Kochi Biennale talk examines Kerala’s cultural identity and global connections
Kochi / March 22, 2026
Kochi, Mar 22: A discussion, titled ‘Keralam, Kerala, Keralam’, organised as part of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), explored Kerala’s historical evolution, the role of language, historical trade networks, and the social dynamics shaping the state today.
Writer N. S. Madhavan highlighted the role of language as a unifying force in the formation of Kerala’s identity. He said Malayalam has acted as a cultural bulwark for the state, noting that nearly 98 per cent of people in Kerala use the language as their primary means of communication.
Madhavan also pointed out that Malayalam has evolved through centuries of cultural contact, absorbing influences from languages such as Portuguese, Arabic and Sanskrit. He added that a significant portion of legal and administrative terminology in the region historically drew from Arabic.
Academic Sunil P. Elayidom spoke about Kerala’s long history of trade and cultural exchanges with the outside world, which he said helped shape the state’s pluralistic society. At the same time, he noted a paradox: despite leading in many social indicators, sections of society still carry pre-modern attitudes related to family structures, caste hierarchies and religious divisions.
However, he added that Kerala often demonstrates collective unity during moments of crisis or controversy, citing the public opposition to the movie Kerala Story as an example of how the state can rally around shared concerns.
Economist P. K. Michael Tharakan reflected on Kerala’s historical position in global trade networks. He said the region once stood at the centre of international maritime routes, functioning as a trading hub that connected different parts of the world.
According to Tharakan, this role enabled Kerala to build thriving multicultural communities, often without the need for large capital investments, as commerce flowed through its ports and coastal settlements.
The discussion formed part of the Biennale’s broader programme of conversations examining culture, history and society alongside contemporary art.
ENDS
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