Once a bustling global trading hub, Calicut thrived at the crossroads of spice routes connecting East and West for over half a millennium. Renowned for its cosmopolitanism and dynamic commerce, the city shaped global politics as Europeans, in their quest for spices, sought to rival Arab dominance after centuries of conflict— paving the way for colonialism, and the first anti-colonial warfare. The Zamorins, rulers of Calicut, had fostered a culture of truth and Hindu-Muslim unity, establishing the city as a beacon of prosperity and cooperation. Though its prominence waned after the 18th century, Calicut still preserves its rich history. At our Online Talk #CityOfTruth, heritage activist Sruthin Lal tells us the story of this hidden gem awaiting discovery. About the speaker: Sruthin Lal is a social entrepreneur, multimedia journalist, and storyteller. He co-founded the Archival and Research Project (ARPO), an award-winning non-profit focused on cultural heritage preservation, and GULI Heritage, which specializes in curated cultural tours and events. He led the restoration of Karnikara Mandapam at the Karuvannur Kunnamangalam Bhagawati Temple, an architectural conservation project in his own village, which won the 2023 UNESCO Asia Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Award. He works across video, podcast, and long-form text formats, and occasionally writes for The Hindu and Frontline magazine. He has a background in Indian classical music and dance, and has a deep passion for art, history, and culture. He is currently authoring a book on the history of Calicut for Westland Books.