Malabar Coast
Topic: Structure and Physiography of India: Himalayas, Plains, Peninsula, Coasts and Islands · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 1 "The Story of Indian Farming"; Class 7, Ch 2 "India and Her Neighbours"; Class 11, Ch 2 "Structure and Physiography"
Meaning
The Malabar Coast is the southern part of the western coastal plain, in Kerala and coastal Karnataka. It is known for kayals, which are lagoons and backwaters cut off from the sea by sand bars. The southwest monsoon brings it very heavy rain. That rain supports coconut and spice farming. Its sunken coastline gives natural harbours such as Kochi.
Example
In Kerala, the Vembanad backwater and the port of Kochi are typical Malabar Coast features. The backwaters around them are lined with coconut groves.
Don't confuse with
- Coromandel Coast: this is on the east side, in Tamil Nadu. It is dry in the southwest monsoon and has a large delta, the Kaveri.
- Konkan coast: this is further north, in Maharashtra. It is rocky with creeks and has no kayals.
Related concepts
- Coastal plains of India
- Western coastal plain
- Konkan coast
- Kerala backwaters
- Eastern coastal plain
- Coromandel Coast