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India is a secular country and bears equal tolerance to all religions, imparting each an equitable status. Religions are a way of life in India, and most of them came into being more than a century old.
Kerala hailed, as God's own country, by many, deserves this accolade because of many features geographical and sociological. A long coastline in the west and mountains on the east forming clear natural boundaries. Religion has played a crucial role in Kerala's culture. There are mainly three religions in Kerala - Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
As far as the religion of Kerala is concerned, the origins could be traced to Hinduism.
Then came in the Islamic faith and Christianity with its various sects. The other Indian religions like Buddhism; Jainism had some influence among the Hindus and was found scattered with their migration to Kerala.
According to the 1991 census 57.38% of the population of Kerala are Hindus, 23.33 Muslims and 19.32 Christians.
The earliest settlers of Kerala were the Proto-Australoids, the Mediterranean, Dravidians, and the Aryans in 321-297 BC.
Here are some elaborate details about Indian religions that you would like to know.
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| Hinduism |
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HINDUISM, the world's oldest religion dates back to about 5000 BC. The sacred texts include the Vedas, Epics and Puranas, apart from other philosophical treatises. Hinduism is a way of life and is based on the principle of Sanathana Dharma. The Hindus worship the Supreme Being under three forms, Brahma- the creator, Vishnu- the preservator and Shiva - destroyer.
Hinduism differs from Christianity and other Western religions in that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or a central religious organization. It consists of "thousands of different religious groups that have evolved in India since 1500 BCE."
This religion is called: Sanatana Dharma, "eternal religion," and
Vaidika Dharma, "religion of the Vedas," and Hinduism -- the most commonly used name. Various origins for the word "Hinduism" have been suggested:
It may be derived from an ancient inscription translated as: "The country lying between the Himalayan mountain and Bindu Sarovara is known as Hindusthan by combination of the first letter 'hi' of 'Himalaya' and the last compound letter 'ndu' of the word `Bindu.'
Bindu Sarovara is called the Cape Comorin sea in modern times. It may be derived from the Persian word for Indian. It may be a Persian corruption of the word Sindhu (the river Indus).
With time, the religion of the Namboothiris too, had been influenced by the animistic and ancestor worship of the early Dravidians. The Aryan settlers from the north too formed a religious community by assimilating the forms of worship of the Dravidian inhabitants. With time, the religion of the Namboothiris too, had been influenced by the animistic and ancestor worship of the early Dravidians. The Aryan settlers from the north too formed a religious community by assimilating the forms of worship of the Dravidian inhabitants.
The Hindus thus worshipped the Supreme Being under three forms, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva representing the creative, preservative, and the destructive forces. Rama, Krishna and other divinities are the avataras reflecting the later developments of Pauranic Hinduism.
However there was no sharp demarcation of sects in Kerala, unlike the sects in North India. If any preferential adoration was shown by any person, the reason was that, it was the presiding deity in the village temple or his/her Ishta Devata or Kula Daivam (family deity).
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| Islam |
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Islam is the second largest religion of the world whose followers are called Muslims. The largest number of Muslims are in Asia and Africa and particularly in middle east and north Africa. The founder of Islam, Muhammad, was born about 570 A.D. in Mecca. His parents died when he was young and was raised by relatives. When Muhammed was about 40 years old, God began to speak to him. God told him to transmit His message to people of Arabia. In 622 A.D. the people of Mecca, where he was living with his family got so upset with his teachings that Muhammed and his followers had to flee. His escape to the city of Madina is known as HIJRA and this day is considered as the beginning of Islam. Eight years later (630 AD), Muhammed returned to Mecca and took over the city with a large number of his followers without any resistance. Muhammed called God as Allah and declared Mecca a holy city and Kaaba a shrine for Allah. God also dictated a book to Muhammed which was written down later and is known as KORAN. From then on the followers of Islam built a mighty Empire that streched from Spain to India at its peak.
Five principles of Islam
There is no God but God(Allah), and Muhammed is His prophet.
Prayer to Allah five times daily
Charity- helping the poor and providing for upkeep of places of prayer.
Fasting- never drink alcohol or eat pork and certain other foods; and no
eating, drinking or smoking during daylight for one month (Ramadan).
Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a life time.
Islam is believed entered into India through Kerala. There are historical records of commercial trading between Kerala and Middle East during 7th Century AD. The Jews and Arabs of the Pre-Islamic period were among the pioneers of spice trade with Kerala. The religion of Islam was also by these traders from Middle East, who later settled in Coastal belt of Kerala. To this day Muslims are very proficient in trade and commerce. Muslims in Kerala, as anywhere else in the world, are close-knit unit clear-cut religious and political agenda.
