Kerala, the "land of coconuts," holds a unique and fascinating place in ancient Indian literature. While it might not always be mentioned by its modern name, references to the region and its people can be found woven into the narratives of epics, Puranas, and other ancient texts. These literary glimpses offer valuable insights into Kerala's historical significance, its cultural distinctiveness, and its interactions with the rest of the Indian subcontinent.
Mentions in Epics:
Ramayana: Though not explicitly named, some scholars believe that the Ramayana alludes to Kerala in its descriptions of the southern regions. The Kishkindha Kanda, which details Sugriva's instructions to his vanara army in their search for Sita, mentions places like 'Mahendra Parvata' (believed to be the Western Ghats) and 'Pandya' (a neighboring kingdom). These geographical markers suggest that the epic's narrative might have extended to the lands that now comprise Kerala.
Mahabharata: The Mahabharata provides more concrete references to Kerala. The epic mentions the 'Cheras,' an ancient dynasty that ruled over the region. The Chera king is described as participating in the Kurukshetra War, siding with the Pandavas. Furthermore, Sahadeva, one of the Pandava brothers, is said to have conquered the 'Keralas' during his military campaign to the south.
References in Puranas and Other Texts:
Puranas: The Puranas offer various accounts related to Kerala. The Brahma Purana mentions a land called 'Malayadvipa,' which is often interpreted as a reference to the mountainous region of Kerala. The Bhagavata Purana recounts that the kings of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms attended the swayamvara of Rukmini, Lord Krishna's consort. These narratives highlight the political and cultural connections between Kerala and other parts of ancient India.
Aitareya Aranyaka: This Vedic text mentions the 'Cheras' as a people residing in the southernmost part of the Indian peninsula. This reference further strengthens the association of Kerala with the ancient Chera dynasty.
Sangam Literature: While not strictly Sanskrit literature, the Tamil Sangam poems provide valuable insights into the early history of Kerala. These poems mention the Chera kingdom, its ports, and its trade relations with other regions. They also offer glimpses into the social and cultural life of the people.
Significance of these Mentions:
The presence of Kerala in ancient Indian literature underscores several key aspects:
Early Interactions: References to Kerala in epics and Puranas indicate that the region was not isolated but actively engaged with other parts of the Indian subcontinent from early times.
Political Significance: The mention of Chera kings participating in events like the Kurukshetra War and Rukmini's swayamvara highlights the political importance of Kerala in ancient India.
Trade and Cultural Exchange: References to Kerala in Sangam literature and other texts point to its flourishing trade and cultural exchange with other regions, both within and outside India.
Mythological Connections: The association of Kerala with figures like Parashurama in some Puranic accounts adds a layer of mythological significance to the region.