Commerce
In Calicut, the main export was spices, mainly pepper. They also, however, traded calico fabric, coconut products, ginger, tea, coffee, gold, ivory, and cotton, to name a few.
Culture and Society
Calicut was very diverse society. Until the Arabs came around the 5th century CE, the city was mostly Hindu, with some Christian and Jewish mixed in. However, when the Arabs started trading, they brought Islam with them.
Location oF post-classical Trade Networks
Calicut was a part of the Silk Road trade network. Trade first started with the Persians and the Jews. It continued with the Christians in the year 52 and the Chinese, who came in the same century. The Arabs did not arrive for another 5 centuries after the Chinese.
Religious Influences
In India, the main religion was, and still is, Hinduism. However, on the Malabar coast where Calicut is located, Judaism came into existance around the 6th century BCE. The coast was also influenced by Arab traders, who brought Islam, and by Vasco de Gama, who brought Christianity.
Reasons for growth
The reason for growth was due to the overwhelming amount of information the trade industry brought in. Since many cultures from all over the world came to trade goods, there were also many aspects of other cultures that came in as well. A modern day example of this would be the numerous amounts of Christians who live in the state of Kerala, where Calicut is located.
Innovations
Calicut specialized in sailing and boat making.