History of Kerala.

The ancient history of Kerala is shrouded in the mists of tradition. The most popular legend would have it that the land crust that forms the State was raised from the depths of the ocean. Parasurama, the Brahmin avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, had waged an epic series of vengeful wars on the Kshatriyas. Came a moment when Parasurama was struck by remorse at the wanton annihilation he had wrought.

He offered severe penance atop the mountain heights. In a mood of profound atonement, the sage heaved his mighty axes into the midst of the distant ocean. The waves foamed and frothed as a prawn-shaped land extending from Gokarnam to Kanyakumari surfaced from the depths of the sea to form the state and hence the sobriquet - "Gods own Country".

culture

Kerala’s culture is also a composite and cosmopolitan culture to which several people and races have made their significant contributions. The gradual evolution of composite and cosmopolitans culture led to the emergence of a spirit of tolerance and catholicity of outlook, which still persist among the people of Kerala. Its history unfolds the romantic and fascinating story of a unique process of cultural synthesis and social assimilation. In response to every challenge Kerala has demonstrated through the ages its genius for adaptation and fusion of old traditions and new values in every sphere of human thought and endeavour

The culture of Kerala has persisted through the ages precisely for the reasons of antiquity, unity, continuity and universality of its nature. In its widest sense it embraces the highest achievements of the human spirit in every sphere of life. Thus, in its totality, it represents the quintessence of the collective achievements of a people in the fields of religion and philosophy, language and literature, art and architecture, education and learning and economic and social organisation. In fact, all through its history the genius of Kerala has blossomed forth in all its vigour and vitality and has helped its people to reach the peak of excellence in all their endeavours.

Education and learning

Kerala stands in the forefront of Indian states in the matter of literacy and education. According to the census of 1991 the rate of literacy in Kerala is 94.59 per cent. This literacy rate is more than double that of the country. It is significant that Kerala is almost on a par with the most advanced countries of the world in point of literacy.

People

state with 100% literacy, world standards of health, and a hard working, determined, dedicated population is always setting standards in all most all the spheres of its activity. In more modern times the Keralites have migrated in large numbers in search of employment to several foreign countries like United States, Malaysia and Singapore in South East Asia as well as to several countries of Africa and West Asia. The professionals of Kerala are among the most wanted experts in the fields of medicine, Information Technology etc.

About Preston...

This is the town that was at the centre of the cotton spinning industry for well over a hundred and fifty years. Richard Arkwright, the inventor of the Spinning frame was born here in the year 1732 and the fortunes gained by the great industrialists of the day are solely due to the ingenuity of this one man.

Interestingly, Preston has been represented in Parliament since the 13th-century and is the second oldest borough in England. Before this, in 1179 Henry II granted Preston a Charter giving the right to hold a a regular Merchant Guild (Market) and throughout the centuries this historical fact has been celebrated every twenty years. In Victorian times the building of the railways brought a renewed importance to Preston by the building of a railway junction. The trains that ran from London to the cities of Scotland all stopped here, this caused the building of large hotels where passengers could rest before completing the remainder of their journey.

Today, Preston remains a lively, busy industrial town and the old port area which was once so important to the life of the town has been redeveloped. A modern shopping centre has been built and provides the visitor with a good selection of both high street stores and individual family emporiums. The Harris museum is a handsome classical style building which was built in 1893 through a bequest from a local man, E.R. Harris. It houses a vast number of art treasures including watercolours by 19th-century British Artists, Glass, Porcelain and childhood memorabilia from the 18th-century. There too, are relics from the Bronze Age and from Viking times.