|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | {{approved}}{{submitted}}{{ready}}{{images OK}}
| |
| − | {{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
| |
| − | |type = city
| |
| − | |native_name = Kochi
| |
| − | |state_name = Kerala
| |
| − | |nickname = Queen of the Arabian Sea
| |
| − | |locator_position = left
| |
| − | |latd = 9.977 | longd = 76.27
| |
| − | |skyline = Skyline de Kochi.jpg
| |
| − | |skyline_caption = Ernakulam, as seen from the Vembanad Lake
| |
| − | |district = [[Ernakulam district|Ernakulam]]
| |
| − | |leader_title_1 = Mayor
| |
| − | |leader_name_1 = [[Mercy Williams]]
| |
| − | |leader_title_2 = Deputy Mayor
| |
| − | |leader_name_2 = C. K. Manisankar
| |
| − | |altitude = 0
| |
| − | |coastline = 48
| |
| − | |climate = Am
| |
| − | |precip = 2743
| |
| − | |population_as_of = 2001
| |
| − | |population_total = 596473
| |
| − | |population_total_cite =
| |
| − | |population_density = 6250
| |
| − | |population_metro = 1463000
| |
| − | |population_metro_cite = <ref>[http://esa.un.org/unup/index.asp?panel=2 United Nations World Urbanization Prospects]</ref> . Retrieved July 22, 2008.
| |
| − | |population_metro_as_of = 2005
| |
| − | |area_magnitude = 8
| |
| − | |area_total = 94.88
| |
| − | |area_telephone = 0484
| |
| − | |postal_code = 682 0xx
| |
| − | |vehicle_code_range = KL-7
| |
| − | |sex_ratio = 1.017
| |
| − | |literacy = 94.3%
| |
| − | |unlocode = INKOC
| |
| − | |website = www.corporationofcochin.org
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | '''Kochi''' <!--({{Audio|Kochi.ogg|pronunciation}}—>; [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]: {{unicode|കൊച്ചി}} [{{IPA|koˈʧːi}}]); formerly known as '''Cochin'''), a city in the [[India]]n state of [[Kerala]], serves as the commercial capital of Kerala. The city, one of the principal [[seaport]]s of the country, sits in the district of Ernakulam, about {{convert|220|km|mi|0|lk=on}} north of the state capital, [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. It has an estimated population of 600,000, with an [[Kochi urban agglomeration|extended metropolitan]] population of about 1.5 million, making it the largest [[urban agglomeration]] and the second largest city in Kerala after the capital.
| |
| | | | |
| − | Since 1102 C.E., Kochi has been the seat of the [[Kingdom of Cochin]], a [[princely state]] which traces its lineage to the [[Kulasekhara]] empire. Heralded as the ''Queen of the [[Arabian Sea]]'', Kochi has been an important [[spice]] trading center on the Arabian Sea coast from the fourteenth century onwards. Ancient travelers and tradesmen referred to Kochi in their writings, variously alluding to it as ''Cocym'', ''Cochym'', ''Cochin'', and ''Cochi''. Occupied by the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] in 1503, Kochi became the site of the first [[European colonies in India|European colonial settlement]] in India. It remained the capital of [[Portuguese India]] until 1530, when [[Goa]] became the capital. The [[Dutch Empire|Dutch]] later occupied the city, followed by the [[Kingdom of Mysore|Mysore]] and the [[British Empire|British]]. Kochi had been the first princely state to willingly join the [[Indian Union]], when India gained [[Indian Independence movement|independence]] in 1947.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochi experienced decades of [[economic stagnation]] from independence until 2003, when it entered a period of [[economy of India|economic growth]], leading to a spurt in the city's development. A growing center of [[information technology]], tourism and [[international trade]], Kochi has become the commercial hub of Kerala, and one of the fastest growing second-tier metros in India. Like other large cities in the developing world, Kochi continues to struggle with [[urbanization]] problems such as [[traffic congestion]] and [[environmental degradation]]. Successive waves of [[human migration|migration]] over the course of several millennia have made Kochi a cultural [[melting pot]]. Despite the risk of over development, the city retains its distinct colonial heritage and a blend of tradition and modernity.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==Name==
| |
| − | Theories regarding the [[etymology]] of the name "Kochi" have been disputed.<ref name="Corporation of Kochi">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Corporation of Kochi |
| |
| − | work=Etymology of Kochi
| |
| − | |url=http://www.corporationofcochin.org/pages/Maintemp.asp?id=3
| |
| − | | title=Etymology of Kochi
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> One suggests that the city's modern name derives from the [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] word ''koch azhi'', meaning 'small [[lagoon]]'. Another version mentions the name as derivative of the [[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]] word ''Go shree'' which means 'prosperous with cows'. Certain ancient texts refer to the city ''Balapuri'' (Sanskrit for 'small town'), which became Cochin in course of time.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | According to some accounts, traders from the court of the [[Emperor of China|Chinese ruler]] [[Khubilai Khan]] gave Cochin the name of their homeland. Yet another theory puts forward that Kochi derived from the word ''Kaci'' meaning 'harbor'. Certain scholars claim that Cochin derives from the term ''Cocha'', a transfiguration of the [[Bible|Biblical]] term ''[[Kohen|Cohen]]''.<ref name="Corporation of Kochi"/> Accounts by Italian explorers [[Niccolò Da Conti|Nicolo Conti]] (fifteenth century), and [[Fra Paoline]] in the seventeenth century say that ''Kochchi'' came from the name of the river connecting the backwaters to the sea.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | After the arrival of the [[Portugal|Portuguese]], and later the British, the name '''Cochin''' stuck as the official appellation. The city [[Indian renaming controversy|reverted]] to a closer [[anglicization]] of its original Malayalam name, '''Kochi''', in 1996, although many still still use the name Cochin.
