Religions in India
| Hinduism |
| Islam |
| Christianity |
| Sikhism |
| Buddhism |
| Jainism |
| Zoroastrianism |
| Judaism |
Religions in India - Judaism
Judaism
The Jews of India aren't one singular community. Among themselves they are divided into different communities. Each community has its own different culture, background and origin. Each community claims its arrival in India in different ways and it is not always clear how they really came to India. The three main Jewish communities of India are: Bene Israel, Cochini and Baghdadi. Besides there were Ashkenazi Jews and a community in east India which claim Israeli origin and call themselves Bne Menashe. The first three communities had some social religious connections with each other but most of the social religious connections of each community were within their own community and they regarded the other as ‘outsiders’.
Religions in India - Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism
A small religious community, which exists mostly in Mumbai, is Zoroastrianism. The follower is called Parsi because the religion arrived in India from Persia. This religion was established by Zarathustra in 6th or 7th century BC. The followers of this religion exiled from Iran in the 7th century AD. because of religious persecutions by the Muslims. They arrived in Gujarat region of India.
The Parsis believe in the existence of one invisible God. They believe that there is a continuous war between the good forces (forces of light) and the evil forces (forces of darkness). The good forces will win if people will do good deeds think good and speak well. God is represented in their temples through fire, which symbolizes light. The holiest place for them is the village of Udvada in Gujarat, India. The holy language of the Parsis is an ancient language spoken in Iran, Avesta. The Parsis believe that fire, water, air and earth are pure element to be preserved and therefore they do not cremate or bury their dead ones but leave them on high towers, specially built for this purpose, to be eaten by hawks and crows.
The Parsis are less then 0.02% of India's population but their contribution to India is much more than their proportion in India's population. Some Parsis were main figures in establishing the Indian Nationalist movement. They were the pioneers in establishing the modern Indian industry. The rich Parsi families contributed enormously to establish institutions of all kinds in India. Even today some of the bigger finance houses in India belong to followers of this religion.
The Parsis believe in the existence of one invisible God. They believe that there is a continuous war between the good forces (forces of light) and the evil forces (forces of darkness). The good forces will win if people will do good deeds think good and speak well. God is represented in their temples through fire, which symbolizes light. The holiest place for them is the village of Udvada in Gujarat, India. The holy language of the Parsis is an ancient language spoken in Iran, Avesta. The Parsis believe that fire, water, air and earth are pure element to be preserved and therefore they do not cremate or bury their dead ones but leave them on high towers, specially built for this purpose, to be eaten by hawks and crows.The Parsis are less then 0.02% of India's population but their contribution to India is much more than their proportion in India's population. Some Parsis were main figures in establishing the Indian Nationalist movement. They were the pioneers in establishing the modern Indian industry. The rich Parsi families contributed enormously to establish institutions of all kinds in India. Even today some of the bigger finance houses in India belong to followers of this religion.
Religions in India - Jainism
Jainism
Jainism was born in India about the same period as Buddhism. It was established by Mahavira in about 500 B. C. Mahavira like Buddha belonged to the warrior caste. Mahavira was called ‘Jina’ meaning the big winner and from this name was derived the name of the religion.
In many senses Jainism is similar to Buddhism. Jainism like Buddhism, developed as a dissention to the Brahmanic philosophy that was dominant during that period in north- east India. Mahavira just like Buddha isn’t the first prophet of his religion. In Jainism like Buddhism there is a belief in reincarnation which eventually leads to liberation. Both these religions don’t center in religious philosophy around Almighty worship. But Jainism is different than Buddhism in its ascetic beliefs. Both these religions emphasis on non-violence, but in Jainism non-violence is its main core.
Jains believe that every thing has life and this also includes stones, sand, trees and every other thing. The fact that trees breath came to be known to the science world only from the 20th century. Mahavira who believed that every thing has life and also believed in non-violence practically didn’t eat anything causing his self- starvation to death. Mahavira was also extremely ascetic and walked around completely naked because of his renouncement of life.
Mahavira’s religion followers are less extreme than him in diets. They are vegetarians. But the religious Jains will do everything possible to prevent hurting any being. They won’t walk in fields where there are insects to prevent the possibility of stepping on them. They also cover their mouth to prevent the possibility of swallowing small invisible microbes. They mostly do not work in professions where there is a possibility of killing any living being like in agriculture instead professions like banking and business. But it is not clear what came first, businessmen who adopted Jain philosophy because it was easy for them to follow or Jainish philosophy which convinced the Jains to adopt non violent professions.
There are two Jain philosophies. Shvetember and Digamber. Digamber monks like Mahavira don’t wear any clothes, but normally they don’t walk like that outside their temples. The Digambers include among them only men. The Shvetembers monks wear white clothes and they include women.
In many senses Jainism is similar to Buddhism. Jainism like Buddhism, developed as a dissention to the Brahmanic philosophy that was dominant during that period in north- east India. Mahavira just like Buddha isn’t the first prophet of his religion. In Jainism like Buddhism there is a belief in reincarnation which eventually leads to liberation. Both these religions don’t center in religious philosophy around Almighty worship. But Jainism is different than Buddhism in its ascetic beliefs. Both these religions emphasis on non-violence, but in Jainism non-violence is its main core.Jains believe that every thing has life and this also includes stones, sand, trees and every other thing. The fact that trees breath came to be known to the science world only from the 20th century. Mahavira who believed that every thing has life and also believed in non-violence practically didn’t eat anything causing his self- starvation to death. Mahavira was also extremely ascetic and walked around completely naked because of his renouncement of life.
Mahavira’s religion followers are less extreme than him in diets. They are vegetarians. But the religious Jains will do everything possible to prevent hurting any being. They won’t walk in fields where there are insects to prevent the possibility of stepping on them. They also cover their mouth to prevent the possibility of swallowing small invisible microbes. They mostly do not work in professions where there is a possibility of killing any living being like in agriculture instead professions like banking and business. But it is not clear what came first, businessmen who adopted Jain philosophy because it was easy for them to follow or Jainish philosophy which convinced the Jains to adopt non violent professions.
There are two Jain philosophies. Shvetember and Digamber. Digamber monks like Mahavira don’t wear any clothes, but normally they don’t walk like that outside their temples. The Digambers include among them only men. The Shvetembers monks wear white clothes and they include women.
Religions in India - Sikhism
Sikhism
About 2% of India's population are Sikhs. Even so, the Sikhs, because of their unique appearance sometimes stand for India. Traditionally the men keep their hair and do not shave their beard or moustache. They gather their head hair in a turban.
Sikhism is comparatively a new religion in India. This religion was established by Guru Nanak. Nanak was born into a Hindu family in 1469 in the Punjab region. Since childhood he loved to travel, learn and preach humanity. In those days people who taught and preached were titled Guru meaning teacher, his followers became to be known as Sikhs meaning learners. And so Guru Nanak developed a new religion and it also included beliefs from the two dominant religions in the Punjab region, Hinduism and Islam. Some claim that Guru Nanak tried to developed a new religion and included in it what he thought were the good beliefs of these two religions. Like in Islam the belief in the existence of one invisible God. Like in Hinduism the belief in Karma and reincarnation, meaning your actions in this life will decide your fate in the next incarnation. The Sikhs also cremate their dead ones as is done in Hinduism.
The creators of Sikhism tried to abolish some of the Indian customs such as the caste system and Sati - burning of the widow. In Sikhism everyone has equal rights irrespective of caste, creed, color, race, sex or religion. Sikhism rejects pilgrimage, fasting, superstitions and other such rituals. Sikhism does not have a clergy class as it considers this as a gateway to corruption. However they have readers and singers in their temples.
A Sikh place of worship is called Gurdwara. Sikhism does not support pilgrimage to holy sites because according to Sikhism, God is everywhere and not in any certain place. But Sikhism has a few important sites, of which, the Hari Mandir, also known as the 'Golden Temple' in Amritsar in Punjab is the most important site and is considered the holiest shrine of Sikhism.
Sikhism emphasis community services and helping the needy. One of the distinct features of Sikhism is the common kitchen called Langar. In every Gurdwara there is a Langar. Every Sikh is supposed to contribute in preparing the meals in the free kitchen. The meals are served to all and are eaten sitting on the floor and this is to emphasis the point that all are equals. Sikhism does not believe in holding fasts for body is God's present to human being and therefore humans must foster, maintain and preserve it in good sound condition, unless fasting is done to foster the human body like healthy diets.
Guru Nanak who established Sikhism was its first Guru. After him there were nine more Gurus who were the highest religious authority. The last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, proclaimed that after him the Guru of the Sikhs would be the holy book of Sikhism, Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurumukhi script. It includes the writings of the Sikh Gurus and the writings of Hindu and Muslims saints. But out of humility Guru Gobind Singh did not include his own writings in the book he had proclaimed as the permanent Guru of the Sikhs. His writings appear in a separate book called Dasam Granth. Guru Gobind Singh is also the Guru behind the unique appearance of Sikh men.
During Guru Gobind's term as the Guru of the Sikhs and also before him, the ruling empire of Punjab region was the Moghul Empire. The Moghuls were Muslims. Some of the Moghul emperors, like Aurangazeb were fanatic Muslims who harassed the non- Muslims, including the Sikhs. Some of the Sikh Gurus were even executed by the Moghul emperors. In order to stop their persecutions, Guru Gobind decided to make his followers, the Sikhs (meaning learners), a community of fighters. He changed his surname to Singh, which means lion. His followers also changed their surname to Singh. Since then a ceremony of baptizing was established among the Sikhs in which the boys were given the title Singh and the girls were titled Kaur meaning princess. In those days "Singh" as a surname was very popular among a famous warrior caste of north India, the Rajputs. Some of the first Sikhs were also Rajputs.
