Kerala, one of the prominent south Indian states renowned across the globe for being the "God's Own Country", is now home to "India's First City of Literature - Kozhikode", AKA Calicut.

Kozhikode, or, let's say, Calicut, is a historic city located in the Indian State of Kerala. The city has received a significant milestone on October 31, 2023. On the occasion of World Cities Day on October 31, UNESCO has announced Kozhikode as India's first "City of Literature".

Kozhikode is now marked in the global stand among the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, along with a prestigious recognition as the first Literature City in India.

UNESCO Creative Cities Network(UCCN)

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network is UNESCO's flagship program established in the year of 2004. UCCN promotes the major cities across the globe that harness creativity along with culture and integrity. The program aims to acknowledge the cities that stand out from others by their innovative practices and significance.

Some of the major portions that the UNESCO Creative Cities Network(UCCN) focuses on are - Design, Crafts & Folks Arts, Music, Film, and Literature. By 2023 October 31, UNNC has announced a proud moment for India. On the day of World Cities Day, UNESCO has labelled Kozhikode as India's "City of Literature" and Gwalior, a prominent city of Madya Pradesh, as India's "City of Music".

Want to Know more about Kozhikode, "The Indian City of Literature"? Here you go, then!

Kozhikode - An Overview

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a Malabar coastal city in the Kerala State of India. Home to some of the major attractions of the "God's Own Country" - Kerala, Kozhikode is significant for many reasons. For some people, Calicult may be an ideal destination for getting India's finest and most delicious food and cuisine. For others, it's the vibrant coastal area with a breathtaking view of the spanning view of the Arabian Sea.

Kozhikode is a city with a long recorded history, showcasing several significance that attracts tourists from across the globe. History says that Kozhikode used to be the major trading center for eastern spices in India, thereby receiving the title - "City of Spices".

Kozhikode has been the first point in India for foreign travel across the globe. Kozhikode used to be the capital kingdom of the Zamorins(Samoothiris) until it was taken over by the British rulers as the Eastwhile Malabar District and later came the English name "Calicut". As we speak, the English name "Calicut" of Kozhikode was said to be derived from the word "calico", a hand-woven cotton cloth that used to be traded from Kozhikode to other nations across the globe.

The Kozhikode city is not only renowned for its trading and spices. It also had another label - "City of Sculptures", as the city was home to some of the significant and historical sculptures in the country.

As history became history, Kozhikode is now further labelled the City of Literature in India for its significance of literature.

Kozhikode - The Journey to the Title of India's City of Literature

Most of you may wonder why Kozhikode or Calicut, a small city in India, was named the First City of Literature in India.

It is not just a small city! Kozhikode is the largest urban area in the Kerala state of India and is the 195th-ranking, largest urban region globally. And not just that, Kozhikode is one of India's most prominent trading ports, significantly helping the growth of the Indian economy. Kozhikode was able to bag the title of "India's First City of Literature", because the city houses all the major categories that requires for being the UNESCO's City of Literature, making kozhikode the ideal city to hold this prestigious title.

Want to know why?

Kozhikode is home to about 500 libraries and about 70+ publishers. Not just that, the status of Kozhikode as the permanent destination for the Annual Kerala Literature Festival and other major book fests has helped the city to claim the title of India's first City of Literature. The city also promotes the importance of literary life to the young and upcoming generation by establishing several art and literature institutes along the way.

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One person who played a significant role in Kozhikode's literary significance was a research student from the University of Prague, Ludmila Kolouchova. She played a crucial role in Kozhikode's milestone of recognition. Studying the parallel between Kozhikode and Prague, the other City of Literature, she learned about the cities' significance of literature and how the city promoted literature at its peak.

With her research on the city, she knew that Kozhikode followed all the criteria for being a City of Literature, thereby making a solid foundation for Kozhikode's application for being India's first City of Literature Tag.

Impressed by the literary significance, quality, and diversity of Kozhikode, UNESCO found the city a fitting holder for the title of "City of Literature". And what came next was the moment that would be named history as well as a proud moment for the entire nation of India.

And that's not it, folks. It was just the beginning. Kozhikode, being the newly designated city alongside Gwalior, is officially invited by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network to attend the UCCN Annual Conference that is going to be held in Braga City of Portugal and is scheduled to be conducted from July 1-5 in the coming year of 2024.

Kozhikode - Literary Legacy

In accordance with its recently granted title, Kozhikode is home to a rich literary heritage. True to its relentless commitment to literature and culture, this town is the home of many esteemed authors and writers. Among the eminent figures is MT Vasudevan Nair, a notable star in Malayalam film direction, screenplay writing, and author. Kozhikode takes pride in being the residence of numerous post-independent Indian literary maestros. Adding a formidable chapter to the history of Kerala, the respected Sir K. V. Krishna Iyer stands as another distinguished writer and literature professor from the Indian City of Literature - Kozhikode.

