On 20th May 1498 Vasco da gama landed in Calicut which began the new era of European trade with Indian subcontinent, by 16th century Portuguese began to dominate the trade along malabar coast, however from 17th century Dutch began to dominate the region replacing Portuguese
In the year 1741 King Marthanda Varma defeated Dutch forces in the battle of Kolachel and brought the region under his control till the end of 18th century. Later the regions of Travancore, Cochin & regions of north malabar coast became subjects of British Madras presidency in 1806.
After our Independence Kerala state was constituted on linguistic basis in 1956
Key facts
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala
Mahe part of union territory of Pondicherry is part of the coastal landmass of Kerala
Kerala has the highest literacy rate & HDI among all territories of India
Kerala backwaters contribute for tourism Ex: Allepey, Kuttanad, Kottayam, Cochin.. etc
Usually Kerala state receive the first monsoon rainfall in India
Travancore university (currently University of Kerala) offered Albert Einstein Vice chancellor position for Rs.6000 in 1937 however it became an unsuccessful bid
Kalaripayattu is a martial art originated in Kerala
Kathakali & Mohiniyattam are the Indian classical dances from Kerala
Kerala is also called as land of coconuts
Kerala is the largest rubber producer in India
Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station which is close to earth's magnetic equator is in Thiruvananthapuram, it is one of the farthest points from China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh & this point is used for launching sounding rockets
Major concerns
Prone to natural calamities like landslide & urban floods
Emerging threat of river pollution
One of the highest debt burden states
Widening Aspiration & Opportunities gap
Measures can be taken
Improving drainage, unloading the top of the slope, building wall at the bottom of the slope, planting bamboo saplings, fodder grass and vetiver helps to prevent landslides
Use of organic alternatives to plastics, Effective collection of waste by municipal corporations, Avoiding use of fertiliser just before rains & Environment education to the citizens help to solve river pollution
Creation of Sponge cities, increasing the area of flood plains, separate tunnels for rain water & sewer water helps to increase water flow & Permeable pavements helps to direct water into soil
Working out on yearly budget & prioritising debts, Finding wise-opportunity to increase taxes, Reducing unnecessary expenses, Importance to emotional well being of officials, Improving ease of doing business & attracting domestic investments as well as FDI will help to reduce debts in long run
Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school - Albert Einstein
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