INTRODUCTION :-

Kerala - God's own country - is a small state tucked away in the southwest corner of India. Kerala is bounded on the east by the Western Ghats and the west by the Arabian Sea. It represents only 1.18 per cent of the total area of India but 3.1 percent of the population of the country.

Weather in Kerala:-

Kerala is gifted with good amount of rain. The North-West Monsoon (Kala Varsham) strates in June and continue to September. The average rainfall during this season will be 350 cm to 375 cm. During October to December the South-East Monsoon (Thula Varsham) showers approximately 40 cm to 104 cm.

The Temperature status of Kerala will be approximately as like this: - during April and May the maximum Temperature will be 37oC and during December to mid of February the minimum Temperature of 22oC will be observed.

Due to heavy rainfall received in Kerala, plenty of rivers and other types of water reserves are formed. One of the striking water reserve seen in Kerala is Backwaters or locally called Kayals. There are 34 Kayals in Kerala and the largest is the Vembanattukayal with approximately 205 km2.

The modern Kerala was created in 1956 when all the states were re-organized along linguistic lines. Kerala is different from the rest of the India in many ways. History was created in 1957 when Kerala became the first state in the world to democratically elect a Marxist government. The state has a strong presence of left ideology. It has the highest literacy rate in the country, lowest infant mortality rate and the highest female to male population ratio. These facts speak volume of the state, which is often compared to the society of the developed western countries.

Kerala is made up of fourteen districts. Each of them has a distinct character. Thiruvananthapuram (also known as Trivandrum) is the capital of Kerala, famous for it's Kovalam beach (rated one of the top ten beaches of the world). Geographically Kerala is a blessed strip of land. The Monsoon wind annually brings lengthy rainy season which is a gift to the Keralites. Agriculture contributes most to the state's income in the primary sector. Kerala's major sources of exports are agro-based and traditional like coir and cashew as well as marine products and manpower. In spices, Pepper is the single most important product and Kerala is the largest producer and exporter of black Pepper. Cardamom and Ginger are also give good yield and exported extensively to various nations.

SOCIETY

The culture of Malayalees (native speakers of Malayalam ) has a flavor of its own. Though Malayalees are a part of an Indian and the Dravidian culture it has distinctiveness of their language, dress, culture and institutions.

RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE

The Muslims of Kerala are the descendents of the Arab traders who came to Kerala and married locally and finally settled down here. The Arabs, who landed here after the Jewish men, brought the first wave of Muslims settlers. They were the first peoples to build the first Mosque in this sub-continent at Kodungallur. They concentrated in the Malabar area and up to the 18^th century they were mostly agricultural labourers, petty traders and soldiers in the Zamorin's army. The agriculturists in Malabar were oppressed under a system of land tenure in which the landlord had a strangle hold on them. They were accused of throwing their lot with Hyder Ali and Tippu during their invasions. There were forced conversions and selective liquidations also. After the British restored peace, the Hindus who suffered started taking it out on the Muslims. Since the land mostly belonged to the Hindus, there were peasant uprisings, which gradually got a communal tinge, which was later termed as Mopilah rebellion of 1921. Subsequently, It gained momentum and developed into a peasant revolt- the peasants were Muslims and the land lords were Hindus, among whom the Namboodiris were predominant. The British ruthlessly put down the revolt.

After the British take over in the late 18^th century, English language assumed importance. This brought about a tremendous impact upon the life and culture of the Keralites. In this respect, Kerala owes a great deal to the Christian Missionaries. They not only educated the people but also introduced health-care programmes. They were careful not to disturb the majority community and easily blended into the Kerala culture. Latin was replaced by Malayalm for Church services, and the traditional Kerala 'Nilavilakku'(Nilavilakku is a lantern made of brass and litigated on cotton threads with vegetable oil as fuel.) was brought in replacing candles and they wholeheartedly participated in the Hindu festivities. Thus they enriched Kerala's ethnic culture.

