Social Mobility In Kerala


Book Description

Filippo and Caroline Osella, anthropologists who spent three years in rural Kerala, south India, write about the modern search for upward social mobility: the processes involved, the ideologies that support or thwart it, and what happens to the people involved. They focus on the caste called Izhavas, a group that in the mid-19th century consisted of a small land-owning and titled elite and a large mass of landless and small tenants who were largely illiterate and considered untouchable, and who eked out a living by manual labor and petty trade. In the 20th century, Izhavas pursued mobility in many social arenas, both as a newly united caste and as families. The work considers how successful the mobility has been and looks at the effects on their society of an ethos of progress. Distributed by Stylus. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR




Flavours of Kerala


Book Description




Kerala's Economic Development


Book Description

This entirely new edition of a successful textbook provides a detailed understanding of Kerala’s economic backwardness, the reforms required, and the performance of the economy during the post-liberalisation period. This collection of 17 original essays, focusing on current economic problems and development issues affecting Kerala, will serve as a basic textbook for graduate and post-graduate students of Kerala’s economy.




Kerala, God's Own Country


Book Description

God`S Own Countr Is An Act Of Celebration By One Of India`S Greatest Artists And An Affirmation By An Exemplary Keralite Writer Who Has Understood Once Again Why He Is Proud To Be A Malayali. Good Condition.




Essential Kerala Cook Book


Book Description

In recent times, the coconut-flavoured cuisine of the Malayalis has gained immense popularity. Appam and Istoo, Avial and Olan, Irachi Biryani and Pathiri, all these and more are now served in restaurants and homes all over India. In this collection, the author hilights recipes that are considered to be specialities of dofferent regions and communities of the state, from the typical vegetarian hindu dishes of Palakkad to the syrian christian delicacies of Tranvancore.




Kerala's Ayurveda Retreats: Rejuvenate and Heal in Nature's Sanctuary


Book Description

"Kerala's Ayurveda Retreats: Rejuvenate and Heal in Nature's Sanctuary" is a comprehensive guidebook that invites readers on a transformative journey to the heart of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healing system. Nestled in the lap of nature, Kerala, often referred to as "God's Own Country," is renowned for its lush green landscapes, tranquil backwaters, and rich cultural heritage. This book delves into the essence of Kerala's Ayurvedic wisdom, offering a captivating exploration of the region's healing traditions, natural beauty, and holistic wellness retreats. Drawing upon centuries-old practices and the expertise of Ayurvedic practitioners, this book provides a wealth of knowledge on the principles, philosophies, and therapeutic modalities of Ayurveda. Readers will discover the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit and learn how to restore balance and vitality in their own lives through Ayurvedic principles. The book takes readers on a virtual tour of Kerala's renowned Ayurvedic retreats, each offering a unique sanctuary where one can escape the stresses of modern life and embark on a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation. From luxurious spas nestled in serene nature to traditional Ayurvedic centers preserving ancient healing traditions, readers will explore a range of retreat options, each tailored to meet diverse needs and preferences. With detailed descriptions of treatments, therapies, and healing practices, readers will gain insights into the diverse range of Ayurvedic treatments available, including rejuvenation therapies, detoxification programs, herbal remedies, and personalized dietary recommendations. The book also offers guidance on selecting the ideal retreat based on individual preferences, health goals, and budget. Beyond the treatment rooms, readers will be enchanted by the natural beauty of Kerala, with its sprawling tea plantations, verdant forests, and palm-fringed beaches. The book paints a vivid picture of Kerala's breathtaking landscapes and explores the healing powers of its natural elements, from medicinal herbs and plants to therapeutic waters. Readers will learn about the importance of harmonizing with nature and how the region's pristine environment enhances the healing experience. In addition to the comprehensive exploration of Ayurvedic retreats and the natural beauty of Kerala, the book delves into the principles of Ayurvedic cuisine, Ayurvedic yoga, and the role of meditation and mindfulness in achieving holistic well-being. Readers will discover how to nourish their bodies and souls through Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle choices, and how to integrate practices such as yoga and meditation to promote balance and harmony. With its informative content, captivating imagery, and practical tips, "Kerala's Ayurveda Retreats: Rejuvenate and Heal in Nature's Sanctuary" serves as a trusted companion for anyone seeking a transformative journey into the world of Ayurveda. Whether readers are new to Ayurveda or seasoned practitioners, this book offers a valuable resource for harnessing the power of this ancient healing system and embracing Kerala's natural sanctuary for rejuvenation and healing.




