South India

South India, also called Southern India or the Peninsular India, is the southern part of the Deccan Peninsula in India. It includes the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry. It covers about 19.31% of India’s land area and is home to around 20% of the country’s people. The region is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south.

South India has a rich and varied landscape, featuring two mountain ranges—the Western and Eastern Ghats—that frame a high plateau in the middle. Important rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Penna, Tungabhadra and Vaigai provide vital water resources for the area. Major cities in the region include Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Coimbatore and Kochi.

Most people in South India speak one of four main Dravidian languages: Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. Throughout history, many powerful kingdoms such as the Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Rashtrakutas and Vijayanagara ruled different parts of the region, leaving a deep cultural influence.

In recent decades, the economies of South Indian states have grown faster than the rest of India. Today, South India has the largest combined economy among all regions in the country. The area also shows strong results in areas like education and health, with higher literacy rates and better living standards than many other parts of India.

Etymology

South India is also called Peninsular India because it is located on a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. The word "Deccan" refers to the area of the Deccan Plateau, which covers most of this region except the coastal areas. "Deccan" comes from an old word in Prakrit, dakkhiṇa, which itself comes from the Sanskrit word dakshiṇa meaning south. Another name, Carnatic, comes from words meaning "black country".

History

Main article: History of South India

See also: Spice trade

Carbon dating shows that ash mounds from ancient cultures in South India go back to 8000 BCE. Around 1000 BCE, iron tools and weapons began to spread in the area. South India was an important trading place, linking the Mediterranean with East Asia. Many people from different places, like the Romans, Greeks, Arabs, and Chinese, came to trade here, especially during a time called the Sangam period, which lasted from about the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE. The area was also part of the famous Silk Road.

Many different groups ruled South India over the years, including the Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, and others. In the 15th century, the Vijayanagara empire was the last big kingdom to control all of South India. Later, after attacks from other rulers, the empire fell, and different leaders took control.

Europeans arrived in the 1400s. By the 1700s, the French and British were competing to control South India. After some battles, the British took over most of the area by the early 1800s, except for a small French area called Pondichéry. The British took full control from a trading company in 1857. South India played an important role in India’s fight for freedom from British rule.

After India gained independence in 1947, the area was divided into several states. Over time, these states were reorganised based on language. This led to the creation of new states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The union territory of Puducherry was also formed from old French areas. In 2014, the state of Telangana was created from part of Andhra Pradesh.

Geography

Main article: Geography of South India

South India is a special shape like a triangle. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the south, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Bay of Bengal to the east. Two big mountain ranges, the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, border a high area in the middle called the Deccan Plateau.

The area has many different plants and animals because of its changing climates and landscapes. There are forests, grasslands, and special places like the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that help protect many animals, including tigers and elephants.

Politics

Main article: Politics in South India

Politics in South India has many regional and national parties. In the past, the Justice Party and Swaraj Party were important in the old Madras Presidency. Later, the Indian National Congress became strong, and local parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) grew, especially in Tamil Nadu.

Today, many parties are active across South India. In Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, and Telangana, the Congress party is important. In Andhra Pradesh, new parties have formed over time. In Kerala, two groups often take turns leading the government. South India has also given India several presidents and prime ministers.

Administration

South India consists of the five southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, and the union territories of Puducherry, and Lakshadweep. Each state and territory has its own government. A governor, chosen by India’s president, leads each state, and appoints a chief minister from the winning party.

Areas are divided into smaller parts for management, like districts and villages. Cities have their own local leaders, while rural areas have village groups.

States

Union territories

Legislative representation

South India elects many members to India’s national parliament. The area has special buildings for its state governments. Some states have one group of leaders, while others have two groups.

Demographics

Further information: Dravidian people, Telugus, Tamils, Kannadigas, Malayalis, and Tuluvas

See also: South Indian diaspora

According to the 2011 census, South India had about 252 million people, which is around one-fifth of India's total population. The number of babies born each year in this area is lower than what is needed to keep the population the same size. Many people in South India work in farming, and most live in homes with walls and a roof. Most also have clean water to drink from taps, wells, or springs.

Over the past few decades, the economies of South India's states have grown faster than the rest of the country. Although there is still some poverty, it has decreased over time. Education is strong here, with an average of about 80% of people able to read and write, which is higher than most other parts of India.

Languages

Languages of South India (2011 census):

1. Telugu (31.1%)
2. Tamil (27.0%)
3. Kannada (16.8%)
4. Malayalam (13.5%)
5. Urdu (6.09%)
6. Others (5.53%)

The main languages spoken in South India belong to the Dravidian family, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Urdu is also spoken by some people. English is common in cities. Tamil was the first language to receive a special honor from the government in 2004, and later Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam also received this honor.