In order to make it easier for his followers to recognize each other, Gobind Singh, chose five marks, some of which even today symbolize the Sikhs. The five signs were, uncut hair; comb; sword or dagger; bracelet on the right wrist and shorts. The religious Sikhs dress according to Guru Gobind Singh's order, carrying a sword. Most of the Sikhs even today have uncut hair and gather it in a turban. But some easygoing Sikhs cut their hair or they do not gather their uncut hair in a turban.
The emphasis on militant tradition and community service in Sikhism continues even today and many Sikhs serve in the Indian army or police. The Sikhs also have a reputation as experts in steering, from cars to airplanes.They were among the first communities in India who dared to drive vehicles specially lorries. India being a vast country needed drivers who could also travel at nights. But many Indians believed in superstitions like ghosts and haunted places, while the Sikhs rejected these kinds of beliefs and therefore traveled at nights, since then their reputation as steering masters of India.
Sikhism is comparatively a new religion in India. This religion was established by Guru Nanak. Nanak was born into a Hindu family in 1469 in the Punjab region. Since childhood he loved to travel, learn and preach humanity. In those days people who taught and preached were titled Guru meaning teacher, his followers became to be known as Sikhs meaning learners. And so Guru Nanak developed a new religion and it also included beliefs from the two dominant religions in the Punjab region, Hinduism and Islam. Some claim that Guru Nanak tried to developed a new religion and included in it what he thought were the good beliefs of these two religions. Like in Islam the belief in the existence of one invisible God. Like in Hinduism the belief in Karma and reincarnation, meaning your actions in this life will decide your fate in the next incarnation. The Sikhs also cremate their dead ones as is done in Hinduism.The creators of Sikhism tried to abolish some of the Indian customs such as the caste system and Sati - burning of the widow. In Sikhism everyone has equal rights irrespective of caste, creed, color, race, sex or religion. Sikhism rejects pilgrimage, fasting, superstitions and other such rituals. Sikhism does not have a clergy class as it considers this as a gateway to corruption. However they have readers and singers in their temples.
A Sikh place of worship is called Gurdwara. Sikhism does not support pilgrimage to holy sites because according to Sikhism, God is everywhere and not in any certain place. But Sikhism has a few important sites, of which, the Hari Mandir, also known as the 'Golden Temple' in Amritsar in Punjab is the most important site and is considered the holiest shrine of Sikhism.
Sikhism emphasis community services and helping the needy. One of the distinct features of Sikhism is the common kitchen called Langar. In every Gurdwara there is a Langar. Every Sikh is supposed to contribute in preparing the meals in the free kitchen. The meals are served to all and are eaten sitting on the floor and this is to emphasis the point that all are equals. Sikhism does not believe in holding fasts for body is God's present to human being and therefore humans must foster, maintain and preserve it in good sound condition, unless fasting is done to foster the human body like healthy diets.
Guru Nanak who established Sikhism was its first Guru. After him there were nine more Gurus who were the highest religious authority. The last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, proclaimed that after him the Guru of the Sikhs would be the holy book of Sikhism, Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurumukhi script. It includes the writings of the Sikh Gurus and the writings of Hindu and Muslims saints. But out of humility Guru Gobind Singh did not include his own writings in the book he had proclaimed as the permanent Guru of the Sikhs. His writings appear in a separate book called Dasam Granth. Guru Gobind Singh is also the Guru behind the unique appearance of Sikh men.
During Guru Gobind's term as the Guru of the Sikhs and also before him, the ruling empire of Punjab region was the Moghul Empire. The Moghuls were Muslims. Some of the Moghul emperors, like Aurangazeb were fanatic Muslims who harassed the non- Muslims, including the Sikhs. Some of the Sikh Gurus were even executed by the Moghul emperors. In order to stop their persecutions, Guru Gobind decided to make his followers, the Sikhs (meaning learners), a community of fighters. He changed his surname to Singh, which means lion. His followers also changed their surname to Singh. Since then a ceremony of baptizing was established among the Sikhs in which the boys were given the title Singh and the girls were titled Kaur meaning princess. In those days "Singh" as a surname was very popular among a famous warrior caste of north India, the Rajputs. Some of the first Sikhs were also Rajputs.
In order to make it easier for his followers to recognize each other, Gobind Singh, chose five marks, some of which even today symbolize the Sikhs. The five signs were, uncut hair; comb; sword or dagger; bracelet on the right wrist and shorts. The religious Sikhs dress according to Guru Gobind Singh's order, carrying a sword. Most of the Sikhs even today have uncut hair and gather it in a turban. But some easygoing Sikhs cut their hair or they do not gather their uncut hair in a turban.
The emphasis on militant tradition and community service in Sikhism continues even today and many Sikhs serve in the Indian army or police. The Sikhs also have a reputation as experts in steering, from cars to airplanes.They were among the first communities in India who dared to drive vehicles specially lorries. India being a vast country needed drivers who could also travel at nights. But many Indians believed in superstitions like ghosts and haunted places, while the Sikhs rejected these kinds of beliefs and therefore traveled at nights, since then their reputation as steering masters of India.
Islam in India
Islam in India
The Muslims are about 12% of India's population. But their influence on the Indian society was much stronger. The main reason was that there were many Muslims rulers in different parts of India. Most of the Muslim rulers of India were invaders from the west .
Islam was established in Saudi Arabia. But most of Islam's spreaders in India arrived from non-Arab countries (It must be noted that Arab traders and travellers had arrived into India even before Islam was established in Arabia. These Arabs probably had their own places of worship, later on transformed into mosques.). The first spreaders of Islam in India were individuals who saw in spreading Islam a holy precept. They began coming to India from the 11th century . They arrived in India from Bukhara, Turkey, Iran, Yemen and Afghanistan. The most famous preacher of Islam in India was Khwaja Chishti, who arrived from Iran and his sect is called Sufism. But the accepted assumption in India is that most of India's Muslims were converted to Islam through the sword. Meaning the Indians were given an option between death or adopting Islam. The third option was getting examined in Islam religion along with heavy taxes- Jeziya (poll tax) and Kharaj (property tax).
The process of converting Indians to Islam began in the 8th century, when the Arabs began invading north India and present day Pakistan. After the Arabs other Muslims invaded India. These invasions by Muslims in India were not continuous and not all Muslim invaders were Islamic fanatics. One of the Moghul emperors, Akbar, was very liberal and he even established a new religion, Din E Elahi, which included in it, beliefs from different religions. In some of the monuments built by Akbar symbols of different religions are visible. In contrast with Akbar his great grand son, Aurangazeb, was a fanatic Muslim and during his term the non-Muslims suffered a lot. Many worshipping sites of different religions were destroyed and transformed into mosques.
Most of the Indian Muslims converted to Islam were belonged to the lower classes of the Indian society. Besides these Muslims there are also Muslims who belonged to the ruling families of the different Indian kingdoms. Some of these rulers were Hindus who actually belonged to the warrior castes of the Hindu society and adopted Islam. Others are descendants of Muslim rulers who invaded India. The different Muslim rulers of India also brought to their kingdoms Muslim mercenaries, businessmen and slaves from different parts of the world like Russia; Afghanistan; Turkey; Arab countries and Africa. These people remained in India, married local Indians and converted them to Islam. Because of the different origins as stated and because of other reasons the Muslims of India refer to themselves not only as Muslims but also with other titles.
In general the Muslims of India like the Muslim world is divided into two main sects, Sunni and Shia. And just like in the whole Muslim world there is tension between these two sects. Each sect has many different schools. There are also Muslims who claim to be the descendants from the daughter of Prophet Muhammad and the men in this community add the title Syed before their names. Other claim to be the descendants from the first Muslims and add the title Sheik. Along with these Muslim world divisions, the Indian Muslims also have other divisions.
Different communities who adopted Islam in different ways have different community names. In west India the Bohra and Khoja are Muslim communities who adopted Islam influenced by different Muslim preachers. The Khojas also split into different communities. The leader of the Khoja (Nizari) community is Aga Khan. The Nawait are descendants of Arab and Persian immigrants. In south India in the state of Kerala, the Mophilla community is descendants from Arab merchants. A well known Indian Muslim community is Pathan. The Pathan are Muslims who arrived from Afghanistan. They normally have their surname as Khan. The Pathan have an image of being brave, honest and righteous. Many Indians who adopted Islam adopted the surname Khan and they claim that they are Pathans, which is not always true. The original Pathans claim that they originate from the Tribes of Israel.
In the beginning of the 20th century, some reformist Muslims organizations evolved in India who wanted to adjust Islamic philosophy to the modern world. These organizations wanted to cancel polygamy and were in favor of women education.
Islam was established in Saudi Arabia. But most of Islam's spreaders in India arrived from non-Arab countries (It must be noted that Arab traders and travellers had arrived into India even before Islam was established in Arabia. These Arabs probably had their own places of worship, later on transformed into mosques.). The first spreaders of Islam in India were individuals who saw in spreading Islam a holy precept. They began coming to India from the 11th century . They arrived in India from Bukhara, Turkey, Iran, Yemen and Afghanistan. The most famous preacher of Islam in India was Khwaja Chishti, who arrived from Iran and his sect is called Sufism. But the accepted assumption in India is that most of India's Muslims were converted to Islam through the sword. Meaning the Indians were given an option between death or adopting Islam. The third option was getting examined in Islam religion along with heavy taxes- Jeziya (poll tax) and Kharaj (property tax).