Historians says that Muslim history in Kerala go back to 7th century AD when the religion originated in Arabia. The numbers increased in the 9th century. In the 8th century there were many centers for religious conversion in the state. Pallibana Perumal’s (He was one of the prominent king of Cheraman Perumal dynasty who embraced Islam ) pilgrimage to Mecca was a major influence in this regard. It is believed that Malik Ibn Dinar, a disciple of Prophet Mohammed was the first person who propogated Islam in Kerala. The history of Muslims in Kerala is closely intertwined with the history of Muslims in nearby Laccadives islands.
Mappila Rebellion of 1921 was a great chapter of India's freedom struggle. It was the expression of the built up frustration and rage amongst Muslims against British Government and landlords. Variyankode Kunhahammad Haji, Ali Musliar and Veliyankod Umar Khazi were the prominent Muslim leaders who lead this rebellion. The British tried to split the Hindus and Muslims as part of their 'divide and rule' strategy. Many Muslims were hanged or deported. The British were eventually forced to abandon their scheme to deport large numbers of Muslims to Andamans. Relief organizations came to the aid of widows and orphans. One of the orphanages established of this purpose still exists on Maryhill in Calicut. None of the community in Kerala lost wealth and people compared to Muslims of Kerala, especially from Malabar
Social, educational and service organizations evolved around Muslim religious institutions. Ponnani was a major center of higher learning. Students from foreign lands came to study there. There were institutes attached to mosques in Ponnani, Thanoor, Thirurangadi, Parappanangadi, Nadapuram, Kodiyathur, Mahi, Vadakara and Payannur some 700 years ago.
From the end of the 19th century to the first three decades of this century those who led the community include Hamadini Sheik, Vakkam Abdul Kadar Maulavi, and K.M. Seethi Sahib. A number of social and political organizations have formed to enhance English and modern education among Muslims.Vakkam Abdul Kadar Moulavi was a leader who made significant contributions in the social arena from 1873 to 1933. He was the founder of the famous newspaper 'Swadeshabhimani' and two other newspapers.
Muslim League the first true political organization came in to being in 1937.Leaders like K. M. Seethi Sahib joined the Muslim League from Congress.In the first elections in Travancore Muslim League and Congress ran under an alliance. Mr. T. A. Abdulla became a minister. In Cochin state Mr. Seethi Sahib was elected unopposed to the state assembly. Both he and Mr. V. K. Kutty Sahib fought for the rights of Muslims in the state. Arabic language played a dominant role in the culture of Kerala Muslims. There were several Kerala writers of worldwide renown in Arabic. Several Kerela Muslim writers have made their impact on Malayalam literature. These works include novels, short stories, poetry, history, and travelogues. Among Kerala Muslim writers one name that stands out is that of late Vaikkam Muhammed Basheer. |
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| Christians |
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In the absence of clear historical records, it is believed that Apostle of Jesus, St. Thomas himself, introduced Christianity in India in the year 52 A.D. The early Christians (St. Thomas Christians) were called Syrian Christians because they followed the Syriac liturgy, a dialect of Aramaic, the language of Jesus.With the arrival of Portuguese (1498) and the establishment of their political influence, the Latin rite emerged as an important factor and a large community of Latin Christianssprang up and grew, particularly in the coastal areas. The work of St. Francis Xavier and the synod of Diamper (1599) played an important part in the Latinisation of the church.
In the beginning of 19th century, when the British spread its influence in Kerala, the Church Mission Society (CMS) of London actively associated them in the workings of Syrian Church. After some years of close co-operation, the missionaries broke their connection with Syrian Bishops and church. It was on their initiative the Anglican Church came into existence.Some priests of the Syrian Church under the influence of missionaries advocated reforms, including the replacement of Syriac by Malayalam, which was disfavored by Bishops and Clergy of Syrian Church. Following this the reformers formed a new church known as Marthoma Syrian church as distinct from the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
Now there are five different offshoots of Christianity in Kerala.
The Nestorian Church confined mainly to Thrissur and Ernakulam.
The Roman Catholic Church, embracing the whole of Kerala and following three
different languages for their rites (Syriac, Latin and Malayalam).
The Jacobite Syrian Church, also known as Orthodox Syrian Church.
The Anglican Church, part of Church of South India.
Marthoma Syrian Church.
Apart from these, there are several other Christian denominations deriving inspiration from some foreign Church or other.
