walk was organised on 9th September 2019 in collaboration withAlpha Ville Institute Kozhikode and Santinikethan Education Center, Kottakkal.

and led by Dr.Ajmal Mueen M.A., Head, Dept. of History, MAMO College. Mr.AliAkbar, Director,Alfa Ville coordinated the event. 40 students from various schools from Malappuram, Kozhikode district participated in the event

The walk was started from Mananchira Squire at 7.30am and ended at the premise of Tali Temple at 12.30pm.

Calicut Heritage Walk - 2

• 28th September 2019

• In collaboration with the Dept. of History, Govt. Arts and Science College, Kozhikode

• Special session for 40 Selected Higher Secondary Teachers from all over Kerala

• Coordinator: Dr. Sreejith, Assitant Professor of History, Govt. Arts and Science College, Kozhikode

Calicut Heritage Walk - 3

• 20th October 2019

• In collaboration with World Malayalee Council

• Inaguration: Padmasreee KK Muhammad, Rtd. Director of Archeological Survey of India

• Guests: Dr. Kasthurba, Professor of Architecture, NIT, Kozhikode

• Mr. KPU Ali, President, World Malayalee Council, Kozhikode Chapter

• Faisal Elettil, Mappilapattu Expert and Social Activist

• Total Number of Participants: 37

Calicut Heritage Walk - 4

• 29th October 2019

• In Collaboration with BA History Students of Providence

Women's College

• Coordinator: Dr. Priyadarshini, HoD of History, Providence

Women’s College, Kozhikode

• Participants: 45

• Guests: Ms. Susmitha, Asst. Professor, Providence

Women’s College, Kozhikode

Calicut Heritage Walk - 5

• 22 November 2019

• In Collaboration with NSS Unit of Sullamussalam Oriental Higher Secondary School, Areekode, Malapuram

• Coordinator: Mr. Naseer, NSS Programme Officer, SOHSS

• Guest: Mr. Muneeb, Principal, SOHSS

• Participants: 43

Calicut Heritage Walk - 6

• 24 December 2019

• In Collaboration with Alphaville Kozhikode and Santinikethan institute, Kottakkal

• Special walk for selected Students from Costal areas in Tirivananthapuram and the public

• Coordinator: Mr. Ali Akbar, Director, Alphaville, Kozhikode

• Guest: Mr. Mark Stephen and Andre Luke, Australia

• Participants: 45

Calicut Heritage Walk - 7

• 9th January 2020

• In Collaboration with Dept. of History, Mankada Govt College as part of the inauguration of the History Association

• Coordinator: Mr. Udayan, HoD of History, Govt. College, Mankada

• Participants: 48

Calicut Heritage Walk - 8

8thheritagewalkorganisedbythedepartmentofhistoryin collaborationwithSt.JosephsDevagiri(Autonous) Collegeforthe studentsof‘Sastrapadham’,aclubofselectedstudentsfromvarious highersecond schoolsinthedistrictunderthedepartmentof generaleducation,Govt.ofKerala.

On:27thJanuary2020

TheprogrammewascoordinatedbyDr.Shibi,Asst.Professorof Economics,DevagiriCollege.Anexperttalkon‘importanceof historyandheritageinday-to-daylife’wasalsodeliveredbyDr. AjmalMueen.

Higher

Calicut Heritage Walk - 9

1st March 2020

Selected students of Social Science Club, Farook School

Coordinator: Mr. Ashraf, HST, Farook

Participants: 52

Calicut Heritage Walk - 10

The department of History organised a Calicut Heritage Walk for the students of the department of History, MAMO College in connection with the death anniversary day of Muhammad

Abdurahiman Sahib

Programme inaugurated by Dr. Beena Philip, Mayor, Kozhikode Corporation

Key NoteAddress delivered by Dr. Priya P., Head of the department of History, Govt.Arts and Science College, Kozhikode

44 Students participated

Calicut Heritage Walk with students of MAMO College on 23rd November 2021

Heritage Walk for Students of Stars Project, Samagra Siksha Kerala on 13.02.2023

Special Heritage Walk for Foreigners

The Calicut Heritage Walk is an excellent initiative that provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of Kozhikode. It is a well-organized and informative experience, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the city's cultural and historical significance. The walk follows the historic routes taken by traders from various countries to reach Kozhikode, providing visitors with a sense of the city's rich past and the impact of the spice trade on its development. The walk is guided by a historian who engages visitors with fascinating stories and insights into the city's history and heritage. Overall, the Calicut Heritage Walk is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Kozhikode and seeking to learn about its rich cultural and historical heritage.

Roney Keating

Feedback from the participants