Deep South

The character of the South of India contrasts strongly with that of the North. Largely untouched by the Muslim invasions of the North the culture is considered by many to be the ‘original’ Hindu culture of India. However, the region is not without outside influences. The State of Goa (India’s smallest State) was a Portuguese possession until 1961; now known more for its casinos and beaches, its sites include world heritage churches and convents, as well as fervent Catholics, and some proud Indians, of Portuguese descent.

Kerala too, by virtue of its position as a trading centre has been heavily influenced by other cultures. Fort Cochin possesses not only a Jewish Town, but also Chinese fishing nets and the coast has long been visited by Muslim traders from Arabia, travelling the Spice Route. These influences sit happily alongside indigenous forms of culture, such as Kathakali, a form of dance-drama with heavily made-up participants, and the less formal but even more fascinating ritual of Theyyam, a form of Hindu worship in which participants are, in the minds of believers and of themselves, literally transformed into deities through costume, ritual and dance.

Tamil Nadu, which encompasses the very Southern tip of India, is known for its temples. These vast, dark buildings, crowned with elaborate Gopurams, are the homes of Southern Indian Brahmanical Hinduism. The temples are still in active use and a visit to any one of them will provide ample evidence of the many different rituals, ceremonies and forms of prayer still in common use in this corner of the country.

The Union Territory of Pondicherry, completely surrounded by Tamil Nadu is the East coast’s counterpart to Goa. Held by the French until 1954 it has retained a distinct French character and that language is still spoken widely in the town.

These photographs were taken between October 2008 and July 2011.