Calicut, India
By Chris Mull
Introduction-
Come visit the beautiful city of Calicut, South Asia! Calicut was one of the most important cities in southwestern India. It was located on the coast, making it a port city. Because it was located on water it played a huge role for trade in India. Calicut was known for the spices it traded. It's nickname was the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. Calicut was a relatively peaceful city. It did have several civil conflicts but they were resolved through northern and southern political agreements.
Commerce-
Calicut played a major role in the Indian Ocean Trade Network. Calicut exported many luxury goods such as spices and sugar. Calicut was known for exporting spices. Spices were seen as a luxury good during this time period and were highly desired for ritual, medicinal and culinary purposes. It was important to understand the Monsoon cycle in order for trade in Calicut to be successful. Calicut's location on the coast of the Indian Ocean made it a good place for traders to stop between monsoon seasons.
Culture, Society, and Religious Influences-
Calicut did not have one main religion. It had many religions spread throughout the city. Those religions were Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Sikhism. Nediyirippu was the king of Calicut. Calicut's currency was fanam coins and silver coins. Vasco de Gama discovered Calicut in 1498. Since Calicut took part in a lot of trade many ideas and religions were exchanged. Hindu temples served as economic and social centers. There was a caste system. The highest caste was the Brahmans. They were priests and teachers. The next caste was the Ksatriyas. They were rulers and dominated the government. Below this caste were Vaisyas. They were traders, shopkeepers, and businessmen. The last caste in the hierarchy was the Sudras who were peasants with no rights.
Location on the Post-Classical Trade Network-
By Chris Mull
Introduction-
Come visit the beautiful city of Calicut, South Asia! Calicut was one of the most important cities in southwestern India. It was located on the coast, making it a port city. Because it was located on water it played a huge role for trade in India. Calicut was known for the spices it traded. It's nickname was the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. Calicut was a relatively peaceful city. It did have several civil conflicts but they were resolved through northern and southern political agreements.
Commerce-
Calicut played a major role in the Indian Ocean Trade Network. Calicut exported many luxury goods such as spices and sugar. Calicut was known for exporting spices. Spices were seen as a luxury good during this time period and were highly desired for ritual, medicinal and culinary purposes. It was important to understand the Monsoon cycle in order for trade in Calicut to be successful. Calicut's location on the coast of the Indian Ocean made it a good place for traders to stop between monsoon seasons.
Culture, Society, and Religious Influences-
Calicut did not have one main religion. It had many religions spread throughout the city. Those religions were Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Sikhism. Nediyirippu was the king of Calicut. Calicut's currency was fanam coins and silver coins. Vasco de Gama discovered Calicut in 1498. Since Calicut took part in a lot of trade many ideas and religions were exchanged. Hindu temples served as economic and social centers. There was a caste system. The highest caste was the Brahmans. They were priests and teachers. The next caste was the Ksatriyas. They were rulers and dominated the government. Below this caste were Vaisyas. They were traders, shopkeepers, and businessmen. The last caste in the hierarchy was the Sudras who were peasants with no rights.
Location on the Post-Classical Trade Network-
Reasons for Growth and Innovations-
Calicut grew rapidly though trade because of its location on the Indian Ocean Trade Network. The tolerance the rulers had for the people that came to the city helped too because it encouraged them to come back to the city on other voyages. This cause the city to grow exponentially. Calicut was a chief place for Arabs and the Chinese to meet because items from the west could goo to the east and vice versa. The main Innovation were Dhows. Dhows are trading boats used to carry heavy items. They were widely used by merchants of Calicut.
Calicut grew rapidly though trade because of its location on the Indian Ocean Trade Network. The tolerance the rulers had for the people that came to the city helped too because it encouraged them to come back to the city on other voyages. This cause the city to grow exponentially. Calicut was a chief place for Arabs and the Chinese to meet because items from the west could goo to the east and vice versa. The main Innovation were Dhows. Dhows are trading boats used to carry heavy items. They were widely used by merchants of Calicut.