Introduction
Kerala is a beautiful state in India. It’s on the southwest coast, and many people love visiting it. Why? Because of its history, culture, and stunning nature.
History of Kerala
Formation and Geography
Kerala became a state on 1 November 195 Before that, it was part of several smaller regions. Let’s look at where it’s located and its main city:
Feature |
Description |
Details |
Location |
Southwest coast of India |
Kerala is like a long strip on India’s map, with the sea on one side. |
Neighboring Areas |
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the Lakshadweep Sea |
These are the places that surround Kerala. |
Capital City |
Thiruvananthapuram |
This city is where the government sits and makes decisions for Kerala. |
Ancient Dynasties
Long ago, powerful families or “dynasties” ruled Kerala. They built big kingdoms and traded with other countries. Here’s a quick look:
Dynasty/Time |
What They Did |
More Info |
Chera dynasty |
First big kingdom in Kerala |
They were the early rulers and made Kerala famous. |
Ay and Ezhimala |
Other important kingdoms |
They also played a big role in Kerala’s history. |
Spice trade |
Trading spices since 3000 BCE |
Kerala’s spices were so good that traders from all over came to buy. |
European arrival |
Europeans came in the 15th century |
They were attracted by the spice trade and wanted to control it. |
Modern History
In 1956, three regions – Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar – came together. They formed the Kerala we know today.
Demographics and Culture
Population
Kerala is home to many people. As of 2018, over 34 million people lived here! Here’s a simple breakdown:
Population Type |
Number or Percentage |
What It Means |
Total Population |
34,630,192 |
This is the total number of people in Kerala. |
Urban Population |
47% |
Almost half of Kerala’s people live in cities. |
Rural Population |
53% |
The rest live in the countryside, close to nature. |
Language and People
The main language spoken in Kerala is Malayalam. People from Kerala are called “Keralites” or “Malayalis.”
Religion
Kerala is a place where many religions live together in peace. Most people are Hindus, but there are also many Muslims and Christians.
Economy and Development
Kerala isn’t just beautiful; it’s also a place where people work hard and make money. Let’s see how Kerala’s economy works.
GDP and Rankings
GDP means how much money a place makes in a year. Kerala’s GDP shows it’s doing well!
Feature |
Number or Rank |
What It Means |
Total GDP |
₹132 lakh crore (2022-2023) |
This is the total money Kerala made in a year. |
Rank in India |
11th |
Out of all states in India, Kerala is the 11th richest. |
Major Economic Contributors
What helps Kerala make money? Here are some key things:
Contributor |
Description |
More Info |
Remittances |
Money sent by Keralites living abroad |
Many people from Kerala work in other countries and send money home. |
Production |
Making things like pepper, rubber, and coconut |
Kerala produces lots of goods that other places want to buy. |
Tourism
People from all over the world come to see Kerala’s beauty. Here’s why:
Tourism Type |
Description |
Why It’s Special |
Beaches |
Sandy shores by the sea |
Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun. |
Backwaters |
Calm water channels with houseboats |
A unique way to explore Kerala’s nature. |
Hill Stations |
Cool places in the mountains |
Great for escaping the heat and seeing tea gardens. |
Ayurvedic Tourism |
Traditional Indian medicine treatments |
People come to Kerala to feel better using natural methods. |
Education, Healthcare, and Infrastructure
Kerala is also known for its schools, hospitals, and buildings. Let’s dive in!
Education
Kerala loves to read and learn! Here’s proof:
Education Feature |
Number or Percentage |
What It Means |
Literacy Rate |
92% (2018) |
Almost everyone in Kerala can read and write. Best in India! |
Healthcare
People in Kerala live long and healthy lives. Here’s why:
Healthcare Feature |
Description |
More Info |
Life Expectancy |
73 years |
On average, people in Kerala live up to this age. |
Hospitals |
Modern and Ayurvedic |
Whether you want new treatments or old, Kerala has the right hospital. |
Infrastructure
Kerala has many important buildings and services. Here are some:
Infrastructure |
Description |
Why It’s Important |
Banks |
Places to save money |
They help people manage their money. |
Colleges |
Places for higher studies |
They help students learn more after school. |
Government Bodies |
Kerala High Court and Kerala Legislative Assembly |
They make important decisions for Kerala. |
Conclusion
Kerala is more than just a pretty place. It’s a state where people work, study, and live happily. From its economy to its schools, Kerala shines bright in India.