What is Kerala, What is the capital of Kerala

Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a beautiful state located at the southwestern tip of India. Its capital is Thiruvananthapuram, and it is bordered by the Arabian Sea. Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, by integrating Malayalam-speaking regions. The state is renowned for its unique geographical features, including backwaters lined with palm trees, hilly areas, and tropical forests. It has 44 major rivers, most of which flow westward, What is Kerala, What is the capital of Kerala.

Kerala in red circle, What is Kerala

The culture of Kerala is rich and diverse, encompassing various religious communities such as Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. The primary language spoken here is Malayalam, and the literacy rate stands at 96.2%, making it the most literate state in India. Kerala’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and fishing, with agriculture being the main occupation. Notable tourist attractions include the tea plantations of Munnar, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and the backwaters of Alleppey.

In terms of climate, Kerala experiences three main seasons: summer, the southwest monsoon, and the northeast monsoon. The average annual rainfall is about 3017 mm. Besides its natural beauty, Kerala is also famous for its art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. The tourism industry in the state is rapidly growing, providing employment opportunities for millions, What is Kerala, What is the capital of Kerala.

Kerala’s history, from ancient times to the modern era, is rich with significant events and cultural changes. According to mythology, Lord Parashurama threw his axe into the sea, which led to the emergence of land known as Kerala. Evidence of human settlement dates back to the 10th century BCE. In ancient times, Kerala was ruled by the Chera dynasty from around 300 CE to 800 CE, during which Buddhism and Jainism flourished, and Christianity also arrived in the first century.

In the medieval period, Kerala played a crucial role in trade, especially in spices. Arab traders visited the region, contributing to its prosperity. In 1949, the princely states of Travancore and Cochin merged to form the ‘Travancore-Cochin’ state, which was later reorganized into the present state of Kerala in 1956, What is Kerala, What is the capital of Kerala.

The culture and language of Kerala are deeply intertwined with Malayalam, a Dravidian language that began to develop its literature in the 13th century, with ‘Ramacharitam’ being considered the first poem. Thus, Kerala’s history encompasses not just empires and wars but also a rich tapestry of cultural evolution.

In the 20th century, Kerala played a significant role in India’s independence movement. The merger of Travancore and Cochin in 1949 marked a pivotal moment that eventually led to the formation of modern Kerala in 1956.

What is the capital of Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, was previously known as Trivandrum. This city is located in the southwestern part of India and is the largest and most populous city in Kerala. The name Thiruvananthapuram translates to “the city of Lord Ananta,” which is an important cultural symbol in Hinduism. The city serves not only as the administrative center but also as a major hub for information technology, contributing 55% of the state’s software exports.

Who is the current Chief Minister of Kerala

Pinarayi Vijayan is the current Chief Minister of Kerala, having held this position since May 25, 2016. He is a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and previously served as the Secretary of the Kerala State Committee from 1998 to 2015. Vijayan has won the assembly elections from the Dharmadam constituency in both 2016 and 2021, leading the Left Democratic Front (LDF) as its chief minister. Notably, he is the first chief minister in Kerala to be re-elected after his first term, achieving a historic record of winning two consecutive elections.

During his tenure, Vijayan’s government has faced significant challenges, including natural disasters like floods, the Nipah virus outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, his administration has made considerable progress in social welfare and development initiatives, which has contributed significantly to his popularity among the people of Kerala, Who is the current Chief Minister of Kerala.

