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5.3.2. Heritage History of Mananchira – The Cultural Hub of Calicut

Mananchira Square- the hub that comprising of the palace, which is the present

Comtrust factory building, the pond and the park claims a portion of its part playing

a significant role in shaping the life-style of the people of Kozhikode.

Thesis Report V-SPARC VIT
The palace that served the rulers of the state is now the Comtrust weaving factory.
Adaptively re-used, the factory retains the characteristics and charm of the palace
without much intervention. Operational till the year 2009, the factory was

unfortunately shut down due to disputes between the management and the labourers.

The properties, machines and other things used by the people till the last day are

observed to be kept as it is after one fine day the factory was shut down without any
notice.

The tank that was originally built for bathing by Zamorins, was later converted as the
drinking water source for the royal palace by Tipu Sultan. Several activities including

lighting lamp in pond steps for an annual festival of Lord Ayyappa were happening

here until it was banned to conduct religious activities in the pond in the year 1994.

5.3.3. Heritage History of Mananchira Park

The public park, once the palace garden, was developed by the collector in the year

1994. The park which confides the stories of the great revolutions that have taken

place in the state also congregate the prides of famous writers, critics and artisans, is
zoned to cater various activities like sports, cultural activities, walking relaxing,

playing, gathering etc. Mostly active in the evenings, the park is a favourite hang-out

for the locals.

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