Commerce
· Calicut was a major port city beginning in the 13th century.
· Traded timber, ivory. Pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and numerous other spices.
· Traded mostly with Arab merchants and they taxed them. This was a major source of wealth for the city and was used by the Zamorins (rulers of Calicut) in order to expand their military, etc.
· Also, musk stones, gold, amber, drugs, carpets, grain, and many others items.
· Traded timber, ivory. Pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and numerous other spices.
· Traded mostly with Arab merchants and they taxed them. This was a major source of wealth for the city and was used by the Zamorins (rulers of Calicut) in order to expand their military, etc.
· Also, musk stones, gold, amber, drugs, carpets, grain, and many others items.
Culture & Society
· Calicut’s role in trade had a massive impact on its culture and traditions. Arab and Chinese merchants (with whom the merchants of Calicut usually traded) influenced many aspects of culture.
· Their connection with the outside world created a sort of melting pot of ideas and influences in the city.
· It was a prosperous city where traders all around the world cam and exchanged not only goods, but also ideas (example: exchange of religious ideas)
· Zamorins were kings of Calicut and the caste system distinguished social classes. Cultures and ideas brought to Calicut from outside merchants also impacted the culture and traditions in the city.
· Women didn’t have many rights, and had practically the same amount of freedom as the rest of India.
· Their connection with the outside world created a sort of melting pot of ideas and influences in the city.
· It was a prosperous city where traders all around the world cam and exchanged not only goods, but also ideas (example: exchange of religious ideas)
· Zamorins were kings of Calicut and the caste system distinguished social classes. Cultures and ideas brought to Calicut from outside merchants also impacted the culture and traditions in the city.
· Women didn’t have many rights, and had practically the same amount of freedom as the rest of India.
Location on the Post-Classical Trade Networks
· Located in the large district of Malabar in present day Kerala, India.
· Calicut bordered the Arabian sea. As a result, they were a vital port city for the district of Malabar. Their location allowed them to trade with Arab Muslims with ease.
· Also, after Vasco de Gama came to Calicut (“looking for spices and Christians”), a trade route between Europe and India had been established.
· Calicut bordered the Arabian sea. As a result, they were a vital port city for the district of Malabar. Their location allowed them to trade with Arab Muslims with ease.
· Also, after Vasco de Gama came to Calicut (“looking for spices and Christians”), a trade route between Europe and India had been established.
Religious Influences
· Muslim traders brought Islam to Calicut and so Calicut was predominantly Muslim. This explains the existence of mosques from ancient times.
· Muslim traders were one of the biggest group of merchants that traded in Calicut, and so the city relied on their business relationship.
· Vasco de Gama came to Calicut “looking for spices and Christians” and so many missionary efforts, etc. served as religious influences. As a result many of Calicut’s citizens converted. (To this day, Calicut and a lot of Kerala is Christian.
· Muslim traders were one of the biggest group of merchants that traded in Calicut, and so the city relied on their business relationship.
· Vasco de Gama came to Calicut “looking for spices and Christians” and so many missionary efforts, etc. served as religious influences. As a result many of Calicut’s citizens converted. (To this day, Calicut and a lot of Kerala is Christian.
Reasons for Growth
- As trade grew and the city became a major commercial center, it attracted migrants from throughout South India.
- The increasing population created the need for more land, and so the Zamorins, who were warlike and aggressive in nature, invaded nearby villages and cities.
Innovations
- Calico was a special type of textile that was invented in ancient Calicut (hence the name).
- Calico is usually made out of unbleached cotton (usually not fully processed). Also, patterns of flowers such as lotus were sewn into the Calico and became popular in Europe.
Bibliography
- http://calicutheritage.com/history-of-calicut.aspx
- http://www.indianetzone.com/41/history_kozhikode.htm
- http://www.heritage-history.com/?c=read&author=towle&book=dagama&story=something
- http://library.thinkquest.org/C004203/social/social01.htm
- http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200801/where.the.pepper.grows.htm