| |
| − | [[Image:KochiFishingNet.jpg|thumb|250px|Cheena vala (Chinese fishing nets); only the people of Kochi use those fishing structures outside [[People's Republic of China|China]].]]
| |
| − | [[Image:Dutch cemetery2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The old [[Dutch people|Dutch]] [[cemetery]] in Kochi]]
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==History==
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochi, the center of Indian [[spice trade]] for many centuries, had been known to the [[Yavanas]] [[Greek]]s as well as Romans, [[Jew]]s, [[Arab]]s, and [[China|Chinese]] since ancient times.<ref name="Ernakulam Portal">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=National Informatics Centre |
| |
| − | work=Ernakulam Portal
| |
| − | |url=http://ernakulam.nic.in/history.htm
| |
| − | | title=History of Ernakulam
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> Kochi rose to significance as a trading center after massive flooding of the river [[Periyar River|Periyar]] destroyed the port at [[Kodungallur]] (Cranganore) in 1341. The earliest documented references to Kochi occur in books written by Chinese voyager [[Ma Huan]] during his visit to Kochi in the fifteenth century as part of Admiral [[Zheng He]]'s treasure fleet.<ref name="mahuan">
| |
| − | {{cite book
| |
| − | | author =[[Ma Huan]]: Ying Yai Sheng Lan — translated by J.V.G. Mills
| |
| − | | year = 1970
| |
| − | | title = The Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores
| |
| − | | publisher = [[Hakluyt Society]], White Lotus Press. ISBN 974-8496-78-3
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> References to Kochi in accounts written by Italian traveler Niccolò Da Conti, who visited Kochi in 1440, also exist.<ref name="Niccolo di Conti ">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=win.tue.nl |
| |
| − | work=Niccolo di Conti
| |
| − | |url=http://www.win.tue.nl/~engels/discovery/conti.html
| |
| − | | title=Accounts of Nicolo de' Conti (ca.1395–1469)
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref>
| |
| − |
| |
| − | The [[Kingdom of Kochi]] came into existence in 1102, after the fall of the Kulasekhara empire.<ref name="Corporation of Kochi - Prehistory and Archaeology of Cochin">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Corporation of Cochin|
| |
| − | |url=http://www.corporationofcochin.org/pages/Maintemp.asp?id=3&val=1
| |
| − | | title=Prehistory and Archaeology of Cochin
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> The King of Kochi had authority over the region encompassing the present city of Kochi and adjoining areas. A hereditary reign, the [[Cochin Royal Family]] (''Perumpadappu Swaroopam'' in the local vernacular) ruled over Kochi. Mainland Kochi remained the capital of the princely state since the eighteenth century. During much of that time, the kingdom suffered under foreign rule, and the King often only had titular privileges.
| |
| − | [[Image:Cochin Jewish Inscription.JPG|thumb|left|200px|[[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] inscription at the [[Paradesi Synagogue]]]]
| |
| − | [[Fort Kochi]] in Kochi had been the first European colonial settlement in India. From 1503 to 1663, [[Portuguese Empire|Portugal]] ruled Fort Kochi. That Portuguese period had been difficult for the [[Cochin Jews|Jews]] in the region, since Portuguese actively pursued the [[Inquisition]] in India. Kochi hosted the grave of [[Vasco da Gama]], the first European explorer to set sail for India, buried at St. Francis Church until the Catholic church returned his remains to Portugal in 1539.<ref name="Vasco Da Gama">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Microsoft|
| |
| − | work=MSN Encarta Encyclopedia
| |
| − | |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761567498/Vasco_Da_Gama.html
| |
| − | | title=Death of Vasco Da Gama in Kochi
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> The Dutch followed the Portuguese rule. They had allied with the [[Zamorin]]s to conquer Kochi. By 1773, the Mysore King [[Hyder Ali]] extended his conquest in the [[Malabar region]] to Kochi forcing it to become a tributary of Mysore. The hereditary Prime Ministership of Kochi held by the [[Paliath Achan]]s came to an end during this period.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Meanwhile, the Dutch, fearing an outbreak of war on the [[Dutch Republic|United Provinces]] signed a [[Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814|treaty]] with the United Kingdom, under which Holland ceded Kochi to the United Kingdom in exchange for the island of [[Bangka Island|Bangka]]. Evidence of English habitation in the region even prior to the signing of the treaty exists.<ref name="charitram">
| |
| − | {{cite book
| |
| − | | author =KP Padmanabha Menon.
| |
| − | | year = 1914
| |
| − | | title =Kochi Rajyacharithram
| |
| − | | publisher =
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref>
| |
| − | In 1866, Fort Kochi became a [[municipality]], conducting its first Municipal Council election in 1883. The [[Maharaja]] of Cochin, who ruled under the British, in 1896 initiated local administration by forming town councils in [[Mattancherry]] and [[Ernakulam]]. In 1925, public pressure on the state encouraged the constitution of the Kochi legislative assembly.