Most of the Indian Muslims converted to Islam were belonged to the lower classes of the Indian society. Besides these Muslims there are also Muslims who belonged to the ruling families of the different Indian kingdoms. Some of these rulers were Hindus who actually belonged to the warrior castes of the Hindu society and adopted Islam. Others are descendants of Muslim rulers who invaded India. The different Muslim rulers of India also brought to their kingdoms Muslim mercenaries, businessmen and slaves from different parts of the world like Russia; Afghanistan; Turkey; Arab countries and Africa. These people remained in India, married local Indians and converted them to Islam. Because of the different origins as stated and because of other reasons the Muslims of India refer to themselves not only as Muslims but also with other titles.
In general the Muslims of India like the Muslim world is divided into two main sects, Sunni and Shia. And just like in the whole Muslim world there is tension between these two sects. Each sect has many different schools. There are also Muslims who claim to be the descendants from the daughter of Prophet Muhammad and the men in this community add the title Syed before their names. Other claim to be the descendants from the first Muslims and add the title Sheik. Along with these Muslim world divisions, the Indian Muslims also have other divisions.
Different communities who adopted Islam in different ways have different community names. In west India the Bohra and Khoja are Muslim communities who adopted Islam influenced by different Muslim preachers. The Khojas also split into different communities. The leader of the Khoja (Nizari) community is Aga Khan. The Nawait are descendants of Arab and Persian immigrants. In south India in the state of Kerala, the Mophilla community is descendants from Arab merchants. A well known Indian Muslim community is Pathan. The Pathan are Muslims who arrived from Afghanistan. They normally have their surname as Khan. The Pathan have an image of being brave, honest and righteous. Many Indians who adopted Islam adopted the surname Khan and they claim that they are Pathans, which is not always true. The original Pathans claim that they originate from the Tribes of Israel.
In the beginning of the 20th century, some reformist Muslims organizations evolved in India who wanted to adjust Islamic philosophy to the modern world. These organizations wanted to cancel polygamy and were in favor of women education.
Religions in India - Christianity in India
Christianity in India
About 2.5% of India’s population are Christians. Christianity arrived in India almost about the same period as it arrived in Europe, meaning about 2000 years ago. Christianity originates in Israel. The first Christians were Jews and in the beginning Christianity was seen as a Jewish cult. Most of the Apostles of Christians acted in Europe to convert the Europeans to Christianity. But one of the Apostles, St. Judas Thomas, arrived in India and converted Indians to Christianity. St. Thomas was a carpenter and a disciple of Jesus. He was brought to India by a merchant to build a temple. St. Thomas arrived in Kerala, in south India in 52 AD. He succeeded in converting local Indians to Christianity. His converts were called Syrian Christians.
One assumption says that some of the Syrian Christians were actually Jews converted by St. Judas Thomas to Christianity. The disciples of Jesus at first intended to convince the Jews to adopt the philosophy of Jesus as new Judaism. Later on other Christian saints arrived to India as missioners. But most of the Indian were converted to Christianity by the missionaries who arrived in India with the European powers from 15th century.
The European powers arrived in India for commercial reasons, especially spices. But they also started converting local Indians to Christianity. Five European countries sent their representatives to India, Great Britain; France; Denmark; Netherlands and Portugal. Of the five European powers the Portuguese were most enthusiast to baptize Indians. The Portuguese were the first European power to arrive in India. Their first ship, under the leadership of Vasco DaGama, arrived in south India in 1498 after it had circled the whole continent of Africa. The Portuguese inspired by the Pope’s order to baptize people around the world not only fought wars against the local Indian rulers, but they even tried to enforced their Roman Catholic prayers on Syrian Christians.
After many wars the Portuguese were defeated by local rulers and they had only one big pocket of control in India, Goa. The Portuguese not only fought the Indian rulers, but they also fought against other European powers in India especially Dutch and English. Many Portuguese churches in Kerala were turned into English and Dutch churches after they were captured by these powers.
The English missionaries started acting in India at a much later period. The British, unlike the Portuguese, didn’t allow the missionaries to enter their territory in the beginning. The British arrived in India in 1600 and they allowed the missionaries to enter their territory only from 1813. The British allowed different churches to establish missionaries in their territory. The missionaries didn’t only spread Christianity, but they also did humanitarian deeds giving the needy basic necessities of life like food, clothes and shelter. The missionaries also built schools in India and many of them even today have Christian or European originated name. The British church missionaries succeeded less than the Portuguese in converting Indians to Christianity, but unlike the Portuguese who tried to enforce Christianity, these Protestant converts were voluntary. The Portuguese were also aware of the Indian custom according to which the wife followed her husband’s faith and therefore married their men to Indian women.
There are about 30 million Christians in India. The major centers of Christianity in India are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Manipur and Mizoram. There is also a big community of Christians in Mumbai. The main division of Christians in India is like in the Christian world, Protestants and Catholic. There are also different denomination among them, Syrian Church, Armenian Church, Anglican Church and others. Most of the India Christians were converted by the Portuguese. There is also an Anglo-Indian community in India.
Religions in India - Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism evolved in India. There were periods in India's past when Buddhism was dominant in India. Today less then 1% of India's population is Buddhist. Buddhism has more followers in countries east of India.
Buddhism was established in about 500 BC. Buddhism began with a prince called Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha belonged to an aristocratic family. As a prince he had lot of wealth. He never left his palace. At some point Siddharta began to leave his palace and behold for the first time poverty, sickness and misery. After seeing this Siddharta lost interest in his spoiled life and left his palace forever and gave his rich personal belongings to the needy. He joined a group of ascetics who were searching for enlightenment. In those days people searching for enlightenment believed that this could be gained only by people who were capable of resisting their basic needs. These people almost did not eat anything and almost starved themselves to death. Siddharta also adopted this path of searching enlightenment. But at some point he came to a conclusion that this was neither the way towards enlightenment nor the spoiled life he had as a prince was the right path towards enlightenment. According to him the right path was somewhere in the middle and he called it the 'middle path'.
In order to focus on his enlightenment search, Buddha sat under a fig tree and after fighting many temptations he got his enlightenment. In his region 'enlightened' people were called Buddha. And so Siddharta was named Buddha. According to Buddha's theory life is a long suffering. The suffering is caused because of the passions people desire to accomplish. The more one desires and the less he accomplishes the more he suffers. People who do not accomplish their desirable passions in their lives will be born again to this life circle which is full of suffering and so will distant themselves from the world of no suffering - Nirvana.
To get Nirvana, one has to follow the eight-fold path which are to believe right, desire right, think right, live right, do the right efforts, think the right thoughts, behave right and to do the right meditation.
Buddhism emphasis non- violence. Buddha attacked the Brahmanic custom of animal slaughtering during religious ceremonies. Religiously the Buddhists are vegetarians. But a strong narrative in India claims that Buddha, died because he ate a sick animal. Buddhism does not have a God, nor is it atheistic. Many Buddhists keep images of Buddha. Buddha is not seen as the first prophet of the religion, but as the fourth prophet of the religion.
There are two main doctrines in Buddhism, Mahayana and Hinayana. Mahayana Buddhist believe that the right path of a follower will lead to the redemption of all human beings. The Hinayana believe that each person is responsible for his own fate. Along with these doctrines there are other Buddhist beliefs like 'Zen Buddhism' from Japan and the 'Hindu Tantric Buddhism' from Tibet. Zen Buddhism is a mixture of Buddhism as it arrived from India to Japan and original Japanese beliefs. The Hindu Tantric Buddhism is a mixture of Indian Buddhism and original Tibetian beliefs which existed among the Tibetians before the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet, among it magic, ghosts and tantras (meaningless mystical sentences).
Buddhism was established in about 500 BC. Buddhism began with a prince called Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha belonged to an aristocratic family. As a prince he had lot of wealth. He never left his palace. At some point Siddharta began to leave his palace and behold for the first time poverty, sickness and misery. After seeing this Siddharta lost interest in his spoiled life and left his palace forever and gave his rich personal belongings to the needy. He joined a group of ascetics who were searching for enlightenment. In those days people searching for enlightenment believed that this could be gained only by people who were capable of resisting their basic needs. These people almost did not eat anything and almost starved themselves to death. Siddharta also adopted this path of searching enlightenment. But at some point he came to a conclusion that this was neither the way towards enlightenment nor the spoiled life he had as a prince was the right path towards enlightenment. According to him the right path was somewhere in the middle and he called it the 'middle path'.
In order to focus on his enlightenment search, Buddha sat under a fig tree and after fighting many temptations he got his enlightenment. In his region 'enlightened' people were called Buddha. And so Siddharta was named Buddha. According to Buddha's theory life is a long suffering. The suffering is caused because of the passions people desire to accomplish. The more one desires and the less he accomplishes the more he suffers. People who do not accomplish their desirable passions in their lives will be born again to this life circle which is full of suffering and so will distant themselves from the world of no suffering - Nirvana.
To get Nirvana, one has to follow the eight-fold path which are to believe right, desire right, think right, live right, do the right efforts, think the right thoughts, behave right and to do the right meditation.
Buddhism emphasis non- violence. Buddha attacked the Brahmanic custom of animal slaughtering during religious ceremonies. Religiously the Buddhists are vegetarians. But a strong narrative in India claims that Buddha, died because he ate a sick animal. Buddhism does not have a God, nor is it atheistic. Many Buddhists keep images of Buddha. Buddha is not seen as the first prophet of the religion, but as the fourth prophet of the religion.
There are two main doctrines in Buddhism, Mahayana and Hinayana. Mahayana Buddhist believe that the right path of a follower will lead to the redemption of all human beings. The Hinayana believe that each person is responsible for his own fate. Along with these doctrines there are other Buddhist beliefs like 'Zen Buddhism' from Japan and the 'Hindu Tantric Buddhism' from Tibet. Zen Buddhism is a mixture of Buddhism as it arrived from India to Japan and original Japanese beliefs. The Hindu Tantric Buddhism is a mixture of Indian Buddhism and original Tibetian beliefs which existed among the Tibetians before the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet, among it magic, ghosts and tantras (meaningless mystical sentences).
