Kerala
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/* History */
{{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
|type = state
|native_name = Kerala
|other_name = <big>{{Kerala in Malayalam}}</big><sup>[[WP:COMPLEX|<span class="t_nihongo_icon" style="color:#00e;font:bold 80% sans-serif;text-decoration:none;padding:0 .1em;">?</span>]]</sup> · <small>''{{Unicode|Kēraḷaṁ}}''</small>
|state_name = Kerala
|capital = [[Thiruvananthapuram]]
|latd = 08.47
|longd = 76.95
|largest_city = [[Thiruvananthapuram]]
|largest_metro = [[Kochi metropolitan area]]
|abbreviation = IN-KL
|official_languages = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
|legislature_type = Unicameral
|legislature_strength = 141<sup>‡</sup>
|leader_title_1 = [[Governors of Kerala|Governor]]
|leader_name_1 = [[R.S. Gavai]]
|leader_title_2 = [[Chief Ministers of Kerala|Chief Minister]]
|leader_name_2 = [[V.S. Achuthanandan|V.S. Achuthanandan]]
|established_date = [[November 1]], [[1956]]
|area_total = 38863
|area_rank = 21st
|area_magnitude = 10
|area_order = 10
|population_total = 31838619
|population_rank = 12th
|population_as_of = 2001
|population_density = 819
|districts = [[Districts of Kerala|14]]
|major cities = [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kochi, India|Kochi]], [[Thrissur]], [[Kollam]], and [[Kozhikode]]
|website = kerala.gov.in
|seal = KeralaSeal.jpg
|portal = Kerala
|footnotes = <sup>‡</sup> 140 elected, 1 nominated
|nickname = "God's Own Country"
}}
'''Kerala''' ({{IPAudio|Kerala.ogg|['keːɹəˌɭɐ]}}; [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]: [[Malayalam script|{{Kerala in Malayalam}}]]<!--PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE MALAYALAM TEXT. If the "e" vowel looks like it's in the wrong place, your browser needs to be configured properly. See WP:COMPLEX for details.--><sup>[[WP:COMPLEX|<span class="t_nihongo_icon" style="color:#00e;font:bold 80% sans-serif;text-decoration:none;padding:0 .1em;">?</span>]]</sup>; ''{{Unicode|Kēraḷaṁ}}'') is a [[States and territories of India|state]] in the [[Indian Union]] located at the southern part of the [[Indian]] peninsula. It is bordered on the north by [[Karnataka]], south and east by [[Tamilnadu]] and the west by the [[Arabian sea]]. [[Thiruvananthapuram]], the capital, and [[Kochi]] are the major towns. The principal [[spoken language]] is [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] though other languages are also spoken. Kerala is one of the most densely populated states in India and ranks 12th among states in terms of population.<ref>"Kerala." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 5 June 2008</ref>
The first mention of Kerala is seen in a 3rd-century-BC rock inscription by emperor [[Asoka the Great|Asoka]], where it is mentioned as Keralaputra. This region formed part of ancient [[Tamilakam]] and were ruled by the [[Cheras]]. They had extensive trade relations with the [[Greeks]], the [[Romans]] and the [[Arabs]]. In the [[1st century|1st century AD]] [[Jewish]] immigrants arrived, and it is believed that [[St. Thomas the Apostle]] visited Kerala in the same century<ref>"Kerala." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 18 Jun. 2008 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/315300/Kerala>.</ref>. The Chera Kingdom and later the feudal [[Nair]] and [[Namboothiri]] [[Brahmin]] city-states became [[Great power|major powers]] in the region.<ref name="keralagovl">{{cite web |title=Early history of Kerala |publisher=Government of Kerala |accessdate=2007-05-16 |url=http://www.kerala.gov.in/history&culture/earlyhistory.htm }}</ref> Early contact with Europeans later gave way to struggles between colonial and native interests. The [[States Reorganisation Act]] of [[1 November]] [[1956]] elevated Kerala to statehood.
Social and educational reforms enacted in the late 19th century by [[Kingdom of Cochin|Cochin]] and [[Travancore]] were expanded upon by post-[[Independence of India|independence]] governments, making Kerala one of the most literate, healthiest, and gender-equitable regions in India.<ref>{{cite news |author=McKibben B |title=The Enigma of Kerala: One state in India is proving development experts wrong |publisher=DoubleTake |date=1995 |accessdate=2007-11-12 |url=http://www.utne.com/archives/TheEnigmaofKerala.aspx }}</ref><ref name="McKibben_2006"/><ref>[http://www.nfhsindia.org/pdf/KE.pdf 2005-2006 National Family Health Survey]</ref> Kerala has one of the most advanced educational systems in India.<ref>Encyclopædia Britannica</ref> Though the state's basic human development indices are roughly equivalent to those in the [[developed country|developed world]], the state is substantially more environmentally sustainable than [[Europe]] and [[North America]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Douthwaite R |title=The Growth Illusion: How Economic Growth has Enriched the Few, Impoverished the Many, and Endangered the Planet |publisher=New Society Publishers |year=1999 |pages=pp. 310–312 |isbn=0-8657-1396-0 |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=9ZxJRc5_vbcC }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Heinberg R |title=Powerdown: Options And Actions For A Post-Carbon World |publisher=New Society Publishers |year=2004 |pages=p. 105 |isbn=0-8657-1510-6 |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=iAx1Jmyvz5wC }}</ref> A survey conducted in 2005 by [[Transparency International]] ranked Kerala as the least corrupt state in the country.<ref>{{cite web |title=India Corruption Study — 2005 |publisher=[[Transparency International]] |date=June 2005 |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.transparency.org/regional_pages/asia_pacific/newsroom/news_archive__1/india_corruption_study_2005 }}</ref> Nevertheless, Kerala's suicide, [[alcoholism]], and unemployment rates rank among India's highest.<ref>{{cite web |title=The extent of problem of Mental Health in the State |work=Kerala State Mental Health Authority |publisher=Government of Kerala |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.ksmha.org/kerala.htm }}</ref>
== Etymology ==
The etymology of ''Kerala'' is a matter of conjecture. In the prevailing theory, ''Kerala'' is an imperfect Malayalam portmanteau that fuses ''kera'' ("coconut palm tree") and ''alam'' ("land" or "location").<ref>{{cite book |author=Dobbie A |title=India: The Elephant's Blessing |publisher=Melrose Press |year=2006 |pages=p. 122 |isbn=1-9052-2685-3 |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=ckpEd4emnCkC }}</ref> Another theory is that the name originated from the phrase ''chera alam'' ("Land of the Chera").<ref>{{cite book |author=George KM |title=A Survey of Malayalam Literature |publisher=Asia Publishing House |year=1968 |pages=p. 2 }}</ref> Natives of Kerala, known as ''Keralites'' or ''[[Malayali]]s'', thus refer to their land as ''Keralam''.
A 3rd-century-BC [[Asoka]]n rock inscription mentioning a "Keralaputra" is the earliest surviving attestation to Kerala.<ref>"Kerala." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 8 June 2008</ref> In written records, Kerala was mentioned in the [[Sanskrit]] [[Epic poetry|epic]] ''Aitareya Aranyaka''. Later, figures such as [[Katyayana]], [[Patanjali]], [[Pliny the Elder]], and the unknown author of the ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]'' displayed familiarity with Kerala.<ref name="Veliath007">Pliny's ''[[Naturalis Historia]]'', Book 6, Chapter 26</ref> In the last centuries BC this region became famous among the [[Greeks]] and [[Romans]] for its spices, particularly [[black pepper]].<ref>Encyclopædia Britannica</ref>
== History ==
{{main|History of Kerala}}
[[Image:Parshuramsaraswats.jpg|thumb|right|[[Parashurama|Parasurama]], surrounded by settlers, commanding [[Varuna]] to part the seas and reveal Kerala.]]
According to legend, Kerala was an [[Asura]]-ruled kingdom under [[Maveli]], who [[Sanskrit]] texts referred to as [[Mahabali]]. Exiled by [[Vamana]], Maveli ruled a people famed for their piety and morality. [[Onam]], a major Keralite festival, is dedicated to Maveli's memory. Another legend has [[Parasurama]], an [[avatar]] of [[Mahavishnu]], throwing his battle axe into the sea; from those waters, Kerala arose.<ref>{{cite book |author=Aiya VN |title=The Travancore State Manual |publisher=Travancore Government Press |pages=pp. 210–212 |year=1906 |accessdate=2007-11-12 |url=http://books.google.com/books?ie=UTF-8&hl=en&id=RdzaPW-kEvQC }}</ref>
[[Image:Muniyara.jpg|thumb|left|125px|''Muniyaras'' (Keralite dolmens or [[megalithic tomb]]s) in [[Marayoor]], erected by Neolithic tribesmen.]]
During [[Neolithic]] times, humans largely avoided Kerala's rainforests and wetlands. There is evidence of the emergence of prehistoric pottery and granite burial monuments in the 10th century BC that resemble their counterparts in Western Europe and the rest of Asia. These were speculated to be produced by speakers of a proto-Tamil language.<ref name="GOK_2005">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2005}}.</ref> Kerala and [[Tamil Nadu]] once shared a common language, ethnicity and culture; this common area was known as [[Tamilakam]].
The ancient [[Chera dynasty|Cherans]], whose [[mother tongue]] and court language was [[Tamil language|Tamil]], ruled Kerala from their capital at [[Vanchi (Indian Capital)|Vanchi]] and was the first major recorded kingdom. Allied with the [[Pallava]]s, they continually warred against the neighbouring [[Chola]] and [[Pandya]] kingdoms. A Keralite identity, distinct from the [[Tamil people|Tamils]] and associated with the second Chera empire, became linguistically separate under the [[Kulasekhara]] dynasty (c. 800–1102). By the beginning of the 14th century, Ravi Varma Kulasekhara of Venad established a short-lived supremacy over southern India. After his death, Kerala became a conglomeration of warring chieftaincies, among whom the most important were [[Calicut]] in the north and [[Venad]] in the south.
[[Image:A chegada de Vasco da Gama a Calicute em 1498.jpg|thumb|right|Artist's rendition of [[Vasco da Gama]]'s 1498 landing in Calicut, now [[Kozhikode]].]]
