Cultural History of Kerala

Kerala perhaps the most beautiful state in India has a very rich history and culture, which can be seen in all its aspects be it the arts, the literature or the customs of the people living here. Kerala also called the God’s own country is believed to have been originated from the sea according to mythology by Lord Parashuram who threw his axe in the sea causing it to retreat. And if we look at the historical linage of Kerala, it was ruled by the Cholas, Pandyas and the Chera dynasty in the medieval century and the people residing here were mostly of the Brahmin caste.

The People of Kerala are called Maliyalis and the language spoken in Kerala is Maliyali and apart from it the use of English is also wide spread in Kerala. The Malayalam literature has an ancient history and the 14th century texts in the language have garnered a huge base for the literature. In the modern times the God of Small Things by the Booker prize winner Arundhatti Roy which is a semi Autobiographical account of the life in Kottayam town of Kerala has helped the place to be recognized worldwide. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala is defined by the three main religions present here the Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.

Music And Dance of Kerala

If we talk about the dance and music of Kerala then the most prolific dance form is the Kathakali which is 300 years old dance form originated here. The dance is a beautiful blending of color, dance, music, drama, and expressions. Other dance forms in Kerala are Krishnanattom, Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali, and many others. The music of Kerala is dominated by the ragas and talas of lyrical and devotional carnatic music.Kerala has its own native music system, sopanam, which is a lugubrious and step-by-step rendition of raga-based songs, which is basically the background music in Kathakali.

All the major festivals are celebrated across the state, the main being Onam which is a harvest festival celebrated in the month of Aug- Sep and is the state festival of Kerala. The festival is the most important festival and is marked by a various functions. The famous boat races of the state are held during this festival. Other festivals that are indigenous to the region are Vishu, Navaratri, Thiruvathira and Sree Padmanabha’s Arattu apart from the festivals which are celebrated across the country.

These all things play an important part in the history and culture of Kerala, as a state and as a region, Kerala has been a place where there is harmony among all the people of different religions, casts and creeds. At present Kerala is the state with the highest literacy rate, the highest sex ratio and is also one of the most visited tourist destination of the country. All these facts make Kerala a unique and beautiful place to live.