Intermingling with the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British has had its fall out in the creation of a 'Eurasian' community. Most of them are Latin Christians and their culture is distinctly different from the traditional Kerala culture. There were infiltrations from Tamilnadu and Karnataka too and so also Gujaratis and Marwaris, Konkanis, the Gowda Saraswat Brahmins, Shenoys, Parsis, Kudumbis etc. No wonder Swamy Vivekananda called Kerala a 'lunatic asylum of castes'. Historians, point out that even during the Sangam period, there were no strict divisions based on castes. Caste consciousness and untouchability came much later and it is also difficult to pin point the antiquity of any of the original races now in Kerala. The transformation into a cosmopolitan and egalitarian society was comparatively quick. The inherent tolerance and resilience of all original classes ensured a peaceful reformation. The gradual fusion of various groups has brought about a superficial uniformity.

ARTS, CULTURE AND FESTIVALS

Kalaripayattu is the traditional 11^th century martial art form of Kerala. The available historical evidences date it back to the 12^th Century and historians believe that it is the oldest form of martial art in the world. Probably, it is the source of the world famous Karate of Japan. It is a form of martial arts practised by Hindus.

Kalaripayattu training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of mind and body. The traditional training in a Kalari includes specialisation in indigenous medical practices too. Kalaris are also centres of religious worship. The instruction and practical training in this art is imparted inside the Kalari, a specially constructed hall with ample space of fighting floor with idols of all the presiding deities of the art and photographs of the entire lineage of Gurus. The idols and Gurus are worshipped before the beginning of the practice with all rituals and singing of hymns as in a temple. The master reverently addressed as 'Gurukkal' is deemed the representative of the God of war and the present link with the long line of Gurus gone deified into the back of beyond. The pupils of Kalaripayattu are trained in self-discipline and physical culture. Before the pupils are initiated into the techniques of warfare, their bodies are toned pliable, agile and versatile by regular massage by feet and hands with medicated oil. This will help him to keep in shape and to easily overcome enemy attacks.

A number of weapons including Kuruvadi (short sticks), spear, dagger, sword, shield, etc. are used for the Kalari Fighting. The last and sophisticated piece in the weaponry is 'Urumi' a thin springy three-meter long double edged sword worn around the waist locked like a belt drawn unwound in a flick of a moment when required. It is highly lethal for an adept wielder can aim it to swirl around the neck of the opponent and, at the slightest jerk, the head will roll on the floor of the arena.

Flying feats, daring onslaughts and dodging with dexterity are the ways in combat. Defensive and offensive strikes with lightning speed are its peculiarity. There are customarily eighteen 'adavu' (tricks) in this warfare. Seventeen, fighting with all the weapons one by one, the eighteenth being 'Poozhikkadakan', a feat producing a cover of whirlwind of dust around the combatant by stamping the earth and swift circular movement to camouflage him from the opponent and to take him by surprise with sudden retaliatory deathblow.

Theyyam (View a special page by clicking the link) Theyyam is one of the most outstanding ancient ritual dance forms of Kerala performed in temples by appointed people in fulfillment of vows of devotees. There are over 350 Theyyams in northern Kerala. The pace of the dance is set to the beating of Chenda (drum). The artiste invested by the God/Goddess in his person falls in a trance, dances deliriously to the mounting tempo as an oracle. [Please Click the link to see more descriptions and fascinating Photos].

Bharathanatyam Centuries old dance form performed throughout India, enriched by Kerala's own legendary dance performers. This dance form was first conceived and authored by the great sage Bharatha.So is called Bharathanatya. 'Natya' means dance.

Thiruvathira Kali (Kai Kotti Kali) This is a group dance by young ladies of Nair community on the night of Thiruvathira (the sixth lunar asterism) of the month of Dhanu in the Malayalam calendar, corresponding to December in Christian era, till dawn, singing in praise of Lord Shiva. For married women it is an imperative ritual propitiating the God for granting lingering matrimony and for virgin maids, it is for the boon of getting a pleasing matrimonial alliance. Attired in traditional white handloom Mundu and Neryath and adorning fabulous gold jewellery, women dance round the Nilavilakku (pedestal wick lamp) placed in the courtyard, singing and clapping hands. It has songs written specifically for the purpose in special metric scale, narrating stories from the legends.

