1.
Country
–
A country is a region that is identified as a distinct national entity in political geography. Sometimes the word countries is used to both to sovereign states and to other political entities, while other times it refers only to states. The word country comes from Old French contrée, itself derived from Vulgar Latin contrata and it most likely entered the English language after the Franco-Norman invasion during the 11th century. Areas much smaller than a state may be called by names such as the West Country in England, the Black Country, Constable Country. In many European countries the words are used for sub-divisions of the territory, as in the German Bundesländer. The modern Italian contrada is a word with its meaning varying locally, the term country is frequently used to refer to sovereign states. There is no agreement on the number of countries in the world. There are 206 sovereign states, of which 193 states are members of the United Nations, all are defined as states by declarative theory of statehood and constitutive theory of statehood. The latest proclaimed state is South Sudan in 2011, the Kingdom of Denmark, a sovereign state, comprises Metropolitan Denmark and two nominally separate countries—the Faroe Islands, and Greenland—which are almost fully internally self-governing. The Kingdom of the Netherlands, a state, comprises four separate countries, Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao. The degree of autonomy of non-sovereign countries varies widely, some are possessions of sovereign states, as several states have overseas territories, with citizenry at times identical and at times distinct from their own
Country
–
Topographical map of
Europe
2.
India
–
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and it is bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal on the southeast. It shares land borders with Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the northeast, in the Indian Ocean, India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Indias Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a border with Thailand. The Indian subcontinent was home to the urban Indus Valley Civilisation of the 3rd millennium BCE, in the following millennium, the oldest scriptures associated with Hinduism began to be composed. Social stratification, based on caste, emerged in the first millennium BCE, early political consolidations took place under the Maurya and Gupta empires, the later peninsular Middle Kingdoms influenced cultures as far as southeast Asia. In the medieval era, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam arrived, much of the north fell to the Delhi sultanate, the south was united under the Vijayanagara Empire. The economy expanded in the 17th century in the Mughal empire, in the mid-18th century, the subcontinent came under British East India Company rule, and in the mid-19th under British crown rule. A nationalist movement emerged in the late 19th century, which later, under Mahatma Gandhi, was noted for nonviolent resistance, in 2015, the Indian economy was the worlds seventh largest by nominal GDP and third largest by purchasing power parity. Following market-based economic reforms in 1991, India became one of the major economies and is considered a newly industrialised country. However, it continues to face the challenges of poverty, corruption, malnutrition, a nuclear weapons state and regional power, it has the third largest standing army in the world and ranks sixth in military expenditure among nations. India is a constitutional republic governed under a parliamentary system. It is a pluralistic, multilingual and multi-ethnic society and is home to a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats. The name India is derived from Indus, which originates from the Old Persian word Hindu, the latter term stems from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, which was the historical local appellation for the Indus River. The ancient Greeks referred to the Indians as Indoi, which translates as The people of the Indus, the geographical term Bharat, which is recognised by the Constitution of India as an official name for the country, is used by many Indian languages in its variations. Scholars believe it to be named after the Vedic tribe of Bharatas in the second millennium B. C. E and it is also traditionally associated with the rule of the legendary emperor Bharata. Gaṇarājya is the Sanskrit/Hindi term for republic dating back to the ancient times, hindustan is a Persian name for India dating back to the 3rd century B. C. E. It was introduced into India by the Mughals and widely used since then and its meaning varied, referring to a region that encompassed northern India and Pakistan or India in its entirety
India
–
Flag
India
–
The granite
tower of
Brihadeeswarar Temple in
Thanjavur was completed in 1010 CE by
Raja Raja Chola I.
India
–
Writing the will and testament of the Mughal king court in Persian, 1590–1595
3.
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, spread over 38,863 km2, it is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Lakshadweep Sea to the west. With 33,387,677 inhabitants as per the 2011 Census, Malayalam is the most widely spoken language and is also the official language of the state. The region has been a prominent spice exporter since 3000 BCE, the Chera Dynasty was the first prominent kingdom based in Kerala, though it frequently struggled against attacks by the neighbouring Cholas and Pandyas. In the 15th century, the spice trade attracted Portuguese traders to Kerala, after independence, Travancore and Cochin joined the Republic of India and Travancore-Cochin was given the status of a state in 1949. In 1956, Kerala state was formed by merging Malabar district, Travancore-Cochin, Hinduism is practised by more than half of the population, followed by Islam and Christianity. The culture is a synthesis of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, developed over millennia, under influences from other parts of India, the production of pepper and natural rubber contributes significantly to the total national output. In the agricultural sector, coconut, tea, coffee, cashew, the states coastline extends for 595 kilometres, and around 1.1 million people in the state are dependent on the fishery industry which contributes 3% to the states income. The state has the highest media exposure in India with newspapers publishing in nine languages, mainly English, Kerala is one of the prominent tourist destinations of India, with backwaters, beaches, Ayurvedic tourism and tropical greenery as its major attractions. The name Kerala has an uncertain etymology, One popular theory derives Kerala from Kera and alam is land, thus land of coconuts, this also happens to be a nickname for the state due to abundance of coconut trees and its use by the locals. The word Kerala is first recorded in a 3rd-century BCE rock inscription left by the Maurya emperor Ashoka, the inscription refers to the local ruler as Keralaputra, or son of Chera. This contradicts the theory that Kera is from coconut tree, at that time, one of three states in the region was called Cheralam in Classical Tamil, Chera and Kera are variants of the same word. The word Cheral refers to the oldest known dynasty of Kerala kings and is derived from the Proto-Tamil-Malayalam word for lake, the earliest Sanskrit text to mention Kerala is the Aitareya Aranyaka of the Rigveda. It is also mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the two Hindu epics, the Skanda Purana mentions the ecclesiastical office of the Thachudaya Kaimal who is referred to as Manikkam Keralar, synonymous with the deity of the Koodalmanikyam temple. Keralam may stem from the Classical Tamil cherive-alam or chera alam, the Greco-Roman trade map Periplus Maris Erythraei refers to Keralaputra as Celobotra. According to Hindu mythology, the lands of Kerala were recovered from the sea by the warrior sage Parasurama. Parasurama threw his axe across the sea, and the water receded as far as it reached, according to legend, this new area of land extended from Gokarna to Kanyakumari. The land which rose from sea was filled with salt and unsuitable for habitation, so Parasurama invoked the Snake King Vasuki, out of respect, Vasuki and all snakes were appointed as protectors and guardians of the land
Kerala
–
A houseboat near
Alappuzha, Kerala
Kerala
–
Parasurama, surrounded by settlers, commanding
Varuna (the
Hindu God of water) to part the seas and reveal Kerala.
Kerala
–
A
dolmen erected by Neolithic people in
Marayur
Kerala
–
Silk Road map. The spice trade was mainly along the water routes (blue).
4.
List of districts of India
–
A district is an administrative division of an Indian state or territory. In some cases districts are subdivided into sub-divisions, and in others directly into tehsils or talukas. As of 2016 there are a total of 707 districts, up from the 640 in the 2011 Census of India, mahe of Puducherry is the smallest district of India by area while Kutch of Gujarat is the largest district of India by area. The majority of districts are named after their administrative centre, some are referred to by two names, a traditional one and one that uses the name of the town that is the headquarters. Since most of the districts are named after a town, the district is appended to distinguish between the town and the district. Official websites very often use District with a capital D in this context, the names of the 687 districts are mostly unique. The following tables list the details of various states
List of districts of India
–
Districts of India
5.
Kasargod District
–
Kasaragod District is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala, India. Kasaragod became part of Kannur district following the reorganisation of states, Kasaragod was declared as a district on 24 May 1984. To its south lies Kannur District, to the South east is Kodagu district, all along its east it is walled by the Western Ghats while along the west the Laccadive Sea borders it. The district, covering an area of around 1992 km2, has a population of 1,307,375 and has four taluks, namely, Kasaragod and Hosdurg, Vellarikundu and Manjeshwaram Taluk. Major towns in Kasaragod district are Nileshwar, Kanhangad, Kasaragod, Uppala, Kumbla and it has three municipalities (Nileshwar Kasaragod, and Kanhangad and thirty-eight grama panchayats. Kasaragod was known to the Arabs by the name Harkwillia, many Arab travelers who visited Kerala between the 9th and the 14th centuries visited Kasaragod, which was an important trade centre then. Duarte Borbosa, the Portuguese traveler who visited Kumbla, near Kasaragod in 1514, Kasaragod was part of the kumbala Kingdom in which there were 64 Tulu and Malayalam villages. When the Vijayanagara empire attacked Kasaragod, it was still under the Kolathiri Raja who had Nileshwaram as one of his capitals, during the decline of the Vijayanagara empire, the administration of this area was vested with Ikkeri Nayakas. At the onset of collapse of the Vijayanagara empire, Venkappa Nayaka declared independence to Ikkery, Kumbla, Chandragiri and Bekal are considered to be the chain of forts constructed or renovated by Shivappa Nayaka. Francis Buccanan, the doctor of Arthur Wellesley, visited Kasargod in 1800. In his travelogue, he recorded information on places like Athiraparambu, Kavvai, Nileshwaram, Bekal, Chandragiri, in 1763, Hyder Ali conquered Bedanoor, the capital of the Ikkery Naiks. His son Tippu Sultan conquered much of Malabar, as per the Sreerangapattanam Treaty of 1792, Tippu surrendered Malabar, except Kanara to the British. The British got Kanara only after the death of Tippu Sultan and it is said that Kinavoor Molom is belonging to Karinthalam. Before the formation of Kerala, Kasaragod was a part of erstwhile South Canara district of Madras Presidency, Kasaragod became part of Kannur district following the reorganisation of states and formation of Kerala in November 1,1956. Kasaragod was declared as a district on 24 May 1984, the district is the northernmost district of the State of Kerala. Kasaragod is located at 12. 5°N75. 0°E /12.5,75.0 and it has an average elevation of 19 metres. According to the 2011 census Kasaragod district has a population of 1,307,375 and this gives it a ranking of 375th in India. The district has a density of 654 inhabitants per square kilometre
Kasargod District
–
Chandragiri bridge which connects Kasargod town to
Chemnad Panchayath.