Religions in India - Hinduism
Hinduism
Hinduism is a religion with various gods and goddesses. According to Hinduism, three Lords rule the world. Brahma: the creator; Vishnu: the preserver and Shiva: the destroyer. Lord Vishnu did his job of preserving the world by incarnating himself in different forms at times of crisis.
The three Lords that rule the world have consorts and they are goddesses. Consort of Brahma is Sarasvati; goddess of learning. Vishnu's consort is Lakshmi; goddess of wealth and prosperity. Shiva's consort is Parvati who is worshipped as Kali or Durga.
Along them there are a number of other gods and goddesses. To name a few of them, there is Ganesh, who has an elephant's head and he is also a son of Shiva and Parvati. Hanuman, who is an ape. Surya, Lord of sun. Ganga Ma, goddess of river Ganges. Samundra, Lord of the sea. Indra, king of the gods ( but he isn't an important god). Prithvi, goddess of earth. Shakti, goddess of power. The Hindus call their goddesses 'Ma' meaning mother.
Some gods have more than one name. Shiva is also known as Shankar, Mahadev, Natraj, Mahesh and many other names. Ganesh is also called Ganpati. God Vishnu incarnated 9 times to do his job and in his every appearance he had a different form which are also worshipped as gods. Among his appearances, he appeared as Rama, Krishna, Narsimha, Parsuram and Buddha. Krishna also has different names, Gopal; Kishan; Shyam and other names. He also has other titles with meanings like 'Basuri Wala' which means the flute musician and 'Makhan Chor' which means the butter stealer. There are also gods who can change their forms, for example: Parvati can change into Kali or Durga.
Not all of these gods are worshiped by all Hindus. Some Hindus worship only Vishnu. Others worship only Shiva. Others worship only the goddesses and call these goddesses collectively as Shakti meaning power. Many of these goddess worshipers worship Parvati in her images as Kali or Durga. People who worship Shiva or Vishnu also worship characters and images connected with these gods. Vishnu worshipers (Vaishnaites) also worship his appearances. Shiva's worshipers (Shaivites) also worship images of bull called Nandi, who was Shiva's carrier and a unique stone design connected to Shiva. There are also Hindus who worship all the gods. There are some gods who are worshiped all over India like Rama and Krishna and other gods who are worshiped more in one region than the other like Ganesh who is worshiped mainly in west India. Hindus also worship gods according to their personal needs. People who engage in wrestling, body building and other physical sports worship Hanuman, who in Hindu legends was an ape with lot of physical strength. Businessmen worship Lakshmi, goddess of wealth.
Though Hindus worship different idols, many Hindus believe in one God and perceive in these different gods and goddesses as different faces of the same one God. Others believe that idolatry is the wrong interpretation of Hinduism.
Hindus believe in reincarnation. The basic belief is that a person's fate is determined according to his deeds. These deeds in Hinduism are called 'Karma'. A soul who does good Karma in this life will be awarded with a better life in the next incarnation. Souls who do bad Karma will be punished for their sins, if not in this incarnation then in the next incarnation and will continue to be born in this world again and again. The good souls will be liberated from the circle of rebirth and get redemption which is called 'Moksha' meaning freedom. Hindus normally cremate their dead ones, so that the soul of the dead would go to heaven, except in a few cases of Hindu saints, who are believed to have attained 'Moksha'.
The main Hindu books are the four Vedas. They are Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. The concluding portions of the Vedas are called Upanisads. There are also other holy books like Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharta etc. The different gods and goddesses in the Hindu mythology are derived from these books. Ramayana and Mahabharta are the most popular Hindu books.
The main story of Ramayana is the story of Lord Rama. Rama was born in a royal family and was suppose to be the king, but because of his step- mother, he was forced to exile from his kingdom for fourteen years. During this period his consort Sita was kidnapped by a demon called Ravan, who was king of Lanka. Rama with the help of his brother, Lakshman, and an army of monkeys under the leadership of Hanuman, rescued Sita. Many Indians believe that the present day Sri Lanka was then the kingdom of Lanka.
Mahabharta is a family epic. In this epic the Pandva family and the Kaurav family who are cousins fight with each other for the control over a kingdom. Kaurav family, which consisted of 100 brothers rule an empire. The five Pandva brothers ask for a small kingdom which belongs to them. The Kauravs refuse to give the Pandvas the kingdom so there is a war between the Pandvas and the Kauravs in which it is believed that all the kingdoms of that period in India took part. In this war the Pandvas, with the help of Lord Krishna win the war. Before the commencement of the war, while the two armies are facing each other, one of the Pandva brothers Arjun gets depressed. Arjun is depressed because he has to fight against people whom he knows, loves and respects. At this point Krishna, (who was also a king of a kingdom, and participated in this war only as the chariot driver for Arjun) convinces Arjun to fight. Krishna lectures Arjun about life, human beings and their religious duties. He explains to Arjun that he belongs to a warrior caste and he has to fight for that's his destination in this incarnation. Those chapters in the Mahabharta which are Krishna's discourses on religious philosophy are called Bhagvad Gita. Because of it's importance the Bhagvad Gita is considered as a separate holy book. Another Hindu holy book that deals with religious duties is 'Law of Manu' or the 'Dharma Shastra'.
In the wars that occur in the holy books, as in Mahabharta, the different sides had different war weapons which had characters similar to modern day war weapons. In some stories the traveling vehicles were normally birds and animals. But these animals and birds had features similar to modern day aircrafts. There were even aircrafts with over velocity of light. The main war weapons were bows and arrows. But these arrows were more like modern missiles than simple arrows. These arrows were capable of carrying bombs with destructive power similar to modern day chemical, biological or even atom bombs. Other arrows could be targeted on specific human beings. There were even arrows capable of neutralizing other arrows, similar to modern day anti-missiles.
Hindus have many holy places. Badrinath, Puri, Dwarkha and Rameshwaram are four holiest places for the Hindus. Other holy places are Varanasi, Rishikesh, Nasik, Pushkar, Ujjain and other places. Some rivers are also holy to them. Among them are Godavri, Yamuna and above all Ganges which the Indians call Ganga. Another holy river is Sarasvati and it is invisible. Hindus also worship and respect some animals and birds like cobra, apes, peacocks and cow. Hindus also respect some trees and bush trees. The famous and the most respected bush tree is Tulsi.
Some of the Hindu customs, which exist or existed, do not have their bearing in Hindu scriptures but became part of Hinduism in different ways and fashion. For example, the Hindus see in cow a sacred animal. Religiously there is no reason to see cow as sacred and it is believed that cows were made 'sacred' to prevent their slaughter during periods of droughts and hunger. Cobra worship also is not found in Hindu scripts. This custom became part of Hinduism when some Indian tribes who use to worship cobra adopted Hinduism. Burning of the widow on the dead husband's pyre also has no religious justification. This custom, outlawed in 1829, was probably brought to India by the Scythians invaders of India. Among the Scythians it was a custom to bury the dead king with his mistresses or wives, servants and other things so that they could continue to serve him in the next world. When these Scythians arrived in India, they adopted the Indian system of funeral, which was cremating the dead. And so instead of burying their kings and his servers they started cremating their dead with his surviving lovers. The Scythians were warrior tribes and they were given a status of warrior castes in Hindu religious hierarchy. The different castes who claimed warrior status or higher also adopted this custom.
There are four castes in Hindu religion arranged in a hierarchy. The highest caste is Brahman, and they are the priest caste of Hinduism. After them are the Kshatria, who are the warrior castes. After them are the Vaishya caste , who are business people. And after them are the Sudra, who are the common peasants and workers. Below these four castes there are casteless, the untouchables. The four castes were not allowed to have any physical contact with the untouchables.
Each caste is divided into many sub-castes. The religious word for caste is Varna and for sub-caste Jat or Jati. But sometimes in English the term caste is used in both cases. Religiously, people are born in a caste and it cannot be changed. Each caste has some compulsory duties, which its members must do. Each caste has professional limits which decides what profession each caste can follow. Each caste members can have social relations only with its caste members. Religiously this includes marraige and even eating only with caste members. Please note that socially the caste system is different from the religious form of caste system.
How did Hinduism originated is a difficult question. The accepted theory is that Hinduism was evolved after the historical meeting between the Aryans and Dravidians. Some claim that Hinduism is mainly an Aryan culture whereas the others claim that it is mainly a Dravidian culture. Religiously the Vedas were given by Brahma.
Before Hinduism there existed another religion in India called Brahmanism and its followers were called Brahmans. The Brahmans were the spiritual and moral guides of the Indian society. The members of this religion were a close sect and others could not join it. The Brahmans slowly started accepting others into their religion and so was created Hinduism which included in it the customs which were not part of the Vedas. One of the reasons the Brahmans accepted others to their religion was the fear to loose their status as moral guides to priests of a new religion that started in India, namely Buddhism. The Brahmans even accepted Buddha as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and part of his teachings and philosophy like non-violence into their religion.
All About Kerala
HISTORY OF KERALA
Kerala is truly the undiscovered India. It is God's own country and an enchantingly beautiful, emerald-green sliver of land. It is a tropical paradise far from the tourist trial at the southwestern peninsular tip, sandwiched between the tall mountains and the deep sea. Kerala is a long stretch of enchanting greenery. The tall exotic coconut palm dominates the landscape.
There is a persistent legend which says that Parasuram, the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity, stood on a high place in the mountains, threw an axe far in to the sea, and commanded the sea to retreat. And the land that emerged all from the waters became Kerala, the land of plenty and prosperity.