| |
| − | [[Image:Mattancherry palace bhagvathy kshetram.JPG|200px|thumb|The [[mandir|temple]] adjoining the [[Mattancherry Palace]]]]
| |
| − | Approaching the early twentieth century, trade at the port had increasing substantially, the need to develop the port became keenly felt. Harbor engineer [[Robert Bristow]] came to Kochi in 1920 under the direction of [[Freeman Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon|Lord Willingdon]], then the Governor of [[Madras Presidency|Madras]]. In a span of twenty one years, he transformed Kochi as one of the safest harbors in the peninsula, where ships berthed alongside the newly reclaimed inner harbor equipped with a long array of steam cranes.<ref name="ekm-safe">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Government of Kerala |
| |
| − | work=Official website of Ernakulam District
| |
| − | |url=http://www.ekm.kerala.gov.in/places.htm
| |
| − | |title = Cochin Harbour and Willingdon Island
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref>
| |
| − |
| |
| − | In 1947, India gained independence from the British colonial rule. Cochin stood as the first [[princely state]] to join the Indian Union willingly.<ref name="Corporation of Kochi — History and culture of Kochi'">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Corporation of Kochi |
| |
| − | title=History and culture of Kochi
| |
| − | |url=http://www.corporationofcochin.org/pages/Maintemp.asp?id=4
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref>
| |
| − | In 1949, [[Travancore-Cochin]] state came into being with the merger of Cochin and [[Travancore]]. The [[Rajpramukh]] of the Travancore-Cochin Union reigned as the King of Travancorefrom 1949 to 1956. Travancore-Cochin, in turn, merged with the [[Malabar district]] of the Madras State. Finally, the [[Government of India]]'s [[States Reorganisation Act]] (1956) inaugurated a new state — Kerala — incorporating Travancore-Cochin (excluding the four southern Taluks which merged with [[Tamil Nadu]]), Malabar District, and the [[tehsil|taluk]] of [[Kasargod]], [[South Kanara]].<ref name="lonelyplanet">
| |
| − | {{cite book
| |
| − | | author =Plunkett, R, Cannon, T, Davis, P, Greenway, P & Harding
| |
| − | | year = 2001
| |
| − | | title = Lonely Planet South India, Lonely Planet
| |
| − | | publisher = ISBN 1-86450-161-8
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> On 9 July 1960, the Mattancherry council passed a resolution—forwarded to the government—requesting the formation of a [[municipal corporation]] by combining the existing municipalities of Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Ernakulam. The government appointed a commission to study the feasibility of the suggested merger. Based on its report, the [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]] approved the corporation's formation. On 1 November 1967, exactly eleven years since the establishment of the state of Kerala, the [[corporation of Cochin]] came into existence. The merger leading to the establishment of the corporation, took place between the municipalities of Ernakulam, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi, along with that of the [[Willingdon Island]], four [[panchayat]]s ([[Palluruthy]], [[Vennala]], [[Vyttila]] and [[Edappally]]), and the small islands of [[Gundu Island|Gundu]] and [[Ramanthuruth]].
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochi witnessed economic stagnation in the years following India's independence. The city's economic recovery gathered momentum after [[economic reforms in India]] introduced by the [[Government of India|central government]] in the mid-1990s. Since 2000, the service sector has revitalized the city’s stagnant economy. The establishment of several industrial parks based on Information technology (IT) triggered a construction and realty boom in the city. Over the years, Kochi has witnessed rapid commercialization, and has today grown into the commercial capital of Kerala.<ref name="Trade & Industry in Kochi">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Govt. Of Kerala |
| |
| − | title=Statistical data
| |
| − | |url=http://www.kerala.gov.in/statistical/panchayat_statistics2001/ekm_shis.htm
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref>
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==Geography and climate==
| |
| − | {{main|Geography of Kochi}}
| |
| − | [[Image:Kochi view from taj malabar.jpg|right|thumb|180px|A view of the Kochi harbour mouth from [[Willingdon Island]]]]
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochi, located on the southwest coast of India at {{coor dm|9|58|N|76|13|E|}}, spans an area of 94.88 square kilometers (36.63 [[square mile|sq mi]]). The city sits at the northern end of a peninsula, about 19 kilometers (12 [[Mile|mi]]) long and less than one mile (1.6 km) wide. To the west lies the Arabian Sea, and to the east perennial rivers originating in the [[Western Ghats]] drain [[estuary|estuaries]]. Much of Kochi lies at sea level, with a coastline of 48 km.<ref name="Corporation of Kochi2">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Corporation of Kochi |
| |
| − | title=Geography of Kochi
| |
| − | |url=http://www.corporationofcochin.org/Pages/Maintemp.asp?id=2&val=1
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref>
| |
| − |
| |
| − | The current metropolitan limits of Kochi include the mainland [[Ernakulam]], old Kochi, the suburbs of [[Edapally]], [[Kalamassery]] and [[Kakkanad]] to the northeast; [[Tripunithura]] to the south east; and a group of islands closely scattered in the [[Vembanad Lake]]. Most of those islands, small in size, vary in extent from six square kilometers to less than a square kilometer (1,500 to less than 250 [[acre]]s).