<!--[[Image:Kottayam Valia Palli01.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Syrian Orthodox Church|Syrian Orthodox]] Valia Palli ([[St. Mary]]’s Church) in Thazhathangadi, [[Kottayam]]. Built in 1550 AD, it hosts an 8th-century Persian cross and [[Sassanid]] [[Pahlavi script|Pahlavi]] inscriptions.]]-->
The Chera kings' dependence on trade meant that merchants from West Asia and Southern Europe established coastal posts and settlements in Kerala.<ref>{{harvnb|Iyengar|2001|pp=192–195}}.</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Iyengar|2001|pp=303–307}}.</ref> Many, especially Jews and Christians, escaped persecution and established the [[Syrian Malabar Nasrani|Nasrani Mappila]] and [[Mappila|Muslim Mappila]] communities.<ref>{{cite book |author=Milton J, Skeat WW, Pollard AW, Brown L |title=The Indian Christians of St Thomas |publisher=Cambridge University Press |pages=p. 171 |date=[[1982-08-31]] |isbn=0-5212-1258-8 }}</ref> According to several scholars, the Jews first arrived in Kerala in 573 [[Before Christ|BC]].<ref>De Beth Hillel, David (1832). ''Travels'' ([[Madras]] publication).</ref><ref>Lord, James Henry (1977). ''The Jews in India and the Far East''; Greenwood Press Reprint; ISBN.</ref> The works of scholars and [[Eastern Christianity|Eastern Christian]] writings state that [[Thomas the Apostle]] visited [[Muziris]] in Kerala in 52 AD to proselytize amongst Kerala's Jewish settlements.<ref name= "GPress">Medlycott, A E. 1905 "India and the Apostle Thomas"; Gorgias Press LLC; ISBN</ref><ref> Thomas Puthiakunnel, (1973) "Jewish colonies of India paved the way for St. Thomas", The Saint Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, ed. George Menachery, Vol. II.</ref> However, the first verifiable migration of [[Knanaya|Jewish-Nasrani]] families to Kerala is of the arrival of Knai Thoma in 345 AD .<ref name="Mundadan_1984">{{cite book |author=Mundadan AM |year=1984 |title=Volume I: From the Beginning up to the Sixteenth Century (up to 1542) |series=History of Christianity in India |publisher=Theological Publications |others=Church History Association of India |location=Bangalore }}</ref> [[Malik ibn Dinar|Muslim merchants]] ([[Malik ibn Dinar]]) settled in Kerala by the 8th century AD and introduced Islam. After [[Vasco Da Gama]]'s arrival in 1498, the Portuguese gained control of the lucrative [[spice trade|pepper trade]] by subduing Keralite communities and commerce.<ref>{{cite book |author=Ravindran PN |title=Black Pepper: Piper Nigrum |publisher=CRC Press |year=2000 |pages=3 |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=VaGCgSLrdr4C }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Curtin PD |title=Cross-Cultural Trade in World History |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=1984 |pages=144 |isbn=0-5212-6931-8}}</ref>
Conflicts between [[Kozhikode]] (Calicut) and [[Kochi, India|Kochi]] (Cochin) provided an opportunity for the Dutch to oust the Portuguese. In turn, the Dutch were ousted at the 1741 [[Battle of Colachel]] by [[Marthanda Varma]] of [[Travancore]] (Thiruvathaamkoor). [[Hyder Ali]], heading the [[Kingdom of Mysore|Mysore]], conquered northern Kerala, capturing Kozhikode in 1766. In the late 18th century, [[Tipu Sultan]], Ali’s son and successor, launched campaigns against the expanding [[British East India Company]]; these resulted in two of the four [[Anglo-Mysore Wars]]. He ultimately ceded [[Malabar District]] and [[South Kanara]] to the Company in the 1790s. The Company then forged tributary alliances with Kochi (1791) and Travancore (1795). Malabar and South Kanara became part of the [[Madras Presidency]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Superintendent of Government Printing |title=Imperial Gazetteer of India (Provincial Series): Madras |publisher=Government of India |location=Calcutta |year=1908 |pages=22 |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=xXglUxeS_WkC }}</ref>
[[Image:VeeraPazhassi.JPG|thumb|right|[[Pazhassi Raja]], the "Lion of Kerala", who waged a guerilla war against the British in the late 18th century.]]
Kerala saw comparatively little defiance of the [[British Raj]]. Nevertheless, several rebellions occurred, including the 1946 Punnapra-Vayalar revolt,<ref>{{cite web |year=2002 |title=Emergence of Nationalism: Punnapra-Vayalar revolt |publisher=Department of Public Relations (Government of Kerala) |accessdate=2006-01-14 |url=http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/prd2/keralam/vayalar.htm |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20050223090751/http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/prd2/keralam/vayalar.htm |archivedate=2005-02-23 }}</ref> and leaders like [[Velayudan Thampi Dalava]], [[Kunjali Marakkar]], and [[Pazhassi Raja]] earned their place in history and folklore. Many actions, spurred by such leaders as [[Ayya Vaikundar|Vaikunda Swami]]<ref>[http://www.education.kerala.gov.in/englishmedium/historyeng/chapter9.pdf www.education.kerala.gov.in]Towards Modern Kerala, 10th Standard Text Book, Chapter 9, Page 101. See this Pdf</ref>, [[Sree Narayana Guru]] and [[Chattampi Swamikal]], instead protested such conditions as [[Dalit (outcaste)|untouchability]]; notable was the 1924 ''[[Vaikom Satyagraham]]''. In 1936, [[Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma]] of Travancore issued the [[Temple Entry Proclamation]] that opened Hindu temples to all castes; [[Cochin]] and [[Malabar]] soon did likewise. The 1921 [[Moplah Rebellion]] involved Mappila Muslims rioting against Hindus and the [[British Raj]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Qureshi |first=MN |title=Pan-Islam in British Indian Politics: A Study of the Khilafat Movement, 1918–1924 |year=1999 |pages=445–447 |isbn=9-0041-0538-7}}</ref>
After India gained its independence in 1947, [[Travancore]] and [[Kingdom of Cochin|Cochin]] were merged to form [[Travancore-Cochin]] on [[July 1]], [[1949]]. On [[January 1]], [[1950]] ([[Republic Day of India|Republic Day]]), Travancore-Cochin was recognised as a state. The Madras Presidency was organised to form [[Madras State]] several years prior, in 1947. Finally, the [[Government of India]]'s [[November 1]], [[1956]] [[States Reorganisation Act]] inaugurated the state of Kerala, incorporating Malabar district, Travancore-Cochin (excluding four southern taluks, which were merged with Tamil Nadu), and the [[tehsil|taluk]] of [[Kasargod]], [[South Kanara]].<ref name="Plunkett">{{harvnb|Plunkett|Cannon|Harding|2001|p=24}}.</ref> A new legislative assembly was also created, for which elections were first held in 1957. These resulted in a [[communist]]-led government through ballot - the world's first of its kind - headed by [[E.M.S. Namboodiripad]].<ref name="Plunkett">{{harvnb|Plunkett|Cannon|Harding|2001|p=24}}.</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Jose D |title=EMS Namboodiripad dead |work=[[Rediff.com|Rediff]] |publisher=Press Trust of India |date=[[1998-03-19]] |accessdate=2007-11-12 |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/mar/19ems.htm}}</ref> Subsequent social reforms favoured tenants and labourers.<ref name="Cheriyan_2004_22-23">{{harvnb|Cheriyan|2004|pp=22–23}}.</ref><ref name="Cheriyan_2004_43-44">{{harvnb|Cheriyan|2004|pp=43–44}}.</ref> As a result, living standards, education, and life expectancy improved dramatically.
== Geography ==
{{main|Geography of Kerala}}
{| align="right"
|-
| style="vertical-align:top;" | [[Image:Kerala ecozones map labelled3.png|thumb|125px|Kerala's agroecological zones.]]
| style="vertical-align:top;" | [[Image:Kerala geographic map.png|thumb|125px|Topographic map.]]
|}
Kerala’s 38,863 km² landmass (1.18% of India) is wedged between the [[Arabian Sea]] to the west and the [[Western Ghats]]—identified as one of the world's twenty-five [[biodiversity hotspot]]s<ref name="Sreedharan_2004_5">{{harvnb|Sreedharan|2004|p=5}}.</ref>—to the east. Lying between north latitudes 8°18' and 12°48' and east longitudes 74°52' and 72°22',<ref name="GOK_2005b">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2005b}}.</ref> Kerala is well within the humid [[equatorial]] tropics. Kerala’s coast runs for some 580 km (360 miles), while the state itself varies between 35 and 120 km (22–75 miles) in width. Geographically, Kerala can be divided into three climatically distinct regions: the eastern highlands (rugged and cool mountainous terrain), the central midlands (rolling hills), and the western lowlands (coastal plains). Located at the extreme southern tip of the [[Indian subcontinent]], Kerala lies near the centre of the [[Indian Plate|Indian]] [[tectonic plate]]; as such, most of the state is subject to comparatively little [[earthquake|seismic]] and volcanic activity.<ref>{{cite map |publisher=United Nations Development Programme |year=2002 |title=Map Showing Multi Hazard Zones in Kerala |url=http://www.undp.org.in/dmweb/Multihazard/Maps/Multihazard/kerala.jpg |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20061108004906/http://www.undp.org.in/dmweb/Multihazard/Maps/Multihazard/kerala.jpg |archivedate=2006-11-08 |accessdate=2006-01-12 }}</ref> [[Pre-Cambrian]] and [[Pleistocene]] geological formations compose the bulk of Kerala’s terrain.
{{#switch: {{#expr: {{CURRENTHOUR}} mod 3}}
|0 = [[Image:Landscape Tekkady Kerala India.jpg|thumb|left|Landscape near [[Thekkady]], [[Idukki district|Iddukki]].]]
|1 = [[Image:temple pond kerala.jpg|thumb|left|A temple pond in [[Palakkad district|Palakkad]].]]
|2 = [[Image:Wayanad scenery.JPG|thumb|left|Rice paddies in the [[Wayanad district|Wayanad]] countryside.]]
}}
Eastern Kerala lies immediately west of the Western Ghats's [[rain shadow]]; it consists of high mountains, gorges and deep-cut valleys. 41 of Kerala’s west-flowing rivers, and 3 of its east-flowing ones originate in this region. Here, the Western Ghats form a wall of mountains interrupted only near Palakkad, where the [[Palakkad Gap]] breaks through to provide access to the rest of India. The Western Ghats rises on average to 1,500 m (4920 ft) above sea level, while the highest peaks may reach to 2,500 m (8200 ft). Just west of the mountains lie the midland plains composing central Kerala; rolling hills and valleys dominate.<ref name="GOK_2005b">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2005b}}.</ref> Generally ranging between elevations of 250–1,000 m (820–3300 ft), the eastern portions of the [[Nilgiri Hills|Nilgiri]] and [[Palni Hills]] include such formations as [[Agastyamalai]] and [[Anamalai]].
{{#switch: {{#expr: {{CURRENTHOUR}} mod 3}}
|0 = [[Image:Kollam (78).JPG|thumb|right|A ''[[Chinese fishing nets (of Kochi)|cheena vala]]'' (fishing net) in the [[Kerala Backwaters|Backwaters]] region of [[Kollam]].]]
|1 = [[Image:Vazhachal-falls1.jpg|thumb|right|A view of [[Vazhachal falls]]]]
|2 = [[Image:Perunthenaruvi01.jpg|thumb|right|Perunthenaruvi Falls, near Pathanamthitta.]]
