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{{Short description|Region in the southern part of India}}
= South India =
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


'''South India''' is a region in the southern part of [[India]], comprising the states of [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]], and [[Telangana]], as well as the union territories of [[Lakshadweep]] and [[Puducherry]]. This region is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse languages, and significant contributions to the arts, music, and cuisine.
[[File:South_India_satellite.jpg|thumb|right|Satellite image of South India]]


==Geography==
'''South India''' is a region in the southern part of [[India]], comprising the states of [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]], and the union territories of [[Lakshadweep]] and [[Puducherry]]. It is bounded by the [[Bay of Bengal]] in the east, the [[Arabian Sea]] in the west, and the [[Indian Ocean]] in the south.
[[File:South India Topography.png|thumb|right|Topographical map of South India]]
South India is bordered by the [[Bay of Bengal]] to the east, the [[Arabian Sea]] to the west, and the [[Indian Ocean]] to the south. The region is characterized by diverse geographical features, including the [[Western Ghats]] and [[Eastern Ghats]], which are mountain ranges that run parallel to the western and eastern coasts, respectively. The [[Deccan Plateau]] is a prominent feature of the interior.


==Climate==
== Geography ==
The climate of South India is predominantly tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The region experiences the [[monsoon]] season from June to September, bringing heavy rainfall, especially along the western coast and the Western Ghats. The eastern parts receive rainfall from the northeast monsoon between October and December.
[[File:AnaimudiPeak_DSC_4834.jpg|thumb|left|Anamudi, the highest peak in South India]]
South India is a peninsula in the shape of an inverted triangle, bounded by the [[Eastern Ghats]] on the east and the [[Western Ghats]] on the west. The [[Nilgiri Hills]] in Tamil Nadu form the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. The region is home to the [[Deccan Plateau]], which is a large plateau that makes up most of the southern part of the country.


==Culture==
The highest peak in South India is [[Anamudi]] in the [[Western Ghats]], which rises to 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) above sea level.
[[File:Bharatanatyam Performance.jpg|thumb|left|A Bharatanatyam performance, a classical dance form of Tamil Nadu]]
South India is renowned for its rich cultural traditions, including classical music and dance forms such as [[Carnatic music]], [[Bharatanatyam]], [[Kathakali]], and [[Kuchipudi]]. The region is also famous for its [[temple architecture]], with notable examples including the [[Brihadeeswarar Temple]] in Tamil Nadu and the [[Meenakshi Temple]] in Madurai.


==Languages==
== Climate ==
The primary languages spoken in South India are [[Dravidian languages]], including [[Telugu]], [[Tamil]], [[Kannada]], and [[Malayalam]]. Each state has its own official language, and these languages have rich literary traditions.
[[File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_IND_present.svg|thumb|right|Köppen climate classification map of India]]
South India has a tropical climate, with the [[Köppen climate classification]] ranging from tropical wet and dry to tropical monsoon. The region experiences heavy rainfall during the [[monsoon]] season, which is influenced by the [[Southwest Monsoon]].


==Cuisine==
[[File:India_southwest_summer_monsoon_onset_map_en.svg|thumb|left|Map showing the onset of the southwest summer monsoon]]
[[File:South Indian Thali.jpg|thumb|right|A traditional South Indian thali]]
The southwest monsoon typically arrives in Kerala by the end of May and gradually progresses northwards, bringing significant rainfall to the region.
South Indian cuisine is known for its use of rice, lentils, and spices. Popular dishes include [[dosa]], [[idli]], [[sambar]], and [[rasam]]. Coconut is a common ingredient, especially in Kerala cuisine. The region is also known for its filter coffee.


==Economy==
== History ==
South India has a diverse economy, with agriculture, industry, and services sectors contributing significantly. The region is a major producer of [[spices]], [[coffee]], and [[rubber]]. It is also home to several technology hubs, including [[Bengaluru]], known as the "Silicon Valley of India."
[[File:Rajendra_map_new.svg|thumb|right|Map of the Chola Empire under Rajendra Chola I]]
South India has a rich history, with several ancient dynasties such as the [[Chola]], [[Cheras]], [[Pandyas]], and [[Vijayanagara Empire]] ruling over the region. The Chola Empire, under rulers like [[Rajendra Chola I]], expanded its influence across Southeast Asia.


