Prelude
to Kerala The original inhabitants of Kerala were animists,
followed by the Dravadians. When Alexander established his supremacy over
the region, the ports of Kerala served as important links between Middle
East, China and Mediterranean.
Important
landmarks in the history of Kerala 1: 1498 - Vasco De Gama
landed on the Malabar Coast
2: 1723 - East India Company signed a
strategic treaty with the then King Marthanda Varma
3: 1947 - Kerala
became a state of independent India.
Fairs
& Festivals in Kerala Kerala boasts of a unique
cultural heritage and has a long tradition of religious amity. The state
observes a multitude of fairs & festivals that form an integral part of
its rich cultural heritage. Some of the most admired and colorful fairs &
festivals in Kerala include:
1: Onam
2: Kerala Village Fair
3: Nishagandhi Dance Festival
4: Snake Boat Race
5:
Arnamula Boat Race
Tourist
Destinations in Kerala The entire land of Kerala is dotted
by a variety of tourist destinations including the most enchanting
backwaters. Travelers from across the world visit this splendid destination
that offers countless tourist destinations including:
 |
| ( Beaches in
Kerala ) |
1:
Athirapilly Waterfalls
2: Edakkal Caves
3: Jewish Synagogue
4: Kovalam Beach
5: Kappad Beach
6: Munnar
7:
Periyar Sanctuary
8: Sabrimala
Arts &
Dances of Kerala Kerala has evolved from very ancient days
its typical dance forms, which are highly expressive of the way of living
and the outlook of its people.
1:
Mohiniyattam
: is a typical dance form of Kerala which has had a chequered
history. Literally it means the dances of the enchantress. Mohiniyattam,
even the costumes and the make up having a distinctiveness of their own. In
fact, Mohiniyattam as a dance form has been developed in Kalamandalam to
such a perfection as to attract the attention of students and teachers of
art from other parts of India and even abroad.
2:
Kalaripayattu ...Another form of martial
art
Believed by many histories and scholars as one of the oldest and
most scientific and comprehensive system of martial training existing in the
world today. Kalaripayattu the ancient martial art of Kerala truly deserves
the title of the forerunner of all martial arts.
With the help
of the available historical evidences, the present practicing traditions
origin can be traced back to the 12th century A.D. The word Kalaripayattu
literally means Combat training inside the gymnasium. Kalaripayattu declined
after the 17th century but in recent times it has staged a revival, thanks
to the activities of various kalari sanghams.
The training
consists of self disciplinary training and physical culture. The most
promising of the trainees are taught the Marmas, viz the vulnerable points
in the human system. Based on the ayurvedic system of medical practice the
old masters of Kalaripayattu has indeginously developed methods of
treatments for kalari related injuries like bruises, fractures etc. known as
kalarichikilsa. The training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of mind and
body.
3:
Classical Music :
Kerala has enriched the cultural heritage of India in the field of music,
vocal and instrumental, both in its art form and in its folk form. A number
of musical instruments are used in Kerala namely percussion, wind and
stringed instruments. Mridangam, Dolak, Udukku, Chenda, Timila, Edakka,
Takil and a few other represent the percussion type. The chief stringed
instruments are Vina, Tamburu, Sarangi, Swarabi and Violin.
4:
Kathakali : Another Classical Dance of
Kerala Kathakali is the most refined and the most scientific and elaborately
defined dance drama of Kerala. The stories are selected from epics and
mythologies and the actor expresses himself through mime, hand gesture, eye
movements and highly complicated steps. Kathakali is a unique combination of
the insight of an actor, dancer, singer, drummer, sculptor, designer and
dreamer.
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