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Soil consists of [[sediment]]s such as [[alluvium]], teri's, and brown [[sand]]s. Hydromorphic [[saline]] soils cover areas surrounding the backwaters.<ref name="Corporation geo">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Corporation of Kochi |
| |
| − | title=Geology of Kochi
| |
| − | |url=http://www.corporationofcochin.org/pages/Maintemp.asp?id=2&val=6
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> Predominant rock types include [[Archaean]]-basic [[Dike (geology)|dyke]]s, [[Charnockite]]s and [[Gneiss]]es. An ecologically sensitive area, the [[Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary]] in the central part of the city has a wide range of mangrove species. It serves as a nesting ground for a vast variety of [[bird migration|migratory bird]]s. Certain species of [[dolphin]]s live in the backwaters.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochi's proximity to the equator, along with its coastal location, results in little seasonal temperature variation with moderate to high levels of humidity. Annual temperatures range between 20 to 35 °[[Celsius|C]] (68–95 °[[Fahrenheit|F]]) with the record high being 38 °C (100 °F), and record low 17 °C (63 °F).<ref name="weather">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=weatherbase |
| |
| − | title=Historical weather for Kochi
| |
| − | |url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=035334&refer=&units=metric
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref>
| |
| − | From June through September, the [[monsoon|south-west monsoon]] brings in heavy rains as Kochi lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats. From October to December, Kochi receives light rain from the northwest monsoon, as it lies on the leeward side. Average annual rainfall is 3,500 [[millimetre]]s (138 [[Inch|in]]), with an annual average of 132 rainy days.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==Civic administration==
| |
| − |
| |
| − | The [[Corporation of Kochi|Kochi Corporation]], headed by a mayor, administers the city. Administratively, the city divides into seventy wards, with members of the corporation council elected for a period of five years. The Corporation has its headquarters in Ernakulam, and zonal offices at [[Fort Kochi]], Mattancherry, Palluruthy, Edappally, [[Vaduthala]] and Vyttila. The Personnel Department and the Council Section handle the general administration of the city. Other departments include that of [[Urban planning|town planning]], health, engineering, revenue and accounts.<ref name="adminsetup">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Corporation of Kochi |
| |
| − | work=
| |
| − | |url=http://www.corporationofcochin.org/pages/MainTemp.asp?id=1&val1=1&PLK=2
| |
| − | | title=Administrative set up
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}</ref> The corporation manages waste disposal, sewage management and the supply of [[potable water]], sourced from the Periyar River.<ref name="watersource">
| |
| − | {{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://www.hindu.com/2003/09/09/stories/2003090907690300.htm
| |
| − | | title= Private firm allowed to draw Periyar water
| |
| − | | publisher=The Hindu
| |
| − | | date= 9 September 2003
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}</ref> The [[Kerala State Electricity Board]] provides electricity.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | The [[Greater Cochin Development Authority]] (GCDA) government agency oversees the development of Kochi. The [[Kochi City Police]], headed by a [[Police Commissioner]], an [[Indian Police Service]] (IPS) officer, comprises the [[traffic police]], [[Narcotic]]s Cell, Armed Reserve Camps, District Crime Records Bureau, [[Senior citizen]]'s Cell, and a Women's Cell.<ref name="KCP">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Kochi City Police |
| |
| − | work=
| |
| − | |url=http://kochicitypolice.org/organizational-chart.htm
| |
| − | | title=Organisational chart
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}</ref> It operates nineteen police stations functioning under the Home Ministry of State Government. An [[Political corruption|anti-corruption]] branch of the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] also operates out of the city. Kochi serves as the seat of the [[Kerala High Court|High Court of Kerala]], the highest judicial body in the state. The High Court also has jurisdiction over the [[Union Territory]] of [[Lakshadweep]].
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochi contributes five seats to the State Assembly, and a seat to the [[Lok Sabha]], the Lower House of the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]].
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==Economy==
| |
| − | [[Image:Tejomaya Infopark Kochi.jpg|200px|thumb|The ''Tejomaya'' building at [[InfoPark, Kochi]]]]
| |
| − | Kochi presides as the economic capital of Kerala by volume of trade. Unlike other [[South India]]n cities, Kochi has been slow to industrialize.<ref name="Trade & Industry in Kochi"/> In recent years the city has rejuvenated from its [[economic stagnation]] and has witnessed heavy investment, thus making it one of the fastest-growing second-tier metro cities in India.<ref name="Developing metro and quaint environs">{{cite news
| |
| − | | author=Rakee Mohan
| |
| − | | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1482577.cms
| |
| − | | title=Developing metro and quaint environs
| |
| − | | publisher=Economic Times
| |
| − | | date=2006-04-08
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> The economy of the city can be classified as a business economy with emphasis on the service sector.<ref name=" Services sector fuels 9.2 pc growth in Kerala">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Blonnet |
| |
| − | work=
| |
| − | |url=http://www.blonnet.com/2006/02/09/stories/2006020902621900.htm
| |
| − | | title=Services sector fuels 9.2 pc growth in Kerala
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> Major business sectors include gold and textile retailing, seafood and spices exports, [[information technology]] (IT), tourism, [[Medical tourism|health services]], banking, shipbuilding, and the fishing industry. The economy depends mostly on trade and retail activities.<ref name="Retail booooom - NIE">
| |
| − | {{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEX20060508214642&Page=X&Title=Kochi&Topic=0&
| |
| − | | title=Retail booooom
| |
| − | | publisher=New Indian Express
| |
| − | | date=2006-05-09
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> As in most of Kerala, remittances from non-resident Indians (NRI)s provides a major source of income. The city also houses Kerala's only [[bourse]]—the [[Cochin Stock Exchange]].
