Kerala PSC - Indian States (Kerala)

Kerala, historically known as Keralam, is an Indian state in South India on the Malabar coast. It was formed on 1 November 1956 following the States Reorganisation Act by combining Malayalam-speaking regions.
  • Year of formation : 1956, November 1 
  •  Capital : Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) 
  •  Largest City : Kochi 
  • Region : South India 
  • Districts : 14 
  •  Area : 38,863 km2 (15,005 sq mi) 
  •  Area rank in India : 22nd

Government

  • Governor : P. Sathasivam 
  •  Chief Minister : Pinarayi Vijayan 
  • Legislature : Unicameral (141 seats) 
  •  High Court : Kerala High Court, Ernakulam 
  • Official language(s) : Malayalam

State Symbols

  • Fruit : Jackfruit 
  • Flower : Cassia Fistula 
  • Bird : Great Hornbill 
  • Animal : Indian Elephant 
  • Fish : Karimeen 
  • Tree : Coconut tree

Historical Facts about Kerala

  • It is the home to Mysore dynasty ruled by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan who fought four decisive battles (Anglo – British Wars) with British 
  • Travancore State ( Old name of Kerala) was formed on 1 July 1949 which was later renamed as Kerala. 
  • Under the States Reorganization Act of 1956, Travancore, Cochin and Malabar states were united to form the state of Kerala on 1 Nov 1956. 
  • The Laccadive Minicoy and Amindivi islands off the coast of Malabar were removed from kerala and declared Union Territory with new name Lakshdweep Islands. 
  • In 1991, this state became the first fully literate state of India.

Important facts/points about Kerala

  • Third most densely populated state in India.
  • Spice Garden of India.
  • First eco-friendly State in India
  • First polio free state
  • God's own country
  • First baby friendly state in India. Ernakulam is the first baby friendly district.
  • Kottayam is the first municipal town in India to attain full literacy (1989). Ernakulam is the first district in India to attain fully literacy (1990).
  • The important minerals of the state are ilminite, monozite, zircon, clay and quarts.
  • Kochi known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea is the major port of Kerala.
  • Allapuzha is known as the Kashmir of Kerala.
  • Vellanad is the first fully computerised Panchayat in India.
  • The first fully computer literate Panchayat in India is Tripangot in Malappuram district.
  • Kerala borders with only 2 states – Karnataka in north and Tamil Nadu in east. 
  • Anamudi or Anai Mudi is the highest peak of Kerala with an altitude of 2,695 m. It is also the highest peak of Western Ghats. 
  • Kerala has 44 rivers out of which 41 flows westwards while remaining 3 flows to east. Periyar, Pamba, Pamba, Chaliyar, Kalada, Muvatupuzha etc flows westwards while Pambar, Bhawani and Kabani flow to east. 
  • The first two literate Municipal Town Kottayam, and district Ernakulam in India are in Kerala. 
  • Palakkad is the largest district of Kerala by area. Wayanad is the largest by population. 
  • Ernakulam also became India’s first Bachat (Savings) district. Facts about Kerala

Economic Facts about Kerala

  • Kerala was promoted and called by tourism department as “God’s own Country“ 
  • Mineral Resources of Kerala – Limonite, Rutile, Kaolin, Limestone Main Industries – Koir and Cashew based. 
  • Other industries include handloom and bamboo based industries. Agriculture Products – It accounts for 91 % of India’s rubber, 35 % of coconut, 60 % of tapioca, 32 % of paddy, tea, coffee, plantain, areca nut and almost 100 % of lemon grass oil. 
  • Kerala is the largest producer of other crops like banana, ginger, tea and coffee.