Kerala

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In the previous articles under the States of India, we have seen some facts about Andhra Pradesh And Tripura. In this article let’s learn some facts about the World’s first baby-friendly state, the Indian State with highest HDI, the Indian State which receives the highest amount of foreign remittances and most importantly — the most literate state of India. You guessed it right, its none other than
God’s Own Country - Kerala.


Kerala was formed on 1 November 1956 on the basis of one language one state formula, on the Malabar coast. It is 13th largest in terms of population and 22nd in terms of area. Bordered by Tamilnadu to the East, Karnataka to the North, and a 580 kilometers stretch of coastline along the Arabian Sea(Laccadive sea) to the West. Mahe,  an enclave of Puducherry is situated inside Kerala.

State symbols of Kerala - Indian Elephant (State animal), Great Hornbill (State bird), Pearl Spot (State fish), Golden Shower Tree flower (State flower), Jackfruit (State fruit), Coconut tree (State tree).


History

Mythological stories say that once the warrior saint Parasurama threw his axe into the sea standing on the western ghats, then the sea receded to the point where the axe fell. Vasuki was called to make the marshy land fertile by his holy poison. And the fertile land thus formed is ‘Kerala’.

The etymology of the name Kerala can be traced back to meaning “the land of coconuts”. Some sources point out at its origin from the Chera kings. Ashokan edicts use the name ‘Keralaputra’ referring to the king of Kerala. Area ruled by Chera kings was called as Cheralam in classical Tamil literature (Sangam literature).




Some sources of the ancient history of Kerala

Pliny in First Century CE referred Kerala as Calobotras, Periplus of Erythraean Sea of First Century CE referred Kerala as Keproboras, Greek ambassador to Mauryan court Megathanesse’s book Indica of Fourth Century BCE also mentions about Kerala, Ptolemy also wrote about Kerala in the Second Century CE. Mahavamsa also mentions about some kings of Kerala region and some Sangam literature works also gives us a lot of information about Kerala region. Marco polo in Thirteenth-Century mentions the robust trade relations between Kerala and China mainly in the trade of pepper. Malabar Manual by William Logan gives us a detailed description of the social and political conditions of mid-Nineteenth Century Malabar region.

Rulers

Cheras ruled from Third Century BCE to Twelth Century CE. They were the contemporaries of the Ay Kingdom in the south and Ezhimal(Mushika) kingdom in the north. Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras form three major kingdoms of Tamilakam(Tamizhogam). Historical sources show their existence till the Fifth Century and then there is a period of historical darkness during the 6th to 8th centuries. In Eighth, Century Cheras re-emerge as Kulashekaras. Pandyas were in direct confrontation with Cheras after they defeated Ays. Some Chola rulers also claim victories over Cheras. In 10th and 11th Centuries, 100 years war was fought between Cholas and Cheras.

‘Kuttam’ was the administrative body of cities under Cheras and ‘Mavram’ was a dispute settlement mechanism in villages. In 9th and 10th centuries capital of Cheras was Mahodayapuram, which was a major education center in South India, the city was also known for its astronomical observatory. The caste and untouchability were unknown in the times of Cheras and women had complete freedom of profession and way of life.

Senguttuvan, the most celebrated king of Cheras is famous for the legend surrounding Kannagi, the heroine of Silpadhikaram. Silpadhikaram(the tale of an anklet) was written by a Chera prince Illango Adigal, he was the brother of Senguttuvan and a Jain Monk. Kulashekara Alwar - One of the last kings of original Chera dynasty in Ninth-Century was also one of the 12 Alvars and authored ‘Mukundamala’.

Ptolemy in Second Century wrote about Ay kingdom( Third Century BCE to Twelfth Century CE) extending from River Baris(Pamba) to Kanyakumari. The elephant was their Emblem. Ay is derived from the Tamil word Ayar meaning shepherd. By 10th century CE Ays were overpowered by Venads in the South and South West Kerala. 

Another major ancient kingdom of Kerala region along with Ays and Cheras was the Mushika Kingdom. Their regions included Northern Kerala, Tulunadu, and Coorg. They were among the 5 primary dynasties that ruled the Tamilakam during the Sangam period, other being Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, and Ays. Mahabharata also mentions the presence of Mushika kingdom in the South. Many later day dynasties trace their origins to Mushika Dynasty. 