}}
Kerala’s western coastal belt is relatively flat, and is criss-crossed by a network of interconnected [[brackish]] [[canal]]s, lakes, [[estuary|estuaries]], and rivers known as the [[Kerala Backwaters]]. Lake [[Vembanad Lake|Vembanad]]—Kerala’s largest body of water—dominates the Backwaters; it lies between Alappuzha and Kochi and is more than 200 km² in area. Around 8% of India's waterways (measured by length) are found in Kerala.<ref name="IWAI_2005">{{harvnb|Inland Waterways Authority of India|2005}}.</ref> The most important of Kerala’s [[List of rivers in Kerala|forty four rivers]] include the [[Periyar River|Periyar]] (244 km), the [[Bharathapuzha]] (209 km), the [[Pamba]] (176 km), the [[Chaliyar River|Chaliyar]] (169 km), the Kadalundipuzha (130 km) and the [[Achankovil River|Achankovil]] (128 km). The average length of the rivers of Kerala is 64 km. Most of the remainder are small and entirely fed by [[monsoon]] rains.<ref name="GOK_2005b">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2005b}}.</ref> These conditions result in the nearly year-round water logging of such western regions as [[Kuttanad]], 500 km² of which lies below sea level. As Kerala's rivers are small and lack [[river delta|deltas]], they are more prone to environmental factors. Kerala's rivers face many problems, including summer droughts, the building of large dams, sand mining, and pollution.
== Climate ==
{{main|Climate of Kerala}}
With 120–140 rainy days per year, Kerala has a wet and maritime tropical climate influenced by the seasonal heavy rains of the [[Monsoon#South-West Summer Monsoon|southwest summer monsoon]].<ref name="Chacko_2002">{{harvnb|Chacko|Renuka|2002|p=80}}.</ref> In eastern Kerala, a drier tropical wet and dry climate prevails. Kerala's rainfall averages 3,107 mm annually. Some of Kerala's drier lowland regions average only 1,250 mm; the mountains of eastern Idukki district receive more than 5,000 mm of [[Precipitation (meteorology)#Orographic precipitation|orographic precipitation]], the highest in the state.
In summers, most of Kerala is prone to gale force winds, storm surges, [[cyclone]]-related torrential downpours, occasional droughts, and rises in sea level and storm activity resulting from [[global warming]].<ref name="Brenkert_2003_46">{{harvnb|Brenkert|Malone|2003|p=46}}.</ref><ref name="Brenkert_2003_26">{{harvnb|Brenkert|Malone|2003|p=26}}.</ref><ref name="Brenkert_2003_52">{{harvnb|Brenkert|Malone|2003|p=52}}.</ref> Kerala’s maximum daily temperature averages 36.7 °C; the minimum is 19.8 °C.<ref name="GOK_2005b">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2005b}}.</ref> Mean annual temperatures range from 25.0–27.5 °C in the coastal lowlands to 20.0–22.5 °C in the highlands.<ref name="Brenkert_2003_65">{{harvnb|Brenkert|Malone|2003|p=65}}.</ref>
== Flora and fauna ==
{{main|Flora and fauna of Kerala}}
{{#switch: {{#expr: {{CURRENTHOUR}} mod 1<!--3-->}}
|1 = [[Image:Blue Tiger (Tirumala limniace) Kerala India.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Blue Tiger|blue tiger]] (''Tirumala limniace'') butterfly in [[Chalakudy]], near [[Thrissur]].]]
|0 = [[Image:Blue Tiger Tirumala limniace Kerala India.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Blue Tiger|blue tiger]] (''Tirumala limniace'') butterfly.]]
|2 = [[Image:Fulvous forest skimmer.jpg|thumb|right|A [[fulvous forest skimmer]] (''Neurothemis fulvia'') in [[Chalakudy]], near [[Thrissur]].]]
}}
Much of Kerala's notable biodiversity is concentrated and protected in the [[Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve]] in the eastern hills. Almost a fourth of India's 10,000 plant species are found in the state. Among the almost 4,000 [[flowering plant]] species (1,272 of which are [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] to Kerala and 159 threatened) are 900 species of highly sought [[Herbalism|medicinal plant]]s.<ref name="Sreedharan_2004_11">{{harvnb|Sreedharan|2004|p=11}}.</ref><ref name="GOK_2004f_141">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004f|p=141}}.</ref>
[[Image:Gloriosa lilly.jpg|thumb|left|125px|Petals of the [[gloriosa (plant)|gloriosa lily]] (''Gloriosa superba'') flower curve upward into a claw-like shape; below, its stamens grow radially outwards.]]
Its 9,400 km² of forests include tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests (lower and middle elevations—3,470 km²), tropical moist and dry deciduous forests (mid-elevations—4,100 km² and 100 km², respectively), and montane subtropical and [[temperate]] (''shola'') forests (highest elevations—100 km²). Altogether, 24% of Kerala is forested.<ref name="Sreedharan_2004_12">{{harvnb|Sreedharan|2004|p=12}}.</ref> Two of the world’s [[Ramsar Convention]] listed [[wetland]]s—[[Sasthamkotta Lake|Lake Sasthamkotta]] and the [[Vembanad Lake|Vembanad-Kol wetlands]]—are in Kerala, as well as 1455.4 km² of the vast [[Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve]]. Subjected to extensive clearing for cultivation in the 20th century,<ref name="Jayarajan_2004_6-7">{{harvnb|Jayarajan|2004|pp=6–7}}.</ref> much of Kerala's forest cover is now protected from [[clearfelling]]. Kerala's fauna are notable for their diversity and high rates of endemism: 102 species of [[mammal]]s (56 of which are endemic), 476 species of birds, 202 species of freshwater [[fish]]es, 169 species of [[reptile]]s (139 of them endemic), and 89 species of [[amphibian]]s (86 endemic).<ref name="GOK_2004f_141">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004f|p=141}}.</ref> These are threatened by extensive habitat destruction, including soil erosion, landslides, salinization, and resource extraction.<ref name="GOK_2004f_142-145">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004f|pp=142–145}}.</ref>
{{#switch: {{#expr: {{CURRENTHOUR}} mod 2}}
|0 = [[Image:Nelliampathi-Monkey.jpg|thumb|right|125px|A [[Bonnet Macaque]] in [[Nelliampathi]].]]
|1 = [[Image:Bengal Tiger Kerala India.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Bengal Tiger]] inhabits Kerala's eastern forests.]]
}}
Eastern Kerala’s windward mountains shelter [[Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests|tropical moist forests]] and [[Tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests|tropical dry forests]], which are common in the Western Ghats. Here, ''sonokeling'' (Indian [[rosewood]]), ''anjili'', ''mullumurikku'' (''[[Erythrina]]''), and ''[[Cassia]]'' number among the more than 1,000 species of trees in Kerala. Other plants include bamboo, wild [[black pepper]], wild [[cardamom]], the [[calamus (palm genus)|calamus]] [[rattan]] palm (a type of climbing palm), and aromatic [[vetiver]] grass (''[[Vetiver|Vetiveria zizanioides]]'').<ref name="Sreedharan_2004_12">{{harvnb|Sreedharan|2004|p=12}}.</ref> Living among them are such fauna as [[Asian Elephant]], [[Bengal Tiger]], [[Leopard]] (''Panthera pardus''), [[Nilgiri Tahr]], [[Common Palm Civet]], and [[Grizzled Giant Squirrel]].<ref name="Sreedharan_2004_12">{{harvnb|Sreedharan|2004|p=12}}.</ref><ref name="Sreedharan_2004_174-175">{{harvnb|Sreedharan|2004|pp=174–175}}.</ref> Reptiles include the [[King Cobra|king cobra]], [[viper]], [[Pythonidae|python]], and [[crocodile]]. Kerala's birds are legion—[[Peafowl]], the [[Great Hornbill]], [[Indian Grey Hornbill]], [[Indian Cormorant]], and [[Jungle Myna]] are several emblematic species. In lakes, wetlands, and waterways, fish such as ''kadu'' ([[Catfish|stinging catfish]] and ''Choottachi'' (Orange chromide—''Etroplus maculatus''; valued as an [[aquarium]] specimen) are found.<ref name="Sreedharan_2004_163-165">{{harvnb|Sreedharan|2004|p=163–165}}.</ref>
== Subdivisions ==
{{main|Districts of Kerala}}
[[Image:Kochi India.jpg|thumb|right|Greater Kochi is Kerala's largest metropolitan area.]]
<!--[[Image:House-in-Kerala.jpg|right|thumb|A typical Kerala style house with ''Thulasi thara'' (platform for ''Tulasi'' [[Ocimum tenuiflorum|Holy Basil]]) in front.]]-->
[[Districts of Kerala|Kerala's fourteen districts]] are distributed among Kerala's three historical regions: Malabar (northern Kerala), Kochi (central Kerala), and Travancore (southern Kerala). Kerala's modern-day districts (listed in order from north to south) correspond to them as follows:
[[Image:Kerala density map1.PNG|left|125px|Population density map of Kerala graded from darkest shading (most dense) to lightest (least dense).]]
* '''[[Malabar]]''': [[Kasaragod District|Kasaragod]], [[Kannur District|Kannur]], [[Wayanad District|Wayanad]], [[Kozhikode District|Kozhikode]], [[Malappuram District|Malappuram]], [[Palakkad District|Palakkad]]
* '''[[Kingdom of Cochin|Kochi]]''': [[Thrissur District|Thrissur]], [[Ernakulam District|Ernakulam]]
* '''[[Travancore]]''': [[Kottayam District|Kottayam]], [[Idukki District|Idukki]], [[Alappuzha District|Alappuzha]], [[Pathanamthitta District|Pathanamthitta]], [[Kollam District|Kollam]], [[Thiruvananthapuram District|Thiruvananthapuram]]
{{main|Corporations, Municipalities and Taluks of Kerala}}
[[Image:Tvmcityview.jpg|thumb|right|Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital.]]
Kerala's 14 revenue districts are further divided into 62 [[Taluks of Kerala|taluks]], 1453 revenue villages and 1007 [[Gram panchayat]]s.
Mahé, a part of the Indian union territory of Puducherry (Pondicherry), is a coastal exclave surrounded by Kerala on all of its landward approaches. [[Thiruvananthapuram]] (Trivandrum) is the state capital and most populous city.<ref name=largestcity>[http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&dat=32&geo=-104&srt=dnpn&col=aohdq&pt=c&va=x&srt=pdnn "World Gazetteer:India - largest cities (per geographical entity")]</ref> [[Kochi, India|Kochi]] is the most populous [[urban agglomeration]]<ref name=largestUA>[http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&dat=32&geo=-104&srt=pdnn&col=aohdq&pt=a&va=x&srt=pdnn "World Gazetteer: India - largest cities (per geographical entity")]</ref> and the major port city in Kerala. [[Kozhikode]], [[Thrissur]], and [[Kannur]] are the other major commercial centers of the state. The [[High Court of Kerala]] is located at [[Ernakulam]]. Kerala's districts, which serve as the administrative regions for taxation purposes, are further subdivided into 63 [[tehsil|taluks]]; these have fiscal and administrative powers over settlements within their borders, including maintenance of local land records.