Markkam Kali It is a counterpart of Thiruvathira Kali played by women belonging to the Christian community. Here also the dancers attired in traditional white mundu frilled at the back to cover the buttocks, chatta (Jacket), rich jewellery including Mekkamothiram (an ornamental ring worn by the Christian ladies on the upper lobe of the ear, now considered old fashioned). The dancers sing in praise of Jesus Christ to the varying rhythms of drum beating. It is comparatively brisk in action.

Oppana Oppana is makeup. This is dance by Muslims girls while doing bridal makeup. It is an all girls' performance in the bridal chamber. Friends and other girls of the bride's age sing to the rhythm of clapping hands in fast tempo and dance teasing the bride on the eve of marriage preparing her for the ceremony doing her face make up, manicuring and applying henna on the palms and feet.

ONAM

Like every other culture, the Kerala culture also celebrates many important festivals. But all Keralites celebrate one festival as their national festival irrespective of caste and creed is the Onam. Thiru Onam is celebrated in the month of August - September (the Chingam month of Kollam Era Malayala Massam), when the monsoon rains come to an end and the summer heat gives way to the pleasant warmth of the Kerala autumn. This is also the time of post harvest season in Kerala, hence synonymously called as the post-harvest festival. Oman is celebrated with floral decorations, folk dances, gift giving and in new clothes.

According to legend, Onam is the annual return of the benign King Mahabali form his exile in the underworld. This king once ruled over the Keralites during the Golden Age before caste existed. In the tongue of each and every Malayalee the rhyme "Maveli nadu vanidum kalam Manusharellarum onnu pole..." (during the regime of Mahabali, all men were equal, when no one was poor, when there was neither theft nor dread of thieves) in praise of Mahabali is still exists eternally. Here is a short description of the story.

Mahabali was a wicked demon (asura) king who was yet "good" enough to become a yogi by virtue of his austerities (tapas). He controlled earth and heaven; the gods, of course, felt threatened by Bali. So they sent Vishnu to get rid of this menace. Vishnu assumed the form of a holy beggar, the comical dwarf Vamana, and asked for a gift of just three foot-measures of land.

Bali told him that he could ask for infinitely more riches and lands; but, the Boy insisted on that tiny gift only. The preceptor of Bali warned him about the identity and bonafides of the strange mendicant; he mentioned that he might be God Himself. This made Bali happier, for, if it was true, he was so mighty that even God came to his door as a mendicant. Such was the measure of his conceit.

But, when Vamana drew Himself up to cosmic proportions and measured the entire earth with one foot and the vast expanse of space with another foot, Bali was humbled; he offered his own head as the third foot-measure, and let himself be trodden into the nether-world (Pathalam). This day marks the day when the incarnation of Vamana happened, in order to teach this lesson that pride meets with doom. Once the ego was thus suppressed, Bali became cleansed and God blessed him with various boons. He assured him that He would ever be his guardian. He permitted him every year, on Onam Day, to come up into the world and see for himself his empire and receive therefrom the homage of his people. So, this is the Festival of Vamana's advent as well as Bali's Transformation.

The people of Kerala believe that every year on Onam day, Bali appears in spirit and otherwise in their midst. It is not easy for people to understand the inner significance and sacredness of this celebration. It can only be understood by those who have full faith in the power of the Omnipotent Lord."

The celebration of the return of Mahabali continues for four days. The house and yard are cleaned; a temporary mud stall is put up and washed with cow-dung solution for the royal visitor; flowers are strewn over it for the king to sit upon; pyramid-shaped images of the king called Trikkakarappan, made of wood or clay, are placed upon it as the onlookers applaud and cheer in sheer welcome. Pujas (worship service) are performed during the four days of Onam every morning; parents give children presents, especially dresses on the occasion. Large-scale feasts are held at this family reunion -- increasingly Onam is becoming a holiday to make family reunion and feasting. Three foods used to be essential for the festival: split bananas, pappadam (wafer) and payasam (rice pudding). [Please have a look at a full-course typical "meals in banana leaf" by clicking the link.] After the sumptuous midday dinner, all the family members dressed in fine clothes amuse themselves: adults and boys play hand-ball, chess, dice, and/or cards and wrestling; women and girls sing and dance. In the backwaters of Kerala, young men race the long snake-boats (chundan vallom).