==Tourism==
During the colonial period, South India was part of the [[Madras Presidency]] under British rule.
South India is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its beaches, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical sites. Notable tourist attractions include the [[Backwaters of Kerala]], the [[Nilgiri Hills]], and the [[Hampi]] ruins.


==Related pages==
[[File:Madras_Prov_South_1909.jpg|thumb|left|Map of the Madras Presidency in 1909]]
 
== Flora and Fauna ==
South India is known for its rich biodiversity. The [[Western Ghats]] are a [[biodiversity hotspot]], home to many endemic species of flora and fauna.
 
[[File:Elephas_maximus_(Bandipur).jpg|thumb|right|Indian elephant in Bandipur National Park]]
The region is home to the [[Indian elephant]], [[Bengal tiger]], and other wildlife species. National parks such as [[Bandipur National Park]] and [[Periyar National Park]] are important conservation areas.
 
[[File:A_courting_male_in_Eravikulam_NP_AJTJohnsingh_DSCN2997.jpg|thumb|left|Nilgiri tahr in Eravikulam National Park]]
The [[Nilgiri tahr]], an endangered species of mountain goat, is found in the [[Nilgiri Hills]] and [[Eravikulam National Park]].
 
== Culture ==
South India is renowned for its cultural heritage, including classical music, dance, and architecture. The region is the birthplace of [[Carnatic music]] and classical dance forms such as [[Bharatanatyam]] and [[Kathakali]].
 
The architecture of South India is characterized by [[Dravidian architecture]], with temples such as the [[Brihadeeswarar Temple]] in Tamil Nadu and the [[Meenakshi Temple]] in Madurai being notable examples.
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Western Ghats]]
* [[Western Ghats]]
* [[Deccan Plateau]]
* [[Deccan Plateau]]
* [[Chola Dynasty]]
* [[Carnatic music]]
* [[Carnatic music]]
* [[Bharatanatyam]]
* [[Dravidian architecture]]
* [[Indian cuisine]]


[[Category:South India]]
[[Category:Regions of India]]
[[Category:Regions of India]]
[[Category:South India]]

Latest revision as of 14:15, 21 February 2025

South India[edit]

Satellite image of South India

South India is a region in the southern part of India, comprising the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry. It is bounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Indian Ocean in the south.

Geography[edit]

Anamudi, the highest peak in South India

South India is a peninsula in the shape of an inverted triangle, bounded by the Eastern Ghats on the east and the Western Ghats on the west. The Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu form the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. The region is home to the Deccan Plateau, which is a large plateau that makes up most of the southern part of the country.

The highest peak in South India is Anamudi in the Western Ghats, which rises to 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) above sea level.

Climate[edit]

Köppen climate classification map of India

South India has a tropical climate, with the Köppen climate classification ranging from tropical wet and dry to tropical monsoon. The region experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which is influenced by the Southwest Monsoon.

Map showing the onset of the southwest summer monsoon

The southwest monsoon typically arrives in Kerala by the end of May and gradually progresses northwards, bringing significant rainfall to the region.

History[edit]

Map of the Chola Empire under Rajendra Chola I

South India has a rich history, with several ancient dynasties such as the Chola, Cheras, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara Empire ruling over the region. The Chola Empire, under rulers like Rajendra Chola I, expanded its influence across Southeast Asia.

During the colonial period, South India was part of the Madras Presidency under British rule.

Map of the Madras Presidency in 1909

Flora and Fauna[edit]

South India is known for its rich biodiversity. The Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot, home to many endemic species of flora and fauna.

Indian elephant in Bandipur National Park

The region is home to the Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, and other wildlife species. National parks such as Bandipur National Park and Periyar National Park are important conservation areas.

Nilgiri tahr in Eravikulam National Park

The Nilgiri tahr, an endangered species of mountain goat, is found in the Nilgiri Hills and Eravikulam National Park.

Culture[edit]

South India is renowned for its cultural heritage, including classical music, dance, and architecture. The region is the birthplace of Carnatic music and classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Kathakali.

The architecture of South India is characterized by Dravidian architecture, with temples such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu and the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai being notable examples.

Related Pages[edit]