== Government ==
{{main|Government of Kerala }}
[[Image:Assembly11.jpg|thumb|right|The Legislative Assembly Building in Trivandrum.]]
Like other Indian states and most [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries, Kerala is governed through a [[parliamentary system]] of [[representative democracy]]; [[universal suffrage]] is granted to state residents. There are three branches of government. The [[unicameralism|unicameral]] [[legislature]], known as the [[Kerala Legislative Assembly|legislative assembly]], comprises elected members and special office bearers (the Speaker and Deputy Speaker) elected by assemblymen. Assembly meetings are presided over by the Speaker. The Assembly is presided over by the Deputy Speaker whenever the Speaker is absent. Kerala has 140 Assembly constituencies. The state sends 20 members to the [[Lok Sabha]] and 9 to the [[Rajya Sabha]], the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]]'s upper house.
[[Image:High Court of Kerala.jpg|thumb|left|125px|The Kerala High Court in Ernakulam.]]
Like other Indian states, the constitutional head of state is the [[Governors of Kerala|Governor of Kerala]], who is appointed by the [[President of India]]. The [[executive (government)|executive authority]] is headed by the [[Chief Minister of Kerala]], who is the ''de facto'' head of state and is vested with most of the executive powers; the Legislative Assembly's majority party leader is appointed to this position by the Governor. The Council of Ministers, which answers to the Legislative Assembly, has its members appointed by the Governor; the appointments receive input from the Chief Minister.
The [[judiciary]] comprises the [[Kerala High Court]] (including a Chief Justice combined with 26 permanent and two additional (''pro tempore'') justices) and a system of lower courts. The High Court of Kerala is the highest court for the state; it also decides cases from the Union Territory of [[Lakshadweep]]. Auxiliary authorities known as ''[[panchayat]]s'', for which [[Local Body Election in Kerala|local body elections]] are regularly held, govern local affairs.
The state's 2005–2006 budget was 219 billion [[Indian Rupee|INR]].<ref>[http://www.kerala.gov.in/budget2005-6/a01.pdf Budget at a Glance]</ref> The state government's tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) amounted to 111,248 million [[Indian Rupee|INR]] in 2005, up from 63,599 million in 2000. Its non-tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the Government of Kerala as assessed by the Indian Finance Commissions reached 10,809 million INR in 2005, nearly double the 6,847 million INR revenues of 2000.<ref>[http://fincomindia.nic.in/ Finance Commission (Ministry of Finance, Government of India)]</ref> However, Kerala's high ratio of taxation to gross state domestic product (GSDP) has not alleviated chronic budget deficits and unsustainable levels of government debt, impacting social services.<ref>[http://fincomindia.nic.in/pubsugg/memo_ker.pdf Memoranda from States: Kerala]</ref>
== Politics ==
Kerala hosts two major political alliances: the [[United Democratic Front (India)|United Democratic Front]] (UDF—led by the [[Indian National Congress]]) and the [[Left Democratic Front]] (LDF—led by the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]] (CPI(M)). At present, the LDF is the ruling coalition in government; [[V.S. Achuthanandan]] of the CPI(M) is the Chief Minister of Kerala and [[Oommen Chandy]] of the UDF is the Chief Opposition leader.
[[Image:Cpmernakulam (40).jpg|thumb|left|125px|A CPI(M) rally in Ernakulam.]]
Kerala is one of the few regions in the world where communist parties are democratically elected in a parliamentary democracy. Compared with most other Indians, Keralites are well versed and keen participants in the political process; many elections are decided by razor-thin margins of victory. Strikes, protests, rallies, and marches are ubiquitous.<ref>{{cite web |title= Protest against frequent strikes |work=The Hindu |publisher=The Hindu |date=[[5 July]] [[2005]] |accessdate=2007-11-26 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/05/stories/2005070513110300.htm}}</ref>
== Economy ==
{{main|Economy of Kerala}}
[[Image:SouthernIndia1b.jpg|thumb|right|In the Backwaters, waterways are key thoroughfares for merchants selling fish, rice, and other products. Pictured is a waterway bordering a farm.]]
Since its incorporation as a state, Kerala's economy largely operated under [[welfare economy|welfare]] based [[democratic socialism|democratic socialist]] principles. In recent years, the state has [[Neoliberalism|liberalised]] its increasingly [[mixed economy]], allowing greater participation by the [[free market]] and [[foreign direct investment]]. Kerala's nominal [[gross domestic product]] (as of 2004–2005) is an estimated 89451.99 crore [[Indian rupee|INR]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala's GDP hits an all-time high |work=[[Rediff.com|Rediff]] |publisher=Press Trust of India |date=[[2006-03-09]] |accessdate=2007-11-12 |url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2006/feb/09ker.htm }}</ref> while recent GDP growth (9.2% in 2004–2005 and 7.4% in 2003–2004) has been robust compared to historical averages (2.3% annually in the 1980s and between 5.1%<ref name="Mohindra_2003_8">{{harvnb|Mohindra|2003|p=8}}.</ref> and 5.99%<ref name="GOK_2004_2">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004|p=2}}.</ref> in the 1990s).<ref name="Mohindra_2003_8">{{harvnb|Mohindra|2003|p=8}}.</ref><!--Rapid expansion in services like banking, real estate, and tourism (13.8% growth in 2004–2005) outpaced growth in both agriculture (2.5% in 2004–2005) and the industrial sector (−2% in 2004–2005).<ref name="PTI_2006"/>--> The state has clocked a 8.93% growth in enterprises from 1998 to 2005 compared with the national average of 4.80%.<ref>[http://mospi.nic.in/economic_census_prov_results_2005.pdf High growth in enterprises in Kerala]</ref> Nevertheless, relatively few major corporations and manufacturing plants choose to operate in Kerala.<ref name="Brenkert_2003_49">{{harvnb|Brenkert|Malone|2003|p=49}}.</ref> This is mitigated by [[remittance]]s sent home by overseas Keralites,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/07/world/asia/07migrate.html?_r=1&oref=slogin|title=Jobs Abroad Support 'Model' State in India |date= |year=2007 |month=[[September 07]] |work=New York Times|accessdate=2007-09-07}}</ref> which contributes around 20% of state GDP.<ref name="Hari_Kannan_2002">Hari, KS & KP Kannan (2002), "Kerala's Gulf Connection: Emigration, Remittances and their Macro Economic Impact (Working Paper 328)", Centre for Development Studies (Trivandrum).</ref> Kerala's per capita [[GDP]] of 11,819 [[Indian rupee|INR]]<ref name="Raman_2005">{{harvnb|Raman|2005}}.</ref> is significantly higher than the all India average,<ref name="Mohindra_2003_8">{{harvnb|Mohindra|2003|p=8}}.</ref> although it still lies far below the world average. Additionally, Kerala's [[Human Development Index]] and [[standard of living]] statistics are the nation's best.<ref name="Varma_2005">{{cite news |author=Varma MS |title=Nap on HDI scores may land Kerala in an equilibrium trap |work=The Financial Express |date=2005-04-04 |accessdate=2007-11-12 |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/old/print.php?content_id=86925 }}</ref> This apparent paradox—high human development and low economic development—is often dubbed the ''Kerala phenomenon'' or the ''[[Kerala model]]'' of development,<ref name="Tharamangalam_2005_1">{{harvnb|Tharamangalam|2005|p=1}}.</ref><ref name="Brenkert_2003_48">{{harvnb|Brenkert|Malone|2003|p=48}}.</ref> and arises mainly from Kerala's strong service sector.
[[Image:Kerala 15.jpg|thumb|left|125px|Rural women processing coir threads.]]
<!--[[Image:Tea Estate Munnar Kerala India.jpg|thumb|left|125px|Tea gardens near [[Munnar]], Idukki district.]]-->
The service sector (including tourism, public administration, banking and finance, transportation, and communications—63.8% of statewide GDP in 2002–2003) along with the agricultural and fishing industries (together 17.2% of GDP) dominate Kerala's economy.<ref name="GOK_2004_2">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004|p=2}}.</ref><ref name="GOK_2004c_24">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004c|p=24}}.</ref> Nearly half of Kerala's people are dependent on agriculture alone for income.<ref name="GOK_2005c">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2005c}}.</ref> Some 600 varieties<ref name="Sreedharan_2004_5">{{harvnb|Sreedharan|2004|p=5}}.</ref> of rice (Kerala's most important [[staple food]] and [[cereal]] crop<ref name="Balachandran_2004_5">{{harvnb|Balachandran|2004|p=5}}.</ref>) are harvested from 3105.21 km² (a decline from 5883.4 km² in 1990<ref name="Balachandran_2004_5">{{harvnb|Balachandran|2004|p=5}}.</ref>) of [[paddy field]]s; 688,859 [[tonne]]s are produced per annum.<ref name="GOK_2005c">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2005c}}.</ref> Other key crops include coconut (899,198 ha), tea, coffee (23% of Indian production,<ref name="Joy_2004_13">{{harvnb|Joy|2004|p=13}}.</ref> or 57,000 tonnes<ref name="Joy_2004_6-7">{{harvnb|Joy|2004|pp=6–7}}.</ref>), rubber, cashews, and spices—including pepper, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Around 1.050 million fishermen haul an annual catch of 668,000 tonnes (1999–2000 estimate); 222 fishing villages are strung along the 590 km coast. Another 113 fishing villages dot the hinterland.
{{#switch: {{#expr: {{CURRENTHOUR}} mod 2}}
|0 = [[Image:Tejomaya Infopark Kochi.jpg|thumb|right|The ''Tejomaya'' building at [[InfoPark, Kochi]].]]
|1 = [[Image:Bhavaniinterior.jpg|thumb|right|Interior of the [[Technopark, Kerala|Technopark]], Thiruvananthapuram.]]
}}
Traditional industries manufacturing such items as [[coir]], handlooms, and [[handicraft]]s employ around one million people. Around 180,000 small-scale industries employ around 909,859 Keralites; 511 medium and large scale manufacturing firms are located in Kerala. A small mining sector (0.3% of GDP)<ref name="GOK_2004c_24">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004c|p=24}}.</ref> involves extraction of [[ilmenite]], [[kaolin]], [[bauxite]], [[silica]], [[quartz]], [[rutile]], [[zircon]], and [[sillimanite]].<ref name="GOK_2005c">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2005c}}.</ref> [[Home gardens]] and animal husbandry also provide work for hundreds of thousands of people. Other major sectors are [[Tourism in Kerala|tourism]], manufacturing, and [[business process outsourcing]]. Kerala's unemployment rate is variously estimated at 19.2%<ref name="Rajan_2005_4">{{harvnb|Rajan|Zachariah|2005|p=4}}.</ref> and 20.77%,<ref name="GOK_2004_4">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004|p=4}}.</ref> although [[underemployment]] of those classified as "employed", low employability of many job-seeking youths, and a mere 13.5% female [[labor force|participation rate]] are significant problems.<ref name="Nair_2004_5">{{harvnb|Nair|2004|p=5}}.</ref><ref name="Nair_2004_13">{{harvnb|Nair|2004|p=13}}.</ref><ref name="GOK_2004_4">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004|p=4}}.</ref> Estimates of the statewide [[Poverty line|poverty rate]] range from 12.71%<ref>{{cite news |author=Dhar A |title=260 million Indians still below poverty line |publisher=The Hindu |date=[[2006-01-28]] |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/28/stories/2006012803971100.htm }}</ref> to as high as 36%.<ref name="GOK_2006">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2006|p=1}}.</ref>
== Transport ==
{{seealso|Roads in Kerala}}
[[Image:marinedrive.jpg|thumb|right|A bridge on the [[Marine Drive, Kochi|Marine Drive]] walkway in Kochi.]]