Kerala is a 560-km long narrow stretch of land. At the widest, Kerala is a mere 120-km from the sea to the mountains. Gracing one side of Kerala, are the lofty mountains ranging high to kiss the sky. And on the other side the land is washed by the blue Arabian Sea waters. The land is covered with dense tropical forest, fertile plains, beautiful beaches, cliffs, rocky coasts, an intricate maze of backwaters, still bays and an astounding 44 glimmering rivers. Kerala's exotic spices have lured foreigners to her coast from time immemorial.
Earlier, Kerala was made up of three distinct areas. Malabar as far up the coast as Tellicherry, Cannanore and Kasargode with the tiny pocket-handkerchief French possession of Mahe nearby (it was returned to India in the early 1950 's and is now administratively part of Pondicherry). This area belonged to what was once called the Madras Presidency under the British. The middle section is formed by the princely State of Cochin; the third comprises Travancore, another princely State.
Early inhabitants of Kerala
Archaeologists believe that the first citizens of Kerala were the hunter-gatherers, the ting Negrito people. These people still inhabit the mountains of southern India today, consequently, they had a good knowledge of herbal medicine and were skilled in interpreting natural phenomena. The next race of people in Kerala were believed to be the Austriches. The Austric people of Kerala are of the same stock as the present-day Australian Aborigines. They were the people who laid the foundation of Indian civilizations and introduced the cultivation of rice and vegetables, which are still part of Kerala scene. They also introduced snake-worship in Kerala. Traces of such worship and ancient rites have been found among the Aboriginal tribes of Australia. Austric features can still be seen fairly and clearly among the people of Kerala today. Then came the Dravidians (The Mediterranean people). Dravidian absorbed many of the beliefs of the Negrito and Austric people, but they were strongly inclined to the worship of the Mother Goddess in all her myriad forms: Protector, Avenger, Bestower of wealth, wisdom and arts.
The Dravidians migrated to the southwards, carrying their civilization with them, though leaving their considerable cultural input on their successors, the Aryans (indo - Iranians). But Kerala is still strongly influenced by the Dravidian culture: urbane, cash-crop and trade oriented, and with strong maternalistic biases. The Aryans have made a deep impression on Kerala in late proto-historic times.
Jewish and Arabs trade's were the first to come to Kerala sailing in the ships to set up trading stations. The Apostle of Christ, St. Thomas is believed to have come to Muziris in AD 52 and established the first church in Kerala .
Portuguese discovered the sea route to India from Europe when Vasco da gama landed with his ship near Kappad in Calicut in AD 1498. Slowly the Kerala society became a mix of people belonging to various sects of Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. The arrival of Portuguese was followed by the Dutch, the French and finally the British.The State of Kerala was created on the 1st of November 1956. The Keralites celebrate this day as 'Kerala piravi' meaning the 'Birth of Kerala'.
Geography
- It has an area of 15,005 sq. miles. [38,863 sq. km. ] about one percent of the total land area of India.
- The state stretches for about 360 miles along the Malabar coast on the western side of the Indian peninsula; its width varies from 20 to 75 miles. It is bordered by the states of karnataka on the north, Tamil Nadu to the east and the arabian sea to the west (map).
- Kerala is situated at the Southwest tip of India main land on the Arabian Sea.
- Kerala is bound by Arabian Sea on the west, Karnataka on the north and northeast, and Tamil Nadu on the east.
- The state can be divided into hills and valleys, midland plains and coastal belts.
- The hills of Kerala dot the Western Ghat from Ponmudi in the south to Munnar in the centre and Sultan's Bathery in the north.
- In the coastal belts of this state are situated world famous backwaters that are more or less main attraction of Kerala.
- Climate of the Kerala is tropical
Climate
Climate: Equable Climate that varies from Season to Season
Major Factors affecting the Climate: The Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats
Best time round the year: September to February
Kerala, the land surrounded by the pristine waters of the Arabian Sea, has an equable climate that varies from season to season.
The presence of the Western Ghats on the eastern side of the state and across the path of the southwest monsoon creates an important climatic zone with copious rainfall on the windward side and a dry belt on the lee side in the east.
The Climate of Kerala can be clasified roughly into three categories. The summer in Kerala lasts from March to May and is followed by the southwest monsoon spell lasting until the middle of October. The northeast monsoons take over the relay around this time and linger on till the month of February.
Temperature
Even at the height of the monsoons, the temperature rarely dips below a pleasant 18 degrees c. It has a warm and pleasant tropical monsoon climate with seasonally excessive rainfall.
The climate is pleasant from September to February, which is also the peak tourist season. The summer months are warm and humid with a mean max temperature of about 33 degree c.
Temperature
Winter Max: 21°C ; Min: 18°C
Summer Max: 33°C ; Min: 27°C
Rain Fall
Kerala is blessed with plentiful rain, 54% to 85% of which is contributed by the monsoons. Monsoons bring to Kerala two rainy seasons-the southwest monsoon or the Edavappathi, bringing rains during June-September, and the north east monsoon or the Thulavarsham during October to December.
Kerala is directly exposed to the southwest monsoon but also receives rain from the reverse (northeast) monsoon. Rainfall averages about 118 inches (3,000 millimetres) annually statewide, with some slopes receiving more than 200 inches.
The north east monsoon season begins from the middle of October and lasts upto the end of February, though the rain associated with it ceases by December. The total annual rainfall in the state varies from 380 cms over the extreme northern parts to about 180 cms to the south.
The amount of rainfall decreases towards the south almost in proportion with the decrease in altitude of the Western Ghats. July receives the maximum rainfall with all meterological centres recording about 25 rainy days. Neriyamangalam in Ernakulam district records the highest amount of rainfall 104 cms.
Language
Climate: Equable Climate that varies from Season to Season
Major Factors affecting the Climate: The Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats
Best time round the year: September to February
Kerala, the land surrounded by the pristine waters of the Arabian Sea, has an equable climate that varies from season to season.
The presence of the Western Ghats on the eastern side of the state and across the path of the southwest monsoon creates an important climatic zone with copious rainfall on the windward side and a dry belt on the lee side in the east.
The Climate of Kerala can be clasified roughly into three categories. The summer in Kerala lasts from March to May and is followed by the southwest monsoon spell lasting until the middle of October. The northeast monsoons take over the relay around this time and linger on till the month of February.
Temperature
Even at the height of the monsoons, the temperature rarely dips below a pleasant 18 degrees c. It has a warm and pleasant tropical monsoon climate with seasonally excessive rainfall.
The climate is pleasant from September to February, which is also the peak tourist season. The summer months are warm and humid with a mean max temperature of about 33 degree c.
Temperature
Winter Max: 21°C ; Min: 18°C
Summer Max: 33°C ; Min: 27°C
Rain Fall
Kerala is blessed with plentiful rain, 54% to 85% of which is contributed by the monsoons. Monsoons bring to Kerala two rainy seasons-the southwest monsoon or the Edavappathi, bringing rains during June-September, and the north east monsoon or the Thulavarsham during October to December.
Kerala is directly exposed to the southwest monsoon but also receives rain from the reverse (northeast) monsoon. Rainfall averages about 118 inches (3,000 millimetres) annually statewide, with some slopes receiving more than 200 inches.
The north east monsoon season begins from the middle of October and lasts upto the end of February, though the rain associated with it ceases by December. The total annual rainfall in the state varies from 380 cms over the extreme northern parts to about 180 cms to the south.
The amount of rainfall decreases towards the south almost in proportion with the decrease in altitude of the Western Ghats. July receives the maximum rainfall with all meterological centres recording about 25 rainy days. Neriyamangalam in Ernakulam district records the highest amount of rainfall 104 cms.
Language
Main Language : Malayalam
Malayalam is the official language of Kerala. It belongs to the Dravidian languages category. The language is rich in literature as many literary. The language has close resemblance to Tamil, another language of Dravidian origin. Tamil greatly influenced the early development of Malayalam. English stands only second to Sanskrit in its influence in Malayalam. Hundreds of individual lexical items and may idiomatic expressions in modern Malayalam are of English origin.
The Changing Trends of Malayalam
Malayalam literature takes a lazy and winding route till the end of the 18th century, after which the modern period begins. The Ramacharitam (1300AD) is the oldest Malayalam text. Writings of the first few centuries were in Mani-pravalam or the ‘high style’.
This went on until Cherusseri Namboodiri turned his attention to pure Malayalam and wrote Krishna Gatha in early 15th century. This was again followed by a generation of campu compositions, a mixture of prose and verse with a liberal sprinkling of Sanskrit words. The themes were from the great Sanskrit epics and Puranas. As late as the 17th century, the first big Malayali poet, Tunchattu Ramanuja Ezhuttachchan adopted the Sanskrit alphabet in place of Malayalam’s incomplete one. A new literary type arose in the 18th century, the Tullal or dance drama, which again dipped into the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas for themes.
Kotungallur and Trivandrum -- The Major Centers of Literary Activities
Kotungallur (in North Kerala) and Trivandrum (in South Kerala) became the two hectic centers of literary activity in the second half of the 19th century. Volumes of translations were being written – Valiya Koyil Tampuran’s Shakuntala (1881), Kunnikkuttan Tampuran’s Hamlet and Mahabharata, Vallattol Narayana Menon’s Ramayana (1878) and others.
The Famous Writers
It was a period of original works too, with a flood of essays on historical and literary topics, dramas, novels and poems, and literary journals. The first and original novel in Malayalam was T. M. Appu Netunnati’s Kundalata (1887), but more popular was Chantu Menon’s Indulekha (1889).
Some of the later novelists were Vennayil Kunniraman Nayanar, Appan Tampuran, V. K. Kunnan Menon, Ambati Narayana Potuval and C. P. Achyuta Menon who grounded the present day Malayalam prose style. Vaikkom Mohammad Bashir is one of the most loved literary figures of Kerala. Some poets of the modern school are Kumaran Ashan, G. Sankara Kurup, K. K. Raja, Channampuzha Krishna Pilla and N. Balamaniyamma.
