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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

What is Onam

Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.

Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian Calendar.


Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.


Government of India has taken due notice of this vibrant and colorful festival. It promotes Onam internationally in a big way and celebrates 'Tourist Week' for Kerala during Onam celebrations. Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Kerala to be a part of Onam.



The Legend


Story goes that during the reign of mighty asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Every body in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali's character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali's growing popularity. However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached.


It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.



Onam Celebrations


Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. It is indeed a treat to be a part of the grand carnival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the best possible manner.


The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal.


Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is a colourful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators.


There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations.

Things First In Kerala

Bank : Nedungadi Bank

Book : Samkshepa Vedartham

Chief Minister : E.M.S. Namboothirippad (1957-59)

College : CMS College, Kottayam

Colour Film : Kantam Becha Cot

Education Minister : Joseph Mundassery

English Medium School : Mattancheri School

Governor : B. Ramakrishna Rao

Hydro Electric Project : Pallivasal

Jewish Church : Kodungalloor

Movie : Vigatakumaran

Newspaper : Rajyasamacharam

Novelist : Appu Nedungadi

Olympian : Suresh Babu

Oscar Winner :Rasul Pookutty

Printing Press : CMS Press, Kottayam

Radio Station : Thiruvananthapuram

Sahitya Akademi President: Sardar K.M.Panicker

Speaker Legislative Assembly : R.Shankara Narayanan Thampi

Talkie Film :Balan

Travancore King : Marthanda Varma

Woman Chief Justice : Sujatha Manohar

Woman IPS officer : Srilekha IPS

Woman Minister : K.R.Gauri Amma

List of chief ministers

KERALA


1


E. M. S. Namboodiripad


5-Apr-1957


31-Jul-1959


1


Communist Party of India


2


Pattom Thanupillai


22-Feb-1960


26-Sep-1962


1


Praja Socialist Party


3


R. Sankar


26-Sep-1962


10-Sep-1964


1


Indian National Congress


4


E. M. S. Namboodiripad


6-Mar-1967


1-Nov-1969


2


Communist Party of India
(Marxist)


5


C. Achutha Menon


1-Nov-1969


1-Aug-1970


1


Communist Party of India


6


C. Achutha Menon


4-Oct-1970


25-Mar-1977


2


Communist Party of India


7


K. Karunakaran


25-Mar-1977


25-Apr-1977


1


Indian National Congress


8


A.K. Antony


27-Apr-1977


27-Oct-1978


1


Indian National Congress


9


P. K. Vasudevan Nair


29-Oct-1978


7-Oct-1979


1


Communist Party of India


10


C. H. Mohammed Koya


12-Oct-1979


1-Dec-1979


1


Indian Union Muslim
League


11


E. K. Nayanar


25-Jan-1980


20-Oct-1981


1


Communist Party of India
(Marxist)


12


K. Karunakaran


28-Dec-1981


17-Mar-1982


2


Indian National Congress


13


K. Karunakaran


24-May-1982


25-Mar-1987


3


Indian National Congress


14


E. K. Nayanar


26-Mar-1987


17-Jun-1991


2


Communist Party of India
(Marxist)


15


K. Karunakaran


24-Jun-1991


16-Mar-1995


4


Indian National Congress


16


A. K. Antony


22-Mar-1995


9-May-1996


2


Indian National Congress


17


E. K. Nayanar


20-May-1996


13-May-2001


3


Communist Party of India
(Marxist)


18


A. K. Antony


17-May-2001


29-Aug-2004


3


Indian National Congress


19


Oommen Chandy


31-Aug-2004


18-May-2006


1


Indian National Congress


20


V.S. Achuthanandan


18-May-2006


incumbent


1


Communist Party of India
(Marxist)

HISTORY OF KERALA

Pre-historic period

Early history of Kerala is not clear. Explorations in certain regions have shown the evidences for pre-historic men of Stone Age and Neolithic era in Kerala. Early forms of monuments, burial urns, ornaments utensils and weapons found from the burials confirmed the existence of megalithic culture. Researchers are of opinion that the period of megalithic culture was from 10th century BC to 5th century AD. It is believed that the ancient Kurumba are the dolmen-builders of Kerala. It is also believed that they were the forerunners of all religions and they moved from the west coast of Kerala to all parts of the world. The Dravidians, who migrated from Mediterranean area attained their supremacy in the Kaveri and Godavari river basins and later extended to the Western Ghats. The advent of Dravidians to South India was between 1750 and 1400 B.C. Historians say that radical changes occurred in socio-cultural fields with the advent of Dravidians. The most important of them is the language. The South Indian languages including Malayalam originated from the early Dravidian language. During this period matriarchal and patriarchal systems were prevailing.

