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Document Details : Title: The Interreligious Dialogue of Martial Arts in Kerala Author(s): LUIJENDIJK, D.H. Journal: Studies in Interreligious Dialogue Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Date: 2010 Pages: 24-41 DOI: 10.2143/SID.20.1.2050493 Abstract : The society of the South Indian state of Kerala includes people of different ethno-religious backgrounds, and political views. Kerala currently suffers from a separation of its society into 'pillars,' each identified with a different ethnic group, religion, and political conviction, causing social problems and unrest. The government of Kerala attempts to manage these problems by trying to unite its people through the appeal to what can be termed 'Kerala nationalism,' which accentuates the common culture, history, and roots of the Keralites. 'Kerala nationalism' focuses on the similarities between the inhabitants of Kerala, and not on differences caused by caste, religion, or ethnic background, shifting the importance from an ethno-religious identity, along the 'pillars' of Kerala’s society, to a national cultural identity. This article explores martial arts as a way of attaining this ideal. |
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