Lifestyle of Kerala,Kerala Culture,Culture of Kerala,Religions of Kerala,Kerala Religions Information,Culture of Kerala South India

Various racial strains have passed through Kerala virtually since the dawn of time, and have left the state richer in its philosophy of co-existence. Even in these modern times with Kerala being India's only fully literate state, and having provided the nation with some of its eminent writers and satiric cartoonists, it comes to dwell in a time warp, where slow-boats still coast along backwaters, the people dress elegantly in white, and festivals are celebrated over many days with traditional gaiety.

The official language of the state is Malayalam, but English is widely spoken and understood. One of the principal Hindu castes of Kerala is that of the Nairs, among two of the country's only societies that follow a matriarchal system that has brought the women into social prominence. Kerala's Brahmins, the Namboodris, till recently had a system in which only the eldest son could marry within the same caste, since the others had to find wives outside the community, they were disowned from family rights.

These are now traditions of the past. But it not only the Hindu that make up the colourful mosaic of this land. The Jews, for example, came to Kerala when they fled the rule of Nebuchadnezzar n 587 BC; St Thomas the Apostle came here in the first century AD; the Syrian Christians were in existence here in the 2nd century AD; among the oldest of the Christian churches exists in Cranganore dating back to 400 AD.

When the Portuguese came to Kerala, the found a thriving Christian community here, but one that had never heard of the Pope! All these faiths have existed in complete harmony in Kerala. Today there are temples and mosques, churches and synagogues; they form the cohesive warp and weft that has gone into the making of the fabric of Kerala.

Climate of Kerala, People, Lifestyle & Religions, Legend and History, Travel Infrastructure, Cuisine and Crafts, Special Notes for Tourists, Spice Trade, Weather of Kerala

Kerala City Guide	Kerala Backwaters	Kerala Beaches	Kerala Hill Stations	Kerala Wildlife
Kerala Fairs & Festivals	Kerala Folk Music & Dance	Kerala Ayurveda	Kerala Tour Packages	Kerala Hotels
Taj Mahal Tours	South India Tours	Best of India Tours	Wildlife Tours

Kerala Tourist Information