Kasargod District
–
Location in Kerala, India
Kasargod District
–
Ranipuram Hill Station
Kasargod District
–
Bekal Fort Beach
6.
North Malabar
–
The greater part of North Malabar remained as one of the two administrative divisions of the Malabar District until 1947 and later became part of Indias Madras State until 1956. Mahé remained under French jurisdiction until 13 June 1954, during the ancient and early medieval periods, North Malabar retained its distinct political identity. At no time did the Chera dynasty impose full control over the area, the socio-cultural background and geography of this area has many distinctions compared to the rest of Kerala. The population consists of native Hindus, native Mappila-Muslims, native Jains and migrant-Christian communities and is characterized by distinct socio-cultural customs, the people of North Malabar have striven to preserve their distinct and unique identity and heritage since ancient times, through colonial times into modern political India. Until the early twentieth century there were cultural taboos among various communities from North Malabar, northern Malabar identity and pride is often possessively guarded by its natives of all ethnic and religious backgrounds. Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam is a 27-day yearly pilgrimage commemorating the mythology of Daksha Yaga, the practice of matriliniality was distinctly different and was predominantly virilocal with married couples residing with or near the husbands parents. Unlike other parts of erstwhile matrilinial-Kerala, polyandry was a taboo in North Malabar. The royal position of Kolathiri, although immensely respected, was politically titular, in addition, the lineages in North Malabar claim and assert superior ritual-rank clan by clan over their equivalent clans from the southern principalities. The major festival observed by Hindus in this region is Vishu rather than Onam, in North Malabar, Vishu is celebrated as New Year. Because, the Kollavarsham month Medam - which is parallel to first Tamil month Chithirai - is the first month of the year for natives of North Malabar, the Vishu festival is spread over two days and comprises the Cheriya or small Vishu and the Valiya, or main Vishu. People from all religions participate in festivals at temples, mosques and churches. Some examples include, Nadapuram Mosque, Mahe Church, Moonnu Pettumma Palli Pappinisseri, unlike Travancore, but like in rest of Malabar and Cochin, natives of North Malabar mix coconut paste with sambar, the most common dish of South India. Bakery-cuisine is well developed in the area and has led to large numbers of natives operating popular bakeries in Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Mysore, Pune and Southern Kerala. People from this area are characterized by a sense of socio-political aspirations often leading to large outbreaks of political violence. Textiles, beedi, hand-weaving, plywood and coir represent important industries while cashew, cinnamon, nevertheless, its people are conservatively possessive of its identity preferring a geographical endogamy culture. The version of the Malayalam calendar or Kollavarsham used in central, the year commences with Simha-raasi and not in Mesha-raasi as in other Indian calendars. However, in North Malabar and Kolathunadu the start of the Kollam era is reckoned from the month of Kanya-rasi and this variation has two accounts associated with it. Kerolopathi, a text dealing with the origins of Malabar
North Malabar
–
sunrise in North Malabar
North Malabar
–
the
Korapuzha river - gateway to the North Malabar Region - was considered the
cordon sanitaire between North and South
Malabar
North Malabar
–
Theyyam - The ancient ritual art of North Malabar
North Malabar
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A Madappura (stand alone Kovil) where
Theyyam rituals are performed seasonally. All the Muthappan Madappura's are built in similar style. These structures are found mainly in the North Malabar region of Kerala
7.
Kasargod
–
Kasaragod, is a town and a municipality in the Kasaragod district, state of Kerala. Kasargod is located 585 km north of Thiruvananthapuram and 50 km south of Mangalore, the major political parties are Indian Union Muslim League, CPI, INC, INL Indian National League and BJP. North Kasaragod is dominated by Indian Union Muslim League and the part of Kasaragod is dominated by CPI. The central part and some of the rural and urban areas is dominated by INC. NA Nellikkunnu is the present Member of Legislative Assembly, Kasaragod assembly constituency is part of Kasaragod. CPI member P. Karunakaran is the present MP from Kasargod, Kasaragod is home to the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, originally established in 1916 as the Coconut Research Station. It is part of Indias National Agricultural Research System under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, according to the Institute, Kerala lies in the heart of the major coconut growing areas of the country. It is also home to the Indian Society for Plantation Crops, the primary and administrative language of the town is Malayalam. Tulu, Beary bhashe and Konkani are also used and Hindi. Havyaka speakers have a base in Kannada. The Malayalam spoken here has influences from Beary bhashe and also from the languages of Kannada, Urdu, Konkani, the Kannada and Tulu spoken here are also influenced by Malayalam. Kasaragod district is a worst HIV infected area in Kerala,970 HIV cases were registered in Kasaragod district. Ten HIV deaths were reported from Kasaragod district within a period of two months in 2016. There is no special facility or doctors for HIV patients in this area, HIV affected areas in Kasaragod include Dharmathadka, Nileshwaram, Manjeshwar, Bhandiyod, Vellarikundu, Kasaragod town and Padannakkad. Kasaragod experiences a Tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification. P. C. R. I CPCRI Official Website of the District Administration
Kasargod
–
A bird's eye view of kasaragod town
Kasargod
–
Madhur Temple
Kasargod
–
Malik Deenar Mosque
Kasargod
–
Chandragiri bridge which connects Kasaragod town with
Chemnad panchayath
8.
Malayalam
–
Malayalam /mʌləˈjɑːləm/ is a language spoken in India, predominantly in the state of Kerala. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and was designated as a Classical Language in India in 2013 and it was developed to the current form mainly by the influence of the poet Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan in the 16th century. Malayalam has official status in the state of Kerala and in the union territories of Lakshadweep. It belongs to the Dravidian family of languages and is spoken by some 38 million people, according to one theory, Malayalam originated from Middle Tamil in the 7th century. However, the current understanding proposes the separation of Malayalam from Proto-Dravidian in the pre-historic era, Malayalam incorporated many elements from Sanskrit through the ages. Before Malayalam came into being, Old Tamil was used in literature and courts of a region called Tamilakam, including present day Kerala state, silappatikaramit was written by Chera prince Ilango Adigal from Chunkaparra, and is considered a classic in Sangam literature. Modern Malayalam still preserves many words from the ancient Tamil vocabulary of Sangam literature, the earliest script used to write Malayalam was the Vatteluttu alphabet, and later the Kolezhuttu, which derived from it. As Malayalam began to borrow words as well as the rules of grammar from Sanskrit. This developed into the modern Malayalam script, many medieval liturgical texts were written in an admixture of Sanskrit and early Malayalam, called Manipravalam. The oldest literary work in Malayalam, distinct from the Tamil tradition, is dated from between the 9th and 11th centuries, the first travelogue in any Indian language is the Malayalam Varthamanappusthakam, written by Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar in 1785. Due to its lineage deriving from both Tamil and Sanskrit, the Malayalam script has the largest number of letters among the Indian language orthographies, the Malayalam script includes letters capable of representing almost all the sounds of all Indo-Aryan and Dravidian languages. Malayalam serves as a language on the islands including the Mahl-dominated Minicoy Island. The word Malayalam originated from the Sanskrit resp, Malayalam words malai or mala, meaning hill, and elam, meaning region. Malayalam thus translates as hill region and used to refer to the land of the Chera dynasty, the language Malayalam is alternatively called Alealum, Malayalani, Malayali, Malean, Maliyad, and Mallealle. The word Malayalam originally meant only for the name of the region, Malayanma or Malayayma represented the language. With the emergence of modern Malayalam language, the name of the language started to be known by the name of the region, hence now, the word Malayanma is considered by some to represent the olden Malayalam language. The language got the name Malayalam during the mid 19th century, the origin of Malayalam, an independent offshoot of the proto-Dravidian language, has been and continues to be an engaging pursuit among comparative historical linguists. Together with Tamil, Toda, Kannada and Tulu, Malayalam belongs to the group of Dravidian languages
Malayalam
–
Cover page of Nasranikal okkekkum ariyendunna samkshepavedartham which is the first book to be printed in Malayalam in 1772.
Malayalam
–
Malayalam-speaking area
Malayalam
–
Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan
Malayalam
–
Shakuntala writes to Dushyanta. Painting by
Raja Ravi Varma. The poetry was translated by
Kerala Varma as
Abhijnanasakuntalam
9.