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochi has been a magnet for IT and [[Information technology enabled services|ITES]] companies, ranked by [[NASSCOM]] as the second-most attractive city in India for IT-based services.<ref name="NASSCOM">{{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/30/stories/2005123022340400.htm
| |
| − | | title= Kochi set to scale greater heights in investment
| |
| − | | publisher=The Hindu
| |
| − | | date=2005-12-30
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> Availability of cheap [[bandwidth]] through [[Submarine communications cable|undersea cables]] and lower operational costs compared to other major cities in India, has been to its advantage. Various technology and industrial campuses including the government promoted [[InfoPark, Kochi|InfoPark]], [[Cochin Special Economic Zone]] and [[Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation|KINFRA Export Promotion Industrial Park]] operate in the outskirts of the city. Several new industrial campuses for research, trade and development in [[biotechnology]], [[electronic hardware]] and information technology have been under construction in the suburbs of the city. the [[Sobha Hi-tech city]] at Maradu and the [[SmartCity, Kochi|SmartCity]] at Kakkanad, which on completion, would rank among the largest such ventures in the country stand out among them.<ref name="Kerala Cabinet clears Smartcity pact">
| |
| − | {{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200704251440.htm
| |
| − | | title=Kerala Cabinet clears Smartcity pact
| |
| − | | publisher=The Hindu
| |
| − | | date=2007-04-25
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> The Cochin International Airport has been in the process of setting up an [[aerotropolis]] at Nedumbasserry.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | [[Eloor]], situated 17 kilometers (10.5 mi) north of the city, constitutes the largest industrial belt in Kerala, with more than 250 industries manufacturing a range of products including [[chemical]] and [[petrochemical]] products, [[pesticide]]s, [[rare earth element]]s, [[rubber]] processing chemicals, [[fertilizer]]s, [[zinc]] and [[chromium]] compounds, and [[leather]] products.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | [[Image:marinedrive.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The ''Chinese fishing net'' bridge in Kochi]]
| |
| − | Kochi serves as the headquarters of the [[Indian Navy|Southern Naval Command]], the primary training center of the Indian Navy.<ref name="nav">{{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Bharat Rakshak |
| |
| − | work=
| |
| − | |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/SNC.html
| |
| − | | title=Southern Naval Command
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> The [[Cochin Shipyard]] in Kochi constitutes the largest [[shipbuilding]] facility in India. The Cochin fishing harbor, located at [[Thoppumpady]] acts as a major fishing port in the state and supplies fish to local and export markets. To further tap the potential of the all-season deep-water harbor at Kochi, an international cruise terminal and several [[marina]]s have been under construction.<ref name="Marina">
| |
| − | {{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/04/02/stories/2005040202321500.htm
| |
| − | | title=CPT hands over land for marina
| |
| − | | publisher=The Hindu
| |
| − | | date=2005-08-26
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref>
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Exports and allied activities also contribute to the city's growing economy. The [[Cochin Port Trust|Cochin Port]] currently handles export and import of container cargo at its terminal at Willington Island. A new international [[Containerization|container]] [[transshipment]] terminal—the first in the country—has been commissioned at Vallarpadam.<ref name="Vallarpadam">
| |
| − | {{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/04/02/stories/2005040202321500.htm
| |
| − | | title=Kochi terminal handed over to Dubai Ports International
| |
| − | | publisher=The Hindu
| |
| − | | date=2005-04-02
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> Kochi's historical reliance on trade continues into modern times, as the city has been a major exporter of spices as well as the home to the [[International Pepper Exchange]], a global center for the trade of [[black pepper]]. The [[Spices Board of India]] headquarters in Kochi.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochi has an [[oil refinery]]—the [[Kochi Refineries Limited]] (KRL) at [[Ambalamugal]]. Central Government establishments like the [[Coconut Development Board]], the [[Coir Board of India|Coir Board]] and the [[Marine Products Export Development Authority]] (MPEDA) have head offices located in the city.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==Transport==
| |
| − | {{main|Transport in Kochi}}
| |
| − | [[Image:Bus speed kochi.jpg|200 px|thumb|A [[Private sector|private]] bus speeding through the streets of Kochi]]
| |
| − | Public transport in the city depends largely on [[private company|private]] buses. [[Taxicab|Taxi]]s and [[autorickshaw]]s (called ''autos'') cruise the streets for hire throughout the day. Narrow roads and the mix of vastly differing types of vehicles have made traffic congestion a major problem in the city. A [[Rapid transit|metro]] rapid transit service, intended to considerably ease congestion, is planned for the city.<ref name="Metro rail: 12 companies come up with proposals">
| |
| − | {{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEX20060509002011&Page=X&Title=Kochi&Topic=0&
| |
| − | | title=Kochi Metro Rail
| |
| − | | publisher=The New Indian Express
| |
| − | | date=2006-05-09
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref>
| |
| − |
| |
| − | As one of the safest harbors in the [[Indian Ocean]], Kochi ranks among India's major seaports. The port, administered by a statutory autonomous body known as the [[Cochin Port Trust]], offers facilities for [[Fuel oil#Bunker Fuel|bunkering]], handling [[cargo]] and [[passenger ship]]s and storage accommodation. It also operates passenger ships to [[Colombo]] and Lakshadweep. Boat services operated by [[Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation]], the [[Kerala State Water Transport Department|State Water Transport Department]], and of private ownership originate from various [[jetty|boat jetties]] in the city. The ''junkar'' [[ferry]] for the transshipment of vehicles and passengers between the islands operate between Ernakulam and [[Vypin]], and between Vypin and Fort Kochi. With the construction of the [[Goshree bridges]] (which links Kochi's islands), ferry transport has become less essential.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | The [[Cochin International Airport]], about 25 kilometers (15 mi) north of the city, handles both domestic and international flights. As the largest airport of Kerala, and one of the busiest in India, Cochin International Airport became the first international airport in India built without Central Government funds.<ref name="Cochin International Airport">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Cochin International Airport
