How Do You Spell CALICUT?

Pronunciation: [kˈalɪkˌʌt] (IPA)

Calicut is a city located in the Indian state of Kerala. The spelling of this word is pronounced as "KAH-li-kuht". The first syllable 'KAH' is pronounced like the word ‘car’ without the 'r' sound. The second syllable 'li' is pronounced like the word 'lee'. The third syllable 'kuht' is pronounced with the 'k' sound followed by the 'uh' sound and the 't' sound. This phonetic transcription helps to ensure that the pronunciation of the word Calicut is accurate.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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CALICUT Meaning and Definition

  1. Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a city located in the state of Kerala, India. It is situated on the Malabar Coast and is renowned for its historic significance and cultural heritage.

    The city of Calicut has a rich history dating back several centuries. It was once a flourishing trading port, attracting merchants from all over the world. Calicut was particularly famous for its trade in spices, especially black pepper, which attracted European explorers, including Vasco da Gama. The city played a crucial role in establishing trade routes between India and Europe during the medieval period.

    Calicut is known for its picturesque natural beauty, with its serene beaches and lush green surroundings. The city is also known for its vibrant art and culture, with various traditional art forms like Theyyam, Kathakali, and Kalaripayattu being practiced and celebrated here.

    In terms of gastronomy, Calicut is known for its delectable Malabar cuisine, which includes a variety of flavorful dishes such as Biriyani, Pathiri, and Meen Curry. The city is also famous for its sweet delicacies, particularly the Kozhikode Halwa and Banana Chips.

    Overall, Calicut can be described as a historically significant city on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, India, known for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and traditional art forms.

Etymology of CALICUT

The word "Calicut" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the Arabic term "Qāliqūṭ" (قالِقُوط), which was a distorted version of the Malayalam and Tamil name for the city, "Kozhikode".

The name "Kozhikode" originated from two Malayalam words, "kozhinj" meaning "to roast" and "kottam" meaning "fort". It is believed that Arab traders, who had difficulty pronouncing the local name, adapted it to "Qāliqūṭ" during their interactions in the region.

Over time, as European traders came into contact with Arab merchants and explored the Indian Ocean region, they encountered the Arabic name "Qāliqūṭ" and transformed it further to "Calicut" to suit their pronunciation preferences.