Kerala has {{km to mi|145704}} of roads (4.2% of India's total). This translates to about {{km to mi|4.62|precision=2}} of road per thousand population, compared to an all India average of {{km to mi|2.59|precision=2}}. Virtually all of Kerala's villages are connected by road. Traffic in Kerala has been growing at a rate of 10–11% every year, resulting in high traffic and pressure on the roads. [[Roads in Kerala|Kerala's road]] density is nearly four times the national average, reflecting the state's high population density. Kerala's annual total of road accidents is among the nation's highest.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kumar KG |title=Accidentally notorious |publisher=[[The Hindu]] [[Business Line]] |date=[[2003-09-22]] |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/09/22/stories/2003092201111300.htm }}</ref>
[[Image:Tvmcentral.jpg|thumb|left|125px|[[Trivandrum Central]] Railway Station.]]
India's national highway network includes a Kerala-wide total of {{km to mi|1524|precision=0}}, which is 2.6% of the national total. There are eight designated national highways in the state. The Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP), which includes the [[GIS]]-based Road Information and Management Project (RIMS), is responsible for maintaining and expanding the {{km to mi|1600}} of roadways that compose the [[List of State Highways in Kerala|state highways system]]; it also oversees major district roads.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kumar VS |title=Kerala State transport project second phase to be launched next month |publisher=[[The Hindu]] [[Business Line]] |date=[[2006-01-20]] |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/20/stories/2006012002272100.htm }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Kumar VS |title=Institutional Strengthening Action Plan (ISAP) |work=Public Works Department |publisher=Government of Kerala |date=2003 |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/pwd/public/isap.jsp }}</ref> Most of Kerala's west coast is accessible through two [[List of National Highways in India|national highways]], [[National Highway 47 (India)|NH 47]], and [[National Highway 17 (India)|NH 17]].
The state has three major international airports at [[Trivandrum International Airport|Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]], and [[Calicut International Airport|Kozhikode]], that link the state with the rest of the nation and the world.Fourth international airport is coming up at [[Kannur]],once operational Kannur international airport will be the largest airport in Kerala. The Cochin International Airport at Kochi is the first international airport in India that was built without [[Government of India|Central Government]] funds, and is also the country's first publicly owned airport.<ref>{{cite news |title=The three airports in Kerala can be in business without affecting each other |publisher=[[Rediff.com|Rediff]] |date=[[1999-12-06]] |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.rediff.com/business/1999/dec/06inter.htm }}</ref> The backwaters traversing the state are an important mode of [[inland navigation]]. The [[Indian Railways]]' [[Southern Railway (India)|Southern Railway]] line runs throughout the state, connecting all major towns and cities except those in the highland districts of Idukki and Wayanad. Kerala's major railway stations are [[Trivandrum Central]], Kollam Junction, [[Ernakulam Junction]], Kannur, Kozhikode, [[Shoranur|Shoranur Junction]], and Palakkad.
== Demographics ==
{{main|Demographics of Kerala}}
[[Image:Fischer backwaters.JPG|thumb|right|Most Keralites, such as this fisherman, live in rural areas.]]
The 31.8 million<ref name="ORG_2001b">{{harvnb|Office of the Registrar General|2001b}}.</ref> of Kerala’s compound population is predominantly of [[Malayali]] ethnicity, while the rest is mostly made up of [[Jew]]ish and [[Arab]] elements in both culture and ancestry. Kerala is also home to 321,000 indigenous tribal ''[[Adivasi]]s'' (1.10% of the populace), who are mostly concentrated in the eastern districts.<ref name="Kalathil_2004_10">{{harvnb|Kalathil|2004|p=10}}.</ref><ref name="Kalathil_2004_12">{{harvnb|Kalathil|2004|p=12}}.</ref> [[Malayalam]] is Kerala's [[official language]]; [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and various ''Adivasi'' languages are also spoken by [[ethnic minority|ethnic minorities]].
Kerala is home to 3.44% of India's people; at 819 persons per km², its land is three times as densely settled as the rest of India.<ref name="ORG_2001">{{harvnb|Office of the Registrar General|2001}}.</ref> Kerala's rate of population growth is India's lowest,<ref name="GOK_2004c_26">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004c|p=26}}.</ref> and Kerala's decadal growth (9.42% in 2001) is less than half the all-India average of 21.34%.<ref name="GOK_2004c_27">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004c|p=27}}.</ref> Whereas Kerala's population more than doubled between 1951 and 1991 by adding 15.6 million people to reach 29.1 million residents in 1991, the population stood at less than 32 million by 2001. Kerala's coastal regions are the most densely settled, leaving the eastern hills and mountains comparatively sparsely populated.<ref name="GOK_2005b">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2005b}}.</ref>
{| align="right"
|-
| style="vertical-align:top;" | [[Image:Kerala-girl-left.jpg|thumb|left|125px|A Malayali woman in a ''[[sari]]''.]]
| style="vertical-align:top;" | [[Image:Kerala-mundu.JPG|thumb|right|125px|A Malayali man wearing a ''[[mundu]]'' and a shirt.]]
|}
Women compose 51.42% of the population.<ref name="Venkitakrishnan_Kurien_2003_26">{{harvnb|Venkitakrishnan|Kurien|2003|p=26}}.</ref> Kerala's principal religions are Hinduism (56.1%), Islam (24.7%), and Christianity (19%).<ref name="ORG_India_2004">{{harvnb|Office of the Registrar General|2004}}.</ref> Remnants of a once substantial [[Cochin Jews|Cochin Jewish]] population also practice Judaism. In comparison with the rest of India, Kerala experiences relatively little sectarianism.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Heller P |title=Social capital as a product of class mobilization and state intervention: Industrial workers in Kerala, India |publisher=[[University of California]] |pages=49–50 |date=[[4 May]] [[2003]] |accessdate=2007-02-25 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/2999683.stm }}</ref>
Kerala's society is less patriarchical than the rest of the [[Third World]].<ref name="McKibben_2006"/><ref name="Lindberg_2004_18-19">{{harvnb|Lindberg|2004|pp=18–19}}.</ref> Gender relations are among the most equitable in India and the Third World<ref name="GOK_2004r_366">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2004r|p=366}}</ref>, despite discrepancies among low caste men and women.<ref name="Lindberg_2004_1">{{harvnb|Lindberg|2004|p=1}}.</ref> Certain Hindu communities such as the [[Nair]]s, some [[Ezhava]]s and the Muslims around [[Kannur]] used to follow a traditional matrilineal system known as ''[[marumakkathayam]]'', although this practice ended in the years after Indian independence. Other Muslims, Christians, and some Hindu castes such as the Namboothiris and the Ezhavas follow ''makkathayam'', a patrilineal system.<ref name="GOK_2002b">{{harvnb|Government of Kerala|2002b}}.</ref> Owing to the former matrilineal system, women in Kerala enjoy a high social status.<ref>Encyclopædia Britannica</ref>
Kerala's human development indices—elimination of poverty, primary level education, and health care—are among the best in India. According to a 2005-2006 national survey, Kerala has one of the highest literacy rates (89.9%) among Indian states<ref>[http://www.nfhsindia.org/pdf/KE.pdf 2005-2006 National Family Health Survey]</ref> and life expectancy (73 years) was among the highest in India in 2001.<ref name="UNDP_2001">{{cite paper |publisher=United Nations Development Programme |date=2001 |title=Kerala: Human Development Fact Sheet |pages=p. 1 }}</ref> Kerala's rural poverty rate fell from 69% (1970–1971) to 19% (1993–1994); the overall (urban and rural) rate fell 36% between the 1970s and 1980s.<ref name="Mohindra_2003_8-9">{{harvnb|Mohindra|2003|pp=8–9}}.</ref> By 1999–2000, the rural and urban poverty rates dropped to 10.0% and 9.6% respectively.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Deaton A |date=[[2003-08-22]] |title=Regional poverty estimates for India, 1999-2000 |pages=p. 6 |accessdate=2007-11-12 |format=PDF |url=http://www.princeton.edu/~rpds/downloads/deaton_regionalpovertyindia.pdf }}</ref> These changes stem largely from efforts begun in the late 19th century by the kingdoms of Cochin and Travancore to boost social welfare.<ref>{{cite journal |title=EFA (Education for All) Global Monitoring Report |year=2003 |publisher=UNESCO |pages=p. 156 |accessdate=2007-11-12 |format=PDF |url=http://www.unesco.org/education/efa_report/chapter4.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Kutty VR |year=2000 |title=Historical analysis of the development of health care facilities in Kerala State, India |journal=Health Policy and Planning |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=103–109 |accessdate=2007-11-12 |format=PDF |url=http://heapol.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/15/1/103.pdf |doi=10.1093/heapol/15.1.103 }}</ref> This focus was maintained by Kerala's post-independence government.<ref name="Varma_2005"/><ref name="Brenkert_2003_48">{{harvnb|Brenkert|Malone|2003|p=48}}.</ref>
== Health ==
Kerala's healthcare system has garnered international acclaim. [[UNICEF]] and the [[World Health Organization]] designating Kerala the world's first "baby-friendly state". Representative of this condition, more than 95% of Keralite births are hospital-delivered.<ref name="Kutty_2004_6">{{cite book |author=Kutty VR |editor=Nair PRG, Shaji H |year=2004 |title=Why low birth weight (LBW) is still a problem in Kerala: A preliminary exploration |series=Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development |publisher=Centre for Development Studies |location=Thiruvananthapuram |isbn=81-87621-60-5 |pages=p. 6 |accessdate=2007-11-12 |format=PDF |url=http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/57.pdf }}</ref> Aside from ''[[ayurveda]]'' (both elite and popular forms),<ref name="Unnikrishnan_2004_13">{{harvnb|Unnikrishnan|2004|p=13}}.</ref> ''[[siddha]]'', and ''[[unani]]'', many endangered and endemic modes of [[traditional medicine]], including ''kalari'', ''marmachikitsa'',<ref name="Unnikrishnan_2004_17">{{harvnb|Unnikrishnan|2004|p=17}}.</ref> and ''vishavaidyam'', are practiced. These propagate via ''[[gurukula]]'' discipleship,<ref name="Unnikrishnan_2004_5-6">{{harvnb|Unnikrishnan|2004|pp=5–6}}.</ref> and comprise a fusion of both medicinal and supernatural treatments,<ref name="Unnikrishnan_2004_15">{{harvnb|Unnikrishnan|2004|p=15}}.</ref> and are partly responsible for drawing increasing numbers of [[medical tourism|medical tourist]]s.
