KERALEEYAM DAY 4 – EXPLORING CULTURAL EVOLUTION – WILLIAMSJI MAVELI
Kerala’s cultural evolution has been shaped by influences from within India and abroad. The state’s culture is marked by its antiquity and the continuity of the Malayali people. The modern society of Kerala emerged through migrations from various parts of India and beyond.
Kerala’s cultural origins can be traced back to its inclusion in the historical region of Thamizhagom during the third century. This region shared a common Tamil culture, and aspects like music, dance, language, and literature were similar to the rest of Thamizhagom. Over time, Kerala’s culture evolved through the Sanskritization of Dravidian traditions and various reform movements.
Kerala’s classical performing arts include koodiyattom, a well-designated Human Heritage Art, and Kathakali, a very old dance-drama interpreting ancient epics. Other traditional performing arts include mohiniyattam, thullal, thirayattam, padayani, and theyyam. Additionally, Kerala boasts tribal and folk art forms, such as Kummattikali and Kannyar Kali, which are performed during festivals like Onam. There are also performance genres rooted in Islam and Christianity, like oppana, with rhythmic dance and vocalizations.
Kerala’s culture has evolved over centuries, influenced by various cultural and historical factors, and includes a rich tapestry of traditional performing arts and folk traditions.
The overarching theme of the event is to vividly depict Kerala’s past, present, and future to a global audience, emphasizing opportunities in industry and tourism.
Kerala’s cultural evolution has been influenced by both domestic and foreign elements. It’s a culture with a rich history, deeply rooted in the continuity of the Keralites. The state’s modern society has emerged through migrations from various parts of India and beyond.
– WILLIAMSJI MAVELI.
