INTRODUCTION

We have seen how the wave of religious devotion that swept over the land in the 9th century under the leadership of the Nayanars and the Alwars gave birth to temples.There was a revival of the Bhakti movement during the Portuguese period (A. D. 1498-1663) which was one of political violence, social decadence and economic depression. The arrival of the Portuguese put an ond to the advance of the Zamorin and prevented the unification of Kerala under him. Instead, the local chiefs quarreled amongst themselves and intrigued with foreign powers to ruin one another.

Economically, the Muslims were ousted from the profitable sea trade in ginger, pepper and other spices with Arabia and they had to contend with petty coastal trade in coconuts and cloth. Thus began a drain to Europe resulting in progressive impoverishment of Kerala.The Portuguese also poisoned the social atmosphere. Their policy so utterly different from the Kerala Maryada of 'Live and let live', substituted hatred and suspicion for love and trust,and selfishness and opportunism for co-operation and idealism. They indulged in atrocities such as large-scale killing of civilian population and destruction of temples and mosques. All this created a feeling of revulsion among people and they craved for a message of hope and cheer. 
 

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About Introduction