Schools That Dream: Transforming Kerala’s Schools into Empathy Engines


Book Description

AN IDEA THAT HAS SPARKED A SILENT REVOLUTION: THE STUDENT POLICE CADET SCHEME, WHICH HAS CONVERTED SCHOOLCHILDREN INTO CHANGEMAKERS, POLICE PERSONNEL INTO ENABLERS AND SCHOOLS INTO INNOVATION HUBS. Students carried a voting machine to a remote community in Attappady, encouraging the indigenous community there to vote for the first time. Yet other schoolchildren set up and implemented a waste-management system that changed the village community’s attitude to plastic use and waste segregation. Student cadets set up an aqua-farming project that sparked innovation in their community. An idea could change lives: teaming up schoolchildren with police personnel, both partners in change, each one impacting and sensitising the other. This is the idea behind the decade-old Student Police Cadet, or SPC, scheme in Kerala. Today, over 12,000 schools across India have implemented the programme, of which 1,000 are in Kerala. SPC anticipated the need to move beyond the usual measure of success in schools—high marks, sporting achievements, debating competitions—and towards becoming innovation hubs. Young people would need to be engaged with the challenges of a fast-changing world, becoming changemakers and agents of empathy. When P. Vijayan took over as the police commissioner of Kochi, he was actively engaged in community participation programmes for the police force he commanded. It was in the course of this that he struck upon the idea of bringing schools and the police force together. Over the years, SPC has transformed the attitudes of the police men and women who have been part of it, just as it has the lives of students.




Fashion in Danceform. The Case of Chattayum mundum in Kerala, India


Book Description

Master's Thesis from the year 2023 in the subject Asian studies, grade: 1,3, Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus (The Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Urban Planning), course: World Heritage Studies, language: English, abstract: This paper is an analysis on the transformations seen on the Chattayum mundum which is the traditional attire of Syrian Christian women in Kerala, for it to have emerged as a costume for Margamkali, which is a native Syrian Christian dance-form. I argue that although the Chattayum mundum became part of a vanishing tradition among the Syrian Christians; but by virtue of Margamkali, the Chattayum mundum has become revitalised. Thereby, the interaction between Chattayum mundum and Margamkali in contemporary Kerala, is analysed. The preliminary part of this research has been complemented by the successive phenomenological research that was based on the interviews of Syrian Christian women in Kerala. Detailed interpretations on the interviewees’ lived experiences of having worn the Chattayum mundum has been accounted for. Also, the coexistence of Chattayum mundum in its traditional form and as a Margamkali costume in the contemporary context, has been analysed. Thus, this research serves as a specific case study for heritage practitioners, to understand the potential role of contemporary artforms in revitalising the traditional forms of fashion.







Eating With History


Book Description

Eating With History: Ancient Trade-Influenced Cuisines of Kerala is an invaluable compendium of a culinary tradition and variety of food recipes that evolved out of Kerala’s kitchens. The food trail is extensive and as varied as it can get. The proximity to the sea and the natural beauty and resources of the state–especially the fragrant spices which grew in abundance–attracted inhabitants of foreign soils and inspired them to initiate overseas trade along what was later known as the Spice Route. In a state with fish, other sea food and vegetables dominating people’s food habits, the various kinds of meats, foreign cooking techniques and exotic flavours were curried to life from foreign trade influences and became significant foods. There are numerous recipes in each foreign-influenced community in Kerala, well represented in this book, in meticulous detail. These recipes were cherished by the families and handed down generations via cross-cultural interactions within Jews of the Paradesi and Malabari sects, Syrian Christians, Muslims, Anglo-Indians, Latin Catholics and others who mingled with and evolved from the local populace. The book provides a well-researched and rich cultural history of foreign food culture, tracing how the new elements adapted to local food traditions and evolved as a parallel line of foods, creating new textures, flavours and tastes.