Calicut’s literary and scholarly tradition date back to the thirteenth century, when the Zamorins established the city as a significant medieval port. Historical accounts reveal that when the Zamorin dynasty, originally from the inland region of Nediyirippu, took control of the Tali Siva Temple from its Brahmin administrators, violent clashes resulted in the deaths of several Brahmins. Seeking atonement, the Zamorin consulted astrologers, who advised him to invite scholars from the various disciplines—such as Vyakarana (grammar), Meemamsa (ritual interpretation) and Vedanta (philosophy)—for annual intellectual debates. This gave birth to the Revathi Pattathanam festival—an annual seven-day scholarly event held during the Revathi asterism in the month of Thulam. Scholars excelling in these debates were awarded the prestigious title of ‘Bhatta’ and significant monetary rewards through the Bhatta Danam tradition.
The Zamorin’s court evolved into a vibrant literary hub, notably featuring the Pathinettara Kavikal, a distinguished group of court poets. One of the Zamorins, a noted Sanskrit writer himself, is known to have composed the Krishna Geethi, a text that laid the foundation for Krishnanattam, a precursor to the famous dance-drama Kathakali. This fusion of intellectual and artistic pursuits established Calicut as a centre of cultural patronage during the Zamorin’s reign.
Also read | Cinema in the City
The period’s literary culture extended beyond Hindu scholars, with Muslim writers making significant contributions, composing works in Malayalam using Arabic script. Among them was Khasi Muhammed’s devotional poem Muhyidheen Mala from the early 1600s, praising the Sufi saint Muhyidheen Abdul Khadir Al Gilani of Baghdad, considered one of the earliest in the Mala genre, predating even Thunjath Ezhuthachan’s Adhyatma Ramayanam, the foundational text of modern Malayalam literature. Another notable work by Khasi Muhammed, Fath-ul Mubeen, an Arabic poem dedicated to the Zamorin, is one of the earliest anti-colonial writings in India, addressing resistance to Portuguese influence. While most Islamic writings were created on paper, royal writings in Sanskrit and Malayalam were inscribed on palm leaves and other traditional materials. These writings on paper from the fifteenth century onwards, created with ink on sharpened bamboo pieces, remain preserved in the Mishkal Mosque of Kuttichira.
Even as the Zamorin’s political influence declined, their literary patronage continued. In 1912, the titular Zamorin Vidwan Ettan Thampuran, an accomplished scholar, extended support to literary figures such as Vallathol Narayana Menon, V. C. Balakrishna Panicker and Punnasseri Nambi Neelakanta Sharma, maintaining Calicut’s status as a literary centre.
Rise of Modern Malayalam Literature
Calicut’s literary prominence persisted into the modern era, the region being the birthplace of the first three novels written in Malayalam. Kundalatha, written by Appu Nedungadi, was published in 1887 by Vidya Vilasam Press. Nedungadi, who was the editor of Kerala Patrika, Kerala Sanchari and Vidyavinodini, later founded South India’s first private commercial bank. The literary momentum continued with Indulekha by O. Chandu Menon, published in 1889 (widely regarded as Malayalam’s first classic novel), followed by Cheruvalath Chathu Nair’s Meenakshi in 1890.
The title page of the first edition of Appu Nedungadi's 'Kundalatha,' published in 1887 (Picture source: Wikimedia Commons)
The title page of the first edition of O. Chandu Menon's 'Indulekha,' published in 1889 (Picture source: Wikimedia Commons)
While the earliest Malayalam newspapers were printed elsewhere, Calicut, as the headquarters of the Malabar district of British India, became a hub for journalism, particularly during the resistance against colonial rule. Kerala Patrika, founded in 1884, was the city’s first newspaper, with celebrated writer Manikkoth Ramunni Nair, known by his pen name Sanjayan, as its chief editor. In 1923, the influential newspaper Mathrubhumi was established under the editorship of K.P. Kesava Menon, playing a pivotal role in the independence movement. This was followed by Al-Ameen, founded by Mohammed Abdur Rahiman, which was banned by the British in 1939 due to its anti-colonial stance. In 1942, E.M.S. Namboodiripad, who later became Kerala’s first chief minister, started Deshabhimani in Calicut, while Chandrika, which became the voice of Kerala’s Muslim community, was also founded that year.
The title page of Cheruvalath Chathu Nair’s 'Meenakshi,' published in 1890 (Picture source: Shiju Alex/Public domain)
Over time, Calicut solidified its status as a major center for journalism and publishing in Kerala, with many prominent newspapers such as Siraj, Madhyamam, Varthamanam and Suprabhatam headquartered in the city.
Cultural and Literary Multiculturalism
Calicut’s reputation for its rich multiculturalism and warm hospitality drew people from diverse backgrounds, thus contributing to its spirited literary scene, which flourished in informal friendship circles that became key spaces for exchanging ideas and stories.