A steadily aging population (11.2% of Keralites are over age 60<ref name="Varma_2005"/>) and low birthrate<ref name="McKibben_2006">{{cite journal |author=McKibben B |year=2006 |title=Kerala, India |journal=National Geographic Traveller |accessdate=2007-11-12 |url=http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/articles/1028kerala.html }}</ref> (18 per 1,000)<ref name="Kutty_2004_6"/> make Kerala one of the few regions of the Third World to have undergone the "[[demographic transition]]" characteristic of such [[developed nation]]s as Canada, Japan, and Norway.<ref name="Tharamangalam_2005_1">{{harvnb|Tharamangalam|2005|p=1}}.</ref> In 1991, Kerala's [[Total fertility rate|TFR]] (children born per women) was the lowest in India. Hindus had a TFR of 1.66, Christians 1.78, and Muslims 2.97.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Alagarajan M |month=December |year=2003 |url=http://www.springerlink.com/index/H18J4H5W37507H21.pdf |title=An analysis of fertility differentials by religion in Kerala: A test of the interaction hypothesis |journal=Population Research and Policy Review |doi=10.1023/B:POPU.0000020963.63244.8c}}</ref>
Kerala's [[sex ratio|female-to-male ratio]] (1.058) is significantly higher than that of the rest of India.<ref name="UNDP_2001">{{harvnb|United Nations Development Programme|2001|p=1}}.</ref><ref name="Tharamangalam_2005_2">{{harvnb|Tharamangalam|2005|p=2}}.</ref> The same is true of its [[sub-replacement fertility]] level and [[infant mortality rate]] (estimated at 12<ref name="Brenkert_2003_49">{{harvnb|Brenkert|Malone|2003|p=49}}.</ref><ref name="Kutty_2004_6"/> to 14<ref name="Krishnaswami_2004_5">{{harvnb|Krishnaswami|2004|p=5}}.</ref> deaths per 1,000 live births). However, Kerala's [[morbidity rate]] is higher than that of any other Indian state—118 (rural Keralites) and 88 (urban) per 1,000 people. The corresponding all India figures are 55 and 54 per 1,000, respectively.<ref name="Krishnaswami_2004_5">{{harvnb|Krishnaswami|2004|p=5}}.</ref> Kerala's 13.3% [[prevalence]] of low [[birth weight]] is substantially higher than that of [[First World]] nations.<ref name="Kutty_2004_6"/> Outbreaks of water-borne diseases, including diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis, and typhoid,<ref name="Roy_2004_5-6">{{harvnb|Roy|2004|pp=5–6}}.</ref> among the more than 50% of Keralites who rely on some 3 million<ref name="Roy_2004_6">{{harvnb|Roy|2004|p=6}}.</ref> water wells<ref name="Roy_2004_7">{{harvnb|Roy|2004|p=7}}.</ref> is another problem, which is worsened by the widespread lack of sewers.<ref name="Roy_2004_7">{{harvnb|Roy|2004|p=7}}.</ref>
== Education ==
{{seealso|Colleges in Kerala|Education in India}}
[[Image:KU 2.jpg|thumb|right|The University of Kerala's administrative building in Thiruvananthapuram.]]
Schools and colleges in Kerala are run by the government or private trusts and individuals. Each school is affiliated with either the [[Indian Certificate of Secondary Education]] (ICSE), the [[CBSE|Central Board for Secondary Education]] (CBSE), or the [[Kerala State Education Board]]. English is the language used in most private schools, but government run schools offer English and Malayalam. After 10 years of secondary schooling, students typically enroll at [[junior college|Higher Secondary School]] in one of the three streams—[[liberal arts]], [[commerce]] or [[science]]. Upon completing the required coursework, the student can enroll in general or professional degree programmes.
Thiruvananthapuram, one of the state's major academic hubs, hosts the [[University of Kerala]] and several professional education colleges, including 15 engineering colleges, three medical colleges, three [[Ayurveda]] colleges, two colleges of [[homeopathy]], six other medical colleges, and several law colleges.<ref name="Technical Education">{{cite web |publisher=Kerala Government |work=Professional Colleges in Thiruvananthapuram |url=http://www.kerala.gov.in |title=Technical Education in Kerala - Department of Technical education |accessdate=2006-08-25 }}</ref> [[Trivandrum Medical College]], Kerala's premier health institute, one of the finest in the country, is being upgraded to the status of an [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences]] (AIIMS). The [[College of Engineering, Trivandrum]] is one of the prominent engineering institutions in the country. The Asian School of Business and IIITM-K are two of the other premier [[Management|management study]] institutions in the city, both situated inside [[Technopark Kerala|Technopark]]. The Indian Institute of Space Technology, the unique and first of its kind in India, is situated in the state capital.
[[Image:School children line Cochin Kerala India.jpg|thumb|right|Children lining up for school in Kochi.]]
Kochi is another major educational hub. The [[Cochin University of Science and Technology]] (also known as "Cochin University") is situated in the suburb of the city. Most of the city's colleges offering [[tertiary education]] are affiliated to the [[Mahatma Gandhi University]]. Other national educational institutes in Kochi include the [[Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training]], the [[National University of Advanced Legal Studies]], the [[National Institute of Oceanography]], [[Central Institute of Fisheries Technology]] and the [[Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute]].The only [[College of Fisheries]] in the State is situated at Panangad, a suburban area of the City. The College comes under the [[Kerala Agricultural University]].
[[Thrissur]] can be called as the Educational Capital of Kerala as Coimbatore to Tamil Nadu. Kerala Agricultural University is situated in this city. Three Medical Colleges, The Government Engineering College, Govt. Law College, Ayurveda College, Govt.Fine Arts College, College of Co-operation & Banking and Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, College of Horticulture, College of Forestry etc make the name "Educational Capital" more meaningful. There are a lot of famous colleges like St.Thomas College, Sri Kerala Varma College, St.Mary's College, Vimala College etc. Thrissur is also a main center of coaching for the entrance examinations for engineering and medicine.
[[Kottayam]] also acts as a main educational hub. According to the 1991 census, [[Kottayam District]] of Kerala is the first district to achieve full [[Literacy_in_India#Literacy_rate|literacy rate]] in the whole of India. [[Mahatma Gandhi University]], [[CMS College]](the first institution to start English education in Southern India), [[Medical College, Kottayam]], and the [[Labour India Educational Research Center]] are some of the important educational institutions in the district.
[[Kozhikode]] is home to two of the premier educational institutions in the country; the [[IIMK]], one of the seven [[Indian Institutes of Management]], and the only National Institute of Technology in Kerala, the [[NITC]].
== Culture ==
{{main|Arts of Kerala|Culture of Kerala}}
[[Image:Kathakali Kerala India.jpg|thumb|left|125px|A close-up of a ''[[kathakali]]'' artist.]]
[[Image:Kerala boatrace.jpg|thumb|[[Aranmula]] is an annual [[Vallam Kali|snake boat race]] on the [[Pamba River]].]]
[[Culture of Kerala|Kerala's culture]] is derived from both a greater [[:Category:Tamil culture|Tamil-heritage]] region known as [[Tamilakam]] and southern coastal [[Karnataka]]. Later, Kerala's culture was elaborated upon through centuries of contact with neighboring and overseas cultures.<ref name="Bhagyalekshmy_2004_7">{{harvnb|Bhagyalekshmy|2004|pp=6–7}}.</ref> Native [[performing arts]] include ''[[koodiyattom]]'' (a 2000 year old Sanskrit theatre tradition, officially recognised by [[UNESCO]] as a [[Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]]<ref>[http://www.unesco.org/culture/intangible-heritage/masterpiece.php?id=0010&lg=en UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity : "Kutiyattam, Sanskrit Theatre"]</ref>), ''[[kathakali]]''—from ''katha'' ("story") and ''kali'' ("performance")—and its offshoot ''[[Kerala Natanam|Kerala natanam]]'', ''[[koothu]]'' (akin to stand-up comedy), ''[[mohiniaattam]]'' ("dance of the enchantress"), ''[[thullal]]'', ''[[padayani]]'', and ''[[theyyam]]''.
[[Image:Thrippunithura-Elephant-end-of-pooram-2 crop.jpg|thumb|right|Caparisoned [[elephants in Keralite culture|Keralite elephants]] during the [[Sree Poornathrayesa Temple]] festival.]]
<!--[[Image:ThrissurPooram-Kuda.jpg|thumb|right|A [[elephants in Kerala culture|formation]] of gold-caparisoned [[Asian elephant|elephant]]s at the [[Thrissur Pooram]]. [[Pooram]]s are Hindu temple-centered festivals popular among both Keralites and tourists.]]-->
Other forms of art are more religious or tribal in nature. These include ''[[chavittu nadakom]]'', ''[[oppana]]'' (originally from Malabar), which combines dance, rhythmic hand clapping, and ''ishal'' vocalisations. However, many of these art forms largely play to tourists or at youth festivals, and are not as popular among most ordinary Keralites. These people look to more contemporary art and performance styles, including those employing mimicry and parody.
[[Image:Onam Flowers Pookkalam Kerala India.jpg|thumb|left|125px|During [[Onam]], Keralites create floral ''pookkalam'' designs in front of their houses.]]
[[Music of Kerala|Kerala's music]] also has ancient roots. [[Carnatic music]] dominates Keralite traditional music. This was the result of [[Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma]]'s popularisation of the genre in the 19th century.<ref name="Bhagyalekshmy_2004d_29">{{harvnb|Bhagyalekshmy|2004d|p=29}}.</ref><ref name="Bhagyalekshmy_2004d_32">{{harvnb|Bhagyalekshmy|2004d|p=32}}.</ref> Raga-based renditions known as ''sopanam'' accompany ''[[kathakali]]'' performances. ''Melam'' (including the ''paandi'' and ''panchari'' variants) is a more percussive style of music; it is performed at [[mandir|Kshetram]] centered festivals using the ''[[chenda]]''. ''Melam'' ensembles comprise up to 150 musicians, and performances may last up to four hours. ''Panchavadyam'' is a different form of percussion ensemble, in which up to 100 artists use five types of percussion instrument. Kerala has various styles of folk and tribal music. The popular music of Kerala is dominated by the ''[[filmi]]'' music of [[Indian cinema]]. Kerala's visual arts range from [[Murals of Kerala|traditional murals]] to the works of [[Raja Ravi Varma]], the state's most renowned painter.
{{Kerala symbols}}
Kerala has its own [[Malayalam calendar]], which is used to plan agricultural and religious activities. Kerala's cuisine is typically served as a ''[[sadhya]]'' on green banana leaves. Such dishes as ''[[idli]]'', ''[[payasam]]'', ''pulisherry'', ''puttucuddla'', ''puzhukku'', ''[[rasam]]'', and ''[[sambar]]'' are typical. Keralites—both men and women alike—traditionally don flowing and unstitched garments. These include the ''[[mundu]]'', a loose piece of cloth wrapped around men's waists. Women typically wear the ''[[sari]]'', a long and elaborately wrapped banner of cloth, wearable in various styles.
