On Kerala's Development Achievements

Abstract

This chapter presents a major historical account of Kerala's impressive record in eliminating basic deprivations at an early stage of economic development. Kerala is distinct among Indian states in terms of a wide range of social indicators, including a life expectancy of above seventy-two years and near-universal literacy in the younger age groups. This chapter relates these social achievements to historical conditions and political action. It draws particular attention to the role of early educational expansion, combined with a significant reduction of social and economic inequalities.