Mangalore
–
Mangalore, officially known as Mangaluru, is the chief port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is known as Kudla in Tulu, Kodial in Konkani, Maikāla in Beary and it is located about 352 kilometres west of the state capital, Bangalore between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountain ranges. It is the headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada district in south western Karnataka. It developed as a port on the Arabian Sea—remaining, to this day, lying on the backwaters of the Netravati and Gurupura rivers, Mangalore is often used as a staging point for sea traffic along the Malabar Coast. The city has a climate and lies in the path of the Arabian Sea branch of the South-West monsoons. Mangalores port handles 75 per cent of Indias coffee and cashew exports, Mangalore was ruled by several major powers, including the Kadambas, Alupas, Vijayanagar Empire, Keladi Nayaks and the Portuguese. The city was a source of contention between the British and the Mysore rulers, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, eventually annexed by the British in 1799, Mangalore remained part of the Madras Presidency until Indias independence in 1947. The city was unified with the state of Mysore in 1956, Mangalore is the largest city in Dakshina Kannada district and is one of the most cosmopolitan non-metro cities of India. It is also the largest city in the Coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka, besides being a commercial, industrial, educational, Mangalore city urban agglomeration extends from Ullal in the south to Mulki in the north, covering a distance of over 40 km. The citys landscape is characterised by rolling hills, coconut palms, freshwater streams, Mangalore was ranked Indias 13th and Karnatakas second most favourable destination for business. Mangalore will be developed as a city under PM Narendra Modis flagship Smart Cities Mission. Mangalore was named after the Hindu deity Mangaladevi, the deity of the Mangaladevi temple or a synonym of Tara Bhagvati of the Vajrayana Buddhist sect. According to local legend, a princess from Malabar named Parimala or Premaladevi renounced her kingdom and became a disciple of Matsyendranath, having converted Premaladevi to the Nath sect, Matsyendranath renamed her Mangaladevi. She arrived in the area with Matsyendranath, but had to settle near Bolar in Mangalore as she fell ill on the way, eventually she died, and the Mangaladevi temple was consecrated in her honour at Bolar by the local people after her death. The city got its name from the temple, one of the earliest references to the citys name was made in 715 CE by the Pandyan King Chettian, who called the city Mangalapuram. The city and the region was a part of the Pandyan Kingdom. Ramesh, President of the Place Names Society of India, Mangaluru was first heard in 1345 CE during the Vijayanagar rule, many shilashasanas of Vijayanagar period refer the city as Mangalapura. Even before that, during the Alupas period, it was referred to as Mangalapura, the city is well known as Mangaluru in Kannada, a reference to Mangaladevi
Mangalore
–
Town Hall of Mangaluru
Mangalore
–
The local Hindu deity
Mangaladevi, after which the city of Mangaluru derives its name
Mangalore
–
The
Sultan Battery in Mangalore, built in 1784 by
Tipu Sultan to defend the city from enemy warships entering the Gurupura river
Mangalore
–
A pen and ink drawing of Mangalore Fort made in 1783, after it had been taken by the
English East India Company
10.
Indian Standard Time
–
Indian Standard Time is the time observed throughout India and Sri Lanka, with a time offset of UTC+05,30. India does not observe daylight saving time or other seasonal adjustments, in military and aviation time IST is designated E*. Indian Standard Time is calculated on the basis of 82.30 E longitude, in Shankargarh Fort, in the tz database, it is represented by Asia/Kolkata. The Central observatory was moved from Chennai to a location at Shankargarh Fort Allahabad district, daylight Saving Time was used briefly during the China–Indian War of 1962 and the Indo–Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971. Inhabitants of the states have to advance their clocks with the early sunrise. In the late 1980s, a team of researchers proposed separating the country two or three time zones to conserve energy. The binary system that they suggested involved a return to British–era time zones, in 2001, the government established a four–member committee under the Ministry of Science and Technology to examine the need for multiple time zones and daylight saving. In Assam, tea gardens follow a separate time zone, known as the Chaibagaan or Bagan time, still Indian Standard Time remains the only officially used time. The filmmaker Jahnu Barua has been campaigning for a time zone for the past 25 years. In 2010, he suggested creating a time zone for the Development of Northeastern Region. In 2014, Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi started campaigning for another time zone for Assam, however, the proposal would need to be cleared by the Central Government of India. Official time signals are generated by the Time and Frequency Standards Laboratory at the National Physical Laboratory in New Delhi, the signals are based on atomic clocks and are synchronised with the worldwide system of clocks that support the Coordinated Universal Time. IST is taken as the time as it passes through almost the centre of India. To communicate the exact time to the people, the time is broadcast over the state-owned All India Radio. Telephone companies have dedicated phone numbers connected to mirror time servers that also relay the precise time, another increasingly popular means of obtaining the time is through Global Positioning System receivers
Indian Standard Time
–
IST in relation with the bordering nations
11.
Malayalam language
–
Malayalam /mʌləˈjɑːləm/ is a language spoken in India, predominantly in the state of Kerala. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and was designated as a Classical Language in India in 2013 and it was developed to the current form mainly by the influence of the poet Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan in the 16th century. Malayalam has official status in the state of Kerala and in the union territories of Lakshadweep. It belongs to the Dravidian family of languages and is spoken by some 38 million people, according to one theory, Malayalam originated from Middle Tamil in the 7th century. However, the current understanding proposes the separation of Malayalam from Proto-Dravidian in the pre-historic era, Malayalam incorporated many elements from Sanskrit through the ages. Before Malayalam came into being, Old Tamil was used in literature and courts of a region called Tamilakam, including present day Kerala state, silappatikaramit was written by Chera prince Ilango Adigal from Chunkaparra, and is considered a classic in Sangam literature. Modern Malayalam still preserves many words from the ancient Tamil vocabulary of Sangam literature, the earliest script used to write Malayalam was the Vatteluttu alphabet, and later the Kolezhuttu, which derived from it. As Malayalam began to borrow words as well as the rules of grammar from Sanskrit. This developed into the modern Malayalam script, many medieval liturgical texts were written in an admixture of Sanskrit and early Malayalam, called Manipravalam. The oldest literary work in Malayalam, distinct from the Tamil tradition, is dated from between the 9th and 11th centuries, the first travelogue in any Indian language is the Malayalam Varthamanappusthakam, written by Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar in 1785. Due to its lineage deriving from both Tamil and Sanskrit, the Malayalam script has the largest number of letters among the Indian language orthographies, the Malayalam script includes letters capable of representing almost all the sounds of all Indo-Aryan and Dravidian languages. Malayalam serves as a language on the islands including the Mahl-dominated Minicoy Island. The word Malayalam originated from the Sanskrit resp, Malayalam words malai or mala, meaning hill, and elam, meaning region. Malayalam thus translates as hill region and used to refer to the land of the Chera dynasty, the language Malayalam is alternatively called Alealum, Malayalani, Malayali, Malean, Maliyad, and Mallealle. The word Malayalam originally meant only for the name of the region, Malayanma or Malayayma represented the language. With the emergence of modern Malayalam language, the name of the language started to be known by the name of the region, hence now, the word Malayanma is considered by some to represent the olden Malayalam language. The language got the name Malayalam during the mid 19th century, the origin of Malayalam, an independent offshoot of the proto-Dravidian language, has been and continues to be an engaging pursuit among comparative historical linguists. Together with Tamil, Toda, Kannada and Tulu, Malayalam belongs to the group of Dravidian languages
Malayalam language
–
Cover page of Nasranikal okkekkum ariyendunna samkshepavedartham which is the first book to be printed in Malayalam in 1772.
Malayalam language
–
Malayalam in Malayalam script
Malayalam language
–
Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan
Malayalam language
–
Shakuntala writes to Dushyanta. Painting by
Raja Ravi Varma. The poetry was translated by
Kerala Varma as
Abhijnanasakuntalam
12.
Kasaragod district
–
Kasaragod District is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala, India. Kasaragod became part of Kannur district following the reorganisation of states, Kasaragod was declared as a district on 24 May 1984. To its south lies Kannur District, to the South east is Kodagu district, all along its east it is walled by the Western Ghats while along the west the Laccadive Sea borders it. The district, covering an area of around 1992 km2, has a population of 1,307,375 and has four taluks, namely, Kasaragod and Hosdurg, Vellarikundu and Manjeshwaram Taluk. Major towns in Kasaragod district are Nileshwar, Kanhangad, Kasaragod, Uppala, Kumbla and it has three municipalities (Nileshwar Kasaragod, and Kanhangad and thirty-eight grama panchayats. Kasaragod was known to the Arabs by the name Harkwillia, many Arab travelers who visited Kerala between the 9th and the 14th centuries visited Kasaragod, which was an important trade centre then. Duarte Borbosa, the Portuguese traveler who visited Kumbla, near Kasaragod in 1514, Kasaragod was part of the kumbala Kingdom in which there were 64 Tulu and Malayalam villages. When the Vijayanagara empire attacked Kasaragod, it was still under the Kolathiri Raja who had Nileshwaram as one of his capitals, during the decline of the Vijayanagara empire, the administration of this area was vested with Ikkeri Nayakas. At the onset of collapse of the Vijayanagara empire, Venkappa Nayaka declared independence to Ikkery, Kumbla, Chandragiri and Bekal are considered to be the chain of forts constructed or renovated by Shivappa Nayaka. Francis Buccanan, the doctor of Arthur Wellesley, visited Kasargod in 1800. In his travelogue, he recorded information on places like Athiraparambu, Kavvai, Nileshwaram, Bekal, Chandragiri, in 1763, Hyder Ali conquered Bedanoor, the capital of the Ikkery Naiks. His son Tippu Sultan conquered much of Malabar, as per the Sreerangapattanam Treaty of 1792, Tippu surrendered Malabar, except Kanara to the British. The British got Kanara only after the death of Tippu Sultan and it is said that Kinavoor Molom is belonging to Karinthalam. Before the formation of Kerala, Kasaragod was a part of erstwhile South Canara district of Madras Presidency, Kasaragod became part of Kannur district following the reorganisation of states and formation of Kerala in November 1,1956. Kasaragod was declared as a district on 24 May 1984, the district is the northernmost district of the State of Kerala. Kasaragod is located at 12. 5°N75. 0°E /12.5,75.0 and it has an average elevation of 19 metres. According to the 2011 census Kasaragod district has a population of 1,307,375 and this gives it a ranking of 375th in India. The district has a density of 654 inhabitants per square kilometre
Kasaragod district
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Chandragiri bridge which connects Kasargod town to
Chemnad Panchayath.
