State of Kerala
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| State of Kerala | |
|---|---|
 Saad Faruque from Bangalore, India · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source | |
| Name | Kerala |
| Native name | കേരളം |
| Settlement type | State |
| Coordinates | 10.8505° N, 76.2711° E |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | India |
| Established title | Formation |
| Established date | 1 November 1956 |
| Seat type | Capital |
| Seat | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Area total km2 | 38863 |
| Population total | 33406061 |
| Population as of | 2011 |
| Official languages | Malayalam, English |
State of Kerala Kerala is a state in southwestern India on the Malabar Coast, noted for high human development, distinctive Malayalam culture, and a history of maritime trade. Formed in 1956 during the States Reorganisation era, Kerala has played key roles in movements such as the Indian independence movement and the communist movement, producing leaders associated with Indian National Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Kerala Congress (M) politics.
Etymology and History
The name "Kerala" appears in ancient texts including the Mahabharata, the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, and the Rajatarangini, correlating with medieval polities such as the Chera dynasty and ports like Muziris and Kozhikode. Kerala's medieval history includes encounters with Chola dynasty, Pandya dynasty, and Vijayanagara Empire influences, and later contact with European powers like the Portuguese Empire, Dutch East India Company, and the British East India Company. Colonial conflicts included events tied to figures like Vasco da Gama, the Battle of Cochin (1504), and treaties such as the Treaty of Mangalore. The 19th and 20th centuries saw social reform movements led by activists associated with Sree Narayana Guru, Ayyankali, and Chattampi Swamikal, and political developments involving Sree Chithira Thirunal, Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer, and leaders like K. Kelappan and E. M. S. Namboodiripad.
Geography and Environment
Kerala lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, encompassing landscapes including the Malabar Coast plains, highlands like Wayanad, and peaks such as Anamudi. River systems include the Periyar River, Bharathapuzha River, and Chaliyar River, with wetlands like the Vembanad Lake and backwaters around Alappuzha. The state contains protected areas such as Periyar National Park, Silent Valley National Park, and Eravikulam National Park, home to species like the Nilgiri tahr and habitats connected to the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Kerala faces environmental issues linked to events like the 2018 Kerala floods and 2019 Indian floods, with discussions referencing the National Green Tribunal and climate phenomena such as the Southwest Monsoon.
Government and Politics
Kerala is administered from Thiruvananthapuram as the seat of the Government of Kerala, with a legislative body in the Kerala Legislative Assembly and representation in the Parliament of India via Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members from constituencies like Thiruvananthapuram. Political history features alternating coalitions including the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front, with parties such as the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, Kerala Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party active in state politics. Constitutional matters have involved the Governor of Kerala and the judiciary at the Kerala High Court. Administrative divisions include districts like Ernakulam, Kollam, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram district.
Economy and Infrastructure
Kerala's economy historically relied on trade via ports such as Kozhikode port and Kochi Port and commodities like black pepper, cardamom, and coir. Contemporary sectors include remittances from the Gulf region via migration to countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, healthcare hubs like Kozhikode Medical College and Amrita Hospital, and information technology parks such as Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram and Infopark Kochi. Transport infrastructure includes Cochin International Airport, Trivandrum International Airport, the Southern Railway network with junctions at Shoranur Junction and Kozhikode railway station, and roads like the NH 66. Energy projects include the Idukki Dam hydropower system and initiatives in renewable energy.
Demographics and Society
Kerala's population exhibits high indicators highlighted in studies by agencies like the Census of India and organizations such as the World Health Organization for public health metrics. Major communities include followers of Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, with denominations and organizations like the Syro-Malabar Church, Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church. Social indicators have been influenced by reforms associated with figures like Sree Narayana Guru and institutions such as Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority. Urban centers include Kochi, Kollam, Thrissur, and Kannur.
Culture and Education
Kerala's cultural traditions encompass performing arts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, and folk arts such as Theyam and Padayani, with institutions like the Kerala Kalamandalam. Literary heritage includes poets and writers associated with Malayalam literature such as Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, Vallathol Narayana Menon, O. N. V. Kurup, and M. T. Vasudevan Nair. Festivals include Onam, Vishu, and observances at temples like Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and churches such as St. George's Church, Edathua. Higher education institutions include University of Kerala, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Mahatma Gandhi University, and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram.
Tourism and Landmarks
Notable destinations include the backwaters of Alappuzha, the hill station Munnar, the port city Kochi with landmarks like Fort Kochi and Mattancherry Palace, beaches at Varkala and Kovalam, and wildlife sanctuaries like Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Heritage sites include remnants of Muziris Heritage Project, colonial structures such as the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry), and religious sites like the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Guruvayur Temple. Tourist infrastructure features houseboat services around Kumarakom, spice garden tours in Thekkady, and festivals including the Thrissur Pooram and Vallam Kali regattas.