Travancore-Cochin, Malabar and the Kasaragod taluk: how the State of Kerala was made on 1 November 1956
Background
Background to this week's launch of the 'Festival of Keralam 2026' for the State's 70th formation anniversary. Kerala was formed on 1 November 1956, when the States of India were reorganised on linguistic lines. The new State joined the former Travancore-Cochin State with the Malabar District and the Kasaragod Taluk. Malabar District and Kasaragod Taluk, then part of South Kanara district, came from the old composite Madras State. Not all of Travancore-Cochin came in: the present Kanyakumari District and the Shencottah Taluk went to what is now Tamil Nadu. The day is marked every year as Kerala Piravi, Kerala's birthday.
In plain words
Travancore-Cochin — The State formed in 1949 by uniting the princely states of Travancore and Cochin.
South Kanara — A district of the old Madras State on the coast north of Kerala; Kasaragod taluk was part of it.
Kerala Piravi — Kerala's formation day, 1 November.