Kasaragod district
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Location in Kerala, India
Kasaragod district
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Ranipuram Hill Station
Kasaragod district
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Bekal Fort Beach
13.
Kanhangad
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Kanhangad or Kanjangad is a major town and a municipality in the Kasaragod District, state of Kerala, India. It is 28 km from the headquarters of Kasaragod town and 79 km from Mangalore city. Some parts of Kanhangad town is called Ajanur, but Ajanur is only a bureaucratic nicety. Some parts of Kanhangad town is put under a unit called Ajanur Panchayath. The suburb continues to be part and parcel of Kanhangad town, as of 2001 India census, Kanhangad had a population of 65,499. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%, Kanhangad has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 74%. In Kanhangad, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age, the most widely spoken language is Malayalam. Other prominent languages spoken by communities living here include Konkani, Tulu, a large Goud Saraswat Brahmin community lives here. The Gowda Saraswat Brahmin temple, Lakshmi Venkatesh temple is situated in Kanhangad. There is also a small Palghat Iyer Brahmin community which speaks a mix of Malayalam, agriculture and fishing are the primary source of income for residents of the region. In the coastal areas are grown, coconut, rice and tobacco, since the oil boom of the 80’s, young people have migrated to the oil producing Gulf countries in pursuit of lucrative job opportunities. This has considerably changed the situation and life style of the residents. Many families depend on money sent home by family members working in the Gulf, Nityananda Ashramam, which is situated on the hillock about half a km south of the Hosdurg taluk office, was founded by Swami Nityananda. The spot was at first part of a forest area, here Swami Nityananda constructed 45 guhas in a mountain slope. There is a built in 1963, after the style. A full size statue of Swami Nityananda in sitting posture made of panchaloha is one of the attractions of the asramam and our Lady of Sorrows Church - oldest in the district constructed in 1890 CE.15 km north of Kasargod. This Gothic style Roman Catholic church which is under the Manglore Diocese, has celebrated its centenary recently, birthplace of Poet P Kunhiraman Nair, veteran freedom fighter and playwright Vidwan P Kelu Nair and Rasika siromani Kanan Nair. A cultural centre of the district, madiyan Kulom temple is situated in Ajanur panchayat
Kanhangad
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Meditation Niche at Anandashram, Kanhangad
Kanhangad
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A view of Kanhangad Town
Kanhangad
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Cave Temple of Nithyananda
14.
Hanuman
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Hanuman is an ardent devotee of Rama. He is one of the figures in the Hindu epic Ramayana. As one of the Chiranjivi, he is mentioned in several other texts, including the Mahabharata. Hanuman participated in Ramas war against the demon king Ravana, several later texts also present him as an incarnation of Shiva. He is the son of Anjana and Kesari and is described as the son of the wind-god Pawan. The Sanskrit texts mention several legends about how Hanuman got his name, one legend is that Indra, the king of the gods, struck Hanumans jaw during his childhood. The child received his name from the Sanskrit words Hanu and -man, the name thus means one with prominent or disfigured jaw. Another theory says the name derives from the Sanskrit words Han and maana, some Jain texts mention that Hanuman spent his childhood on an island called Hanuruha, which is the origin of his name. According to another theory, the name Hanuman derives from the word for male monkey. Linguistic variations of Hanuman include Hanumat, Anuman, Hanumantha, Hanumanthudu, other names of Hanuman include, Anjaneya, Anjaniputra, Anjaneyar, Anjaneyudu, Anjanisuta all meaning the son of Anjana. Similar in meaning to - Vaanaraanaamadheesham, shreeraamadootam, the one who is the messenger of Rama. Atulita Bala Dhaamam, the one who is the repository of incomparable strength, hemshailaabha Deham, the one whose body resembles a golden mountain. Danujvana Krushanum, the one who is the destroyer of forces of demons, gyaaninaam Agraganyam, the one who is considered foremost among knowledgeable beings. Sakala Guna Nidhaanam, the one who is the repository of all the virtues, raghupati Priya Bhaktam, the one who is the dearest of all devotees to Rama. Sankata Mochana, the one who liberates from dangers In the 3rd chapter of Kishkindha Kaanda of Valmiki Ramayana, summarized as follows, Ablest sentence maker. The knower of all Vedas and Scriptures, scholar in nine schools of grammars. Possessing faultless speech and facial features Hanuman is mentioned in both the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, the word Vrsakapi or Vrishakapi, later used as an epithet for Hanuman, is mentioned in the Rigveda. Some writers, such as Nilakantha believe that the Vrishakapi of Rigveda alludes to Hanuman, however, other scholars believe that Hanuman is not mentioned in the Vedic mythology, the Vrsakapi of Rigveda refers to another deity or is a common name for the monkeys
Hanuman
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Hanuman painted in Pahari Style
Hanuman
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Indonesian Balinese wooden statue of Hanuman
Hanuman
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Standing Hanuman,
Chola Dynasty, 11th century,
Tamil Nadu, India
Hanuman
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Murti of Hanuman and his mother
Anjana, at the Anjani Mata temple,
Chomu.
15.
Shivappa Nayaka
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Shivappa Nayaka, popularly known as Keladi Shivappa Nayaka, was a notable ruler of the Keladi Nayaka Kingdom. The Keladi Nayakas were successors of the Vijayanagara Empire in the coastal and Malnad districts of Karnataka, India and he was known as Sistina Shivappa Nayaka because he introduced a tax system called Sist. Shivappa Nayaka is remembered as an administrator and soldier. He ascended the throne in 1645, during this time, the last ruler of the diminished Vijayanagara Empire ruling from Vellore, Shriranga Raya III was defeated by the Bijapur Sultanate and sought refuge with Shivappa. The growing threat of the Portuguese was eliminated by 1653 and the ports of Mangalore, Kundapura, having conquered the Kannada coast, he marched down to Kasargod region of modern Kerala and installed a pillar of victory at Nileshvara. The forts of Chandragiri, Bekal and Mangalore were built by Shivappa Nayaka, later he invaded north of the Tungabhadra river and captured territory in the modern Dharwad district from the Bijapur Sultanate. In the south, when he invaded and laid siege to Srirangapatna in modern Mysore district, in the south, he destroyed the Portuguese political power in the Kanara region by capturing all the Portuguese forts of the coastal region. Shivappa Nayaka introduced a settlement scheme called Sist, a policy that has found favourable comparison to revenue schemes formulated by the Mogul emperor Akbar. According to this scheme, agricultural lands were divided into five types depending on the type of soil, a unit of sowing capacity called Khanduga was developed and every irrigable land was taxed in varying amounts based on this unit. The rate of taxation depended on the yield in one of these five types of land. Shivappa Nayaka gave importance to agriculture resulted in an expanding agrarian economy. A religious and tolerant man, Shivappa Nayaka performed Vedic sacrifices and rituals and he was tolerant towards Christians and gave them land to cultivate. He encouraged the mercantile communities of South India such as the Komatis and Konkanis to settle down, an interesting episode from the time of Shivappa Nayakas rule goes as follows. A poor Brahmin named Ganesh Mallya came to Keladi, the capital city, having no money, he carried a bag full of home-grown coconuts. Before entering the city, every traveller had to pass through eight toll gates, because he carried no cash, Ganesh Mallya had to part with two coconuts at each toll gate, one as tax and the other as a gift to the official. He also paid with two coconuts at the city entrance, frustrated with all the tolls, Mallya boldly set up his own toll gate and collected a toll after registering full details of travellers into the city in his own register. In return for the toll, Ganesh Mallya handed out a receipt with a new custom station for eighteen coconuts. This went on unnoticed for eighteen months before King Shivappa Nayaka heard of it, when summoned by the king, Ganesh Mallya admitted he had collected an illegal toll to make a livelihood
Shivappa Nayaka
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Statue of Keladi Shivappa Nayaka at
Shimoga
Shivappa Nayaka
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Shivappa Nayaka's palace, Shivamogga, Karnataka
Shivappa Nayaka
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Front view of the Shivappa Nayaka palace
Shivappa Nayaka
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The famous
Bekal Fort at
Kasargod in
Malabar, was built by Shivappa Nayaka
16.
