FAQ

Is Malabar culturally richer than Travancore?

The Malabar region of Kerala has got a unique culture, unlike what exists in other parts of Kerala. It has its own cultural practices and traditions that is evident from the way people dress, the food they prefer, and the literary and artistic expressions they patronize. They are not anyway richer or lesser in comparison to the social practices and cultural fabric of Travancore.

Historically, the region of Malabar is marked by the deep cultural influences of the Arabs and the Europeans and carries elements of Dravidian traditions. It is also the cradle of colourful and vibrant ritual art forms like the Theyyam, and is also noted for the martial art form of Kalaripayattu. The Malabar region has people belonging to Muslim, Hindu and Christian faiths, which add more colour and vibrancy to the overall lifestyle and traditions of Malabar.

On the other hand, Travancore is noted for its temple architecture and the palaces of the Travancore rulers, especially the world-renowned Padmanabhaswamy temple; classical art forms like Kathakali and Carnatic music; and also Ayurveda and other traditional healthcare systems.