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A majority of the people of Kerala are Dravidians, who also inhabit most of the southern part of India. Its cultural heritage is derived from ancient Tamil-Dravidian practices combined with Arya-Indian culture, with influence from China, Japan, Arab countries, Portugal, Holland and Britain. From as early as 3000 BC, Kerala had established itself as a major spice trade center. It had direct contact across the Arabian Sea with all major Red Sea ports and the Mediterranean ports, as well as extending to ports in the Far East. There are a lot of Tamil-Sanskrit elements in Kerala's culture, resulting in many unique practices and customs, revealed in its varied dance forms, martial arts and cuisine.
Though a majority of people in Kerala are Hindus, there are considerable percentages of Christians and Muslims as well. These three main religions have all influenced Kerala's cultural traditions. Hinduism has ancient roots and the temples of Kerala display exquisite sculptures, carving and architectural features, which testify to the skills of the master craftsmen who created them. Among the temples well known for their design and sculptural excellence are the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and the Guruvayoor Temple in Thrissur district.
The Christian influence came with Vasco da Gama's voyage to Kerala from Portugal in 1498, a voyage that was largely motivated by Portuguese determination to break the Arab's control over trade and spices grown in Kerala. The Dutch drove the Portuguese out of Kerala in 1663 and they were in turn driven out by the British in 1795. Contact with the Europeans gave course to struggles between colonial and native interests. After independence, the state of Kerala was created in 1956 from the former state of Travancore-Cochin, the Malabar district of Madras State, and the Kasaragod taluk of Dakshina Kannada.
The cultural heritage of Kerala is also revealed in its varied dance forms. Kathakali is a 300 year old dance form developed exclusively in Kerala combining the performing art forms of opera, ballet, masque and pantomime. Other dance forms of Kerala are Kakkarishi Natakom, Oppanna and Chavittunatakom. Panchavadyam, Nedanpattu, Omanathinkal Kidavo and many more music forms have evolved over the centuries.
Ayurveda is a 5000 year old ancient form of treatment inextricably related to Kerala's culture. It is this link that has ensured a continuing faith in this ancient system of healing despite progress in modern method. It is also believed that traditional Chinese medicine and treatment has its roots in Ayurveda. Not only the natives, but people from all over India and the rest of the world flock to experience the magical effect of a massage. An Ayurvedic treatment is useful in curing as well as instilling a renewed vigor in mind, soul and body.
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