Overview
Kozhikode district is an administrative district in the state of Kerala on the south-western coast of India. The district takes its name from its headquarters town, the city of Kozhikode (historically known as Calicut), which was a major centre of the medieval spice trade and the seat of the Zamorins of Calicut. The district lies along the Malabar Coast and forms part of the cultural region known as Malabar.
Key facts
| State | Kerala |
|---|---|
| Region | Malabar |
| Headquarters | Kozhikode (Calicut) |
| Country | India |
| Coastline | Arabian Sea (west) |
| Official language | Malayalam |
| Formation | 1 January 1957 |
Geography
Kozhikode district is bordered by Kannur district and Wayanad district to the north and east, Malappuram district to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. The terrain progresses from a narrow coastal lowland through a midland of laterite hills to the forested foothills of the Western Ghats in the east. Major rivers flowing through the district include the Chaliyar, the Kallai, the Korapuzha and the Kuttiady.
Administration
The district is divided into taluks including Kozhikode, Vatakara, Koyilandy (Quilandy) and Thamarassery. Local self-government is organised through the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation, several municipalities such as Vatakara, Koyilandy, Feroke, Ramanattukara, Mukkam and Payyoli, along with block panchayats and gram panchayats. The district is served by parliamentary constituencies including Kozhikode and Vatakara.
History
The region was historically the core territory of the Zamorins, who ruled from Calicut from around the 12th century. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad, near Kozhikode, in May 1498, marking the first sea route between Europe and India. Subsequent centuries saw contests for influence among the Portuguese, Dutch, Mysore rulers (Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan) and the British. After the defeat of Tipu Sultan, Malabar passed to the British East India Company in 1792 and later became part of the Madras Presidency as Malabar District.
Following the reorganisation of states on linguistic lines, Kozhikode district was constituted on 1 January 1957 as one of the original districts of the newly formed state of Kerala. Wayanad was carved out of Kozhikode district in 1980, reducing its earlier extent.
Economy
The district's economy combines agriculture, fisheries, trade and services. Coconut, areca nut, pepper, rubber and cashew are important crops. The coast supports a significant marine fishing sector centred on harbours such as Puthiyappa and Beypore. Beypore is historically known for the construction of uru, traditional wooden dhows. Kozhikode city is a regional commercial hub for northern Kerala, with timber, plywood, coir and food processing among the established industries. The district hosts a Cyber Park IT facility promoting information technology employment.
Education and institutions
Kozhikode is an important centre of education and research. Notable institutions located in the district include the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, the National Institute of Technology Calicut, the University of Calicut (located on the Kozhikode–Malappuram border), the Government Medical College, Kozhikode, and the Kerala University of Health Sciences at Thrissur, which oversees medical education across the state.
Transport
The district is served by the Calicut International Airport at Karipur (located on the border with Malappuram district), Kozhikode railway station on the Mangalore–Shoranur line of Indian Railways, and National Highway 66 running along the coast. Beypore Port handles coastal cargo and passenger services.
Culture
Kozhikode is widely associated with Malayalam literature, music and cuisine. The district has produced and hosted leading figures of Malayalam letters, and is known for its tradition of Mappila song (Mappilappattu) and Malabari cuisine, including the Kozhikodan biryani and the sweet halwa traditionally sold along Sweet Meat Street (Mittai Theruvu). UNESCO designated Kozhikode as a "City of Literature" under its Creative Cities Network in 2023.
Tourism
Frequented sites in the district include Kappad Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Beypore, Kakkayam Dam, Thusharagiri Falls, the Pazhassi Raja Museum and the Tali Temple. The Vatakara region is associated with the legends of the Northern Ballads (Vadakkan Pattukal) and the martial art of Kalaripayattu.
Related topics
References
- Wikidata: Q1142979
- Government of Kerala, Department of Information and Public Relations – District profile of Kozhikode.