Question

'People worshipping different gods and godesses co-existed peacefully in medieval Kerala'. Do you think that the statement is correct? Give reasons to justify your answer.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Explain how different religious groups lived in harmony in Kerala.​
• List down the various rights conferred by Naduvazhis to various religious groups in Kerala.​

Solution:.
People who worshipped different goddesses co-existed peacefully in Medieval Kerala, which in turn led to exchange of different cultures in the state.​

• People of various religions, the Brahmins, the Jains, the Buddhists, the Jews, the Christians and the Muslims preached their religion harmoniously during this period.
• The rulers of Kerala, namely the Naduvazhis viewed all religions as equal.
• They not only donated land to the Brahmins for temples but also took care of the rights of other religious groups like the Jains, the Buddhists, the Jews, the Christians and the Muslims, and treated them with respect.
• According to the inscription on Paliyam copper plates, also known as Sreemoolavasam cheppedukal, issued by king Vikramaditya Varagunan, a huge number of land holdings were donated to the Sreemoolavasam, a Buddhist institution.
• Gifts were granted to the Jain Mandirs in Thazhekkavu, Kinalur, Alathur, Thirumannurand and Chitharal.
• Land was granted by the Zamorin of Nediyiruppu Swarupam to build mosques at Kunmangalath and Pulikkal.