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Kerala

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Kerala is a prominent state located on India's Malabar Coast.

Silk route copy
Silk route copy

It is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast. Tamil Nadu sits to the east and south. The Laccadive Sea lies to the west. The state is divided into 14 distinct districts. Thiruvananthapuram serves as its capital city. Kerala is widely recognized for its natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

Tea plantations in Munnar, Kerala
Tea plantations in Munnar, Kerala

Many travelers call it one of the ten paradises of the world.

The state's identity is tied to its long history of maritime commerce. For thousands of years, Kerala has been a major exporter of spices. Records from Sumerian sources show spice trade existed since 3000 BCE. This trade attracted ancient civilizations like the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Egyptians. The Chera dynasty was the first major kingdom in the region. They grew powerful through sea trade but faced invasions from the Chola and Pandya dynasties. In the 15th century, Portuguese traders arrived seeking spices. This event initiated the era of European colonisation in India.

Caminho maritimo para a India
Caminho maritimo para a India

The modern state was formed through several political changes. After India gained independence in 1947, the regions of Travancore and Cochin joined the new republic. They merged in 1949 to form the state of Travancore-Cochin. On November 1, 1956, the States Reorganisation Act created the current state. This act unified Malayalam-speaking regions into one entity. It merged the Malabar district, most of Travancore-Cochin, and the Kasargod taluk. Recently, the state has moved to officially change its name. The Legislative Assembly passed resolutions to change the English name to Keralam.

3rd Tiruvalla Copper Plate
3rd Tiruvalla Copper Plate

Kerala's development is marked by high social indicators. In 2018, the state recorded a Human Development Index of 0.784. This is the highest in India. The literacy rate reached 96.2% in the same year. Life expectancy is also the highest in the country at 77.3 years. The sex ratio is 1,084 women for every 1,000 men.

2006 Human Development Index for India map by states, HDI data by GoI and UNDP India
2006 Human Development Index for India map by states, HDI data by GoI and UNDP India

The state has the lowest positive population growth rate at 3.44%. It is also the least impoverished state in India.

Kerala Population Pyramid in 5-year age groups (2011 census)
Kerala Population Pyramid in 5-year age groups (2011 census)

The economy relies on several different sectors. The service sector is the largest part of the economy. However, the primary sector remains important for many people. Agriculture includes crops like coconut, tea, coffee, and cashew. Black pepper and natural rubber also contribute significantly to national output. The fishing industry provides jobs for 1.1 million people. This industry accounts for about 3% of the state's income.

Nemmara-paddy
Nemmara-paddy

Additionally, the economy benefits from remittances. Many Malayali expatriates work in the Persian Gulf states. This started during the Gulf Boom of the 1970s and 1980s.

Religious and cultural traditions are very diverse in Kerala. More than 54% of the population practices Hinduism. Islam and Christianity are also major religions. The culture is a synthesis of Aryan and Dravidian traditions. This has been shaped by influences from many different lands. Legend tells of the sage Parashurama recovering the land from the sea.

Parshuramsaraswats
Parshuramsaraswats

Another legend involves King Mahabali, whose return is celebrated during the Onam festival.

Kerala boatrace
Kerala boatrace

The state also has deep historical links to Jewish and Syrian Christian communities.

Archaeological finds show that human activity in Kerala is very old. Neolithic-era dolmens are found in the Marayur region.

MarayoorDolmen
MarayoorDolmen

Rock engravings in the Edakkal caves date back to 6000 BCE. Scientists have also found marine fossils near Changanassery. These fossils suggest part of Kerala was once under the sea. The region has progressed through the Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Megalithic periods. Some historians even suggest links to the Indus Valley Civilisation. This long history makes Kerala a complex and layered place.

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🖼️ Images & Media (15)
File:Parshuramsaraswats.jpg
Parshuramsaraswats.jpg
File:MarayoorDolmen.JPG
MarayoorDolmen.JPG
File:Silk route copy.jpg
Silk route copy.jpg
File:3rd Tiruvalla Copper Plate.jpg
3rd Tiruvalla Copper Plate.jpg
File:Caminho maritimo para a India.png
Caminho maritimo para a India.png
File:Tea plantations in Munnar, Kerala.jpg
Tea plantations in Munnar, Kerala.jpg
File:Nemmara-paddy.jpg
Nemmara-paddy.jpg
File:Cochin International Airport Limited.jpg
Cochin International Airport Limited.jpg
File:Cochin Ship Yard Cranes.JPG
Cochin Ship Yard Cranes.JPG
File:Kerala Population Pyramid in 5-year age groups (2011 census).png
Kerala Population Pyramid in 5-year age...
File:2006 Human Development Index for India map by states, HDI data by GoI and UNDP India.svg
2006 Human Development Index for India...
File:Language Map of Kerala (2011 Census).svg
Language Map of Kerala (2011 Census).svg

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