Vallomkali (View a special page by clicking the link), is a part of the Onam celebrations which is know being conducting as the great water sport event of boat race. The most famous of these boat races is held in a backwater off the canal town of Alleppey on the second Saturday of August. This boat race is named for the memory of India's first Prime Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru because he offered a trophy for such a competition.

The tourists who visit Kerala can view the spectacular festivals of Kerala, during January 17 to 20 when Kerala Government conducts Tourism Week year after year. Happily, visitors can see the highlights of many of the festivals of Kerala during these four days which includes the Great Elephant March (an assembly of 101 elephant), VallomKali, a replication of the Thrissur Pooram Festival and even a ceremonial feeding of the elephants by visitors, elephant rides etc.

VISHU

Vishu falls on the first of Medam (March-April), which is the astronomical New Year's Day. One's good fortune during the year would depend on his seeing some good thing on Vishu morning. The heart of the festival is the preparation of the kani (the lucky sight or gift). The older custom of preparing the kani is described below. The women of the family take an Uruli (dish made of braze), arrange in it a grantha (palm-leaf manuscript), a gold ornament, a new cloth, some flowers from the konna tree, some coins in a silver cup, a split coconut, a cucumber, some mangoes, and a jack-fruit. On either side of the dish are two burning lamps with a chair facing it.

After these are set in the living room of the house, family members are taken one by one with their eyes blindfolded or closed shut. When they are in the living room, the blindfolds are removed so that they may view the vishu kani. The kani is then taken from the home to the homes of the poor for their benefit. The eldest man (Karanavan) of the family gives gifts of money to children, servants, and tenants. During the rule of the rajas, state officials used to pay respects to the reigning king to wish him a Happy New Year, to offer gifts, and receive presents from him. The day is marked by a grand feast at home for all the members of the family and dependents.

Thiruvathira

This is another national festival. It falls on the Thiruvathira day in Dhanu (December-January). This concerns the Nair women and is said to commemorate the death of Kama Deva, the Cupid of Indian mythology, who was destroyed by burning flames from the third eye of God Shiva, when Kama Deva tried to distract Shiva from his austerities by turning his affection to Uma Parvati. In the morning of Thiruvatira day, the young women bathe in the ponds and sing Thiruvathirapattu. These songs are accompanied by regular splashing of water, symbolical of breast-beating at the death of Kama Deva. After the bath, the women dress themselves in their best, worship in the temple, and make wishes for love and marriage. They return home to enjoy the uzhinjal or uunjal (a home-made swing of bamboo suspended on two ropes from a tree). The sumptuous family dinner is held at noon; fried bananas and sweets are passed around to complete the celebrations.

Maha Sivarathri In the last week of February, the river town of Aluva plays host to the great Maha Sivarathri festival. Devotees gather on the sand-banks of the Pamba River and, illuminated by hundreds of little oil lamps, spend the whole night in fasting and meditation. In the small hours of the morning they plunge into the river, accompanied by full-throated chants, and then emerge to offer prayers and sacrifices in memory of the dead.

Pooram -means Temple Celebration, (View a special page by clicking the link) is one of the unique festivals in all over Kerala. Once in a year, Temples of each village/town celebrates an auspicious day which is colloquially known as Pooram, Vela, Utsavam etc. These celebrations will continue for a day to more than a week with months long preparations.

Poorma of all Poorams is the 'Thrissur Pooram'. At Thrissur, in the Paramekkavu Temple Poorm is celebrating with all of its vitality. Hundreds of Bejeweled tuskers will line up for the exotic Elephant show with mahouts sitting atop them carrying Muthukuda (silk parasols) and swaying the Venchamaram (white tufts). The pageant is accompanied by the Panchavadyam (music of five types of instruments) which gradually works up to a crescendo. The most fascinating aspect of the Pooram is the Kudamattom ritual, the ceremonial synchronised changing of the colourful parasols held aloft the elephants.

Christmas, December 25, is also a major festival in Kerala. Streamers, bunting and bright lights adorn shops but, most typical, are the illuminated stars that distinguish the many Christian houses in Kerala. These, twinkling against the dark groves and reflected in its flowing waters, make for an unusual, but very warm, Christmas image.