As the state with the highest literacy rate, Kerala is one of the intellectual centers of the country. It is just the place for literature and litterateurs today.
HOW TO REACH KERALA
Geographical Kerala is located in the southwestern tip of the Indian peninsula and extends between the latitude 10°00 North and longitude 76°25 East. Kerala is bound by the Arabian Sea on the west, Karnataka on the North and Northeast, and Tamil Nadu on the east.
The Malabar Coast of India is the site of Kerala location. Geographical Kerala is a part of the coastal belt with the hill ranges known as the Western Ghats running along the length of Kerala. Rain bearing clouds of the South west monsoon bring heavy rainfall to geographical Kerala during the months May to September. Tropical rainfall occurs often during the year. Geographical Kerala is a tropical region, with weather being pleasant for most of the year. Humidity increases during the monsoon season. Kerala location gives it its unique climatic and geographic features.
Kerala has a coastal belt with sandy beaches and palm lined shores. The seaside Kerala location, makes it a pleasant holiday destination, with sunny beaches and serene backwaters. The hill ranges of Kerala have hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, tea estates and spice plantations. Geographical Kerala exhibits diversity in climate within the compact Kerala location on the Malabar Coast of India.
The state of Kerala is a narrow strip located along Arabian Sea in the southernmost tip of Indian Peninsula. The state has been crisscrossed by a number of water bodies (popularly known as backwaters). This has given birth to internal water navigation systems, which also work as the major trade ways in the state. These backwaters of late have become the major tourist attractions of Kerala and people have started offering luxurious houseboat accommodations to the visitors.
Air Transport
Reaching to Kerala is not a difficult thing. Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, is connected to most of the major airports in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. As the Thiruvananthapuram is an international airport, there are considerable connections to gulf countries also from this airport. Kochi and Calicut are other two airports connected from air to other cities in India.
Rail Transport
Rails are another good way of moving inside and from the outside Kerala. There are around 200 railway stations in Kerala connecting most of the places in the state to places in the other parts of the country and inside the state. Long-distance express trains connect important places in Kerala to places outside the state like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Road Transport
Roads in Kerala are in much better shape than other states in India. Major modes of road transport are buses, tourist taxis, cars, and local taxis and autos. State is connected with other parts of South India by a number of National Highways. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh are some of the neighboring states that are easily connected to Kerala through roads.
Water Transport
From Cochin (Kochi), there are regular ships venturing towards the Lakshadweep Islands. Inside, backwaters of Kerala act not only as a popular transportation medium but are tourist attractions in themselves. These internal water navigation systems are today the single most popular travel product of Kerala.
Kerala : A Piece of World History
Kerala Stands first in many respects in India and also in the World. This small States itself formed a unique piece of political history of the World. This is the first State were the Communists came into power through ballots. The Kerala State was formed in 1956, November 1. In the first general election to the State Legislative Assembly, the Communist Party of India won majority seats. An eleven-member Ministry, with EMS Namboothiripad of the Communist Party as Chief Minister, was sworn in on April 5, 1957. However, it was dismissed on July 31, 1959. The next ministry in the State was formed by a coalition front led by the Congress. Again 1967, Communists came back to power. This government was also led by EMS. The Communist Party split into two in 1964. The two factions were called the Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Religions of Kerala
Kerala is a museum of almost all religions in the world. The major religions in the State are Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.
Hinduism
The traditional religion in India was gradually transformed in to Hinduism when Sree Sankara, in the 8th century AD, established four mutts (monasteries) in various part of the country. He also interpreted the scriptures like Upanishads and Bhagavadgita and propagated the principle of Advaita (Monotheism). His birth place is Kalady in Eranakulam district. He died at age of 33.
There are various castes and sub-castes in Hinduism. Brahmins are the highest ranked community. Ambalavasis (Temple based communities), Kshathriyas (Royal communities) and Nairs (formerly Sudras) are also considered Kammalas etc. belong to the backward communities. There are more than 70 communities included in the backward list. The Scheduled Caste includes 68 varieties of communities and the scheduled Tribes 35 communities. The backward and Scheduled Communities were considered as ‘untouchables’ until recently. The reformations introduced by by Sree Narayana Guru, Chattampi Swamikal and Ayyankali helped considerably to minimize the system. Today untouchability is unconstitutional in India. According to the 2001 census there are 1,78,83,449 Hindu in Kerala.
Islam
Islam is the second largest religion (24.7%) in Kerala. The Sufi saint Malik Ibin Dinar from Arabia reached Kodungalloor (in Trichur District) in 629 AD and established the first Muslim place of worship in India. This was during the life time of prophet Muhammed. According to legends the last Chera King known as Cheraman Perumal accepting the invitation of the Prophet went to Mecca and embraced Islam. Kerala had long commercial relations with the Arabian countries which also helped the speedy propagation of Islam in Kerala. The Malabar riots from 1836 to 1921were revolts of the muslims against the British rules and Hindu landlords. Even though Muslims are spread all over the State, majority of them are in Malabar. The Muslim League of Kerala is a constituent of the United Front of Kerala lead by Indian national Congress. There was a Muslim royal dynasty known as ‘Arakal’ which existed up to the British rule in Malabar.
Christianity
Christianity is the third largest religion (19%) in Kerala. It is believed that St. Thomas, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ, came to Kodungalloor (Trichur District) in AD 521 and propagated Christianity in the region. Hence the traditional Christians in Kerala are one of the oldest Christian folks I the world. In AD 345 a group of Christians consisting of 400 persons, including many priests and a Bishop arrived at Kodungalloor and settled down there. During Portuguese occupation in the state St. Francis Xavier propagated Christanity in the coastal areas of the State and converted thousands of peoples. As a protest to te Latinaisation of the traditional Syrian Christian In Kerala, a major part of the community made an oath at Mattancery (oath of Koonan Kurisu) against the European supremacy in the church and affiliated themselves to the patriarch of the Jacobite Ortadox Church in Antique. Now there are Catholic, Jacobite, Orthadox, and Protestand Churches in Kerala. The Christian community in the State has a prominent role in education, health services and business. There was a Christian royal family known as ‘Villa Vattom’ before the arrival of Portuguese in Kerala.
Jainism and Buddhism
Early in the 3rd BC, Jainism and Buddhism reached Kerala and grew together. It is that believed that the Ayurvedic tradition of Kerala is inherited from the Buddhists. Later many of the Budhist Viharas were converted into Hindu temples. There is a view that ‘Ayyappa’ Temple of Sabarimala was a once Buddhist Vihara. After the 8th century the newly arrived Brahmins strongly opposed Buddhism & Jainism and ultimately there existence in Kerala became nominal. According to the 1991 census, there were only 223 Buddhists and 3641 Jains in Kerala.
Judaism
Even before the time of Jesus Christ, the Jews had commercial relations with Kerala. During Persian persecutions in 5th and 6th centuries BC many Jewish families migrated to Kerala as a safety measure. Most of them settled in Kochi. But there were other Jewish settlements also in different parts of Kerala, during the visit of St.Thomas in Kerala n the first century AD. With the formation of Israel in 1948, most of the Jews in Kerala opted to migrate to that country. In 1857 there were 1780 Jews in the state, but the latest figure of their population is only 115.
Hinduism
The traditional religion in India was gradually transformed in to Hinduism when Sree Sankara, in the 8th century AD, established four mutts (monasteries) in various part of the country. He also interpreted the scriptures like Upanishads and Bhagavadgita and propagated the principle of Advaita (Monotheism). His birth place is Kalady in Eranakulam district. He died at age of 33.
There are various castes and sub-castes in Hinduism. Brahmins are the highest ranked community. Ambalavasis (Temple based communities), Kshathriyas (Royal communities) and Nairs (formerly Sudras) are also considered Kammalas etc. belong to the backward communities. There are more than 70 communities included in the backward list. The Scheduled Caste includes 68 varieties of communities and the scheduled Tribes 35 communities. The backward and Scheduled Communities were considered as ‘untouchables’ until recently. The reformations introduced by by Sree Narayana Guru, Chattampi Swamikal and Ayyankali helped considerably to minimize the system. Today untouchability is unconstitutional in India. According to the 2001 census there are 1,78,83,449 Hindu in Kerala.
Islam
Islam is the second largest religion (24.7%) in Kerala. The Sufi saint Malik Ibin Dinar from Arabia reached Kodungalloor (in Trichur District) in 629 AD and established the first Muslim place of worship in India. This was during the life time of prophet Muhammed. According to legends the last Chera King known as Cheraman Perumal accepting the invitation of the Prophet went to Mecca and embraced Islam. Kerala had long commercial relations with the Arabian countries which also helped the speedy propagation of Islam in Kerala. The Malabar riots from 1836 to 1921were revolts of the muslims against the British rules and Hindu landlords. Even though Muslims are spread all over the State, majority of them are in Malabar. The Muslim League of Kerala is a constituent of the United Front of Kerala lead by Indian national Congress. There was a Muslim royal dynasty known as ‘Arakal’ which existed up to the British rule in Malabar.
