The Physical and Social Features of India and Kerala

India is a fascinating country with an incredibly rich culture and history. Situated in South Asia, it is the seventh-largest country in the world by area and the second-most populous country with over 1.3 billion people. India has a wide range of physical features, from snow-capped mountains and tropical rainforests to sandy beaches and arid deserts. The social features of Indian society are just as diverse, with a complex mix of religions, languages, and cultures. In this article, we will explore the physical and social features of India and Kerala – two of the most popular tourist destinations in India!

Physical Features Of India

India is a vast country with diverse physical features. The Himalayas in the north and the Deccan Plateau in the south are two major physiographic regions. The Himalayas, extending from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, are the world’s youngest mountain range and home to Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. The Deccan Plateau, covering most of the central and southern parts of the country, is a large, elevated region that was formed by the collision of two tectonic plates. Other physiographic features include the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the north, the Thar Desert in the northwest, and the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats mountain ranges along the western and eastern coasts.

Northern Mountain Ranges:  The northern mountain ranges are the Himalayas. They extend from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. They are very high, with some peaks rising to over 8,000 metres. The mountains are covered in snow for most of the year.

North Indian Plains:  The north Indian plains are a large, flat area that stretches from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers flow through the plains, and there are several important cities, including Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi.

The Deccan Plateau: The Deccan Plateau is a large, flat area in southern India. It is made up of volcanic rock and is home to several important cities, including Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

The Eastern and Western Ghats: The Eastern and Western Ghats are a series of mountain ranges that run down the western and eastern coasts of India. They are very high and are home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Deserts:  India has two deserts: the Thar Desert in the north and the Great Indian Desert in the south. The deserts are very hot and dry and are home to several wildlife species, including lions, tigers, and leopards.

The Indian subcontinent is a large, triangular continent that is located in southern Asia. The subcontinent is made up of the countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Social Features Of India

India is a land of diverse cultures and religions. The social features of India are determined by the customs and traditions of its people. The Indian society is divided into several castes and sub-castes, which are based on the occupation of the ancestors. Marriage within the same caste is preferred, but not mandatory.

• Demography of India: India has a population of over 1.3 billion, making it the second-most populous country in the world. It is also the most densely populated country in the world with over 400 people per square kilometre. India is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups and religions. The largest religion in India is Hinduism, followed by Islam and Christianity. The official language of India is Hindi, but there are 22 other officially recognized languages.
• Economy: India has the second-largest economy in the world with a GDP of over $2 trillion. The service sector is the largest contributor to India’s GDP, followed by the agricultural and industrial sectors. India is a major exporter of goods and services, and is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
• Cultural Diversity: India is a land of diverse cultures and religions. The social features of India are determined by the customs and traditions of its people. The Indian society is divided into several castes and sub-castes, which are based on the occupation of the ancestors. Marriage within the same caste is preferred, but not mandatory. India is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups and religions. The largest religion in India is Hinduism, followed by Islam and Christianity. The official language of India is Hindi, but there are 22 other officially recognized languages.

Physical Features Of Kerala

• Western Ghats of Kerala: The Western Ghats of Kerala run parallel to the Arabian Sea from north to south for about 650 kilometres. They are a natural barrier to the monsoon rains, and as a result, the coastal plains are much greener and more fertile than the interior. The mountains are covered with evergreen forests, and coffee and spice plantations abound on the lower slopes. The highest peak, Anamudi, rises to 2,695 metres.
• The Backwaters: The region’s extensive network of backwaters is another of its major attractions. These waterways, formed by the intertwining of rivers and canals, extend for more than 1,000 kilometres and are a popular destination for cruising. They are also a source of livelihood for the local people, who use them to transport goods and passengers.
• The Beaches: Kerala’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in India. The Arabian Sea is usually calm and the sun shines almost every day. Kerala’s popular beaches include Kovalam, Varkala, and Fort Kochi.
• Climate: Kerala’s climate is tropical, with temperatures averaging around 25 degrees Celsius. The state receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. Rainfall is heaviest during the monsoon season, from June to September, but even then it averages only about 1,500 millimetres per year.
• Coastal belt: The coastal belt of Kerala is blessed with plenty of coconut trees and casuarina groves. Commercial crops like rice, pepper, ginger, pulses, and tapioca are cultivated here. There are also several cashew nut plantations. Paddy fields, rubber plantations, etc., adorn the landscape.

Social Features Of Kerala

Kerala is a socially diversified state with people from different religions, castes and communities living together in peace and harmony. The social features of Kerala include the following:

• The people of Kerala are highly communicative and welcoming. They are always willing to help others and are very hospitable. The culture of Kerala is a blend of different cultures, which makes it unique and interesting. The people of Kerala are very religious and follow their religion sincerely. The women in Kerala are highly empowered and play a major role in society.
• The people of Kerala are known for their artistic and creative skills. They are experts in the traditional arts and crafts of Kerala. The people of Kerala are also known for their love of food. The cuisine of Kerala is divine and highly acclaimed all over the world.
• The literature of Kerala is highly acclaimed all over the world. Some of the famous Malayalam writers include Kumaran Asan, Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, and O. V. Vijayan. Their writings reflect the unique culture and lifestyle of Kerala.
• One of the most popular forms of music in Kerala is Carnatic music, which is a type of classical music.

Conclusion

India is a land of diverse cultures, religions, and languages. It is the second most populous country in the world with over 1.3 billion people and growing. India has 29 states and 7 union territories. Hindi is the official language of the Indian government, but there are 22 other officially recognized languages spoken throughout the country. English is also an official language and is widely spoken. India’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens. The major religions practiced in India are Hinduism (79%), Islam (14%), Christianity (2%), Sikhism (1%), Buddhism (<1%).