The contribution of Christian religion in the field of education and care of the sick is innumerable. First Malayalam dictionary and grammar by Arnos Pathiri, first printing press, study and classification of Herbs, Hortus Malabaricus, etc. highlight the eminent position of Christianity in Kerala. The Universal education propagated in Kerala along with the churches provided the basic education for the emancipation of the population from various social and cultural evils. The school, colleges, hospitals and other numerous socio-cultural institutions run by the Christians are role models. |
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| Jainism |
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Jainism was founded by Mahavira who was born about 580 B.C. in Northern India. It has 4 million followers in India. He preached atheism or the absence of god. Jainism also believes that one can achieve salvation (freedom from wheel of life i.e. rebirth). Jains use the word Karma to mean a substance that binds the soul to physical world. By causing sins you keep accumulating Karma whereas meditation and fasting burns the Karma. One can get freedom from rebirth (Salvation) only after burning the Karma
accumulated in past lives.
Mahavira laid down five ways to get rid of wheel of life:
Do not destroy life
Speak the truth
Be celibate
Own nothing
Accept nothing that is not freely given
The Jain religion was brought to the South in the third century B.C. by Chandra Gupta Maurya (321-297 B.C.) and the Jain saint Bhadrabahu, according to Jain traditions. These men came to Sravanabelgola in Mysore. Later more Jain missionaries came to Tamil Nadu and converted many Cheras to their religion. Prince Ilango Adigal, the author of Shilappadikaram, is believed to be a Jain. The Jains came to Kerala with the rest of the Chera immigrants starting in the sixth century. The only evidence of their presence in Kerala is the incontro-vertible fact that some Hindu temples of today were originally Jain temples.
In Matilakam was a famous Jain temple which Hindus shunned as late as the fourteenth century according to Kokasandesam, though at present it is a Hindu temple. Today, the presiding deity of Kudalmanikkam Temple near Irinjalakuda is Bharata, the brother of Rama; originally it was Bharateswara, the digambara Jain saint. Kallil, near Perumbavur, has a rock-cut cave in which we can still see the images of Parswantha, Mahavira, and Padmavati; the local Hindus worship Bhagavati in this temple today. Several places in wynad have Jain temples -an indication that North Malabar was once a flourishing center of Jainism.
Historians believe that the decline of Jainism started about the eighth century during the Aryanization period of Kerala when Vaishnavism and Saivism were active and aggressive. Jainism seems to have completely disappeared from Kerala by the sixteenth century; the foreign visitors from Europe do not mention the Jains at all. One lasting contribution of Jainism to Kerala, according to wi'lliam Logan, is that the architecture of the Hindu temples and the Muslim mosques of North Malabar was influenced by the architecture of the Jain temples. |
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| Budhism |
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Buddhism is the fourth largest religion of the world after Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. Although it originated in India, it has stronghold in countries like Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia where missioaries from India carried its message. Buddhism was founded in India by prince Siddhartha Gautam, who was born about 550 B.C. in Northern India and lived till 485 B.C. Siddhartha lived in wealth and pleasantness but he found sufferi ng and sickness among people in his kingdom. He left his home and wandered around to find the meaning of life. One day he sat under a bodhi tree and got the enlightenment. From that time on he was called as BUDDHA. Buddhism has many concepts akin to Hinduism like karma and reincarnation. Buddha suggested that life is full of sufferings and one must act in a way to escape from them.
He laid down four basic principles (TRUTHS) to achieve that:
All life is sorrow and suffering
Human suffers due to desire or selfcenteredness
Overcome desire
Desire can be ended by following the eight fold path- right belief, intention,
speech, action, work, effort, thinking, and meditation.
A person who follows this path gets rid of desire and hatred and achieves spiritual peace i.e.NIRVANA. This would then lead to end of KARMA cycle or rebirth of soul (reincarnation). Buddha founded the Buddhist monastic order before leaving the wheel of life. The order known as SANGHA lays down certain principles-
no killing of humans or animals;
monks will shave their head and beard, wear special
yellow robes have a bowl for begging and a string with 108 beads. These monks never
marry and devote their life to meditation and service.
Buddhism reached its peak in India during the time of king Ashok in about 320 B.C. but started declining under Gupta dynasty. Indian Buddhism, in time, restored many of older Hindu beliefs and gods. By 1100 A.D., Hinduism again became the major religion of India.
The Buddhists came to Kerala and established their temples and monasteries in different parts of the country. The following Hindu temples were once Buddhist shrines: the Vadakkunnathan Temple of Trichur, the Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple of Cranganore, and the Durga Temple at Paruvasseri near Trichur. A large number of Buddha-images have been discovered in the coastal districts of Alleppey and Quilon; the most important Buddha-image is the famous Karumati Kuttan near Ambalappuzha. Buddhism probably flourished for 200 years (650-850) in Kerala. The Paliyam Copper Plate of the Ay King, Varaguna (885-925 A.D.) shows that the Buddhists enjoyed some royal patronage even in the tenth century.