Keladi
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Keladi is a temple town in Sagara Taluk of the state of Karnataka in India. Keladi is located about 8 km from the town of Sagara, a cow they had was discovered to shed her milk over a certain ant-hill, which, on digging into, Chavuda Gowda found, contained a linga, over which, therefore, he built a small temple. A little time after, the servants, when ploughing, turned up an old sword, but they discovered that if a crow perched on the shed the sword leaped out in the form of a serpent and killed it. On this, Chavuda Gowda took it and, carefully cleaning it, kept in his house, at another time, the ploughshare struck against the ring of a cauldron, which contained treasure. Afraid to disturb it, Chavuda Gowda covered it up again, on hearing this, his two slaves volunteered to be the victims on condition that their memory was preserved. All the preparations being made, the place was dug up at night, with this accession of wealth, the Gowdas raised a small force and began to subdue the neighbouring villages. But they were seized and sent to Vijayanagar by order from the king, hearing that a Palegar near Balihalu was rebellious, they made an offer through the court musicians to punish him if allowed to do so. Permission being given, they went with a force and killed the Palegar, on which they were released and confirmed in the possession of the places they had captured, the town of Keladi was then founded, together with the temple of Rameshwara. One day while the Gauda was hunting, a hare turned upon his hounds and he therefore removed his town to the spot, calling Ikkeri. His son and successor, with the sanction of Sadasiva Raya, two mounds, called Kalte, at the entrance to Keladi are pointed out as the scene of the human sacrifices. The principal building in the place is the temple of Rameshwara and Virabhadra. After the disintegration of Vijayanagar Empire in the Battle of Talikota, shivappa Nayaka and Chennamma were the rulers of this kingdom. Keladi Nayaka Vijayanagara Empire Karnataka C. Hayavadana Rao, B. A. B. L, fellow, University of Mysore, Editor, Mysore Gazetter,1930 edition, Government Press, Bangalore. Kamath, A Concise history of Karnataka from pre-historic times to the present, Jupiter books,2001, MCC, Bangalore Media related to Keladi at Wikimedia Commons
Keladi
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Rameshwara Temple, Hoysala-Dravida style, Keladi Nayaka period
17.
Mushika Kingdom
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The Mushika Kingdom was an ancient kingdom of the Tamil Sangam period in present-day Kerala, India, ruled by a royal dynasty of the same name. It was one of the five primary ruling dynasties in the ancient Tamilakam of recorded history, and in the Tamil Sangam Period, along with the Cheras, the Pandyas, the Cholas, Ezhimalai Nannan was the most powerful ruler of Ezhimalai. He expanded the kingdom to include Gudalur and Coimbatore in his lifetime, with the death of Nannan towards the close of the 5th century C. Keralolpathi mentions this Dynasty as a line of the Cheras. According to other legends, Parasurama is said to have appointed Ramaghata Mushika the first king of Mushika Dynasty, more conventionally though, their origins, again like those of the other ancient South Indian dynasties, are rather obscure, and several possibilities exist. The Mushika royals were one of the lineages of Velir family, over the millennia, they frequently intermarried with the Cheras, the Pandyas, the Cholas, the Ays and the Sinhala Royalty of Sri Lanka. It is possible that they gave rise to the royalties of the Lakshadweep. They have also had matrimonial alliances and relationships with the rulers of Magadha, the Chedis, the Yadavas, the Arakkal and the Nileshwaram Royal Families are both branches of this Royal Family, having branched out from them, over the centuries. Among all the Royal Families living today, the Travancore royal family is related to the Mushika Royal Family. In fact, both the Mushika and the Thiruvithamkoor Families have been known by the name of Mushika itself. This also suggests that the Mushika Family had the same ancestry as the Thiruvithamkoor Family originating from the Thiruvananthapuram region, also worth noting is the tradition of mutual adoption of children between the two families. Thiruvithamkoor adopted princesses and princes more often from Mushika than the way round. During the Sangam Period, around the beginning of the Common Era, the best known king in the recorded history of this dynasty and kingdom was Udayan Venmon Nannan also known as Nannan or Nandan. The territories they ruled over were known as Kolathunadu or Kolathirinadu, the Kovilakam of the Kolathiris was located in Chirakkal where it still stands. The Arakkal and Nileshwaram Royal Families are both branches of the Kolathiri or Chirakkal Royal Family, the Nannan Dynasty, one of the Tamil Velir lineages, had matrimonial alliances with the Cheras, Pandyas and Cholas, and with the other Velir lineages. The marriages were mutual with daughters being both given and taken, the dynasty had several kings bearing the name of Nannan. In fact Nannan was a common name in the then Tamilakam. Especially during the Tamil Sangam period, the Nannan Dynasty along with a handful of other Velirs, had very frequent and intimate marital relations with both the Cheras and the Cholas
Mushika Kingdom
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South India in first century AD, showing Puzhinadu
18.
Chera Dynasty
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The Cheras were the principal ruling dynasty of the present-day state of Kerala and to a lesser extent, parts of Tamil Nadu in South India. Along with the Ay kingdom and the Ezhimala kingdom, they formed the kingdoms of Kerala in the early years of the Common Era. The origins of the dynasty are unclear and it is understood that they were speakers of Proto-Tamil-Malayalam while some being practitioners of literary writing in Old Tamil. In fact, most of their history is reconstructed from the body of known as the Sangam literature written in Old Tamil around the 3rd century CE. While Pliny and Ptolemy refer to the Cheras as Calobotras, the Periplus refers to them as the Keprobotras, the earliest Sanskrit works which refer to the Cheras and Kerala is probably the Aitreya Aranyaka. It refers to the land as Chera-pada - and as one of the three peoples who did not follow some ancient injunctions, there are also brief references by Katyanana, Edicts of Ashoka, Patanjali and Kautilya though Panini does not mention of the land. However, it is the Tamil works collectively known as the Sangam literature that form the most important sources for a detailed history of the Cheras. These works roughly span the period 100 CE to 300 CE, among them, the most important sources for the Cheras are the Pattittupattu, the Agananuru, the Purananuru and the Silappatikaram. The exact antiquity of the Chera dynasty is difficult to establish, however, based on the travellers accounts and the Sangam literature, it can be confirmed that they were already existing around the 4th century BCE. The Sangam literature describes a line of Chera rulers. It records the names of the kings, the princes, the internal chronology of this literature is still far from settled and a connected account of the history of the period is an area of research. Uthiyan Cheralathan, Nedum Cheralathan and Senguttuvan Chera are some of the referred to in the Sangam poems. Senguttuvan Chera, the most celebrated Chera king, is famous for the legends surrounding Kannagi, the exact location of the Chera capital has been subject to some speculation. The Chera capital has been called, Vanchi and Karur in several works and this has led to several theories identifying the Chera capital in places called Karur in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, it is clear that the capital was near the famous port known as Muziris. Pliny refers to Muziris as the Chera capital, while the author of the Periplus identifies the capital to be a couple of away from the mouth of the river at Muziris. Ptolemy who identifies the capital as Karoura gives a location that is very close to Muziris as well. The Cheras also seem to have battles with other neighbouring dynasties such as the Pallavas, the Rashtrakutas
Chera Dynasty
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Extent of Chera kingdom
Chera Dynasty
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Family tree of the kings of the Chera dynasty based on Sangam literature. The monarchs ruled in the first two centuries of the Common Era.
19.
Pandyan Dynasty
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The Pandyan or Pandiyan or Pandian dynasty was an ancient Tamil dynasty, one of the three Tamil dynasties, the other two being the Chola and the Chera. The Pandya King, along with Chera King and Chola King, were referred to as the Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam, the dynasty ruled parts of South India from around 600 BCE to first half of 17th century CE. They initially ruled their country Pandya Nadu from Korkai, a seaport on the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, fish being their flag, Pandyas were experts in water management, agriculture and fisheries and they were eminent sailors and sea traders too. Pandyan was well known since ancient times, with contacts, even diplomatic, the Pandyan empire was home to temples including Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, and Nellaiappar Temple built on the bank of the river Thamirabarani in Tirunelveli. The Pandya kings were called either Jatavarman or Maravarman Pandyan, from being Jains in their early ages, they became Shaivaites after some centuries of rule. Strabo states that an Indian king called Pandion sent Augustus Caesar presents and gifts of honour, the country of the Pandyas, Pandi Mandala, was described as Pandyan Mediterranea in the Periplus and Modura Regia Pandyan by Ptolemy. The early Pandyan Dynasty of the Sangam Literature faded into obscurity upon the invasion of the Kalabhras, the dynasty revived under Kadungon in the early 6th century, pushed the Kalabhras out of the Tamil country and ruled from Madurai. They again went into decline with the rise of the Cholas in the 9th century and were in constant conflict with them. The Pandyas allied themselves with the Sinhalese and the Cheras in harassing the Chola empire until they found an opportunity for reviving their fortunes during the late 13th century and they also had extensive trade links with the Southeast Asian maritime empires of Srivijaya and their successors. The Pandyas excelled in trade and literature. They controlled the fisheries along the South Indian coast, between Sri Lanka and India, which produced some of the finest pearls in the known ancient world. Traditionally, the legendary Sangams were held in Madurai under their patronage, during their history, the Pandyas were repeatedly in conflict with the Pallavas, Cholas, Hoysalas and finally the Muslim invaders from the Delhi Sultanate. The Islamic invasion led to the end of Pandyan supremacy in South India,1323, Jaffna Kingdom in Sri Lanka declared its independence from the crumbling Pandyan Empire. The Pandyans lost their capital city Madurai to Madurai Sultanate in 1335, however they shifted their capital to Tenkasi and continued to rule the Tirulnelveli, Tuticorin, Ramanad, Sivagangai regions. Meanwhile, Madurai sultanate was replaced by Nayaka governors of Vijayanagara in 1378, in 1529 Nayaka governors declared independence and established Madurai Nayak dynasty. The word Pandya is derived from the Tamil word Pandu meaning very old, another theory is that the word Pandya is derived from the Tamil word Pandi meaning bull. Ancient Tamils, considered the bull as a sign of masculinity, the earliest Pandyans, probably used the bull as its emblem. Another theory suggests that in Sangam Tamil lexicon the word Pandya means old country in contrast with Chola meaning new country, Chera meaning hill country, the Chera, Chola and Pandya are the traditional Tamil siblings and together with the Pallavas are the major Kings that ruled ancient Tamilakam
Pandyan Dynasty
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Extent of the Pandya Territories c. 1250 CE
Pandyan Dynasty
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Four-armed
Vishnu, Pandya Dynasty, 8th–9th century CE.