| |
| − | |url=http://www.cochin-airport.com/html/0100fram.htm
| |
| − | | title=A novel venture in the history of Indian Aviation
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> An airport run by the [[Indian Navy|Navy]] also operates in the city. A third airport, for use by the [[Indian Coast Guard]], has been under construction in the suburbs.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | No intra-city rail transport system exists in Kochi. The [[Southern Railway (India)|Southern Railway division]] of the [[Indian Railways]] administers the inter-city rail transport system in the city. Two main railway stations—the [[Ernakulam Junction]] and the [[Ernakulam Town]] (locally known as the 'South' and 'North' railway stations respectively)operate in Kochi. The railway line connecting those two stations cuts the city longitudinally in two, with two narrow bridges connecting the two halves.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==Demographics==
| |
| − | [[Image:Antique shop jew town kochi.jpg|thumb|200px|An [[antique shop]] showcasing [[Jew]]ish remnants of Kochi]]
| |
| − | As of 2001, Kochi had a population of 596,473, with a density of 6850.7 persons per square kilometer.<ref name="Census GIS India">{{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Census of India |
| |
| − | work=Census India - Whizmap
| |
| − | |url=http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/India_WhizMap/IndiaMap.htm
| |
| − | | title=Census GIS India
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> [[Scheduled Castes and Tribes|Scheduled castes and tribes]] comprise 14.3 percent of the city's population. The female-to-male ratio is 1,024:1,000, significantly higher than the all-India average of 933:1,000. Kochi's literacy rate stands at 94.3 percent.<ref name="Census GIS India"/> The female literacy rate lags that of males by 1.1 percent, amongst the lowest such gaps in India.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | [[Hinduism]], [[Christianity]], and [[Islam]] rank as Kochi's major religions; [[Jainism]], [[Judaism]], [[Sikhism]], and [[Buddhism]] have smaller followings. Though 47 percent practice Hinduism, Christianity's large following (35 percent) makes Kochi a city with one of the largest Christian populations in India.<ref name="Census GIS Household">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Census of India |
| |
| − | work=Census India - Household Whizmap
| |
| − | |url=http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/Religion_WhizMap1/housemap.htm
| |
| − | | title=Religious data
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref>
| |
| − | [[Malayali]]s make up the majority of residents with significant ethnic minority communities including [[Tamil people|Tamils]], [[Gujarati people|Gujaratis]], [[Jew]]s, [[Sikkim]]ese, [[Anglo-Indian]]s, [[Konkani people|Konkanis]], and [[Tulu]]s. Malayalam ranks as the main language of communication and medium of instruction, although people use English more commonly used in business circles. People understand [[Hindi]] and [[Tamil language|Tamil]] widely although they rarely speak it.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Like other fast-growing cities in the developing world, Kochi suffers from major [[urbanization]] problems, poor [[sanitation]], and [[unemployment]]. The city registered an increase of 9.7 percent in its unemployment rate from 14.8 percent in 1998 to 24.5 percent in 2003.<ref name="Zacharia research analysis">
| |
| − | {{ cite book
| |
| − | | author =K. C. Zachariah and S. Irudaya Rajan
| |
| − | | year = 2005
| |
| − | | title = Unemployment in Ernakulam
| |
| − | | chapterurl = http://www.cds.edu/download_files/374.pdf
| |
| − | | format= [[PDF|PDF Format]]
| |
| − | | publisher = K. C. Zachariah and S. Irudaya Rajan
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> Shortage of potable water has been a major concern in the city.<ref name=" water shortage">
| |
| − | {{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/21/stories/2005122125120400.htm
| |
| − | | title=West Kochi reeling under severe water shortage
| |
| − | | publisher=The Hindu
| |
| − | | date=2005-12-21
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> The threat posed by [[pollution]] in industrial areas aggravates the situation.<ref name="pollution in kochi">
| |
| − | {{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/05/16/stories/2004051610570300.htm
| |
| − | | title=Water pollution in Kochi
| |
| − | | publisher=The Hindu
| |
| − | | date=2004-05-16
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> The city also has a growing [[slum]]-dwelling population.<ref name=" Housing a dream">
| |
| − | {{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/05/19/stories/2003051900180100.htm
| |
| − | | title=Housing a dream
| |
| − | | publisher=The Hindu
| |
| − | | date=2003-05-19
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> Kochi has a high [[suicide]] rate with thirty two suicides per [[lakh]], three times higher than the national average of 11.2 per lakh.<ref name="suicide in kochi">
| |
| − | {{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/11/10/stories/2003111000760100.htm
| |
| − | | title=All is not well in God's Own Country - Alarming suicide rates
| |
| − | | publisher=The Hindu
| |
| − | | date=2003-11-10
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> According to the [[NCRB|National Crime Records Bureau]], Kochi has one of highest rates of crime in India—498.6, against the national average of 287.3.<ref name="Crimes in Mega Cities">
| |
| − | {{cite book
| |
| − | | author =National Crime Records Bureau
| |
| − | | year = 2004
| |
| − | | title = Crime in India-2004
| |
| − | | chapter = Crimes in Mega Cities
| |
| − | | chapterurl = http://ncrb.nic.in/crime2004/cii-2004/CHAP2.pdf
| |
| − | | format= [[PDF|PDF Format]]
| |
| − | | publisher = Ministry of Home Affairs
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> A survey conducted by ''The Week'', found Kochi to be the safest city in India for women.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==Culture==
| |
| − | [[Image:Musical-walkway.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Pedestrians can stroll along the [[Marine Drive, Kochi|Marine Drive]], a waterfront promenade of Kochi.]]
