Google Map Of Kerala

Official Website: http://kerala.gov.in/
Established: 1 November 1956
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
Largest city: Thiruvananthapuram
Districts: 14 total
Government Body: NA
Legislature: NA
Parliamentary constituency: 20
High Court: Kerala High Court
Area Total: 38,863 km2 (15,005.1 sq mi)
Area rank: 21st
Population 2011: (2011)[1]
Population Density: 859.1/km2 (2,225.1/sq mi)
Time zone: IST (UTC+05:30)
UN/LOCODE: NA
ISO 3166 code: IN-KL
Vehicle registration: NA
HDI: 0.925 (very high)
HDI rank: 1st (2011)
Literacy: 99%[2][3] (1st)
Official languages: Malayalam

Kerala known as “Gods own country” is famous for its unique culture. The spirit of keralites in various fields like arts and literature, agriculture etc. are the major factors which help in the economic growth.

Kerala Introduction

Kerala is the southernmost state of India and is known as “Gods Own Country”. The name Kerala is originated after the first ruler “Keralian” who ruled one of the provinces in the early centuries. Malabar, Cochin and Travancore were the three provinces before Kerala was formed. The State of Kerala was created on 1st November, 1956 and this day is celebrated as the “Kerala Piravi” means “Birth of Kerala” by the Keralites. Kerala is a narrow stretch of land with Arabian Sea on one side.

There are some myths regarding the origin of Kerala. According to the Brahminical myth, sixth incarnation of MahaVishnu “Parasurama” threw his axe into the sea. The place in the sea where the axe landed receded to form the land of Kerala. Puranas says that Kerala is also called as “Parasurama Kshetram” ie, “The Land of Parasurama” since the piece of land was created by him.

As per the studies, 3.44% of India’s population is in Kerala. Majority of the population is spread along the coastal regions, whereas the western ghats are less populated. Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are the major religions followed in Kerala. The official language of Kerala is Malayalam and 96% of the Keralites speak Malayalam.
Kerala spans an area of around 38,863 km2 lies between Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east. Kerala is divided into three geographical divisions based on its physical features.

• Eastern Highlands
• Central Midlands
• Western Lowlands

The average daily temperature in Kerala varies between a minimum of 19.8 oC to a maximum of 36.7 oC.

History

History of Kerala shows its presence even in the Neolithic age from the very old  pictorial writings in the Stone Age carvings which is believed to be present in 5000 BC. Kerala established itself as a major spice trade center from early 3000 BC. The region was ruled by Chera Dynasty around 1 BC. The neighboring Chola Empire and Rashtrakuta Empire took over the power after 14th century through repeated attacks. Subsequently Namboodiri Brahmin and Nair city-states took over the power.

Arrival of Vasco Da Gama in 1498 increased the spice trade. British conquered the region in 1795 and in the year 1956, the State of Kerala was formed.
Kerala’s official language is Malayalam and is spoken by 96% of the keralites. Tamil, tulu, kannada, Konkani speakers are also there. Tribal adivasis including Irulars, Kurumbas and Mudugars are also a part of the population in Kerala. Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are the major religions in Kerala.

From the economic point of view, a tremendous growth is there in Kerala. The major reason behind this is the highest literacy rate in India. Agriculture plays an important role in the economic growth. Some of the other factors are tourism, foreign remittances, infrastructure etc.

Culture

The culture of Kerala is very unique and a mixture of Dravidian and Aryan cultures. Onam, annual harvest festival and Vishu are the main festivals celebrated in Kerala. Sports realted activities and fun is mainly involved durind the Onam season.Keralites also celebrate other festivals like Christmas, Ramzan, Holi etc.

Most of the people are lovers of art and literature. Kerala have many unique traditional art form. Some of them are :

• Kathakali – a form od dance-drama
• Koodiyattom -  a form of Sanskrit drama
• Koothu – Light-hearted performance including comedy
• Mohiniyattam – Performed by women including graceful movements
• Thullal – a form of story telling
• Theyyam – Associated with temple festivals
• Kummattikali – Colourful mask-dance of South Malabar
• Oppana – Performed by the Muslims of malabar
• Margam Kali – Round group dance performed by Christian community

Kerala has a unique form of martial arts ie, kalarippayattu. Vallamkali (boat race) is another unique sports which is enjoyed by keralites and it is a part of the Onam celebration.

Kerala is also famous for its variety of spicy vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Traditional vegetarian sadhya is very famous as it is served on banana leaf with steamed rice and many side-dishes. Coconut is one of the main ingredients used in most of the dishes. Lots of unique and healthy steamed dishes are also there like Puttu, Ela Ada, Appam etc.