Pandyan Dynasty
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Temple between hill symbols and elephant coin of the Pandyas Sri Lanka 1st century CE.
20.
Cholas
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The Chola dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of southern India. The earliest datable references to this Tamil dynasty are in inscriptions from the 3rd century BCE left by Ashoka, as one of the Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam, the dynasty continued to govern over varying territory until the 13th century CE. The whole country south of the Tungabhadra was united and held as one state for a period of two centuries and more, the Chola fleet represented the zenith of ancient Indian sea power. During the period 1010–1200, the Chola territories stretched from the islands of the Maldives in the south to as far north as the banks of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. Rajaraja Chola conquered peninsular South India, annexed parts of which is now Sri Lanka, Rajendra Chola sent a victorious expedition to North India that touched the river Ganges and defeated the Pala ruler of Pataliputra, Mahipala. He also successfully invaded cities of Srivijaya of Malaysia and Indonesia, the Chola dynasty went into decline at the beginning of the 13th century with the rise of the Pandyan Dynasty, which ultimately caused their downfall. The Cholas left a lasting legacy and their patronage of Tamil literature and their zeal in the building of temples has resulted in some great works of Tamil literature and architecture. The Chola kings were avid builders and envisioned the temples in their kingdoms not only as places of worship and they pioneered a centralised form of government and established a disciplined bureaucracy. The Chola school of art spread to Southeast Asia and influenced the architecture, the Cholas are also known as the Choda. There is very little available in regarding their origin. Its antiquity is evident from the mentions in ancient Tamil literature, Later medieval Cholas also claimed a long and ancient lineage. Mentions in the early Sangam literature indicate that the earliest kings of the dynasty antedated 100 CE, Cholas were mentioned in Ashokan Edicts of 3rd Century BCE as one of the neighboring countries existing in the South. A commonly held view is that Chola is, like Chera and Pandya, the annotator Parimelazhagar said, The charity of people with ancient lineage are forever generous in spite of their reduced means. Other names in use for the Cholas are Killi, Valavan and Sembiyan. Killi perhaps comes from the Tamil kil meaning dig or cleave and this word often forms an integral part of early Chola names like Nedunkilli, Nalankilli and so on, but almost drops out of use in later times. Valavan is most probably connected with valam – fertility and means owner or ruler of a fertile country, in Tamil lexicon Chola means Soazhi or Saei denoting a newly formed kingdom, in the lines of Pandya or the old country. There is very little evidence available of the Cholas prior to the 7th century. Historic records exist thereafter, including inscriptions on temples, the main source for the available information of the early Cholas is the early Tamil literature of the Sangam Period
Cholas
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Map showing the extent of the Chola empire
Cholas
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South India in BC 300, showing the Chera, Pandya and Chola Kingdoms
Cholas
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Gopuram Corner View of Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple.
21.
Tulunadu
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Tulu Nadu or Tulunad is a Tulu-speaking region spread over parts of the Karnataka and Kerala states of India. The erstwhile district of South Canara is the core of the Tulu speaking region and this region is not an official administrative region but a region inhabited by Tulu speaking people. Tulunad is the homeland of the Tuluva ethnic people, Mangalore, Udupi and Kasaragod are its important cities. Ptolemy, the 2nd century geographer identifies the Tulu Nadu region as Olokhoira which is believed to be a corruption of the term Alva Kheda. Historically, Tulu Nadu included the two lands of Haiva and Tuluva. The longest ruling and oldest known dynasty of Tulu Nadu was that of the Alupas. Their kingdom was known as Alvakheda. They initially ruled independently and later were the feudatories of the prominent dynasties, the Kadamba dynasty of Banavasi was the earliest, under which the Alupas flourished. Later the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta, Chalukyas of Badami, Chalukyas of Kalyani, Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra, the Alupas, however, were independent and their subordination was nominal at best. They ruled until the Vijayanagara Empire took control of Tulu Nadu from 14th to the 17th centuries, during the rule of Vijayanagara, Tulu nadu was administered in two parts – Mangaluru Rajya and Barkuru Rajya. Tulu Nadu was the homeland of the dynasty that founded the Vijayanagar Empire based in eastern Karnataka. Tulu Nadu was governed by the native feudatories of the Vijayanagara Empire until the 18th century and these feudatories gained power towards the end of Alupa period. The region became prosperous during Vijayanagara period with Barkur and Mangalore gaining importance. After the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Keladi Nayakas of Ikkeri controlled much of Tulu Nadu. Over the following many centuries, Konkanis from Goa arrived by sea, as Mangalore was a major port that served not only the Portuguese but also the Arabs for maritime trades. Jains were already a prominent group and even today are preserved in Tulu Nadu. Though small in number, the Jains left behind reminders of their glory with temples in and monolithic statues of Bahubali in Karkala, Venoor. In the 16th century there was an influx of Catholics to Tulu Nadu from Goa. The Muslim community of Tulu Nadu were basically Arab traders who married local women and they speak the Beary dialect, which is a mix of Tulu and Kannada, and the others speak Urdu
Tulunadu
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Extent of the Alupa kingdom
Tulunadu
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The erstwhile district of
South Canara is the core of the Tulu speaking region called Tulu Nadu.
Tulunadu
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The Monolith of
Bahubali in Karkala was erected by a king belonging to the Bhairarasa Odeya dynasty in 1432 C.E.
Tulunadu
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The Monolith of Bahubali in Venur was erected by a king belonging to the Ajila dynasty in 1604 C.E.
22.
Zamorin
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Samoothiri of Kozhikode is the hereditary royal title used by the Hindu Eradi Nair rulers of the medieval Kingdom of Kozhikode on the Malabar Coast. The Samoodiris ruled for almost six centuries, between c. 12th and 18th century AD based at the city of Kozhikode, one of the important trading centres in southern India. The Portuguese trader and navigator Vasco da Gama visited Kozhikode in 1498, the Eradis with their original base at Nediyiruppu and were land-locked and sought an outlet to the Arabian Sea. The Eradis subsequently moved their capital to the port of Kozhikode, according to K. V. Krishna Ayyar, a historian, the city of Kozhikode was founded on a marshy tract along the Malabar coast in the 11th century AD. During Classical antiquity and the Middle Ages, Kozhikode was dubbed the City of Spices for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices, the name Kozhikode is thought to be derived from Koyil and Kota meaning Fortified Palace. Others have called the city by different names, the Arabs called it Kalikooth, Tamils called the city Kallikkottai, for the Chinese it was Kalifo. The name of the famous fine variety of cotton cloth called Calico that was exported from the port is also thought to have derived from Kozhikode. Other seats of the Samoothiri were Ponnani, Trichur and Cranganore, five Places of Dignity existed in Kozhikode, each with its own separate property enjoyed in succession by the senior members of the three Royal Branches of the family. The Samoothiris family, being Eradis are connected to several other Eradi clans who are resident in Nilambur, Ponnani, the first Place of Dignity was the Samoothiri himself The second in line successor to the throne is known as the Eralppad and his official seat was in Karimpuzha. This area was annexed from Valluvanad in the leadership of the then Eralppad in the first half of the 14th century, the Samoothiri claimed to be the paramount sovereign over Payyormala, Pulavayi, Beypore, Parappanad, Tanore, Talapalli, Chavakkad and Kavalappara. Calicut had also taken possession of sovereignty over Kollangodu, Kotuvayur, the chief ports under direct control were Putuppattanam, Pantalayani Kollam, Calicut, Tanur, Ponnani, Chetwai and Cranganore. According to tradition Kozhikode State was founded around 826 AD as Nediyirippu Swarūpam, the city of Kozhikode was founded in 1026. Between 27 April 1766 and 1792 the state was annexed by the Mysore Kingdom, on 18 Aug 1792 it became a princely state under British protectorate. The territory was annexed by the British Raj on 15 November 1806, famous legends such as The Origin of Kerala tell the establishment of a local ruling family at Nediyiruppu, near present-day Kondotty by two young brothers belonging to the Nair Eradi clan. The brothers, Manikkan and Vikraman were the most trusted generals in the army of the Cheras, however, during the legendary partition of Chera Kingdom, the king didnt give any land to these two brothers. Due to his feeling of guilt, the later gave his personal sword and his favorite prayer conch to his general. So the general conquered neighboring states and created a kingdom for himself. As a token of his respect to the Chera king, he adopted the logo of two crossed swords, with a conch in the middle and a lighted lamp above it
Zamorin
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Image of
Calicut from
Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg's atlas
Civitates orbis terrarum, 1572
Zamorin
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The Zamorin of Calicut on his throne as painted by Veloso Salgado in 1898
Zamorin
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Temples at
Calicut by Henry Salt (1809)
Zamorin
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Map of Samoothiri kingdom
23.