Three powerful kingdoms that succeeded Cheras were Kozhikode(Calicut), Kolathunadu(Cannore/Mushika) and Venadu. By Eleventh Century Cheras merged with the house of Venad and there starts the 3rd part of Chera history with the Venad empire also known as the Kingdom of Quilon which lasted till 1729. Last Chera ruler was also the first Venad Emperor. Venads trace their origins to the Ay kingdom and the later Cheras. They had control over Kollam Dt., Thiruvananthapuram, and Kanyakumari. They started a new calendar called Kollam Calendar starting from 825 CE. Since Fourteenth Century they followed the succession from the female line of the lineage. This practice was followed in Kerala society till the independence which led to the equal status and freedom to women. Veera Ravi Varma(1484-1503) was the Venad king when Portuguese arrived at the Kingdom of Cochin. In h century the newly crowned prince Marthanda Varma expanded the empire to almost half of the present day Kerala. In 1729 he established new empire called Thiruvithamkur(Travancore) and rebuilt the Padmanabha Swamy temple. In 1741 he defeated the Dutch in the Battle of Colachel but maintained good relations with EIC due to some strategic reason.

Kingdom of Cochin (Sixth Century - 1949) declared their independence during the weakening of Cheras. Initially, it was called Perumpadappu Swarupa. In December 1500 King Unni Gowda Varma Tirumalpadu welcomed Pedro Alvares Cabrel of Portugal and negotiated a treaty of alliance directed against Zamorin of Calicut. Timber fort, first Portuguese fort in India was constructed here in 1503. Cochin was the 1st princely state to join India after the Lapse of Paramountcy.

Another medieval ruling house in Kerala region was Zamorin of Kozhikode(Calicut) reining from 1124-1806 CE. Other names are Samoothiri, Samorin(Portuguese), Samojorin(Dutch), Shaitihsi(Chinese). They are also known by the name ‘Eradis of Nediyirippu’. The name Kozhikode is the portmanteau of Koyil(royal palace) and Kota(fort). A cotton variety Calico is said to be named after Calicut. Vasco Da Gama reached Kozhikode on 20 May 1498. They came into existence after the decline of Cheras in the Twelfth Century. Initially, they were not called as Zamorins, we can see it from the writings of Moroccan traveler Ibn Batuta in the Fourteenth Century referring to the place as ‘Punthureshan Kunnalakkonathiri’. The word Samoothiri was first used by Abdur Razzak in the Fifteenth Century. Marcopolo visited Kozhikode in 1293-94 CE. Vijayanagara king Devaraya II subordinated whole of present-day Kerala region. Fernao Nuniz says that Zamorin and other rulers extending up to Burma paid the tributes to Vijayanagara King. Entry of Portuguese increased the tensions between Cochin and Calicut. In 1661  Kozhikode entered into an alliance with Dutch to defeat Portuguese. 

The state had its share of social and anti-British movements in the 19th & 20th centuries. Vaikom Satyagraha and Mappila Rebellion are well known among them. Mappilla rebellion also known as Malabar rebellion in 1921 began as a reaction to the heavy-handed suppression of the Khilafat movement. But it soon turned into an anti-Hindu movement. Many Mapilla rebellions happened during 1836 to 1921. This started as the struggle of Muslim peasants against Hindu landlords but later turned into anti-Hindu rebellion in which many Hindus were butchered. This was heavily suppressed by the British and Congress also opposed it.

Unlike hate filled Malabar movement Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25) was a peaceful one based on the Gandhian principles aimed at social equality and untouchability. Gandhiji played a major role in this movement. It was started as a demand for the access to the road around the Vaikom temple which were accessible only to the caste Hindus. The trigger to the satyagraha was not allowing famous seer Narayana guru to pass through the roads of Vaikom temple. The satyagraha was successful in gaining the access to the roads. But the ultimate aim of the movement was achieved only when the promise made by the then minor Maharaja of Travancore to Mahatma Gandhi about opening the temple to all, was fulfilled by the enactment of Temple Entry Proclamation,1936.

Geography of Kerala

The state has a 580 kilometers stretch of coastline along the Arabian Sea. The width of the state extends from 35 - 120 kilometers at various places. The state can be divided into three distinct climatic regions - Eastern Highland, Central Mainlands and Western Lowlands. The state experiences as tropical humid climate.  Eastern Kerala is encroached by the Western Ghats covered with thick forests and tea/coffee plantations. 41 of the 44 rivers of Kerala originate in these hills and flow westwards into the Arabian sea. Palakkad gap in these hills creates an access to Inner India. Backwaters of Kerala contribute to the 20% of India’s internal waterways. Due to hills and heavy rain the region is prone to frequent landslide called ‘Urul Pottal’. Anamudi-The highest peak in India outside the Himalayas is in Kerala.