== Language and literature ==
{{main|Malayalam language|Malayalam literature}}
The predominant spoken language in Kerala is Malayalam, most of whose speakers live in Kerala.
[[Malayalam literature]] is ancient in origin, and includes such figures as the 14th century [[Niranam poets]] (Madhava Panikkar, Sankara Panikkar and Rama Panikkar), and the 17th century poet [[Ezhuthachan|Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan]] whose works mark the dawn of both modern Malayalam language and indigenous Keralite poetry. The "[[Triumvirate poets of modern malayalam|triumvirate of poets]]" (''Kavithrayam''), [[Kumaran Asan]], [[Vallathol Narayana Menon]], and [[Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer]], are recognised for moving Keralite poetry away from archaic sophistry and metaphysics, and towards a more [[lyrics|lyrical]] mode.
In the second half of the 20th century, [[Jnanpith]] awardees like [[G. Sankara Kurup]], [[S. K. Pottekkatt]], [[Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai]] and [[M. T. Vasudevan Nair]] have made valuable contributions to the Malayalam literature. Later, such Keralite writers as [[O. V. Vijayan]], [[Kamaladas]], [[M. Mukundan]], and [[Booker Prize]] winner [[Arundhati Roy]], whose 1996 semi-[[autobiography|autobiographical]] bestseller{{Fact|date=June 2008}} ''[[The God of Small Things]]'' is set in the [[Kottayam]] town of Ayemenem, have gained international recognition.<ref>{{cite web |title= Indian's First Novel Wins Booker Prize in Britain |publisher=[[The New York Times]] |date=[[15 October]] [[1997]] |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A01E6DD173FF936A25753C1A961958260 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Winds, Rivers & Rain |publisher=[[Salon.com|Salon]] |date=September 1997 |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.salon.com/sept97/00roy.html }}</ref>
== Media ==
{{main|Media in Kerala}}
[[Image:Malayalam print and spectacles.jpg|thumb|right|Printed Malayalam text magnified by spectacles.]]
Dozens of newspapers are published in Kerala; they are printed in nine major languages.<ref name=rniindia>{{cite web
|url = https://rni.nic.in/pii.htm| title = General Review| accessdate = 2006-09-01
|publisher = Registrar of Newspapers for India }}</ref> The principal languages of publication are Malayalam and English. The most widely circulating [[List of Malayalam language newspapers|Malayalam-language newspapers]] include ''[[Malayala Manorama]]'', ''[[Mathrubhumi]]'', ''[[Deepika (newspaper)|Deepika]]'', ''[[Kerala Kaumudi]]'',''[[Madhyamam]]'' and ''[[Desabhimani]]''. Among [[List of Malayalam periodicals|major Malayalam periodicals]] are ''[[India Today|India Today Malayalam]]'', ''[[Vanitha]]'', ''[[Veedu]]'', ''[[Gruhalakshmi]]'', ''[[Chithrabhumi]]'', ''[[Kanyaka (magazine)| Kanyaka]]'', and ''[[Bhashaposhini]]''.
[[Doordarshan]] is the state-owned television broadcaster. [[Multi system operator]]s provide a mix of Malayalam, English, and international channels via [[cable television]].There are 17 malayalam channels which makes the countries maximum number in regional language.[[Asianet]],[[Surya TV]],[[Kairali TV]] and [[Amrita TV]] are among the Malayalam-language channels that compete with the major national channels. [[All India Radio]], the national radio service, reaches much of Kerala via its Thiruvananthapuram 'A' Malayalam-language broadcaster. [[BSNL]], [[Reliance Infocomm]], [[Tata Indicom]], [[Vodafone]] and [[Airtel]] compete to provide [[cell phone|cellular]] phone services. [[Broadband]] internet is available in most of the towns and cities and is provided by different agencies like the state-run Kerala Telecommunications (which is run by BSNL) and by other private companies like [[Asianet|Asianet Satellite communications]], [[VSNL]]. BSNL provides 2 Mbit/s and 8 Mbit/s broadband service in most of the cities. Kerala accounts for the highest number of PC users and software engineers in India. Around 30% of software engineers working in Bangalore are from Kerala.{{Fact|date=May 2008}}
A substantial [[Malayalam Cinema|Malayalam film]] industry effectively competes against both [[Bollywood]] and [[Hollywood]]. Television (especially "mega serials" and cartoons) and the Internet have affected Keralite culture. Yet Keralites maintain high rates of newspaper and magazine subscriptions; 50% spend an average of about seven hours a week reading novels and other books. A sizeable "people's science" movement has taken root in the state, and such activities as writers' cooperatives are becoming increasingly common.<ref>{{cite book |author=Ranjith KS |editor=Nair PRG, Shaji H |year=2004 |title=Rural Libraries of Kerala |series=Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development |publisher=Centre for Development Studies |location=Thiruvananthapuram |isbn=81-87621-81-8 |pages=pp. 20–21 |accessdate= 2007-11-12 |format=PDF |url=http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/78.pdf }}</ref><ref name="Tharamangalam_2005_2">{{harvnb|Tharamangalam|2005|p=2}}.</ref>
== Sports ==
{{main|Sports in Kerala}}
[[Image:KalariPuttara.jpg|thumb|right|Kalari ''[[puttara]]'' shrines are seven-tiered platform-altars where ''kalaripayattu'' practitioners pray to the guardian deity.]]
Several ancient ritualised arts are Keralite in origin. These include ''[[kalaripayattu]]''—''[[kalari]]'' ("place", "threshing floor", or "battlefield") and ''payattu'' ("exercise" or "practice"). Among the world's oldest martial arts, oral tradition attributes ''kalaripayattu'''s emergence to Parasurama. Other ritual arts include ''[[theyyam]]'' and ''[[poorakkali]]''. However, larger numbers of Keralites follow sports such as [[cricket]], ''[[kabaddi]]'', [[soccer]], and [[badminton]]. Dozens of large stadiums, including Kochi's [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] and Thiruvananthapuram's Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium, attest to the mass appeal of such sports among Keralites.
Kerala has been the athletics powerhouse of India for decades, and several Keralite athletes have attained world-class status, including [[P. T. Usha]], [[Suresh Babu]], [[Shiny Wilson]], [[K. M. Beenamol]], [[M. D. Valsamma]] and [[Anju Bobby George]].
As in the rest of India, cricket is the most popular sport in the state but it has an illustrious history in other sports/games, including football. Some notable football stars from Kerala include [[I. M. Vijayan]], [[V. P. Sathyan]], and Joe Paul Ancheri.
[[Volleyball]], another popular sport, is often played on makeshift courts on sandy beaches along the coast. [[Jimmy George]], born in [[Peravoor]], [[Kannur]], was a notable Indian volleyball player, regarded in his prime as among the world's ten best players.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jimmy George |work=Sports Portal |publisher=Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://sportal.nic.in/legenddetails.asp?sno=667&moduleid=&maincatid=59&subid=0&comid=55 }}</ref>
It is from the 1990s that cricket started growing in popularity. The 21st century saw two Kerala [[Ranji Trophy]] players gain test selection. [[Shanthakumaran Sreesanth]], born in [[Kothamangalam]], has represented India since 2005, and is the most successful cricketer from Kerala.<ref>{{cite web |title=India Wins World Twenty20 Thriller |publisher=The Hindu |date=[[2007-09-25]] |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/25/stories/2007092559400100.htm }}</ref>. Among less successful Keralite cricketers is [[Tinu Yohannan]], son of [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] [[long jump]]er [[T. C. Yohannan]].<ref>{{cite web |title=It's advantage Tinu at the Mecca of cricket |publisher=The Hindu |date=[[2002-06-13]] |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/06/13/stories/2002061300030400.htm }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=India Squad Profiles: Tinu Yohannan |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |date=2002 |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/england_v_india_2002/india_player_profiles/2049702.stm }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Warriors from Kerala |publisher=The Hindu |date=[[2002-01-20]] |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2002/01/20/stories/2002012000160300.htm }}</ref>
== Tourism ==
{{main|Tourism in Kerala}}
[[Image:Sunset at Varkala Beach Kerala India.jpg|thumb|right|Sunset at [[Varkala|Varkala Beach]], one of the state's most popular attractions.]]
Kerala, situated on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Named as one of the "ten paradises of the world" and "50 places of a lifetime" by the [[National Geographic Traveler]] magazine, Kerala is especially known for its [[ecotourism]] initiatives.<ref>{{cite web |title=Paradise Found: Kerala, India |work=Fifty places of a lifetime |publisher=National Geographic Traveler |url=http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/kerala.html |accessdate=2007-11-11 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Tourism beckons |publisher=The Hindu |date=[[2004-05-11]] |accessdate=2006-08-09 |url=http://www.hindu.com/edu/2004/05/11/stories/2004051100040100.htm }}
</ref> Its unique [[culture of Kerala|culture and traditions]], coupled with its varied [[demographics of Kerala|demographics]], has made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the state's tourism industry is a major contributor to the [[economy of Kerala|state's economy]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Tourist Statistics — 2005 (Provisional) |work=Department of Tourism |publisher=Government of Kerala |year=2005 |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.keralatourism.org/php/media/data/tourismstatistics/TOURISTSTATISTICS2005.pdf}}</ref>
[[Image:Kerala 06 dance.jpg|thumb|left|125px|A ''[[mohiniaattam]]'' performance.]]