Vatakara
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Vatakara is a coastal taluk and municipality town in the Kozhikode district, state of Kerala, India, spread over an area of 21.32 km2. It is the headquarters of Vatakara taluk and this place is erstwhile Kadathanadu and was part of North Malabar province of Malabar District, state of Madras during British Raj. Vatakar) is the second biggest town in the Kozhikode. The Lokanaarkav temple is situated in vatakara Vatakara is located at 11. 60°N75. 58°E /11.60,75.58 and it has an average elevation of 15 m. Geographically, Vatakara is situated about 45 km to the north of Kozhikode City, approximately 44 km to the south of Kannur City and this is the third largest town of North Malabar. The town lies by the side of a known by different names as Moorad river. Originally known as Vadakkekara due to its position with respect to the Kottakkal puzha and this city name was also spelled as Badagara in English. Vatakara is also one of the most famous city in the district of Kozhikode and it has a good beach called Sand Banks thats near Vatakara municipality. Vatakara is the capital of old Kurumbanadu, which was inhabited by a tribal folk known as Kurumbrar, the name Kurumbranadu has its origin in the name of this tribe. A Nambiar Lord known as Vatakara Vazhunnore was the ruler of this area. Vatakara is known as the birthplace of Unniyarcha, Aromal Chekavar, Thacholi Othenan and these ballads of oral tradition are considered to be of great literary and aesthetic value. Thacholi Tharavadu is still preserved and the anniversary of Thacholi Othenan is celebrated. Lokanarkavu is one of the temples in this area. Also the temple for the memory of legend Thacholi Othenan is located at Vatakara and this temple is named as Thacholi Manikkothu Kavu temple. The world-famous martial art Kalaripayattu is Vatakaras own one, Kottakkal Bhagavathi Temple, the second richest temple in North Malabar is situated near Edodi Junction in the heart of the city. This Temple is owned by a nair Tarwad known as Edodi who once owned a part of Vatakara Town. Also a temple resides near to Vatakara town named as Kalariyullathil Temple, in 1934 Mahatma Gandhi visited Vatakara as part of a fund raising trip to North Malabar. Most of the people are labourers and farmers, as of 2001 India census, Vatakara had a population of 75,740. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%, Vatakara has an average literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 80%
Vatakara
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Vatakara railway station
Vatakara
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Vadakara Sand Banks View From Payam Kuttimala
24.
Battle of Talikota
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The Battle of Talikota was a watershed battle fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Deccan sultanates. It ended in the defeat of Vijayanagara, resulting in its subsequent weakening, the battle took place at Talikota, today a town in northern Karnataka, about 80 kilometres to the southeast from the city of Bijapur. The Vijayanagara Empire was one of the largest Indian Empires originating from Southern India before the Maratha Empire, the throne of the Vijayanagara Empire had passed from Achyuta Raya, upon his death, to Rama Raya. The Sultanates were in constant fear of a much bigger Vijayanagara Empire united against it, the excessive pride of Vijayanagara in its strength and internal conflicts also added to the cause of the battle. By 29 December 1564 the first battles broke out, Qutb Shah and Nizam Shah, who were friends, decided to go on their own first and led their divisions to clash with Tirumala Deva Rayas division. The vijayanagar army inflicted defeat on the enemy and the Sultans fled in disarray losing thousands of men in the encounter, the Sultans were shaken by this encounter and asked Adil Shah to forget previous arguments and stand by them for the intended counter-attack. The Sultans met secretly and decided that the way to succeed was to resort to stratagem. Nizam Shah and Qutb Shah decided to parley with the Raya who was now planning a large counter-thrust into the flanks, at the same time Adil Shah sent a false message to the Hindu commander that he wished to remain neutral. As a result of these parleys Ramaraya delayed his counter-thrust giving a small, Sultan Imad Shah of Berar made the first thrust by attacking Tirumala Deva Raya s division guarding the Krishna ford. Tirumala fell upon him with his force and in a short but intense encounter destroyed the Sultans army. However, the sultans Nizam Shah, Qutb Shah, Barid Shah on one side and Adil Shah on the other used this distraction to cross the Krishna, Rama Raya, though surprised, rapidly responded. Despite being in his 70s he decided to lead the Hindu armies. He was faced by Nizam Shahs division, Ramarayas first brother Tirumala hurriedly returned to form the left wing of the Hindu army that was countered by Adil Shah and traitorous Hindus under the Maharatta chief Raja Ghorpade. His second brother Venkatadri formed the Hindu right wing that was opposed by Qutb Shah and Barid Shah, on 23 Jan 1565, the armies clashed on the plains near the villages of Rakshasi and Tangadi. Several reports claimed that over a million men were involved, Venkatadri struck early and within the first two hours the Hindu right wings heavy guns fired constantly on the ranks of Barid Shah. As the ranks were softened the Hindu infantry under Venkatadri ploughed through the divisions of Barid Shah annihilating them, the assault was so vigorous that it looked like a Hindu victory was imminent. Qutb Shah was also in retreat, when Nizam Shah sent his forces to shore up the ranks of the Sultans, Nizam Shah himself was then pressed hard by the heavy cannonade from Rama Rayas division and was facing a Hindu infantry thrust with Ramaraya at the helm. At this point the Sultans signaled to the Muslim officers in the Vijayanagaran army to launch a subversive attack, suddenly Ramaraya found his rear surprised by the two Muslim divisions in his ranks turning against him
Battle of Talikota
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Hussain Nizam Shah I
Battle of Talikota
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Forces of the
Adil Shahi dynasty, one of the
Deccan Sultanates on the march.
Battle of Talikota
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Ali Adil Shah I
Battle of Talikota
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The "Malik-i-Maidan" (Master of the Field) cannon, stated to be the largest piece of cast
bronze ordnance in the world, was utilized by the
Deccan Sultanates during the confrontation at Talikota. It was provided by
Ali Adil Shah I (
Bijapur Sultanate)
25.
Vijayanagara Empire
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The Vijayanagara Empire was based in the Deccan Plateau region in South India. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of Sangama Dynasty, the empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts by the southern powers to ward off Islamic invasions by the end of the 13th century. It lasted until 1646, although its power declined after a military defeat in 1565 by the Deccan sultanates. The empire is named after its city of Vijayanagara, whose ruins surround present day Hampi, now a World Heritage Site in Karnataka. The writings of medieval European travelers such as Domingo Paes, Fernão Nunes, and Niccolò Da Conti, Archaeological excavations at Vijayanagara have revealed the empires power and wealth. The empires legacy includes many monuments spread over South India, the best known of which is the group at Hampi, the previous temple building traditions in South India came together in the Vijayanagara Architecture style. The mingling of all faiths and vernaculars inspired architectural innovation of Hindu temple construction, first in the Deccan, efficient administration and vigorous overseas trade brought new technologies such as water management systems for irrigation. The empires patronage enabled fine arts and literature to new heights in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil. The Vijayanagara Empire created an epoch in South Indian history that transcended regionalism by promoting Hinduism as a unifying factor, differing theories have been proposed regarding the origins of the Vijayanagara empire. Others claim that they were Telugu people, first associated with the Kakatiya Kingdom, irrespective of their origin, historians agree the founders were supported and inspired by Vidyaranya, a saint at the Sringeri monastery to fight the Muslim invasion of South India. He created the Kampili kingdom, but this was a short lived kingdom during this period of wars, Kampili existed near Gulbarga and Tungabhadra river in northeastern parts of the present-day Karnataka state. It ended after a defeat by the armies of Delhi Sultanate, the triumphant army led by Malik Zada sent the news of its victory, over Kampili kingdom, to Muhammad bin Tughluq in Delhi by sending a straw-stuffed severed head of the dead Hindu king. Within Kampili, on the day of certain defeat, the populace committed a jauhar in 1327/28 CE, eight years later, from the ruins of the Kampili kingdom emerged the Vijayanagara Kingdom in 1336 CE. In the first two decades after the founding of the empire, Harihara I gained control over most of the south of the Tungabhadra river. The original capital was in the principality of Anegondi on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in todays Karnataka. The next ruler, Deva Raya I, emerged successful against the Gajapatis of Odisha, italian traveler Niccolo de Conti wrote of him as the most powerful ruler of India. Deva Raya II succeeded to the throne in 1424 and was possibly the most capable of the Sangama dynasty rulers and he quelled rebelling feudal lords as well as the Zamorin of Calicut and Quilon in the south. He invaded the island of Lanka and became overlord of the kings of Burma at Pegu, the Sultanate invaded Vijayanagara in 1417 when the latter defaulted in paying the tribute
Vijayanagara Empire
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Map of South India in 15th century
Vijayanagara Empire
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Extent of Vijayanagara Empire, 1446, 1520 CE
Vijayanagara Empire
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Virupaksha Temple,
Hampi
Vijayanagara Empire
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Natural fortress at
Vijayanagara
26.