Sangam Age


Clay sculptures of Sangam age

Kerala was a part of Dravidian civilization during the Sangam age, which comprised the first five centuries of the Christian era (A.D 1st to 6th Century). The political history of Kerala during this period was mainly of the Aay, Chera and Nanna dynasties. Aaykkudy was the capital of Aay Kings. Vanchi was the capital of Chera Kings. Nanna dynasty’s capital was Ezhimala. The Sangam works Pathittupattu, Akananooru, Purananooru give a clear account of the early social and political situations of Kerala. During the Sangha era, the social divisions like haves and have-nots, the superiors and subordinates came into existence. The system of burning dead bodies was in practice during this period. The chastity of ladies was highly recognized during this period. Polygamy was in practice. There was an independent style of life between men and women. Love marriages were not rare. The marriage function was grand like that of today. Females wore clothes made of cotton or silks. They also wore ornaments.

Aryan migration

The Aryans started their migration to Kerala towards the beginning of A.D. Jains and Buddhist were the first who migrated and settled at the different parts of Kerala. There was no caste system in Kerala till the end of Buddhist renaissance period during 8th century. People were known by their profession like Panan, Parayan, Villavan, Ushavan, Paravathan, Ayar etc. By about the second half of the 8th century, more Brahmins arrived in Kerala and established their colonies and they became more influential and powerful in the society. This marked the beginning of the caste system. Kerala society was divided into two viz., those who recognized Brahmin supremacy and others who opposed them. Those who embraced Hinduism were grouped into several races. Rulers of Kingdoms became Kshathriyas. The trader group known as Vaisyas was not there. All others who followed Brahmnical faith later came to be known as Sudras. Early centuries of Christian era also witnessed the establishment of Christianity in Kerala in 52 A.D. St.Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ came to Kerala by sea and landed at Kodungallur in the year AD 52. He preached the gospel of Christ and attracted many natives into Christianity. Many Hindu families in Kodungallur, Palayaur, Kollam joined the new religion. St.Thomas established churches in these places and appointed some priests who were selected from among the converts. The earliest documentary evidence that shows the presence of Christians in Kerala is the Cosmos Indicapleustus of the 6th Century A.D. Another document is the Tharisappally Copper Plates of the 9th Century A.D., which is a royal deed of Ayyan Adikal of Venad Kingdom. The Jews arrived in Kerala by 70 A.D. Historical records as evidenced from the royal deed engraved in a copper plate show that the Bhaskara Ravi Varma, a Cheraman Perumal (King of ancient Kerala) gave Joseph Rabban and his descendants certain privileges equal or more than that of native landlords. Due to trade relationship with Arabs even before 4th century B.C., the Islam religion launched in Kerala by about 7th century B.C. The message of Islam reached India first in Kodungallur of Kerala during 7th Century A.D. The first mosque in India was also built at Kodungallur known as Cheraman Mosque, which is still there.


Cheraman masjid of Kodungallur

Medieval Period

The medieval period starts from 9th century to 19th century A.D. There is also an argument that the medieval period ends with the establishment of Portuguese power in early 16th Century. The Second Chera dynasty – Kulasekhara dynastry - ruled over Kerala during the period from 800 A.D. to 1102 A.D. Kulasekhara Varma (800 A.D. to 820A.D.) was the founder of the dynasty. Nine Kings ruled Kerala during the period. Rajasekhara Varma (820 – 844 A.D.), Sthanu Ravi Varma (844 – 855 A.D.), Bhaskara Ravi Varma (962-1019A.D.), Rava Varma Kulasekhara (1090 – 1102 A.D.) were the most prominent rulers during the period. The period saw political stability and development of the state. It was during the period that the Malabar Era (M.E.) came into existence – in 825 A.D. The rulers promoted agriculture and trade. The state developed economically. Trade with Arabs and Chinese had been increased. The capital town was Mahodayapuram. Hindu religion became prominent during the period. Temples were established throughout the state. By the end of Second Chera dynasty, there broke out a war between Cholas and Cheras, which prolonged for about 100 years. Consequentially, the political unity of Kerala deteriorated and Kerala divided into several small units under the control of different Swaroopams (small princely states) and feudal landlords quarrelling each other for supremacy. Major princely states of Kerala during the period were Travancore, Perumbadappu (Cochin), Kozhikode, Kolathunadu. Travancore was a well-organised kingdom with efficient administrators. Cochin was comparatively a small state comprised of the Eranakluam, Thrissur and some parts of Palakkad. Kozhikode kingdom stretched from north of Thrissur to Kozhikode. Zamorin was the King of Kozhikode. Kolathiris were the rulers of Kolathunadu, which comprised of northern regions of Kannur.


