Even though the Kerala is a part of India, it has a its own cultural tradition, based on Dravidian culture. This is because of the peculiar geographical features of Kerala, bounded on the east by the Western Ghats and the west by the Arabian Sea has resulted in the distinctiveness of its culture and language.

 

Kerala culture takes its origin from Dravidian culture. Historians trace back this Dravidian culture to Mediterranean civilization. It is considered that Malayalam, the language of Kerala started developing during the period of Cholas. The influence of Sanskrit was tremendous and Malayalam became a sort of a synthesized language of Sanskrit and Tamil. During this period ‘Ayurveda’ took its root in Kerala. Today Kerala offers a large number of Panchakarma massage centers based on Ayurveda tradition. The founder of ‘Advaita philosophy’ Adisankara was a cultural contribution of Kerala.

Kerala also having a strong tradition in maritime experience. Kunhalimarakkar symbolizes this rich tradition of Kerala. Kerala may have acquired this due to its long association with traders from all parts of the world through sea routs.

Kerala is also known for its religious tolerance. St. Thomas who landed Kerala was warmly welcomed. It has been an open field for the missionaries of all religions.

Bharathanatyam, often called as poetry in motion is one of the oldest dance forms and is practiced in Kerala.

Chakkyarkkottu is one of the oldest classical arts of Kerala. the spectacular classical dance drama of Keala is based on the Natyasastra of Bharatha and Mohiniyattam is another dance form of Kerala