Calicut, now known as Kozikode is a city on the Malabar Coast. During classical antiquity and the Middle Ages, Calicut was dubbed the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. It was the capital of an independent kingdom ruled by the Samoothiris (Zamorins) in Middle Ages and later of the erstwhile Malabar district under British rule. Muslim Arab merchants traded with the region as early as 7th century, and Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut on 20 May 1498. Calicut has been a multi-ethnic and multi-religious town since the early medieval period. Many places have temples with local deities, more often a Goddess (Devi). Festivities like Theyyam, Thira and art forms like Ottamthullal, Kathakali are performed in stages attested to temple estates. Theyyam (Teyyam, Theyyattam or Thira) is a popular ritual form of worship of North Malabar. The performers of Theyyam belong to the lower class community, and have an important position in Theyyam. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of Devam or God. The cancellation depicts Theyyam dance costume.