Marthanda Varma

The medieval period witnessed radical changes. During this period ‘Thara’ (village) was the lowest strata of society. The activities of a Thara were managed by Tharakootom, a general body of the village headed by the distinguished family manager or managers of the village. The matters pertaining to a Thara was discussed and finalized here. The practice was to nominate the prominent elder of the Thara as ‘Deshavazhi’ and he was the decision-implementing officer of the Thara. A number of Thara constituted a Nadu, a certain area to an extent of a district or so. Naduvazhi is the ruler of the Nadu. Nattukoottangal assisted him. The chief among the Tharas were the members of Nattukoottangal. Various Nadus constituted a country and the King was there above Naduvazhis. Once in twelve years, Mamangam was conducted to choose the King of Kerala.

Maharaja of Kochi

Zamorin

Palace of Zamorin

The period witnessed the arrival and establishment of power by Portuguese, Dutch, English and French. Vaso da Gama reached Kozhikode on 20 May 1498. The Portuguese held their power over Cochin till 1663 when the Zamorin of Kozhikode with the help of Dutch defeated them. The Portuguese held power over Kollam also. The Dutch captured the Kodungallur fort (in 1662), Cochin and Cannannore (in 1663) and established Dutch East India Company. However, they left Kerala by 1795 consequent to their defeat in the war with Marthandavarma of Travancore and capturing of their forts at Kollam and Cochin. The English East India Company started relations with Kerala in 1615. The French conquered Mayyazhi (Mahe) in 1723 and established their colony.


Vasco-da-Gama

Modern Period


History of modern period starts with the supremacy of British over the princely states of Travancore and Cochin. The regions of erstwhile Malabar were already occupied by the British consequent to the defeat of Tippu Sulthan.


Maharajas of Kochi and Travancore at the
time of integration

The British imposed their super power in the princely states of Cochin (in 1791) and Travancore (in 1795 and 1805) through certain treaties. Though the Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja in Malabar and Velu Thampi Dalava in Travancore challenged the supremacy of British, the latter managed to overcome and suppress these challenges. Till independence, their supremacy continued in Kerala. However, they introduced a chain of radical reforms in education, administration, social and economic fields. After independence, the princely states of Travancore and Cochin integrated into one state known as “Thiru-Kochi” [i.e., Thiruvithamkoor (Travancore) and Kochi (Cochin)] in 1949. The Travancore Maharaja was the Rajapramukh of the new state. On 1st November 1956, the state of Keralam (Kerala) came into existence as a full-fledged state of the Indian Union integrating the Malayalam speaking regions of Thiru-Kochi and Malabar.



Panampilly, the last Prime Minister of
Kochi being send-off in March 1956



Maharajas of Kochi (left) and Travancore (right)
just before Thiru-Kochi integration

KERALA OVERVIEW


Introduction

Kerala (Keralam in Malayalam), the name is derived from a combination of two words Kera, which means coconut tree and alam, which means land. Thus the land of coconut tree is known as Keralam. Another viewpoint is that Keralam is derived from the name of the ancient dynasty of Cheras, which once ruled the state. Therefore, the land of Cheras came to be known Cheralam, which later transformed into the present day Keralam.

