Keralites, the people of the Indian state of Kerala, have a distinct look that sets them apart from other Indians. This is due to a combination of factors, including their unique culture, history, and geography. In this article, we'll explore why Keralites, an ethnic group, look different and what makes them stand out.
Kerala is located in the southwestern part of India and is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east. This unique geography, culture, lifestyle, and population has had a major influence on the Keralites. The humid climate and abundant rainfall have resulted in lush vegetation and a variety of flora and fauna. This has also led to a unique cuisine that is heavily influenced by seafood and spices.
Kerala's culture, language, and literature are distinct from other parts of India. It is heavily influenced by Hinduism, but also has strong influences from Christianity, Islam, and Jainism. This has resulted in a unique blend of religions and customs that are not found elsewhere in India. This diversity is reflected in the clothing, language, music, art, and architecture of Keralites.
Kerala's history is also unique. It was once part of the ancient kingdom of Chera, which was ruled by the Chera dynasty from around 1000 BC to 1100 AD. During this period, Kerala was an important trading center for spices and other goods. This period also saw the development of a distinct language called Malayalam, which is still spoken by Keralites today.
Kerala's geography has also had an impact on its people. The humid climate has resulted in darker skin tones than those found in other parts of India. This is due to increased exposure to sunlight and higher levels of melanin in the skin. The abundance of seafood in the diet has also contributed to darker skin tones.
Kerala's culture has also had an impact on its people's physical appearance. The traditional clothing worn by Keralites includes bright colors and intricate designs that are unique to the region. Women often wear saris or mundus (long skirts) with blouses while men wear dhotis (loose-fitting trousers). These traditional garments are often made from hand-woven fabrics that are brightly colored and intricately patterned.
Kerala's history has also had an influence on its people's physical appearance. During the colonial period, many Keralites were employed as laborers in British-owned plantations. This led to intermarriage between Keralites and Europeans, resulting in a distinctive mix of physical features that are still seen today.
In conclusion, Keralites have a distinct look that sets them apart from other Indians due to a combination of factors including their unique culture, history, geography, and intermarriage with Europeans. Their dark skin tones are due to increased exposure to sunlight and higher levels of melanin in their skin. Their traditional clothing is brightly colored and intricately patterned, reflecting their diverse culture. Finally, their history as laborers in British-owned plantations has resulted in a distinctive mix of physical features that are still seen today.