44 rivers transect through the state of Kerala some of the important rivers among them are: Pamba River, Periyar River, Chalakudypuzha River, Bharatapuzha River, Chaliyar River, Kadalundipuzha River, Achancoil River. Most other rivers or streams are rained during monsoons.

 Kodencheri and Kozhikode districts of Kerala attracts Kaykayers from over the world. Malabar River festival offers one of the biggest cash prizes for paddling event worldwide.

Vembanad Lake is Kerala’s largest and India’s longest lake. Vypin, Mulavukad, Wellingdon Island and Vallarpadam are some islands in the lake. Kochi port is built around Willingdon Island. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted here every year during Onam. The lake is separated from the Laccadive sea by a narrow barrier island. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of this lake. The lake has been included in the list of Wetlands of International Importance as defined by the Ramsar convention.
Another lake in Kerala with Ramsar wetlands tag is Sasthamakotta Lake.

National Parks in Kerala :


  • Eravikulam National Park
  • Periyar National Park
  • Silent Valley National Park ( in kundalini hills is the home for endangered Lion tail macaque, the Indian sloth bear, and gaur)
  • Anamudi Shola National Park
  • Mathikettan Shola National Park
  • Pambadun National Park

Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala :


  • Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
  • Mangalavaram Bird Sanctuary

Biosphere Reserves in Kerala :


  • Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
  • Agasthyamuni Biosphere Reserve

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala : 


  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve
  • Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve
  • Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Peechi-Vazahani Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary

Polity, Economy & People of Kerala

Kerala has 14 districts. The State has a unicameral legislative assembly which is known as Niyama Sabha. The State has 140 Legislative assembly constituencies, 20 Lok Sabha constituencies, and 9 Rajya Sabha seats. Kerala has a unique record in its democratic political history by becoming the first state in the world to have a democratically elected Communist government. 

The economy of Kerala is highly dependent on the foreign remittances, mainly by the migrants to the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. The State receives the highest remittance share in India. Other than remittances nearly 50% of the population is dependent on the agriculture. Rice is the key agricultural output. Kerala produces 600 varieties of rice. Other major crops include: Coconut, Tea, Coffee(23%of total Indian output), Rubber, Cashew, Spices like pepper, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc., First coir factory in India was set up in Alleppey in 1859. Kerala supplies 60% of the World’s White coir fiber. Similarly, 97% of Pepper, 85% of Rubber and 80% of export quality cashew of India are produced in Kerala. Kerala also leads in the fish production.

Kerala has 3 International airports at Trivandrum, Cochin, and Calicut. The State contributes to the 20% of total waterways in India. National Waterway 3 runs between Kottapuram and Kollam. 

Kerala has the highest Human Development Index ranking in India with a score of .712. With high spending on the Primary Education and health by the successive governments since 19th century led to the Kerala model of development with high material conditions of living and social development but low per capita income and economic development.

UNICEF and WHO have designated Kerala as the world’s first ‘Baby-friendly state’ because of its effective promotion of breastfeeding. Kerala is the first state in India to provide free cancer treatment to all since 2015 under Sukrutham programme. 

Kerala has a unique culture and that has been accumulated since the millenniums of exchange with the outside world through trade. India’s oldest mosque is located in Kerala. Kerala is the first region to have a Christian, a Muslim and a jew in India. All the communities peacefully coexist in the state, although recently we can see a spur in recruits to the Islamic extremist groups from the state. Paradesi Synagogue in Kerala is the oldest in the Commonwealth.

Nokkukooli is a kind of extortion mafia organized by labour unions in Kerala usually supported by political parties. Nokkukooli literally means ‘wages for watching’. Whenever a truck is spotted with a load to be unloaded the labor unions land at the site, citing their “right to work” and demanding a high fee. Finally, the employer had to make a settlement with the union leaders and pay them a fee for watching the work done by the in-house employees or a machine.

Language And Literature

Malayalam is the official language of Kerala. It is also the official language of Lakshadweep and Puducherry. Malayalam comes from the Tamil words Malaya - Hills, and Alam - Place/region. Malayalam has been designated as a Classical Language in 2013 CE. The language evolved to its current form due to the efforts of Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, a Seventeenth Century poet, and author. He translated Ramayanam(Adhyatma Ramayanam) and Mahabhartam into Malayalam. Some scholars claim that  that he translated them from the Telugu version(he was proficient in Telugu and Tamil also). He established the language with its independent status and took it to masses. He introduced 51 character alphabet system in Malayalam on the lines of Sanskrit. Earlier it had 30 character alphabet. He established ‘Ramanand Ashram’. 

