Konkan

Konkan is a geographic region along India's western coast, between the Western Ghats to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. It covers parts of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, and is commonly defined by the coast from the Mumbai area southward to Karwar. In Maharashtra, the Konkan region includes districts such as Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg; Goa constitutes a central part of Konkan, and in Karnataka it includes the Uttara Kannada and adjoining coastal districts.

Geography and climate: The coastline is marked by long beaches and estuaries, backed by the Western Ghats that rise inland. The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon and a lush monsoon forest belt along the Ghats. The Konkan Railway runs along the coast, connecting Mumbai with Goa and Mangalore; National Highway 66 also follows the coast.

History and culture: The Konkan coast has ancient maritime trade links with the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. It has been ruled by several dynasties and later became important under the Marathas; Goa remained under Portuguese rule from the 16th century until 1961. The region is home to Konkani and Marathi-speaking communities, and its culture reflects a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim traditions. Konkani cuisine, with coconut and fish as staples, is characteristic of the area.

Economy and environment: Fishing and agriculture (notably coconut, areca nut, rice) are key activities, with tourism developing around beaches, forts, and historic churches. The region's biodiversity is connected to the Western Ghats, a UNESCO-listed range whose ecology faces pressures from development and climate variability.