The decline of Buddhism started in the eighth century with the arrival of the Aryan missionaries and the Brahminical religion. The Brahmin scholars defeated Buddhist monks in debates and established the superiority of the Hindu religion. Adi Sankaracharya, the Hindu revivalist, was also responsible for the fall of Buddhism; he founded Hindu monasteries and trained Hindu priest-scholars to combat his Buddhist adversaries. Buddhism faded away gradually and completely disappeared during the reign of the Vaishnavite Kulasekharas in the eleventh century. What actually happened was that Buddhism was reabsorbed into Hinduism from which it broke away. Many Keralites, like the Ezhavas, who were most likely Buddhists once, gradually became Hindus.
Buddhism has left its impact on Kerala. The images and tall rathas (cars) used in temple processions, and utsavams (fairs) are said to be Buddhist legacies. The Ayurvedic system of medical treatment is also a gift of Buddhism. Buddhists opened schools [in pallikudam and ezhuthupally. Pally is the Buddhist term for school) near their monasteries. Kerala temples show traces of Buddhist art and architecture. Amarasimha, the author of the popular Sanskrit text-book used in Kerala schools until recently, was a Buddhist. Kumaran Asan, the great Kerala poet, was influenced by the great Buddhist religion and wrote the famou, Buddhist poems: Karuna. Chandala Bhikshuki, and Sri Buddha Charitam.
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| Jews |
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There is no consensus of opinion on the date of the arrival of the first Jews in India. The tradition of the Cochin Jews maintains that after 72 A.D., after the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, 10,000 Jews migrated to Kerala. A second tradition says that the Jews are the descendants of the Jews taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar and then released by Cyrus of Persia in the sixth century B.C. A third theory holds the view that they came to India in 370 from Majorca where they were exiled by the Roman Emperor Vespasian. A fourth tradition, the Christian tradition, says that when St. Thomas the Apostle visited Muziris in 52 A.D., he stayed in the Jewish quarter. The only verifiable historical evidence about the Kerala Jews goes back only to the Jewish Copper Plate Grant of Bhaskara Ravi Varman of 1000 A.D. This docu-ment records the royal gift of rights and privileges to the Jewish Chief of Anjuvannam Joseph Rabban.
The Jews, like the rest of the Keralites, came from the East Coast in the sixth century and after. They came to India as political refugees and/or as traders. Because of the paucity of their numbers at any time in their his-tory in India, it is very likely that they came only in small numbers to India and remained small unless most of them became Christians at one time. According to one tradition, St. Thomas converted many of them to Christianity. It seems likely that the fate and fortune of the Jews were tied in with the fate and fortune of the Christians. In my view, the early Christians of India were converts from Judaism. The clearest evidence for their view is found in the Aramaic language once spoken by the Kerala Christians and used even today in the prayer books of Kerala's Syrian Christian community. It was the language of the Iraqi Jews and of some Iraqis even today. In the sixteenth century White Jews from Spain and Portugal came to Kerala.
The Portuguese did not look favorably on the Jews. They destroyed the Jewish settlement in Cranganore and sacked the Jew town in Cochin and partially destroyed the famous Cochin Synagogue in 1661. However, the tolerant Dutch allowed the Jews to pursue their normal life and trade in Cochin. According to the testimony of the Dutch Jew, Mosss Pereya De Paiva, in 1686 there were 10 synagogues and nearly 500 Jewish families in Cochin. During the British times, too, the Jews enjoyed peace and protection. After the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, most Jews (85%) decided to depart for Israel. All the Black Jews and Brown Jews, about 3,000, went to Israel between 1948 and 1955; they are known as Cochini in Israel today. Only a -few hundred Jews remained in Kerala; they were all white Jews. In 1961 there were only 35'9 Jews in Kerala with only two synagogues open for service: the Pardesi Synagogue in Maltancherry built in 1567 and the synagogue in Parur.
Today the number of the Jews has dwindled down to a mere 50, most of them are elderly people, and women outnumber men. According to the prominent Jewish businessman of Kerala, S. S. Koder, the main problem for the Kerala Jews is to find bridegrooms and brides for their young people in Kerala. When it is time for them to get married, they leave for the Kiriath Shemona settlement in Israel where most of the Cochin Jews resettled. Another problem is the absence of a good shoeth (butcher) to prepare kosher meat after ritual slaughter. Fortunately, they have found one recently. |
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