Christianity
Christianity is the third largest religion (19%) in Kerala. It is believed that St. Thomas, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ, came to Kodungalloor (Trichur District) in AD 521 and propagated Christianity in the region. Hence the traditional Christians in Kerala are one of the oldest Christian folks I the world. In AD 345 a group of Christians consisting of 400 persons, including many priests and a Bishop arrived at Kodungalloor and settled down there. During Portuguese occupation in the state St. Francis Xavier propagated Christanity in the coastal areas of the State and converted thousands of peoples. As a protest to te Latinaisation of the traditional Syrian Christian In Kerala, a major part of the community made an oath at Mattancery (oath of Koonan Kurisu) against the European supremacy in the church and affiliated themselves to the patriarch of the Jacobite Ortadox Church in Antique. Now there are Catholic, Jacobite, Orthadox, and Protestand Churches in Kerala. The Christian community in the State has a prominent role in education, health services and business. There was a Christian royal family known as ‘Villa Vattom’ before the arrival of Portuguese in Kerala.
Jainism and Buddhism
Early in the 3rd BC, Jainism and Buddhism reached Kerala and grew together. It is that believed that the Ayurvedic tradition of Kerala is inherited from the Buddhists. Later many of the Budhist Viharas were converted into Hindu temples. There is a view that ‘Ayyappa’ Temple of Sabarimala was a once Buddhist Vihara. After the 8th century the newly arrived Brahmins strongly opposed Buddhism & Jainism and ultimately there existence in Kerala became nominal. According to the 1991 census, there were only 223 Buddhists and 3641 Jains in Kerala.
Judaism
Even before the time of Jesus Christ, the Jews had commercial relations with Kerala. During Persian persecutions in 5th and 6th centuries BC many Jewish families migrated to Kerala as a safety measure. Most of them settled in Kochi. But there were other Jewish settlements also in different parts of Kerala, during the visit of St.Thomas in Kerala n the first century AD. With the formation of Israel in 1948, most of the Jews in Kerala opted to migrate to that country. In 1857 there were 1780 Jews in the state, but the latest figure of their population is only 115.
Kerala : Dance and Music
KATHAKALI
Kerala has a rich heritage of art. It is the land of Kathakali, a form of dance drama. The classical dance-drama is a complete art form and unique in the world. Vivid in mudras (hand-sighns), realistic in gesture, rhythmic in movement, archaic in costumes, majestic in head gear, weird in makeup, taxanomic in music – make the Kathakali distinct. This is the only style in India in which the masculine aspect of dance is preserved in its elemental vigor. Kathakali is performed at important temple festivals and other community rejoicing. Kathakali draws its themes from the epics and mythology of India - the lives, love and conflict of Gods and supermen; the message is the victory of good over evil. Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthi is a world acclaimed center for training in Kathakali.
THEYYAM
Theyyam is a popular ritualistic dance form of north Kerala. The word theyyam is daivam or God. Theyyam is performed with traditional rituals and costumes. The costumes used for theyyam I colorful and the makeup is done using natural colors. Theyyam begins with a thottam ( song narrating the story of the theyyam ). The unique arty is patronized by almost all castes of the Hindu Community. Villagers believe that their will being is based on the will and pleasure of the Mother goddess. So they maintain village shrines and cult spots. First part of the theyyam dance is known as vellattam, which is performed without proper makeup or decorative costumes. The full makeup or costumes and head gear reflects high sense of aesthetics. Musical instruments played are Kerala’s own. The theyyam is always performed by men and they also appear decked up as women in exotic make up and costumes, sometimes horrific and furious. Some characters wear masks. Other make up contains painted designs on the face. The costume is elaborate and resplendent. It includes big head gear, made of tender palm leaves and cloth, which may have a height of 10 meter or more.
KOODIYATTAM
Koodiyattam is also a dance-drama, and when performed by more than2000 years old. It gained the recognition of the UNESCO recently. Koodiyattam means joint-dance (koodi means jointly and attam means dance). It is performed by a particular community called Chakyar. The first phase of the performance is called Kooth and when performed by more than one person it is known as Koodiyattam. The perfect dramatic ingredients – action, dialogues, costume and passions are blended as per formal theories.
OTTANTHULLAL
Ottanthullal is a solo dance exposition. Ottam is running and thullal is dance. This is more of the nature of a one-man Ballard opera. With simplicity in a presentation, outspoken wit and humour, thullal continues to be an art form of social criticism. Though the context dealt with is epic or mythologyc, the depiction will have direct appeal to the common life of contemporary society.
MOHINIYATTAM
Mohiniyattam is an exclusive dance from of Kerala. Mohini is the charming woman and Attam is dance. As the name denotes it is a seductive dance performed by women, sensuous in appeal. Lyrical in the extreme. Its keynote is coquetry. In the rendering of this style there is enchantment, grace, delicacy and passion.
KERALA NATANAM
Kerala Natanam means Kerala dance. This is a modern dance form developed jointly by Guru Gopinath and an American lady named Ragini Devi in 1931. The four basic aspects of acting combined with musical instruments of Kerala and attractive aspects of Kathakali make Kerala natanam a unique art form. Great is the motion, sweet is the passion and attractive is the costume. The performer has to undergo four years coaching and two years stage experience. Dance training centers function in many places.
FOLK DANCES
Kerala has a remarkable heritage of folk dances – social, religious and martial. The actions, expressions, costumes, ornaments and instruments are highly appealing. There are more than fifty well known folk dance forms in Kerala. Most popular are Kolamthullal, Kaliyattam, Mudiyettu, Kolkkali, poorakkali, Velakali, Kannyarkali, Parichamuttukali, Thappukali, Kakkarasi, Kummi etc.
MUSIC
The folk music of Kerala is rich with rugged beauty, rhyme and rhythm. Some of the song are devotional like Sarppam Pattu (serpant song), Bhadrakali Pattu (Bhadrakali is a goddness) and Ayyappan Pattu (Ayyappan is a god).
Sopanam
In the classical school, Karnatic music popular in Kerala, but the distinctive style developed here is ‘Sopanam’. This is a fusion of the symphonies of the great composer of classical music, Swathi Thirunal ( King of Travancore, early 19th century) and those of great composers like irayimman thampy, Shadkala Govinda Marar etc.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Kerala has a variety of its own musical instruments – percussion, wind and string. Chenda, the Kerala drum, is a remarkable instrument. There is a saying in Malayalam that ‘all the eighteen instruments are under the chenda’. Chendamelam – the playing of chendas – is inspiring and exhilarating. It is an inevitable item in any festive occasion – social cultural and religious. Panchavadhyam, Thayampaka, Nanthurni, etc. are the other varieties of instruments in vogue.
Kerala has a rich heritage of art. It is the land of Kathakali, a form of dance drama. The classical dance-drama is a complete art form and unique in the world. Vivid in mudras (hand-sighns), realistic in gesture, rhythmic in movement, archaic in costumes, majestic in head gear, weird in makeup, taxanomic in music – make the Kathakali distinct. This is the only style in India in which the masculine aspect of dance is preserved in its elemental vigor. Kathakali is performed at important temple festivals and other community rejoicing. Kathakali draws its themes from the epics and mythology of India - the lives, love and conflict of Gods and supermen; the message is the victory of good over evil. Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthi is a world acclaimed center for training in Kathakali.
THEYYAM
Theyyam is a popular ritualistic dance form of north Kerala. The word theyyam is daivam or God. Theyyam is performed with traditional rituals and costumes. The costumes used for theyyam I colorful and the makeup is done using natural colors. Theyyam begins with a thottam ( song narrating the story of the theyyam ). The unique arty is patronized by almost all castes of the Hindu Community. Villagers believe that their will being is based on the will and pleasure of the Mother goddess. So they maintain village shrines and cult spots. First part of the theyyam dance is known as vellattam, which is performed without proper makeup or decorative costumes. The full makeup or costumes and head gear reflects high sense of aesthetics. Musical instruments played are Kerala’s own. The theyyam is always performed by men and they also appear decked up as women in exotic make up and costumes, sometimes horrific and furious. Some characters wear masks. Other make up contains painted designs on the face. The costume is elaborate and resplendent. It includes big head gear, made of tender palm leaves and cloth, which may have a height of 10 meter or more.
KOODIYATTAM
Koodiyattam is also a dance-drama, and when performed by more than2000 years old. It gained the recognition of the UNESCO recently. Koodiyattam means joint-dance (koodi means jointly and attam means dance). It is performed by a particular community called Chakyar. The first phase of the performance is called Kooth and when performed by more than one person it is known as Koodiyattam. The perfect dramatic ingredients – action, dialogues, costume and passions are blended as per formal theories.
OTTANTHULLAL
Ottanthullal is a solo dance exposition. Ottam is running and thullal is dance. This is more of the nature of a one-man Ballard opera. With simplicity in a presentation, outspoken wit and humour, thullal continues to be an art form of social criticism. Though the context dealt with is epic or mythologyc, the depiction will have direct appeal to the common life of contemporary society.
MOHINIYATTAM
Mohiniyattam is an exclusive dance from of Kerala. Mohini is the charming woman and Attam is dance. As the name denotes it is a seductive dance performed by women, sensuous in appeal. Lyrical in the extreme. Its keynote is coquetry. In the rendering of this style there is enchantment, grace, delicacy and passion.
KERALA NATANAM
Kerala Natanam means Kerala dance. This is a modern dance form developed jointly by Guru Gopinath and an American lady named Ragini Devi in 1931. The four basic aspects of acting combined with musical instruments of Kerala and attractive aspects of Kathakali make Kerala natanam a unique art form. Great is the motion, sweet is the passion and attractive is the costume. The performer has to undergo four years coaching and two years stage experience. Dance training centers function in many places.
FOLK DANCES
Kerala has a remarkable heritage of folk dances – social, religious and martial. The actions, expressions, costumes, ornaments and instruments are highly appealing. There are more than fifty well known folk dance forms in Kerala. Most popular are Kolamthullal, Kaliyattam, Mudiyettu, Kolkkali, poorakkali, Velakali, Kannyarkali, Parichamuttukali, Thappukali, Kakkarasi, Kummi etc.
