Kerala, fondly called “God’s Own Country,” is one of the most beautiful states in India, located on the southwestern Malabar Coast. Known for its serene backwaters, pristine beaches, lush green hills, and vibrant culture, Kerala offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and rich heritage. The state was officially formed on November 1, 1956, and has its capital in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala stands out for its achievements in education, healthcare, and social development, boasting the highest literacy rate in India and a progressive outlook.
This quiz will test your knowledge of Kerala across various topics, diving into its history, geography, culture, and more. Whether you’re a proud Keralite or someone eager to learn about this enchanting state, this trivia will enlighten and entertain you.
Let’s dive into the 10 categories!
1. History
- When was Kerala formed?
1st November 1956 - Who was the first ruler of the Kingdom of Travancore?
King Marthanda Varma - What is the historical name of Kerala?
Keralaputra - Who led the 1947 Punnappra-Vayalar revolt in Kerala?
K. Karunakaran and P. Krishna Pillai - Which European country first colonized Kerala?
Portugal - What year did Kerala become a state?
1956 - Which treaty established British control over Kerala in the 18th century?
Treaty of Mavelikkara (1806) - What was the main reason behind the Moplah Rebellion?
Opposition to British colonial rule and land reforms - Who was the first Chief Minister of Kerala?
E. M. S. Namboodiripad - Which ruler of the Kingdom of Cochin contributed to Kerala’s cultural development?
Rama Varma
2. Geography
- What is the capital city of Kerala?
Thiruvananthapuram - What is the name of the largest lake in Kerala?
Vembanad Lake - Which river is the longest in Kerala?
Periyar River - What is Kerala’s highest peak?
Anamudi - Which district in Kerala is known for its tea plantations?
Idukki - What is the famous hill station in Kerala?
Munnar - Which wildlife sanctuary in Kerala is a tiger reserve?
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Which state borders Kerala to the north?
Karnataka - How many districts are there in Kerala?
14 districts - What is the name of the famous backwater region in Kerala?
Alleppey
3. Culture
- What is the traditional dance form of Kerala?
Kathakali - What is the most popular festival celebrated in Kerala?
Onam - Which martial art originated in Kerala?
Kalaripayattu - What is the traditional Kerala dish served during Onam?
Onam Sadya - What is the name of the traditional Kerala boat race?
Vallam Kali - Which famous Kerala art form involves elaborate face makeup and dance?
Kathakali - What is the traditional Kerala attire for men?
Mundu - What is the name of the Kerala festival that celebrates the harvest season?
Onam - Which type of classical music is prominent in Kerala?
Carnatic music - What is the name of the art form performed with colorful powder patterns on the floor?
Rangoli
4. Politics
- Who was the first Chief Minister of Kerala?
E. M. S. Namboodiripad - What is the official language of Kerala?
Malayalam - Which political party was founded by E. M. S. Namboodiripad?
CPI(M) - Who is the current Chief Minister of Kerala?
Pinarayi Vijayan - Which political alliance is in power in Kerala as of 2024?
Left Democratic Front (LDF) - What is the legislative assembly of Kerala called?
Kerala Legislative Assembly - Which political party is dominant in Kerala in recent years?
Communist Party of India (Marxist) - What year did Kerala implement the Land Reforms Act?
1963 - Which Kerala political figure served as the longest Chief Minister?
E. K. Nayanar - What was the major social reform movement led by Sree Narayana Guru?
Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP)
5. Economy
- Which industry is Kerala primarily known for?
Agriculture - What is the major cash crop grown in Kerala?
Rubber - Which port is the most important for trade in Kerala?
Cochin Port - Which sector plays a significant role in Kerala’s economy apart from agriculture?
Tourism - How does Kerala’s tourism industry contribute to its economy?
Through domestic and international tourists - What is the name of the world-famous tea plantation region in Kerala?
Munnar - What is the primary source of revenue for Kerala’s government?
Tourism and remittances - What is Kerala’s biggest source of foreign income?
Remittances from NRKs - How has remittance from NRKs impacted the state’s economy?
Contributes significantly to household income and growth - What is the most popular industry in Kerala, alongside agriculture?
Tourism
6. Education
- What is the literacy rate in Kerala?
96.2% - What is the first medical college in Kerala?
Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram - Which is the oldest university in Kerala?
University of Kerala - What is the name of the most prestigious engineering college in Kerala?
IIT Palakkad - Which Kerala-based educational institution is famous for IT-related courses?
CUSAT - Which university in Kerala has a renowned department of Islamic Studies?
(Likely a mix-up, Jamia Millia Islamia is in Delhi) - What is the name of the national institute focused on development research?
Centre for Development Studies (CDS) - Which Indian state consistently ranks highest in literacy?
Kerala - What is the name of the major private university in Kerala?
Amrita University - Which institution is recognized for research in applied sciences?
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
7. Famous Personalities
- Who was the first President of India from Kerala?
(Correction: Dr. Zakir Husain was not from Kerala) - Which Malayalam actor is known as the “Complete Actor”?
Mohanlal - Who authored “Khasakkinte Itihasam”?
O. V. Vijayan - Which Nobel laureate in literature is associated with Kerala?
(Correction: V. S. Naipaul was not from Kerala) - Who was the first woman Chief Minister of Kerala?
(Correction: No woman CM in Kerala to date) - Which singer from Kerala received the Padma Bhushan?
K. J. Yesudas - Which reformer founded SNDP Yogam?
Sree Narayana Guru - Which Kerala scientist contributed to ISRO?
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai (He had links but wasn’t born in Kerala) - Which Kerala cricketer played for India?
Sreesanth - Which actor is famous in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema?
Mammootty
8. Tourism
- Name the hill station known for tea gardens?
Munnar - Which beach is known for calm waters and sports?
Varkala Beach - Famous backwater destination in Kerala?
Alleppey - City known for temples and heritage?
Kochi - Wildlife sanctuary for elephants and tigers?
Periyar - Region famous for Ayurveda?
Varkala - Beach near Thiruvananthapuram?
Kovalam - Place known for wooden temples?
Bekal - Name the temple festival in Kerala?
Thrissur Pooram - River known for houseboats?
Punnappra River
9. Language and Literature
- What is the official language of Kerala?
Malayalam - Who wrote “Ramacharitam”?
Sankaracharya - Father of Malayalam literature?
Thunchath Ezhuthachan - Popular literary form in drama?
Kathakali - Who wrote “Chemmeen”?
Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai - Name of 20th-century literary movement?
P. Kunhiraman Nair Movement - Jnanpith Award winner (2009)?
M. T. Vasudevan Nair - Writer known for rural life stories?
Vaikom Muhammad Basheer - Festival for language and culture?
Onam - Script used to write Malayalam?
Malayalam script
10. Sports
- Most popular sport in Kerala?
Football - Famous footballer from Kerala?
I. M. Vijayan - Sport celebrated during Onam?
Vallam Kali - Kerala-based football team?
Kerala Blasters - Kerala cricketer who played for India?
Sreesanth - Badminton star linked to Kerala?
P. V. Sindhu (Trains there but born in Hyderabad) - Athletics star from Kerala?
Tintu Luka - Annual water sport event?
Vallam Kali - Boxer from Kerala who won Asian medal?
(Correction: Mary Kom is from Manipur) - Famous football club in Kerala?
Gokulam Kerala FC