One iconic figure in this narrative of literary confluence is Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, who first came to Calicut to meet Al-Ameen’s Abdur Rahiman during the independence movement. Drawn by the city’s progressive spirit, Basheer eventually returned as an acclaimed writer, building a life and career in Calicut, supported by a network of friends.
Similarly, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, a literary titan and Jnanpith award-winning author, found his second home in Calicut, finding inspiration in its people, stories and landscapes. He had initially arrived in the city for a job as a sub-editor in the Mathrubhumi Weekly, a periodical that played a crucial role in nurturing literary talent in Malayalam.
The Mathrubhumi Publications office in Kozhikode. (Picture credits: Joseph Rahul)
Residence of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer in Beypore. (Picture credits: Joseph Rahul)
One of the influential writers associated with Calicut is S.K. Pottekkatt, whose evocative storytelling immortalised the city in works like Oru Desathinte Katha (The Story of a Locale) and Oru Theruvinte Katha (The Story of a Street). His vivid depictions earned him the Jnanpith Award in 1972. The themes of Oru Theruvinte Katha, based on the bustling SM Street, are commemorated at its entrance with a statue of the author, connecting his literary legacy to the city’s heart.
The statue of S.K. Pottekkatt at SM Street. (Picture credits: Joseph Rahul)
The establishment of All India Radio (AIR) in Calicut in the 1950s significantly enriched the city’s literary culture, attracted writers, musicians and theatre artists alike. Notable figures associated with the station include Thikkodiyan, Uroob, Akkitham, K.A. Kodungallur and U.A. Khader. AIR Calicut radio drama festivals also led to the rise of numerous theatre groups in the city, with around 25 active troupes in Malabar at its peak.
Since the 1960s, the verandas of houses in Calicut have served as vibrant spaces for literary discussions. These informal gatherings attracted poets, writers, thinkers and cultural figures who engaged in lively debates, shared new ideas and provided feedback on each other’s work—all while enjoying delicious Malabari snacks prepared by the women of the household. These discussions, though casual, were enriched with thoughtful analysis and intellectual exchange. Key figures in these gatherings included M.G.S. Narayanan, Sukumar Azhikode, Uroob, N.N. Kakkad, Thikkodiyan and N.P. Muhammad. This camaraderie among literary figures often led to collaborative creative works, exemplified by the novel Arabipponnu, which explores the theme of gold smuggling from Arab countries, particularly the Gulf states, to Malabar. The idea for the novel emerged during a casual conversation between M.T. Vasudevan Nair and N.P. Muhammad, who were encouraged by their peers to co-author a book. M.V. Devan, a member of their circle, facilitated the process by arranging for a secluded house near Nilambur where they could write undisturbed, resulting in India’s first co-authored novel of its kind.
A statue depicting characters from P. Vatsala's Nellu, published in 1972. (Picture credits: Joseph Rahul)
Calicut has also been home to remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on Malayalam literature. Among them, P. Valsala gained recognition for her novels Nellu and Nizhalurangunna Vazhikal, which explore the complexities of rural life and social struggles. Khadeeja Mumtaz’s groundbreaking novel Barsa offers profound insights into the lives of women in Muslim communities. B.M. Suhara offered an intimate view of Muslim households with her work Kinaavum Mozhiyum that explored themes of tradition, change and identity.
Libraries and Cultural Centres
In Kuthiravattom village in Kozhikode, the local toddy shop once served as a gathering place for the common folk until the 1930s, often resulting in quarrels and clashes. To foster a more constructive community space, the Deshaposhini Vayanashala was established in 1937, significantly promoting readership among locals. It proudly became one of the first libraries in the city with its own dedicated building. While a library had existed in the city centre for several decades, it was revitalised by the Municipal Committee in the 1920s, enriching Kozhikode’s literary culture. Today, the district boasts over 545 libraries, including 62 public libraries affiliated with the Kerala State Library Council, and 269 institutional libraries, ensuring broad access to literary resources. In addition, the city is home to hundreds of arts and culture clubs, as well as over 100 publishing houses, both large and small. Literary events, such as the prestigious Kerala Literature Festival, celebrate and reinforce Kozhikode’s significance in Malayalam literature and scholarship.
Freedom Square by Kozhikode Beach. (Picture credits: Joseph Rahul)
Kozhikode’s vibrant public venues—like Kozhikode Beach with Freedom Square, Manachira, SM Street, Kuttichira, Sarovaram Biopark and Lions Park—offer inviting spaces for cultural interaction and enjoyment. Key locations such as KP Kesava Menon Hall, Town Hall and Tagore Centenary Hall further shape the literary and cultural landscape of the city.