MUSIC
The folk music of Kerala is rich with rugged beauty, rhyme and rhythm. Some of the song are devotional like Sarppam Pattu (serpant song), Bhadrakali Pattu (Bhadrakali is a goddness) and Ayyappan Pattu (Ayyappan is a god).
Sopanam
In the classical school, Karnatic music popular in Kerala, but the distinctive style developed here is ‘Sopanam’. This is a fusion of the symphonies of the great composer of classical music, Swathi Thirunal ( King of Travancore, early 19th century) and those of great composers like irayimman thampy, Shadkala Govinda Marar etc.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Kerala has a variety of its own musical instruments – percussion, wind and string. Chenda, the Kerala drum, is a remarkable instrument. There is a saying in Malayalam that ‘all the eighteen instruments are under the chenda’. Chendamelam – the playing of chendas – is inspiring and exhilarating. It is an inevitable item in any festive occasion – social cultural and religious. Panchavadhyam, Thayampaka, Nanthurni, etc. are the other varieties of instruments in vogue.
Kerala : Historical Background
Kerala is a strip of enchanting land between the high Sahya ranges in the east and the vast Arabian Sea in the west. According to legends Parasurama, ithe incarnation of God Visnu., threw his axe from Gokarnav (now in south Karnataka) to Kanyakumari (now in Tamil Nadu), the southern most tip of the Indian peninsula, rising the land of Kerala stretches from Manjeswaranm in the North to Parassala in the South, excluding both Gokarnam and Kanyakumari areas. Kerala sate was formed in 1956 as part of linguistic re-organization of States in India. It is said that the name was derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Kera’, the coconut palm. There is another view that it might have derived from ‘Cheralam’ which means either ‘land of Chera Kings’ or ‘the marshy land’.
Before the formation of the state in 1956, Kerala was divided in to three kingdoms – Travancore, Kochi and Malabar. Travancore in the south and Kochi in the middle were princely states under the supremacy of British rulers in the Country while Malabar was a district of Madras State, a province of British India till 1947.
ANCIENT KERALA
Even befor Christ, Kerala had commercial relations with foreign countries like Rome, Greece, Egypt, Babylonia Palestine and Arabia. The early inhabitants of the State were Dravidians. Malayalam, the language of Kerala, belongs to the Dravidian family of languages. By the fourth or third century B.C., Aryans might have migrated to Kerala. In a second wave of Aryan migrations from North India in the seventh and eight centuries, the Aryan Brahmins called Namboothiries became very influential in the society. They introduced cast system in Kerala and considered themselves as the highest caste eligible for priesthood in Hindu temples. They had acquired ownership of the large areas of land as donations from the kings. Thus Kerala inherits a mixed culture and blood of Aryans and Dravidians.
During the first five centuries of Christian era, known as the ‘Sangham Age’ in Indian history, the first Chera Kings ruled major part of the state. The second Chera dynasty was in power during the period between A.D, 820 and 1102. After the fall of the mighty Chera dynasty, so many little kingdoms and principalities were formed throughout Kerala. The most prominent among them were Kozhikode, Kochi and Venad. The situation continued until the invasion of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sulthan (of Mysore0 during 1776-1790 in Malabar and the aggressive expansion programme of his kingdom by Marthanda Varma Raja of Venad. Later Malabar was seized by the East India Company in 1792 and the two kingdoms Travancore and Kochi were brought under their control.
TRAVENCORE
There were about 40 principalities in Travancore at the beginning of the 18th century. Marthand Varma, the king of Venad, the southern most and ancient principality, attacked so many small kingdoms and annexed them to Vanad, forming the biggest kingdom of Travencore in 1729AD. He defeated the Dutch army at Kulachal and made a pact with the British East India Company for the protection of his country and accepted their supremacy. The last king in the dynasty Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varama Maharaja continued in the throne from 1931 to 1949. He was appointed as the Rajapramukh (equal to State Governor) of the Travancore –Cochin state when both the kingdoms were united into a single state in 1949. He performed the duty as Rajapramukh till the formation of Kerala State in 1956. Travancore was one of the most prosperous and literate states at the time if independence.
KOCHI
The Kingdom of Kochi (Cochin) came into prominence in 16th century A.D. It was also known as ‘Perumpadappu Swaroopam’. The Portuguese in the 16th century and later the Dutch controlled the affairs of Kochi. In the 1781 British East India Company made a pact enforcing its supremacy on the kingdom. During the integration of Kochi with Travancore, Rama Varma Pareekshith Thampuran was the king of the country. The harbour at Kochi is well-known.
MALABAR
In 1972, Malabar the northernmost part of the States, was seized by the East India Company from Tipu Sulatan, the King of Mysore. From 13th century up to the invasion of Hyder Ali and his son Tippu Sulatan of Mysore, a major portion of the of Malabar region was ruled by the Zamorin, the King of Kozhikode (Calicut). Vasco-Da-Gama, the first sailor from Portugal landed at Kappadu kear Kozhikode in 1498.
Kerala : A paradise On Earth
Kerala is delightful strip of land lying on the South-Western tip of the Indian peninsula. Vast stretches of green pastures, coconut palm groves, paddy fields, water falls, back waters, virgin beaches, lush green forests, huge mountains and hillocks adorned with rivers and rivulets make Kerala so fascinating and enchanting that people rightly call her the God’s Own Country.
This apart, Kerala has varied art forms and a rich cultural heritage. A trip through the mountain sides, back waters, forests and valleys is a real bonanza. Ms.Katherine, co-author of the book ‘Chasing the Monsoon’ found Kerala the most beautiful place in India.’ A walk through the villages having long stretches of paddyfields submerged in water was a rare experience,’ wrote Katherine.
This apart, Kerala has varied art forms and a rich cultural heritage. A trip through the mountain sides, back waters, forests and valleys is a real bonanza. Ms.Katherine, co-author of the book ‘Chasing the Monsoon’ found Kerala the most beautiful place in India.’ A walk through the villages having long stretches of paddyfields submerged in water was a rare experience,’ wrote Katherine.
Kerala Beckons
Welcome to kerala, Gods own country. Natures bounteous beauty beckons you. Kerala is a land with a resonant past. Myths and legends abound. The ships of King Solomon, they say anchored along the Malabar coast of Kerala to collect timber of building the ‘Temple of the Lord’. Malabar is referred to as Oudh in ancient history. Apart from timber, the maritime explorers were in search of pepper and other spice. It was one such journey that had led to the discovery of America. Columbus mistook America for India. However, Vas Coda Gama, made it. Of course there is a dispute as to where Gama had exactly landed. According to some historians, Gama first reached Kappad near Kozhikode. There also a different version which says that it was at Panthalayani near Koyilandi in Kozhikode district that Gama had landed.
Kerala has always been a favorite destination for the intrepid foreign traveler. Europeans, Arabs and Chinese had visited our coasts. In his book of travel Marco Polo recounts his his visit to this parts of land. Kerala offers much more than what Goa can. Her beauty is so bewitching that you would love to frequent this enchanting piece of land. Lush green forests, pristine beaches, lakes, ancient and imposing forests, verdant mountains and hillocks dotted with meandering rivulets and water falls. A trip through the backwaters is really refreshing. Unique art forms, temple festivals, long line of caparisoned elephants and the breathtaking fire works are something which you can see in Kerala alone. Well decorated Kettuvallams are ready to take you on a holiday trip through the back waters. You can even spend a whole night inside the floating houses having two or three bed-rooms and kitchen facility.
Kerala has a rich variety of art forms which are of great interest to the foreign tourists. They include Kathakali, Margom kali, Thira, Theyyam, Poorakkali, Kolkkali, Parichamuttu Kali, Duffu Muttu, Yakshagana, Ottanthullal, Ratib and Kuthu Ratib. The temple festivals like Thissur Pooram, Kalpathy Car Festival, Pongala etc. evoke keen interest in the tourists, who through the temples and Kavus during the festival season. Be it eco-tourism, adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism or Ayurveda tourism, there is abundant scope for all these in Kerala. Having realized the great tourism potential of the state, the Kerala state Tourism Department has started making all out efforts to tap it fully. As per the latest available figures, as many as 65 lakh tourists visited the state in 2007. The revenue generated from this industry during the same period was Rs.800 crores.
Kerala has always been a favorite destination for the intrepid foreign traveler. Europeans, Arabs and Chinese had visited our coasts. In his book of travel Marco Polo recounts his his visit to this parts of land. Kerala offers much more than what Goa can. Her beauty is so bewitching that you would love to frequent this enchanting piece of land. Lush green forests, pristine beaches, lakes, ancient and imposing forests, verdant mountains and hillocks dotted with meandering rivulets and water falls. A trip through the backwaters is really refreshing. Unique art forms, temple festivals, long line of caparisoned elephants and the breathtaking fire works are something which you can see in Kerala alone. Well decorated Kettuvallams are ready to take you on a holiday trip through the back waters. You can even spend a whole night inside the floating houses having two or three bed-rooms and kitchen facility.
Kerala has a rich variety of art forms which are of great interest to the foreign tourists. They include Kathakali, Margom kali, Thira, Theyyam, Poorakkali, Kolkkali, Parichamuttu Kali, Duffu Muttu, Yakshagana, Ottanthullal, Ratib and Kuthu Ratib. The temple festivals like Thissur Pooram, Kalpathy Car Festival, Pongala etc. evoke keen interest in the tourists, who through the temples and Kavus during the festival season. Be it eco-tourism, adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism or Ayurveda tourism, there is abundant scope for all these in Kerala. Having realized the great tourism potential of the state, the Kerala state Tourism Department has started making all out efforts to tap it fully. As per the latest available figures, as many as 65 lakh tourists visited the state in 2007. The revenue generated from this industry during the same period was Rs.800 crores.
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