The history of Kerala can be traced back to the early centuries of B.C. There is mention in the famous pillar edicts of Emperor Asoka. In the second and thirteenth pillar edicts of Asoka, it was engraved that the country of “Keralaputhra” is the boundary of Asoka’s empire in the south. Mentions are there about Kerala in epics like Mahabharatha, Ramayana, Sakandapurana, Bhagavatha and Matsyapurana. Reference of Kerala is there in the Reghuvamsa written by the great poet Kalidasa. Periplus, the Greek traveler recorded in his travelogue that the King of Kerala is “Keralabothros”. The early literary works viz., Unniyadicharitham, Leelathilakom, Chandrostsavam also cited the region known as Keralam. Kulasedhara Varma, who wrote the Subhadradhananjayam Drama, was also known as “Keralachoodamani”. All these show the existence of Kerala right from the ancient period. The region was also known by different names as Malabar, Malainadu, Malayalarahyam etc. It was Al-barooni, the Arabian traveler who first called Kerala as Malabar. He took Mala from Malayalam and Bbar (kingdom) from Arab to form the word Malabar.

Kerala is one of the smallest states situated in the southernmost part of India. Before independence, three administrators ruled Kerala - two princely states of Travancore and Cochin and the Malabar provinces, under the British Empire. In 1949, the Travancore and Cochin provinces, ruled by separate Kings were merged together. After independence, the State of Kerala was constituted uniting the Travancore-Cochin States and Malabar province under the States Re-organization Act of 1956. The state came into existence on 1st November 1956.

According to the 2001 census the total population of the state is 31838619. The density of population is 819 per sq. km. The ratio between male and female is 1000:1058. Kerala has attained cent percent literacy as early in 1980s.

Geography and Physical Features

The total area of the State is 38863 sq. km. The State is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and by the Western Ghats on the east. The neighboring states are Tamil Nadu on the east and south and Karnataka on the north and northeast. The length of seacoast is 580 km in the west and width from east to west differs from 10 km to 120 km. It has got an unique physical feature, which divides the state into three geographical divisions viz., Malanadau (Highland with hills and mountains), Idanadu (Midland or the Plains) and Theerapradesham (Lowland or coastal region). The Malanadu has a forest cover. However, there is a reduction in the area of forest consequent on the large scale deforestation and reclamation of land for agriculture or plantation purposes. It has 44 rivers originating from the Malanadu and flowing westwards, except three that are flowing eastwards, and connected with lakes and backwaters. The longest river is the Bharathapuzha (250 km).

The climate of the state is humid tropical. The state received good rainfall as part of the two monsoon seasons during in June-August (South-West monsoon) and in October-November (North-East monsoon). Temperature differs from region to region due to the physical features of the state and it decreases when proceeds from Theerapradesham to Malanadu.


Administration

The State has a unicameral legislature. The Legislature Assembly has 141 (140 elected and 1 nominated) members. Twenty elected members are representing Kerala in the Lok Sabha and 9 members in the Rajyasabha.

Kerala is divided into 14 administrative districts. They are Kasargode, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Eranakulam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. The districts are divided into 63 taluks and taluks are again divided into 1452 villages. Developmental activities are undertaken through 14 District Panchayats, 152 Block Panchayats and 991 Grama Panachyats. Kerala has five Municipal Corporations (Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur and Kozhikode) and 53 Municipal towns.

Economy

Kerala has a unique cropping pattern. Tea, coffee, cardamom and pepper and other plantation crops are widely cultivated in the Malanadu. Coconut, pepper, rubber, paddy, tubers, cashew, mango, jack, and other tree crops are cultivated in the Idanadu. Coconut and paddy are grown on the Theerapradesham. It is also rich with mangroves and marshy places and maintains good estuarine conditions.

Kerala is the first state in India to introduce land reforms. The Land Reforms Act of 1964, which became effective from 1970 benefited more than 1,50,000 families. It altered the structure of ownership and cultivation pattern of the state. Since agriculture, as an occupation, has now become less income generative, most of such families who possessed land switched over to other occupations. On account of these, the state has developed production of cash crops instead of food crops. Thus, it has become a consumer state, which depends on neighboring states for rice, vegetables, pulses, eggs etc. However, Kerala produces more than 90 per cent of rubber and 70 per cent of coconut in the country. It is the single largest producer of crops like banana, ginger, coffee, tea and cardamom. It also contributes nearly one-third of India’s marine exports.

The traditional industries of Kerala such as Coir, Cashew and Handloom are facing serious difficulties due to various reasons. Though the state possesses basic requirements of industrial growth, it has notfully utilised its potentialities. The cash in-flow from Gulf Malayalees, contribute significantly towards the state’s economic conditions.