List of all the Chief Ministers of Kerala and their working period

No.Chief MinisterFromToParty
1President’s Rule01 November 195605 April 1957N/A
2E.M.S. Namboodiripad05 April 195731 July 1959Communist Party of India (CPI)
3President’s Rule31 July 195922 February 1960N/A
4Pattom A. Thanu Pillai22 February 196026 September 1962Praja Socialist Party
5R. Sankar26 September 196210 September 1964Indian National Congress
6President’s Rule10 September 196425 March 1965N/A
7President’s Rule25 March 196506 March 1967N/A
8E.M.S. Namboodiripad06 March 196701 November 1969Communist Party of India (CPI)
9C. Achutha Menon01 November 196901 August 1970Communist Party of India (CPI)
10President’s Rule04 August 197003 October 1970N/A
11C. Achutha Menon04 October 197025 March 1977Communist Party of India (CPI)
12K. Karunakaran25 March 197725 April 1977Indian National Congress
13A.K. Antony27 April 197727 October 1978Indian National Congress
14P.K. Vasudevan Nair29 October 197807 October 1979Communist Party of India (CPI)
15C.H. Mohammed Koya12 October 197901 December 1979Indian Union Muslim League
16President’s Rule05 December 197925 January 1980N/A
17E.K. Nayanar25 January 198020 October 1981Communist Party of India (Marxist)
18President’s Rule21 October 198128 December 1981N/A
19K. Karunakaran28 December 198117 March 1982Indian National Congress
20President’s Rule17 March 198223 May 1982N/A
21K. Karunakaran24 May 198217 June 1991Indian National Congress
22A.K. Antony22 March 199109 May 1996Indian National Congress
23E.K. Nayanar20 May 199613 May 2001Communist Party of India (Marxist)
24A.K. Antony17 May 200129 August 2004Indian National Congress
25Oommen Chandy31 August 200412 May 2006Indian National Congress
26V.S. Achuthanandan18 May 200614 May 2011Communist Party of India (Marxist)
27Oommen Chandy18 May 201120 May 2016Indian National Congress
28Pinarayi Vijayan25 May 2016PresentCommunist Party of India (Marxist)

How many districts are there in Kerala

Kerala, located in the southern part of India, consists of a total of 14 districts. The names of these districts are:

  • Alappuzha District
  • Ernakulam District
  • Idukki District
  • Kannur District
  • Kasaragod District
  • Kollam District
  • Kottayam District
  • Kozhikode District (also known as Calicut)
  • Thiruvananthapuram District (also known as Trivandrum)
  • Thrissur District
  • Pathanamthitta District
  • Palakkad District (also known as Palghat)
  • Malappuram District
  • Wayanad District

These districts were formed to meet the administrative needs of Kerala, and each district is known for its unique cultural and geographical characteristics, How many districts are there in Kerala.

Which is the largest district of Kerala

Palakkad is the largest district in Kerala, covering an area of approximately 4,480 square kilometers. It is located in the central part of the state and shares its borders with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The district is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites, including the Palakkad Fort, which is a major tourist attraction. Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, particularly in the cultivation of rice and other crops. Additionally, Palakkad’s natural beauty, featuring the Wayanad hills and rivers, draws many tourists. The residents primarily speak Malayalam, and the population is diverse.

Why is Kerala so famous

Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a unique state located in the southwestern part of India. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, backwaters, and rich cultural heritage. The capital of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram, and the primary language spoken here is Malayalam. The culture of the state is enriched by various religious and cultural influences, featuring ancient dance forms such as Kathakali and Koodiyattam. Onam, the main festival of Kerala, is celebrated as a harvest festival and reflects the state’s agricultural traditions.

How is the main food of kerala

Kerala’s cuisine is renowned for its diversity and richness, encompassing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The staple food here is rice, which is served with a variety of vegetables, fish, meat, and eggs. Coconut plays a crucial role in cooking, with coconut oil, water, and grated coconut being commonly used.

Key Dishes:

  • Sadhya: A lavish vegetarian meal served during festivals like Onam, consisting of boiled rice, various vegetables, sambar, and sweet dishes.
  • Puttu: A popular steamed rice dish enjoyed as a snack, often paired with black chickpea curry or bananas.
  • Appam: A soft pancake made from rice flour, typically served with various curries.
  • Malabar Biryani: A special biryani made with aromatic spices and basmati rice, known for its unique flavor.
  • Idiyappam: Noodles made from rice flour that are eaten with coconut milk or curry.

