Forgotten Legacies of Sramana: A Glance Through The Local History Of Kerala

Sramana traditions were vibrant in the religious life of Kerala during ancient period. The reference about Buddhist viharas and mendicants were available from a lot of literary sources and archaeological records. Like in other parts of India, Buddhism became extinct in Kerala due to a number of reasons. Revival of Hinduism under Shankaracharya, the advent of Mahayanism, the promotion of Bhakti movement etc affected the fortunes of Buddhism and led to its decline. In spite of its decline Buddhism made a hallmark in the cultural life of Kerala people. Modern Hinduism carries many features of sramana traditions and this became an integral part of the cultural legacy of Kerala. The art, literature, religion, iconography, medicines and scientific contributions were made by sramana religion in Kerala. The religion of Buddhism came to Kerala along with trade routes and we have got a number of sculptures from central Travancore which attest the significance of Buddhism in Kerala. There is debate over the extinction of Buddhism and its cultural impact on modern Hinduism.