Religion

Further information: Hinduism in South India

Hinduism is the most common religion in South India, with most people following it. Other religions such as Islam and Christianity also have many followers in the area. There are also small communities that follow other beliefs.

Largest cities

Transport

Road

South India has many roads for travel. There are long paths called National Highways and State Highways that help people move around easily. Big bus services run in each state to carry passengers from one place to another.

Rail

Trains have been an important way to travel in South India for a long time. The first railway tracks were built in the 1800s, and today there are many train lines connecting different cities. There are special train systems in cities like Chennai and Hyderabad to help people get around quickly.

Suburban and Metro

Main article: Urban rail transit in India

Some cities in South India have special train systems called metros that run above ground or below ground to help people travel within the city. Cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kochi have these metro systems.

Air

There are many airports in South India where people can fly to different places. Big airports like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi are very busy and handle lots of flights. These airports help connect South India to the rest of the country and the world.

Water

South India has many ports along its coastline where ships can dock. These ports are important for trading goods. There are also special boat services, like the water metro in Kochi, that let people travel on rivers and canals.

Economy

Main article: Economy of South India

South India has a strong economy. After gaining independence, the region followed a system where the government had a lot of control over businesses, trade, and investments. From the 1960s to the 1990s, the economies of South India grew in different ways. Some places did very well, while others faced challenges. Today, South India has many special areas for businesses, called Special Economic Zones, making up about 60% of all such areas in the country. The total value of goods and services made in South India is very high, and it creates a big part of India’s overall economy. Cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad are important for connecting South India to the world economy.

South India’s economy includes farming, technology, making things, and tourism. Farming is very important, with rice and many spices being major crops. The region also grows coffee, tea, and many other products. Cities in South India are key places for technology and making things like cars and machines. The area also attracts many visitors, making tourism a big part of its economy.

Culture and heritage

South India has its own special ways of dressing, eating, dancing, and making music. Many people there follow traditions that have been passed down for thousands of years.

Clothing

People in South India have their own styles of clothing. Women often wear a long piece of cloth called a sari, which they wrap around themselves in a special way. Men usually wear a white cloth around their waist called a dhoti. In cities, people also wear modern clothes like shirts and pants.

Cuisine

Rice is a main food in South India, and people often eat it with many different dishes. They use a lot of coconut and spices to give the food flavor. A special way to eat is to sit on the floor and use their hands to pick up food from a banana leaf. Popular foods include idli, dosa, and many different kinds of curries.

Music and dance

South India is known for its music and dances. One kind of music is called Carnatic music, and it has special songs and instruments. Some famous dances include Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, which tell stories through movement.

Literature

South India has a long history of writing. The earliest books were written in Tamil over 2,500 years ago. These books include poems and stories that have been loved for many years.

Architecture

South India has beautiful temple buildings. These temples often have tall towers called gopurams and big open halls. The style of building changed over time, but many of these temples are now important places to visit.

Visual arts

South India also has a rich tradition of movies. Each state makes its own films in its own language. Some of these movies have even influenced leaders and politics in the area.

Utility services

Health

South Indian states are among the best in India for hospital births and long, healthy lives. The area also has fewer babies and young children who become seriously ill compared to the rest of the country. Chennai is famous as a place many people visit for medical care and is often called India's health capital. As of 2017, there were 9,482 public health centers, along with many other special health facilities run by different groups.

Education

South India has a high rate of reading and writing skills, about 80%, which is higher than the rest of India. Kerala leads with the highest rate at 93.91%.

The area is known for some of the nation’s best schools and colleges. These include the University of Madras, one of the oldest and best universities, IIM Bangalore, one of the top business schools, IIT Madras, one of the oldest and most famous engineering schools, and IISc Bangalore, a top research center.

South India is home to some of the nation’s prominent institutions of higher education.

Sports

Cricket is the most popular sport in South India. The area has five international cricket stadiums, such as those in Chennai, Bangalore, Vishakapatnam, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram. The Indian Premier League, a top cricket competition, includes three teams from this region.

Football is also well-loved, with the Indian Super League featuring teams like Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, and Kerala Blasters FC. Kabaddi is another popular sport, with several teams from South India in the Pro Kabaddi League.

Chess, an ancient board game, is enjoyed by many. Traditional games and sports such as Pallanguzhi, Uriyadi, and martial arts like Silambattam are also part of the region's rich sporting culture.