| |
| − | As a result of successive waves of migration over the course of several centuries, the population of the city has become a mix of people from all parts of Kerala and most of India. The substantial presence of various ethnic communities from different parts of the country highlights the pan-Indian nature of the city. Kochi has a diverse, multicultural, and secular community consisting of Hindus, [[Christian]]s, [[Muslim]]s, [[Jain]]s, [[Sikh]]s, and [[Buddhist]]s among other denominations, all living in peaceful co-existence. The city once had a large Jewish community, known as the ''Malabar Yehuden''—and now increasingly as [[Cochin Jews]]—that figured prominently in Kochi's business and economic strata.<ref name="Jerusalem centre for Public Affairs">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Jerusalem Centre for public affairs |
| |
| − | work=An Interview with Nathan Katz
| |
| − | |url=http://www.jcpa.org/cjc/cjc-katz-f05.htm
| |
| − | | title=The Jews, Israel, and India
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> The [[Syro-Malabar Church]], one of the twenty two ''[[sui iuris]]'' [[Eastern Catholic Churches]], has its seat at Ernakulam. Appropriate to its multi-ethnic composition, Kochi celebrates traditional Kerala festivals like [[Onam]] and [[Vishu]] along with [[North India]]n Hindu festivals like [[Holi]] and [[Diwali]] with great fervor. Christian and Islamic festivals like [[Christmas]], [[Easter]], [[Eid ul-Fitr]] and [[Milad-e-sherif]] take place. A merry making fest called the ''[[Culture of Kochi#Festivals|Cochin Carnival]]'' takes place at Fort Kochi during the last ten days of December.
| |
| − | [[Image:Kochi India slums.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Like in other large cities of India, Kochi has a growing [[slum]] population.]]
| |
| − | Residents of Kochi, known as Kochiites, play an important part in the [[South Indian culture|South Indian weltanschauung]]. The city's culture has been rapidly evolving, with Kochiites generally becoming more cosmopolitan in their outlook.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochiites widely partake of [[Kerala cuisine|Keralite cuisine]], generally characterized by an abundance of [[coconut]] and spices. Other [[South Indian culture#Cuisine|South India]]n cuisines, as well as [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]] and [[Indian cuisine|North Indian]] cuisines have won popularity.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochi had been home to some of the most influential figures in [[Malayalam literature]], including [[Changampuzha Krishna Pillai]], [[Kesari Balakrishna Pillai]], [[G. Sankara Kurup]], and [[Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon]]. Prominent social reformers such as [[Sahodaran Ayyappan]] and [[Pandit Karuppan]] also came from Kochi.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochiites have become known for their enthusiasm in sports, especially [[cricket]] and [[soccer|football]].<ref name="Kerala sports">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=Information and Public relations office of Kerala |
| |
| − | work=Sports and Games in Kerala
| |
| − | |url=http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/sportsmain.htm
| |
| − | | title=Football and Cricket - the Most Popular Games
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref>
| |
| − | The [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi|Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium]] in Kochi constitutes one of the largest multi-use stadiums in [[India]].<ref name="Stadiums in India">
| |
| − | {{cite web
| |
| − | | publisher=worldstadiums.com |
| |
| − | work=List of stadiums in India in order of seating capacity
| |
| − | |url=http://www.worldstadiums.com/asia/countries/india.shtml
| |
| − | | title=Stadiums in India
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> The [[Regional Sports Centre, Kochi|Regional Sports Centre]] has become an important center of sporting activity in the city.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==Education==
| |
| − | [[Image:Jewish synagouge kochi india.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The old [[Paradesi Synagogue|Jewish synagogue]] in Kochi]]
| |
| − | The government or private trusts and individuals run schools and colleges in the city, affiliated with the [[Indian Certificate of Secondary Education]] (ICSE), the [[CBSE|Central Board for Secondary Education]] (CBSE), or the [[Kerala State Education Board]]. English serves as the medium of instruction in most private schools; government run schools offer both English and Malayalam. After completing their secondary education, which involves ten years of schooling, students typically enroll at Higher Secondary School in one of the three streams—[[liberal arts|Arts]], [[Commerce]] or [[Science]]. Upon completing the required coursework, the student can enroll in general or professional degree programs.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | The [[Cochin University of Science and Technology|Cochin University]] operates in the city. Most of the colleges offering [[tertiary education]] affiliate either with the [[Mahatma Gandhi University]] or the Cochin University. Other national educational institutes include the [[Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training]], the [[National University of Advanced Legal Studies]], the [[National Institute of Oceanography]] and the [[Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute]].