Until the early 1980s, Kerala was a relatively unknown destination;<ref>{{cite web |author=Santhanam K |title=An ideal getaway |work=The Hindu Magazine |publisher=The Hindu |date=[[27 January]] [[2002]] |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2002/01/27/stories/2002012700400800.htm}}</ref> most tourist circuits focused on [[North India]]. Aggressive marketing campaigns launched by the [[Kerala Tourism Development Corporation]], the government agency that oversees tourism prospects of the state, laid the foundation for the growth of the tourism industry. In the decades that followed, Kerala's tourism industry was able to transform the state into one of the niche holiday destinations in India. The tagline ''[[God's Own Country|Kerala- God's Own Country]]'', originally coined by [[Vipin Gopal]], has been widely used in Kerala's tourism promotions and soon became synonymous with the state. In 2006, Kerala attracted 8.5 million tourist arrivals, an increase of 23.68% over the previous year, making the state one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tourist Statistics — 2006 |work=Department of Tourism |publisher=Government of Kerala |year=2006 |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.keralatourism.org/php/media/data/tourismstatistics/TS2006.pdf}}</ref>
[[Image:KovalamBeach.JPG|thumb|right|[[Kovalam Beach]], Trivandrum]]
Popular attractions in the state include the beaches at [[Kovalam]], [[Cherai]] and [[Varkala]]; the [[hill station]]s of [[Munnar]], [[Nelliampathi]], [[Ponmudi]] and [[Wayanad]]; and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at [[Thekkady|Periyar]] and [[Eravikulam National Park]]. The "[[backwaters]]" region, which comprises an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on [[Alleppey]], [[Kumarakom]], and [[Punnamada]] (where the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in August), also see heavy tourist traffic. Heritage sites, such as the [[Padmanabhapuram Palace]] and the [[Mattancherry Palace]], are also visited. Cities such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are popular centres for their shopping and traditional theatrical performances. During early summer, the [[Thrissur Pooram]] is conducted, attracting foreign tourists who are largely drawn by the festival's elephants and celebrants.<ref>{{cite web |title=The stars of Pooram show are jumbos |publisher=The Hindu |date=[[26 May]] [[2006]] |accessdate=2007-11-11 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/26/stories/2006052610410500.htm }}</ref>
== See also ==
{{Kerala topics|state=expanded}}
== Notes ==
<div class="references-small">
* {{cnote|α|Around the 9th century, the Cheras fell from power. Several small kingdoms (''swaroopams'') formed under the leadership of Nair chieftains, filling the resulting political vacuum.<ref name="Mundadan_1984"/>}}
</div>
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|Title = Marumakkathayam
|Journal = Department of Public Relations (Government of Kerala)
|URL = http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/prd2/keralam/kathayam.htm
|Access-date = [[January 29]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Government of Kerala
|Last1 = Government of Kerala
|Year = 2004
|Title = Economic Review 2004: An Overview
|Journal = Department of Planning and Economic Affairs (Government of Kerala)
|URL = http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_planning/er/chapter1.pdf
|Access-date = [[March 15]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Government of Kerala
|Last1 = Government of Kerala
|Year = 2004c
|Title = Economic Review 2004: Income and Population
|Journal = Department of Planning and Economic Affairs (Government of Kerala)
|URL = http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_planning/er/chapter3.pdf
|Access-date = [[March 15]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Government of Kerala
|Last1 = Government of Kerala
|Year = 2004f
|Title = Economic Review 2004: Environment
|Journal = Department of Planning and Economic Affairs (Government of Kerala)
|URL = http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_planning/er/chapter6.pdf
|Access-date = [[March 15]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Government of Kerala
|Last1 = Government of Kerala
|Year = 2004r
|Title = Economic Review 2004: Gender and Development
|Journal = Department of Planning and Economic Affairs (Government of Kerala)
|URL = http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_planning/er/chapter18.pdf
|Access-date = [[March 25]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Government of Kerala
|Last1 = Government of Kerala
|Year = 2005
|Title = History & Culture: Early History
|Journal = Government of Kerala
|URL = http://www.kerala.gov.in/
|Access-date = [[January 12]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Government of Kerala
|Last1 = Government of Kerala
|Year = 2005b
|Title = General Features
|Journal = Government of Kerala
|URL = http://www.kerala.gov.in/knowkerala/generalfeatures.htm
|Access-date = [[January 18]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Government of Kerala
|Last1 = Government of Kerala
|Year = 2005c
|Title = Kerala at a Glance
|Journal = Government of Kerala
|URL = http://www.kerala.gov.in/
|Access-date = [[January 22]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Government of Kerala
|Last1 = Government of Kerala
|Year = 2006
|Title = Towards an entitlement-based approach to poverty reduction: Development and application of entitlement index.
|Journal = Government of Kerala
|URL = http://www.kerala.gov.in/archive/111.pdf
|Access-date = [[February 22]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI—Ministry of Shipping)
|Last1 = Inland Waterways Authority of India
|Year = 2005
|Title = Introduction to Inland Water Transport
|Journal = IWAI (Ministry of Shipping)
|URL = http://iwai.nic.in/Introduction.html
|Access-date = [[January 19]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Iyengar
|Given1 = PTS
|Year = 2001
|Title = History Of The Tamils: From the Earliest Times to 600 A.D.
|Publisher = Asian Educational Services
|ID = ISBN 8-1206-0145-9
|URL = http://books.google.com/books?id=ERq-OCn2cloC
|Access-date = [[2007-11-12]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Jayarajan
|Given1 = M
|Year = 2004
|Title = Sacred Groves of North Malabar
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/92.pdf
|Access-date = [[February 23]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Joy
|Given1 = CV
|Year = 2004
|Title = Small Coffee Growers of Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/83.pdf
|Access-date = [[February 23]], [[2006]]
}}.
</div>
{{col-2}}
<div class="references-small">
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Kalathil
|Given1 = MJ
|Year = 2004
|Title = Withering Valli: Alienation, degradation, and enslavement of tribal women in Attappady
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/66.pdf
|Access-date = [[January 13]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Krishnaswami
|Given1 = P
|Year = 2004
|Title = Morbidity Study—Incidence, Prevalence, Consequences, and Associates
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/63.pdf
|Access-date = [[March 2]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Lindberg
|Given1 = A
|Year = 2004
|Title = Modernization and Effeminization in India: Kerala Cashew Workers since 1930
|Journal = 18th European Conference on Modern South Asian Studies (EASAS)
|URL = http://www.sasnet.lu.se/EASASpapers/16AnnaLindberg.pdf
|Access-date = [[January 23]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Mohindra
|Given1 = KS
|Year = 2003
|Title = A report on women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Kerala state, India: a public health perspective
|Journal = Université de Montréal Département de médecine sociale et prévention
|URL = http://www.cacis.umontreal.ca/Katia_rapport_final.pdf
|Access-date = [[March 14]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Nair
|Given1 = NG
|Year = 2004
|Title = Measurement of Employment, Unemployment, and Underemployment
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/72.pdf
|Access-date = [[January 22]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Office of the Registrar General (Government of India)
|Last1 = Office of the Registrar General
|Year = 2001
|Title = Chapter 5: Density of Population
|Journal = Census of India (2001)
|URL = http://www.censusindia.net/data/chapter5.pdf
|Access-date = [[January 12]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Office of the Registrar General (Government of India)
|Last1 = Office of the Registrar General
|Year = 2001b
|Title = Census of India 2001: Provisional Population Totals
|Journal = Census of India (2001)
|URL = http://www.censusindia.net/data/table1.pdf
|Access-date = [[January 12]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Office of the Registrar General (Government of India)
|Last1 = Office of the Registrar General
|Year = 2001c
|Title = Number of Literates & Literacy Rates
|Journal = Census of India (2001)
|URL = http://www.censusindia.net/literates1.html
|Access-date = [[January 12]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Author = Office of the Registrar General (Government of India)
|Last1 = Office of the Registrar General
|Year = 2004
|Title = Data on Religion
|Journal = Census of India 2001
|URL = http://www.censusindia.net/religiondata/
|Access-date = [[January 18]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Omcherry
|Given1 = L
|Year = 1999
|Title = Music of Kerala
|Journal = Essays on the Cultural Formation of Kerala
|URL = http://www.keralahistory.ac.in/publication_n.htm
|Access-date = [[January 12]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Plunkett
|First1 = R
|Surname2 = Cannon
|First2 = T, Davis, P, Greenway, P
|Surname3 = Harding
|First3 = P
|Year = 2001
|Title = Lonely Planet South India
|Publisher = Lonely Planet
|ID = ISBN
|URL = http://books.google.com/books?ie=UTF-8&hl=en&id=JmL9KqczbRYC
|Access-date = [[January 12]], [[2006]]
}}{{Dead link|date=April 2008}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Rajan
|Given1 = SI
|Surname2 = Zachariah
|Given2 = KC
|Year = 2005
|Title = Unemployment in Kerala at the turn of the century: Insights form CDS Gulf migration studies
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://www.cds.edu/download_files/374.pdf
|Access-date = [[January 22]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Rajeevan
|Given1 = B
|Year = 1999
|Title = Cultural Formation of Kerala
|Journal = Essays on the Cultural Formation of Kerala
|URL = http://www.keralahistory.ac.in/publication_n.htm
|Access-date = [[January 12]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Ramakrishnan
|Given1 = V
|Year = 2001
|Title = Communal tension high in Kerala
|Journal = BBC News
|URL = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1702270.stm
|Access-date = [[January 28]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Raman
|Given1 = N
|Year = 2005
|Title = How almost everyone in Kerala learned to read
|Journal = Christian Science Monitor
|URL = http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0517/p12s01-legn.html
|Access-date = [[January 12]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Roy
|Given1 = MKP
|Year = 2004
|Title = Water quality and health status in Kollam Municipality
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/56.pdf
|Access-date = [[March 2]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Sreedharan
|Given1 = TP
|Year = 2004
|Title = Biological Diversity of Kerala: A survey of Kalliasseri panchayat, Kannur district
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/62.pdf
|Access-date = [[January 13]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Tharakan
|Given1 = PKM
|Surname2 = Navaneetham
|Given2 = K
|Year = 1999
|Title = Population Projection and Policy Implications for Education: A Discussion with Reference to Kerala
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies (Thiruvananthapuram)
|URL = http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN010702.pdf
|Access-date = [[March 5]], [[2006]]
}}.* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Sunny
|Given1 = C
|Year = 2004
|Title = Domestic Violence Against Women in Ernakulam District
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/55.pdf
|Access-date = [[March 3]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Tharakan
|Given1 = PKM
|Surname2 = Navaneetham
|Given2 = K
|Year = 1999
|Title = Population Projection and Policy Implications for Education: A Discussion with Reference to Kerala
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN010702.pdf
|Access-date = [[March 5]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Tharamangalam
|Given1 = J
|Year = 2005
|Title = The Perils of Social Development without Economic Growth: The Development Debacle of Kerala, India
|Journal = Political Economy for Environmental Planners
|URL = http://www.infra.kth.se/courses/1H1142/Kerala_Paper_4.pdf
|Access-date = [[January 23]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Unnikrishnan
|Given1 = E
|Year = 2004
|Title = ''Materia Medica'' of the Local Health Traditions of Payyannur
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/80.pdf
|Access-date = [[January 22]], [[2006]]
}}.
* {{harvard reference
|Last1 = Venkitakrishnan
|Given1 = U
|Surname2 = Kurien
|Given2 = SG
|Year = 2003
|Title = Rape Victims in Kerala
|Journal = Centre for Development Studies
|URL = http://krpcds.org/publication/downloads/52.pdf
|Access-date = [[March 4]], [[2006]]
}}.
</div>
{{col-end}}
== External links ==
{{sisterlinks|Kerala}}
<div class="references-small">
; Government
* [http://www.kerala.gov.in/main1.htm Official entry portal] of the Government of Kerala
* [http://www.keralacm.gov.in/ Chief Minister of Kerala]
* [http://www.keralatourism.org/ Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala]
* [http://www.censuskerala.org/ Directorate of Census Operations] of Kerala
; Other
* {{wikitravel|Kerala}}
* {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/India/Kerala|Kerala}}*
* [http://www.indiavideo.org/ Online video encyclopedia on Kerala sponsored by UNESCO]
</div>
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