South India

South India

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

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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

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

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

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.

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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
• Deccan Plateau
• Chola Dynasty
• Carnatic music
• Dravidian architecture