The Zamorins meaning Lord of the Sea ruled Calicut or Kozlikode from many generations and traced their origin to ancient Perumal dynasty of Kerala. The kingdom of Calicut was also known as Nediyirippu Swarupam. During the rule of these medieval rulers of the 14th Century, Calicut became a significant seaport and they traded with the Chinese and Arabs and earned loads of revenue from them. Along with the boom in trade and commerce there was also striking progress in art and culture. The most important ruler of Calicut during this time was Samoothirippadu (anglicized as Zamorin).

The Zamorins enlarged their territory by capturing Beypore, Kottakal, Kurumbranad, Malappuram, Manjeri, Nilambur, Parappanad, Ponnai and Vettat.

Later in the15th Century, there were persistent combats between Calicut and Cochin and oppositions from the foreign powers .Finally the Zamorins established their authority over the north Malabar region.

However, Calicut is famously associated with that famed place where the world –famous European sailor who set his foot ashore in 1498.He was the first European to sail from Portugal to Calicut, the South Western Coast of India by crossing the Cape of Good Hope and thus discovered a convenient sea route after a long, awaited period. Vasco da Gama's landing at Calicut added a novel episode in the history of Kerala as the epoch of European conquest commenced.

With the permission of King Zamorin , the Portuguese established trading centers in Kannaur and Kochi and finally, they completely monopolized the Pepper and the spice trade. Though, Zamorin opposed this ascendancy vehemently, he was forced to accept it later. As a result the Zamorins were engaged in a large number of battles against the Portuguese. The Portuguese associations led to the synthesis of political as well as cultural and social factors. Vasco da Gama's discovery of the new sea route also paved the way for the arrival of other foreign powers such as the Dutch and the French in Kozlikode or Calicut in Kerala.

Last Updated on 31 May 2011