Gireesh Puthenchery from Kozhikode, a renowned Malayalam poet, screenplay writer, and lyricist, was referred to as the aristocratic lyricist of Malayalam and was known for his distinctive writing style. The list never ends! Narayanan Nambuthiri Kakkad, Chintha Ravi, Indu Menon, S. K. Pottekkatt(Books: Oru Desathinte Katha, Oru Theruvinte Katha, Vishanyaka, Naadan Premam, London Note Book) N. P. Mohammed, Punathil Kunjabdulla and many more have held the torch for the future generations of Kozhikode and finally resulting in the journey of accruing the prestigious title - "The Literature City of India".

Music is also a form of Literature!

From the last century till today, Ghazal, an Arabian-originated music style, has wrapped around this Malabar city. Sithara Krishnakumar, a renowned playback singer from Kozhikode, is also one of the known Ghazal singers in Kozhikode. Recognized for her musical talent, Sithara Krishnakumar could perform in several countries abroad and express her love for Ghazal and other music styles, including folk, fusion, pop, and so on. With its love for Ghazal songs, Kozhikode has been a venue for a major Ghazal music fest. Ustad Ghulam Ali, one of his era's most renowned Ghazal singers, and PA Ibrahim, AKA Umbayee, a Malayalam Ghazal singer, have conducted several Ghazal music concerts in Kozhikode.

Following the path to the literary legacy of Kozhikode, the city is also home to some of the noted film directors and writers who have marked significant milestones in the present and history. Adding to the list of legends from Kozhikode, working in the film industry who showcased their literary masterpiece are - IV Sasi, Chintha Ravi, M. T. Vasudevan Nair, John Abraham, P. M. Taj, T. Damodaran, Gireesh Puthenchery, Ranjith, Babu Narayanan, A Vincent and so on.

Irruppam Veedu Sasidaran, AKA IV Sasi, a prominent Indian filmmaker from Kozhikode, has offered 110+ movies for Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam movies and has significantly contributed to the Indian film industry. Offering his debut as a Malayalam film director with the movie - Utsavam (1975), he has been the creator of major significant movies in the Malayalam film industry.

Several significant personnel have contributed to Kozhikode's literary legacy till now. Even though their names haven't been mentioned, the people of Kozhikode(Kozhikottukaar) know how much these legends have inspired them to love and accept the literary significance of Kozhikode.

In one way or another, Kozhikode has expressed its passion, creativity, and innovation in the literature field, which is carried on by the current generation and the future to come.

I [the author, Akhil G Nair] myself have been inspired by Kozhikode's milestones as India's First City of Literature, which has been put forward by the passed and still-standing masters of Literature in Kozhikode. Thus, saying, "I'm proud to be a Kozhikottukaaran", and to hold the designation of "a content writer from the Indian city of Literature" is something I'm very much proud of.

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The designation of Kozhikode as India's first UNESCO City of Literature in October 2023 represented a watershed moment for the city. This coveted accolade was more than just a tribute to Kozhikode's rich literary tradition; it sparked a wave of beneficial effects across the city's cultural landscape.

Enhanced Global Recognition:

Literary Tourism Boost: Kozhikode's UNESCO designation has sparked a literary tourism boom. The city is become a magnet for bibliophiles, writers, and scholars looking for a great literary experience. This classification elevates Kozhikode to the world literary map, drawing people eager to see the historical landmarks inextricably linked to literary giants. From the haunts of Malayalam literary luminaries to the vibrant cafes teeming with modern writers, Kozhikode provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the city's literary soul for yourself. This inflow of visitors promises to improve cultural tourism in Kozhikode significantly.

Increased International Collaboration: Kozhikode's membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network brings up new opportunities for literary engagement. The city can now form alliances with like-minded cities around the world, allowing for the interchange of ideas, resources, and expertise. This network promotes joint literary projects, writer and artist exchange programs, and collaboration festivals, which enrich Kozhikode's literary scene with new viewpoints and global influences.

Local Development and Cultural Preservation:

Support for Literary Initiatives: Kozhikode's UNESCO City of Literature status is likely to result in increased financing and support for local literary initiatives. This could include funding for writers' residencies, strengthening publishing houses, improving literary festivals, and promoting educational activities. Such initiatives would not only support developing literary talent, but will also considerably improve Kozhikode's lively literary ecology, cementing its place as a thriving hub for literary pursuits.

Preservation of Literary Heritage: UNESCO's emphasis on cultural preservation complements Kozhikode's ongoing attempts to preserve its literary history. The city's status as a UNESCO City of Literature can serve as a stimulus for additional restoration and preservation of ancient libraries, archives, and literary landmarks, ensuring that Kozhikode's rich literary legacy is protected for generations to come.

A City Rejuvenated: The UNESCO accreditation has infused renewed confidence in Kozhikode's literary identity. This can result in the revival of public areas, with the possibility of infusing literary themes into street art, installations, or even naming conventions. This cultural rejuvenation can transform Kozhikode into a truly breathable literary city.

Since we're talking about UNESCO too, check out our blog on Humayun's Tomb too which is also a UNESCO heritage site.

I suppose all your doubts are being cleared by now! In the quest to acquire more recognition, Calicut, AKA Kozhikode, UNESCO's First City of Literature in India, strives!

New Updates: The government of India has announced that the following five eminent personalities will be posthumously awarded The Bharat Ratna in 2024