Geography of India and Kerala
Geography of India and Kerala tests location and extent, physiography, drainage, climate, soils, natural vegetation, agriculture, minerals and population, with a strong Kerala component. Map-based recall of rivers, peaks, lakes, districts and passes earns most of the marks.
Facts to fix
- Kerala covers 38,863 sq km, about 1.18 per cent of India, with a coastline near 590 km, lying between 8°17′ and 12°47′ north latitude.
- The Western Ghats form the eastern wall; Anamudi at 2,695 m is the highest peak in South India.
- Rivers: Periyar, 244 km, is the longest; Bharathapuzha, 209 km, is second and is called Nila. Kerala has 41 west-flowing and 3 east-flowing rivers - Kabini, Bhavani and Pambar.
- Lakes: Vembanad is the largest and India’s longest lake; Ashtamudi is a palm-shaped backwater; Sasthamkotta is the notable freshwater lake.
- Districts: Idukki is the largest by area, Alappuzha the smallest; Malappuram is the most populous.
- Climate: the southwest monsoon from June to September and the northeast monsoon from October to November, the latter giving thulavarsham. Average rainfall is roughly 3,000 mm.
- Soils: laterite dominates the midlands; alluvial soil supports Kuttanad.
- India: the Tropic of Cancer crosses eight states, 82°30′ east is the standard meridian, and Indira Point is the southernmost tip.
Worked example
Why is Kuttanad called the rice bowl of Kerala, and how is farming possible below sea level? Reasoning: Kuttanad spreads over Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta, where parts of the paddy fields lie half a metre to two metres below sea level. Bunds or polders keep back the backwater, and water is pumped out so paddy can be sown. The region’s thick alluvial soil and triple-crop cycle explain the name. Answer pattern: name the districts, explain the polder and pumping system, then mention alluvial soil.
Traps
- Confusing Anamudi with Doddabetta, which is in the Nilgiris.
- Reversing the length order of Periyar and Bharathapuzha.
- Mixing Vembanad with Ashtamudi, or largest-by-area with most-populous district.