Where Do You Find Kerala’s Invisible Heritage?

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In 1989, the term ‘God’s Own Country’ was coined for the Tourism Department of Kerala, as an attempt to boost the state’s attraction to travellers. That phrase now graces blogs, websites, and international billboards. Intended to celebrate the state’s lush greenery, backwaters, beaches, and wildlife, it is no surprise that the slogan’s charm worked so effectively. Kerala has since become one of India’s and the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Over the years, various forms of tourism—ecological, medical, and cultural—have flourished here. The relationship between tourism and heritage has often been mutually beneficial, resulting in the rapid growth of small-scale cottage industries, increased employment, and the encouragement of the pursuit of traditional performances and craftsmanship among Malayalis. However, to many, it may seem that the face of Kerala’s ‘heritage’ is a heavily curated and marketable one.

In this project, I emphasise and encourage the documentation of the less seen heritage of Kerala. The invisibility of these traditions, rituals, performances, locations, crafts, and architecture further jeopardizes their survival within Kerala’s already challenging political, economic, geographical, and social climate