Kerala is a state on the coast of southwestern India. To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka respectively; to its west and south lie Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean with the islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively. Kerala envelops Mahe, a coastal exclave of Pondichery (Puthuchery). Kerala is one of the four states in South India.
First settled in the 10th century BCE by speakers of Proto-South Dravidian, Kerala was influenced by the Mauryan Empire. Later , the Cheran Kingdom and feudal Namboothiri Brahmanical city-states became major powers in the region. Early contact with overseas lands culminated in struggles between colonial and native powers. Finally, the states Reorganisation Act of November 1, 1956 elevated Kerala to statehood. Social reforms enacted in the late 19th century by Cochin and Travancore were expanded upon by post-Indipendence governments, making kerala among the Third World’s longest-lived, healthiest, most gender-equitable, and most literate regions.
First settled in the 10th century BCE by speakers of Proto-South Dravidian, Kerala was influenced by the Mauryan Empire. Later , the Cheran Kingdom and feudal Namboothiri Brahmanical city-states became major powers in the region. Early contact with overseas lands culminated in struggles between colonial and native powers. Finally, the states Reorganisation Act of November 1, 1956 elevated Kerala to statehood. Social reforms enacted in the late 19th century by Cochin and Travancore were expanded upon by post-Indipendence governments, making kerala among the Third World’s longest-lived, healthiest, most gender-equitable, and most literate regions.
