HISTORY OF KERALA
GOD'S OWN COUNTRY

Ancient Kerala occupied a unique place in the commercial world. Around 3000 BC trade flourished in Kerala. Cotton from this region was a favourite in Egypt, the Phoenicians visited the coast of Malabar around the same time to trade in ivory, sandalwood and spices. King Solomon is said to have sent his commercial fleet to Ophir which is said to be somewhere in Southern Kerala. Christianity may also have made an inroad, with some accounts suggesting that Thomas the Apostle arrived in 52 CE.

At the turn of the 10th century, the second Chera empire succumbed to a 35 year Chola offensive. By the time of the terminal decline of the Cheras started, it coincided with the rise of the Brahmins in Kerala. By the 10th century, they were powerful entity from Gokurnum (North Kerala ) to the Cape Comorin, divided into 32 Brahmin or 'Namboothiries' communities. Soon thereafter, the Buddhists and the Jains had to beat a retreat from the social landscape of Kerala. These land owning class of Brahmins were well on their way to great wealth and power.

In the late 18th century, the region came under attack from the Muslim sultan of Mysore, Hyder Ali and later his son, Tipu Sultan. The Dutch, eager to protect their trade interests, failed to support Kerala and sought the favour of Mysore. He made changes in the Hindu social order by promoting former lower-caste people to influential positions. This developed animosity between the Muslim and Hindu populations, resulting in rebellion. Local rulers enlisted British support to remove the sultan, and in 1792 Tipu Sultan relinquished his claim on Kerala to the British.

In 1800 Kerala became part of the Madras Presidency, the southern region of India under British control. Having attained control, however the British entered into treaties with the Cochin and Travancore rulers, assigning the local rulers limited power with the British retaining ultimate authority. The British implemented new legal, economic and transportation systems, established new schools and improved the roads and waterways.

Many aspects of British rule created animosity: the British history of equivocal dealings with the rajas, their similar liaisons with the sultans, their assumed right to govern and their action to reinstate the former landlords. In 1885 the Indian National Congress was born to instigate discussions with the British about their rule. Many people from Kerala were involved in the political activity that ensued and which resulted in India becoming an independent nation on 15 August 1947.

Nrithakairali :

Nrithakairali is an assembly of experienced professional artist practicing various traditional performing arts of Kerala. All of these art forms are time tested and evolved over the centuries. Tradition is the soul of these dances and we rigorously maintain the main art forms we put on show. Each of these will be of 30 to 45 minutes duration. Either all of them, or one or two, or as many of them can be presented according to the wishes of the customers, at their place of choice.

	Mohiniyattom : Mohiniyattom Literally means dance of Mohini the seductive temptress. The dominantly religious atmosphere of the other Indian classical dance styles is replaced with graceful and amorous aesthetics. Wide swinging steps and the graceful movement of the torso are the traits of the Mohiniyattom. Rhythmical lyrics are rendered by the dancer with beautiful gestures and
food work. Simple yet enchanting costumes and jewellery are used. It will be performed by a group of five artist with the accompaniment of live orchestra.

Thiruvathirakali :

Like Mohiniyattom, Thiruvathirakali is also performed only by women. It is essentially a group dance. Five to eight dancers form a circle around a lighted Nilavilakku, the bronze lamp. They move around the lamp with simple steps, clapping hands. The dance spreads the message of joy and is kind of ritual, performed to ensure happy and harmonious marital life. It will be performed by eight artists with live orchestra.

Mayilattom :

It is also known as Mayura-nritham, meaning peacock dance. The artist is dressed in peacock costume. The vibrant and colourful dance of the bird as the sky darkens before rain, is translated into the smooth movements of the dancer. It will be presented by two artists accompanied by live orchestra.

Kalaripayattu :

It is the ancient martial art form of Kerala. It had its origin in the 4th century and was practiced by the warrior clan. Karate and Kungfu are believed to have their roots in kalaripayattu. This martial art is as much a spiritual discipline, as it is physical. A Kalaripayattu demonstration would include physical exercises and mock duels - armed and unarmed. It is a glorification of life and energy. It will be presented by four artists with live orchestra.

Theyyam is one of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala. It has its origin in the northern part of the state. This primitive ritualistic art demands long hours of preparation before the performance. The Theyyam represents a god or goddess, or heroic character. The hood, headgear, face painting, breast plate, bracelets, garlands and the attire of each of these Theyyams are distinct and meticulously crafted according to the character presented. Theyyam incorporates dance, mime and music. It will be presented by four artists with live orchestra.

Kathakali :

This one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. There is a strong storyline which is elaborated by the accompanying singers and the actors themselves do not speak. Kathakali has highly developed language of gesture through which the artist can convey whole sentences and stories. Traditionally, the themes are based on Hindu mythology. It has elaborate makeup code. Characters are categorized according the their nature and different colours used in makeup. The orchestra which uses typically Kerala instruments is unique and provides not only the background to the dance, but also serves as a highly expressive special effect team. It will be presented with four artist and live orchestra. We also present Kathakali demonstrations, depicting in detail various nuances of the dance form.

Bhaava Kairali :

Over and above all these, we have evolved our magnum opus, 'Bhaava Kairali'. Each item will be presented for a short duration and will be followed by fusion of all the six art forms in our prestigious programme, Bhaava Kairali. Thirty artists will be on show with a sound system of 5,000 watts and special light effects. It has a duration of 70 minutes and will transport the audience to a magical world of music and dance.

Apart from the above items we also perform other Kerala art forms like Melam, Panchavaadyam, Kaavadiyattam etc. on short notice.

Renowned Artists perform all the above mentioned arts.

The Temple Town Trip :

Guruvayur is just a two-hour drive from Kochi. The town has taken its name from Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, one of most ancient temples of South India. Renowned all over India, pilgrims and tourists flock to Guruvayur in all seasons.

Guruvayur temple is unique in the sense that Lord Vishnu is depicted here as if he were in Vaikunta, his celestial abode, with the conch, the disc, the mace and the lotus in his four hands. The idol and temple can be viewed only from outside because of customary restrictions.

A miniature temple festival is arranged for the tourists in rural ambience. All the exotic ingredients of a full-fledged festival will be put on show, with elephants and full orchestra, Melam/ Panchavadyam. The elephants striding in, having a bath and getting decorated can be watched from close by positions. Percussion and other musical instruments used in the festival will be displayed, described and demonstrated. This will be followed by a show of ethnically Kerala folk arts to the lighting rhythm of drumbeats and other instruments.

A walk through the lush green paddy fields fringed with coconut groves is a speciality. It will be pure communion with nature in perfect harmony and serenity.

We don't leave the tourist just to be passive viewers and sight-seers. It will be first - hand experience. We also arrange chats with the villagers, where tourist can interact.

This wonderful, exotic day is rounded off with tea and snacks.

It may please be noted that the promoters of this programme are well experienced, belong to Guruvayur and hence are familiar with every aspect of the schedule. We will take care of the tourists once they alight at Guruvayur till they board the bus for the return trip.

This unique one day trip, we are sure, will provide the tourists with a totally different experience which they will cherish for long