First travelogue in an Indian language - Varthamanapusthakam is in Malayalam by Paremmakal Thoma Kathanar in 1785. The first text in Malayalam appeared in Twelfth-century but the name Malayalam was only used in the Sixteenth century. Some scholars argue that present Tamil and Malayalam evolved from the middle Tamil in Eighth and Ninth centuries. Unnunili Sandesan is one of the oldest text written in the Fourteenth century. Ramacharitam by Cheeraman in the twelfth century is the oldest poetry available. And Bhaskarakautilyam, commentary on Chalukya’s Arthshastra is the oldest prose available from the 12th century. Narayaneeyam, a devotional composition sung at Guruvayoor temple was written by mathematical linguist Melpathu Narayana. Kerala School of Astronomy was founded by Madhava of Snagamagra.

Niranam Poets/ Kamassan Poets are the three poets from the same family in the fourteenth and fifteenth century. Madhava, Shankara and Rama Pannikar are the three poets. Their works consisted of the adaptations of Sanskrit works into Malayalam. They diverted from Manipravalam and used Sanskrit grammatical forms for the first time.

Manipravalam was the literary style used in medieval texts of Tamil region. It is a mixture of proto Tamil-Malayalam and Sanskrit languages written in Grantha Script.

Grantha script was used for Tamil and Malayalam languages form sixth to twentieth centuries. Scripts of Malayalam, Tigalari and Sinhala are direct descendants of Grantha script. Tamil script has deviated from Grantha due to Pure Tamil (Thani Tamilyakkam) movement in the twentieth century.

Guruvayoor temple, Thirussur Vadakunathan temple, Sabarimala temple, Padnabhaswamy temple, Aranamula Parthasarathy temple, etc., are the important temples of Kerala. Chorunu(first feeding of the child) and Vidyarambham are unique festivals of Kerala. Christianity first came to India in 52CE through St.Thomas Apostle to Kerala. Malik Deevar was the first Muslim to come to India to propagate Islam. Cheranean Juma Mosque constructed in 629 CE is the oldest mosque in India.

Performing Arts


  • Koodiyattam is the earliest surviving theatre form in Kerala. It is in the list of Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is a drama in Sanskrit with the elements of Koothu. In Koothu artist plays songs with dance and music on the subjects from epics.

  • Kathakali is the state dance of Kerala and also one of the Classical Dances in India
  • Thullal, Thirayattam, padayani, Mohiniattam, Pulikali, and Theyyam are some of the Keralite performing arts. 
  • Thirayattam, a vibrant ritualistic annual performing art form enacted in courtyards of "Kaavukal"(sacred groves) and village shrine
  • Kummattikali is the famous colorful mask-dance of South Malabar, performed during the festival of Onam
  • Kannyar Kali dance (also known as Desathukali), fast moving, militant dance attuned to rhythmic devotional folk songs and asuravadyas
  • Oppana, which is widely popular among Keralite Muslims and is native to Malabar. 
  • Margam Kali, a dance by St.Thomas Christians 
  • Sopanam - Traditional music system of Kerala besides Carnatic music, provides background music for Kathakali.
  • Vallamakali, is the annual boat race festival during Onam-Two famous boat race competitions of Kerala are Aranamula Uttarathadi Boat race and Nehru trophy boat race.
  • Makaravillaku festival is celebrated in Sabarimalai.


Geographical Indications of Kerala:

Agriculture

  • Alleppey Green Cardamom
  • Central Travancore Jaggery
  • Chengalikodan Nendran Banana
  • Malabar Pepper
  • Tellechery Pepper
  • Vazhakkulam Pineapple
  • Navara Rice
  • Waynad Gadhankasal Rice
  • Waynad Jeerakasla Rice
  • Palakkadan Matta Rice
  • Pokkali Rice
  • Kaipad rice
  • Nilambur Teak (forest produce)

Clothing

  • Kuthampully Dhoties, & Set Mundu
  • Kuthampully Sarees and Fine Cotton Fabrics

Handicrafts

  • Aranmula Kannadi (metal alloy mirror)
  • Balaramapuram Sarees and Fine Cotton Fabrics
  • Brass Bordered Coconut Shell Crafts of Kerala
  • Cannanore Home Furnishings
  • Chendamangalam Dhoties & Set Mundu
  • Kasaragod Sarees
  •  Maddalam of Palakkad
  • Payyannur Pavithra Ring
  • Screw Pine Crafts of Kerala

Next Article ; Madhya Pradesh (Coming Soon).