Buddhism in Kerala

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Although Buddhism in Kerala has almost disappeared, historians say that in ancient times Kerala had a strong position and its cultural influence can still be seen in the people of Kerala. It is believed that Buddhism reached Kerala in its infancy. There is historical evidence that Buddhist monks came to Kerala in the 6th century BC.^[1]

The teachings of Ashoka and many of the local kings of Kerala and the many works of the Sangam period show the influence of Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka sent Buddhist monks to all directions and a group came here directly from Sri Lanka. Ashoka was an emperor who longed to conquer the whole of India. Due to his military prowess and the religious tolerance of the Chera kings in Kerala, Buddhism was widely accepted.^{[2][verification needed][full citation needed]}

The moral struggle waged by Buddhist monks against human sacrifice, animal sacrifice and other rituals was the first social reform in Kerala against the customs of Dravidian culture.^[3] Buddhism, which changed the cultural fabric of Kerala and revolutionized social life, was later reduced to a nominal one. ^[4] As a revolutionary change in the field of education, they established temples and numerous clinics in all corners. ^{[5][verification needed]}