Kerala’s food is generally spicy and aromatic, featuring a generous use of spices. The culinary culture here reflects a blend of various traditions, making it unique. Eating on banana leaves is an age-old tradition that remains popular today, What is Kerala, What is the capital of Kerala.

What are the famous tourist places of kerala

Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is famous for its unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. Major tourist destinations in Kerala include Alleppey, Munnar, Wayanad, Kochi, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Thekkady, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kumarakom.

Alleppey, often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” attracts tourists with its backwater cruises and houseboats. Visitors can enjoy boats gliding through coconut groves and savor traditional cuisine, providing a unique experience.

Munnar is a well-known hill station recognized for its tea plantations and beautiful hills. It is also a popular romantic honeymoon destination.

Wayanad is celebrated for its greenery and cultural heritage. The tranquil environment filled with natural beauty makes it an ideal tourist spot.

Kochi (or Cochin) is a historic port city that showcases a blend of cultural diversity and modernity. The Chinese fishing nets, Dutch architecture, and spice markets add to its charm.

Kozhikode (Calicut) is famous for its spices and historical significance. The views from its temples and beaches attract many visitors.

Thrissur is considered the cultural capital of Kerala. It hosts vibrant festivals like Thrissur Pooram, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.

Thekkady is home to the Periyar National Park, where visitors can witness diverse wildlife. This area is a paradise for nature lovers.

Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, is renowned for the grand Padmanabhaswamy Temple and historical palaces. Its culture and history make it a significant tourist destination.

Lastly, Kumarakom, located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, is known for its bird diversity and backwater activities. Houseboat rides here are a major attraction, What is Kerala, What is the capital of Kerala.

What is the main trade of Kerala

Kerala’s economy is rich in diversity and prosperity, prominently featuring agriculture, tourism, and industry. In agriculture, Kerala is well-known for producing spices such as black pepper, cardamom, ginger, and turmeric, which are famous worldwide. Additionally, coconut, tea, and coffee are also significant crops. The tourism sector plays a crucial role in Kerala’s economy, contributing nearly 13% to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Every year, millions of tourists visit to enjoy the natural beauty and Ayurvedic treatments.

In the industrial sector, key areas include food processing, rubber production, and handicrafts. Kerala accounts for about 95% of India’s rubber production, making it the leading state in rubber manufacturing. Moreover, there is a substantial market for Ayurvedic products. Overall, Kerala’s economy relies on a balanced integration of agriculture, tourism, and industries, giving it a unique identity, What is Kerala, What is the capital of Kerala.

Which are the neighboring states of Kerala

Kerala’s primary neighboring states are Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Tamil Nadu is located to the south of Kerala, with the border between the two states running through natural hilly regions. Karnataka lies to the north of Kerala and also features several hilly and forested areas that connect the two states. Additionally, Kerala is situated along the coast of the Arabian Sea, which adds to its maritime significance. Lakshadweep, a union territory, is also located near Kerala, but it is not classified as a neighboring state.

FAQs

Which is the largest city of Kerala

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is the largest city in Kerala, India. It is a major metropolitan area with a large population. Kochi holds historical significance as it has been an important center for trade. The city’s beautiful beaches, backwaters, and rich cultural heritage make it a popular destination for tourists. Often referred to as the “commercial hub of Kerala,” Kochi plays a vital role in the state’s economy.

What is the area of ​​Kerala

Kerala covers an area of 38,863 square kilometers and is located in the southwestern part of India. The geography of Kerala includes mountains, rivers, and beaches. The state has a tropical climate, making it suitable for agriculture and tourism. With a population of approximately 33.4 million, Kerala is one of the most densely populated states in India.

What is the main language of Kerala

Kerala’s main language is Malayalam, which is considered an integral part of the region’s culture and identity. This language is one of the Indian languages and is spoken by approximately 35 million people. Malayalam is written in its own script, and it has a rich literary tradition. Additionally, English is widely spoken here, especially in the fields of education and business, What is Kerala, What is the capital of Kerala.