Keladi Nayaka
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Nayakas of Keladi, also known as Nayakas of Bednore and Kings of Ikkeri, were an Indian dynasty based from Keladi in Shimoga district, Karnataka, India. They were an important ruling dynasty in post-medieval Karnataka and they initially ruled as a vassal of the famous Vijayanagar Empire. In 1763 AD, with their defeat to Hyder Ali, they were absorbed into the Kingdom of Mysore and they played an important part in the history of Karnataka, during a time of confusion and fragmentation that generally prevailed in South India after the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire. The Keladi rulers were Lingayats but they were tolerant towards followers of other faiths, the Haleri Kings of Kodagu who ruled over Coorg between 1600 A. D and 1834 A. D. were an offshoot of Keladi Nayaka dynasty. Chaudappa Nayaka, originally Chauda Gowda, was from a village called Pallibailu near Keladi and he was the son of Lingayat couple Basavappa and Basavamambe, who were into farming. He was the earliest chieftain to rule the area surrounding Shimoga, rose through self capability, sadashiva Nayaka was an important chieftain in the Vijayanagar Empire and earned the title Kotekolahala from emperor Aliya Rama Raya for his heroics in the battle of Kalyani. The coastal provinces of Karnataka came under his direct rule and he moved the capital to Ikkeri some 20 km. from Keladi. Rama Raja Nayaka Hiriya Venkatappa Nayaka is considered by scholars as ablest monarch of the clan and he completely freed himself from the overlordship of the relocated Vijayanagar rulers of Penugonda. Italian traveller Pietro Della Valle, who visited his kingdom in 1623, called him an able soldier, in his reign the kingdom expanded so that it covered coastal regions, Malnad regions, and some regions to the east of the western Ghats of present-day Karnataka. He is also known to have defeated the Adilshahis of Bijapur in Hanagal, though a Virashaiva by faith, he built many temples for Vaishnavas and Jains and a mosque for Muslims. He defeated the Portuguese in 1618 and 1619, Virabhadra Nayaka faced many troubles from the start, including competition from rival Jain chieftains of Malenad for the throne of Ikkeri and invasion by the Sultanate armies of Bijapur. Ikkeri was plundered by the Bijapur army during his time, Shivappa Nayaka is widely considered as the ablest and greatest of the Keladi rulers. He was the uncle of Virabhadra Nayaka, Shivappa deposed his nephew to gain the throne of Keladi. He was not only an administrator, he also patronised literature. He gave importance to agriculture and developed new schemes for collection of taxes and revenues which earned him praise from later British officials. A statue of him and the built by him containing many artifacts of his times are reminders of the respect he has earned even from the present generation of people of the region. He destroyed the Portuguese political power in the Kanara region by capturing all the Portuguese forts of the coastal region, Chikka Venkatappa Nayaka, ruled for a short span of time after Shivappa Nayaka. Bhadrappa Nayaka, succeeded Chikka Venkatappa Nayaka, somashekara Nayaka I The King who was once a good administrator, gave up his interest in administration after his associastion with a dancer named Kalavati
Keladi Nayaka
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Shivappa Nayaka, the most prominent among Keladi Nayakas.
Keladi Nayaka
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Gandaberunda sculpted on roof, Rameshwara temple,
Keladi
Keladi Nayaka
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Shivappa Nayaka's palace, Shivamogga, Karnataka
Keladi Nayaka
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Front view of
darbar hall of the Shivappa Nayaka palace
27.
Udupi
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Udupi, also known as Odipu, is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the headquarters of Udupi District. Udupi is notable for the Krishna Temple, Tulu Ashtamathas and lends its name to the popular Udupi cuisine and it is also known as Lord Parashurama Kshetra, and is famous for Kanakana Kindi. A centre of pilgrimage, Udupi is known as Rajata Peetha and it is also known as the temple town. Manipal is a locality within Udupi city, Udupi is situated about 60 km north of the industrial hub Mangalore and about 422 km northwest of state capital Bengaluru by road. The climate in Udupi is hot in summers and pleasant in winter, during summers the temperature reaches up to 38 °C and in winters it is usually between 32 °C and 20 °C. The monsoon period is from June to September with one of the rainfall averaging more than 4000mm every year, as of the 2011 India census, Udupi had a population of 165,401. Males constituted 51% of the population and females 49%, the average literacy rate was 93. 89%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, male literacy was 86% and female literacy 81%. Eight percent of the population was under 6 years of age, Shivalli Brahmins, Goud Saraswat Brahmins, Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins, Mogaveeras, Billavas, Bunts, Mangalorean Catholics, Beary, Devadigas, Padmashalis are some prominent communities in Udupi. Udupi, which previously had a Town Municipal Council now has a City Municipal Council which came into existence in 1995, areas around Udupi, such as Manipal, Parkala, Malpe, Udyavara and Santhekatte were merged to form the City Municipal Council. Udupi was carved out as a district from the erstwhile Dakshina Kannada district on 25 August 1997. Udupi, Kundapura and Karkala were bifurcated from the Dakshina Kannada District, Tulu is the most widely spoken language in Udupi City. Other languages spoken here include Konkani and Kannada, muslims in Udupi speak Urdu Nawayathi and Beary Bashe. Bhuta Kola, Aati kalenja, Karangolu, and Nagaradhane are some traditions of Udupi. The residents celebrate festivals such as Makara Sankranti, Krishna Janmashtami, Navaratri, Deepavali, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, folk arts like Yakshagana are also popular. Rathabeedhi Geleyaru and Kalavrinda are local organisations, founded to encourage creative pursuits. Its primary focus has been historic dramas, there are several festivals during which huge crowds of locals as well as outsiders gather in Udupi. During the biennial Paryaya festival, the management is handed over to the next Matha
Udupi
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Udupi Krishna Mutt- kanaka gopura
Udupi
–
A
Yakshagana artist
Udupi
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St. Mary's Syrian Cathedral
Udupi
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Adve Nandikoor Kambala
28.
Dakshina Kannada
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Dakshina Kannada is a coastal district in the state of Karnataka in India. Sheltered by the Western Ghats on the east and surrounded by the Lakshadweep Sea on the west, Dakshina Kannada receives abundant rainfall during the monsoon. It is bordered by Udupi District to the north, Chikkamagaluru district to the northeast, Hassan District to the east, Kodagu to the southeast, and Kasaragod District in Kerala to the south. The district has 2 agroclimatic divisions namely Coastal region - consists of Mangalore and Bantwal taluks Malnad region - consists of Puttur, Belthangady, the district has 2 revenue subdivisions - Mangalore and Puttur. Mangalore city is the headquarters of Dakshina Kannada. The district is divided into five talukas namely Mangalore, Bantwal, Puttur, Sullia and it used to include 4 northern talukas, Udupi, Kundapur, Karkala and Byndoor, but these were separated in August 1997 to form Udupi district. Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasaragod are often called Tulu Nadu, important towns in Dakshina Kannada include Mangalore, Bantwal, Vittal, Puttur, Sullia, Surathkal, Moodabidri, Uppinangady, Venur, Mulki, Dharmasthala, Ujire, Belthangady and Subramanya. The district is known for beaches, red clay roof tiles, cashew nut and its products, banking, education, healthcare. According to 2011 Indian Census, the district ranks second in per capita income, second in HDI, first in literacy, before 1860, Dakshina Kannada was part of a district called Kanara, which was under a single administration in the Madras Presidency. In 1860, the British split the area into South Kanara and North Kanara, Kundapur taluk was earlier included in North Kanara, but was re-included in South Kanara later. During the Reorganisation of States in 1956, Kasaragod was split and transferred to the newly created Kerala state, South Canara was a district under the British empire which included the present Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kasaragod districts and Aminidivi islands. Canara district was bifurcated in 1859 to form North Canara and South Canara, Dakshina Kannada became a district of Mysore State in 1956 which later was renamed Karnataka in 1973. Kasaragod became a district of Kerala during the Re-organization of States, the Udupi district was formed from the northern taluks of Dakshina Kannada in 1997. Later, the Karnataka Government, for the purpose of administration, split the greater Dakshina Kannada district into Udupi, three taluks of the former district namely Udupi, Karkala and Kundapura formed the new Udupi district. According to the 2011 census Dakshina Kannada has a population of 2,089,649 and this gives it a ranking of 220th in India. The district has a density of 457 inhabitants per square kilometre. Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 9. 8%, Dakshina Kannada has a sex ratio of 1018 females for every 1000 males and a literacy rate of 88. 62%. The literacy rate of Mangalore city is 94%, tuluvas, distributed among the Billava, Mogaveera, Bunt, Koraga, Kulala, and Devadiga communities, are the largest ethnic group in the district
Dakshina Kannada
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Tannirbhavi Beach
Dakshina Kannada
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Western Ghats near
Kukke Subramanya
Dakshina Kannada
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Lighthouse alongside
Surathkal Beach
Dakshina Kannada
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Mangalore skyline from Kadri
India