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==Media==
| |
| − | Major Malayalam [[newspapers]] published in Kochi include ''[[Malayala Manorama]]'', ''[[Mathrubhumi]]'', ''[[Deshabhimani]]'', ''[[Deepika]]'', ''Kerala Kaumudi'' and ''Veekshanam''. Popular English newspapers include ''[[The Hindu]]'', ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' and ''[[The Pioneer (daily)|The Pioneer]]''. A number of evening papers also publish from the city.<ref name="Evieningers">
| |
| − | {{cite news
| |
| − | | author=
| |
| − | | url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/09/15/stories/2003091500530200.htm
| |
| − | | title= Keeping Kochi updated
| |
| − | | publisher=The Hindu
| |
| − | | date=2003-09-15
| |
| − | | accessdate=2008-07-21
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | </ref> Newspapers in other regional languages like Hindi, [[Kannada language|Kannada]], Tamil and [[Telugu language|Telugu]] also sell in large numbers.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Being the seat of the Cochin Stock Exchange, a number of financial publications also publish in the city. Those include ''[[The Economic Times]]'', ''[[Business Line]]'', ''[[The Business Standard]]'' and ''[[The Financial Express]]''.
| |
| − | Prominent magazines and religious publications like the ''[[Sathyadeepam]]'', ''[[Malayala_Manorama#Other_publications|The Week]]'' and ''[[Vanitha]]'' also published from the city.
| |
| − | Television stations in Kochi include [[Asianet|Asianet Cable Vision]], [[India Vision]], [[Kairali TV]], [[Jeevan TV]], [[Amrita TV]], [[JaiHind TV]] and [[MM TV|Manorama News]]. [[Satellite television]] provide services through [[Doordarshan]] Direct Plus, [[Dish TV India|Dish TV]] and [[Tata Sky]]. [[All India Radio]] has two [[FM]] stations in the city, operating at 102.3 [[Megahertz|MHz]] and 107.5 MHz. Private satellite radios such as [[WorldSpace]], also transmit. Over twenty [[movie theater|cinema halls]] operate screening movies in Malayalam, Tamil, English and Hindi. A film festival, known as the [[Cochin International Film Festival]] (CIFF), runs in the city every year.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Kochi has the highest density of telephones in India. [[Airtel]], [[Idea cellular]], [[Hutch (Indian cellular company)|Vodafone]], [[Reliance Infocomm]], [[Tata Indicom]] and the state owned [[BSNL]] [[Telephony]] provide services.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==See also==
| |
| − | <!--{{Topics related to Kochi (India)}}—>
| |
| − | *[[Christianity in India]]
| |
| − | *[[India]]
| |
| − | *[[Kerala]]
| |
| − | *[[Portuguese Empire]]
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==Notes==
| |
| − | <div class="references-small">
| |
| − | {{sisterlinks|Kochi}}
| |
| − | [[Image:Cochin angel.JPG|right|thumb|right|200px|A picture depicting the city of Kochi (circa.1682)]]
| |
| − | [[Image:Jaintemple kochi.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The [[Jainism|Jain]] temple at [[Mattancherry]]]]
| |
| − | [[Image:Kapal pali Kochi.jpg|200px|right|thumb|St.Francis Asissi Cathedral in Kochi]]
| |
| − | <references/>
| |
| − | </div>
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==References==
| |
| − | {{col-begin}}
| |
| − | {{col-2}}
| |
| − | * Bristow, Robert Charles. ''Cochin Saga; A History of Foreign Government and Business Adventures in Kerala, South India, by Arabs, Romans, Venetians, Dutch, and British, Together with the Personal Narrative of the Last Adventurer and an Epilogue.'' London: Cassell, 1959. OCLC 1659055
| |
| − | *''Kochi Rajyacharithram'' by KP Padmanabha Menon. P(1914)
| |
| − | * Ma, Huan, John V. Mills, and Chengjun Feng. Ying-Yai Sheng-Lan ''The Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores ; (1433).'' Bangkok: White Lotus, 1997. ISBN 9748496783
| |
| − | * ''Akhilavijnanakosam'' Malayalam Encyclopedia — D C Books Multimedia Series.
| |
| − | * Manorama Yearbook 2003 (English Edition) ISBN 8190046187
| |
| − | * Plunkett, Richard. ''South India.'' Footscray, Vic: Lonely Planet, 2001. ISBN 1864501618
| |
| − | * Zachariah, K.C., and S. Irudaya Rajan. ''Unemployment in Kerala at the Turn of the Century Insights from CDS Gulf Migration Studies.'' Thiruvananthapuram: Centre for Development Studies, 2005. OCLC 150088439.
| |
| − | {{col-end}}
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ==External links==
| |
| − | {{IndicText}}
| |
| − |
| |
| − | * [http://www.ekm.kerala.gov.in/ Government of Kerala - Ernakulam Portal]. Retrieved July 21, 2008.
| |
| − | * [http://www.cochin.org.uk/ Cochin Guide]. Retrieved July 21, 2008.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | {{Million-plus cities in India}}
| |
| − | {{States and territories of India}}
| |
| − |
| |
| − | [[Category:Geography]]
| |
| − | [[category:Cities]]
| |
| − | [[category:Cities of India]]
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | {{credits|Kochi,_India|169089860}}
| |