Muslims celebrate their festivals of Id and Bakrid all over Kerala like-wise, all over India and other parts of the world.

TOURISM

The splendorous and eye-catching scenery of the greenish-blue coloured waters, the leaning coconut-trees onto the beaches, the gliding boats on emerald canals, gentle hills break the gradient of paddy fields etc. make you feel you are in the God's own country - Kerala, the land that the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Parshuram, is said to have axed out of the sea. Due to all these natural gift, tourism is notified as an industry in Kerala.

In Kerala the wildlife is well protected and number of Wildlife Sanctuaries are established.In Kerala there are 2 National Parks, they are Iravikulam and Silent Valley. In addition to this, there are 12 Sanctuaries spread in the entire length of Kerala. The Sanctuaries and their districts are given hereunder.

1. Periyar Tiger Reserve (Idukki)
2. Parambikkulam Sanctuary (Palakkaku)
3. Idukki Sanctuary (Idukki)
4. Chinnar Sanctuary (Idukki)
5. Neyyar Sanctuary (Thiruvananthapuram)
6. Peappara Sanctuary (Thiruvananthapuram)
7. Wayanadu Sanctuary (Wayanadu)
8. Aaralam Sanctuary (Kannoor) 9)
9. Chenthuruni Sanctuary (Kollam)
10. Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary (Trissur)
11. Chemmini Sanctuary (Trissur)
12. Thatteakkadu Bird Sanctuary (Malayattoor?)

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city is an abode of temples, mosques and churches. Kovalam beach resort is just 12 kilometers away, Veli beach (8 km), Neyyar Dam(19km), and Ponmudi(61 km) are the places of interest near to Thiruvananthapuram.

Sabarimala, abode of Lord Ayyappan is a famous pilgrim center in Pathanamthitta District. Kochi- the major port of Kerala- is known as the "queen of the Arabian Sea". The beautiful Willingdon Island with the adjoining port is a great attraction. Kalady is the birthplace of Shri Sankaracharya. Guruvayur has the famous Lord Krishna Shrine. Kalamandalam, the renowned Kathakali centre is in Thrissur Distruct. Calicut is historically important as the capital of the Zamorins. Centuries old Edakal cave in the Wyanad district is also a place of touristic importance.

A National Geographic Society publication has listed Kerala among the "world's 50 greatest places of a lifetime", the only other Indian name in the list being Taj Mahal.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

A brief status of the educational institutions in Kerala are listed hereunder. In Kerala there are 32 Engineering Colleges, 54 Poly Technics, 39 Technical High Schools and 4601 Parallel Colleges/Tutorials are in function.

Universities in Kerala are listed as follows:- Kerala University Calicut University Cochin University Mahathma Gandhi University Agricultural University Sri Sankara Acharya Sanskrit University Kannoor University Sri Chithirathirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology Kerala Kalamandalam

Medical Colleges in Kerala are listed as follows:- Thiruvanathapuram Medical College Calicut Medical College Kottayam Medical College Alappuzha Medical College Trissur Medical College Pariyaram Medical College Thiruvanathapuram Govt Ayurvedic College Tripunithura Govt. Ayurvedic College Kannoor Government Ayurvedic College Ollur (Private) Ayurvedic College Kottakkal (Private) Ayurvedic College

MINERAL WEALTH OF KERALA

Kerala is not a promising state for mineral resources. The mainly occurring mineral deposits and their district of origin are listed below.

• Ilmanite - Monosite (Kollam District)
• China Clay (Thiruvanathpuram, Kollam, Calicut)
• Bauxite (Calicut, Kasargode)
• Iron Ore - Magnitite, Quartzite (Calicut, Malappuram)
• Limestone (Palakkadu, Alappuzha, Eranakulam, Trissur, Kasagode)
• Silica Sand (Alappuzha)
• Graphite (Thiruvqnathapuram, Kollam, Idukki)
• Gold (Wayanadu, Malappuram, Calicut)
• Precious stones like Chrysoberyle, Alaxndrite, Cats-eye (Thiruvanathapuram, Kollam)

There are still many things are to write and to show, but the page will go on endless and the reader may get bored. So if one is really interested to know more and more about Kerala please search and browse through some other informative Websites.

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