Main articles: Tamil literature, Malayalam literature, Kannada literature, Telugu literature, and Dakhini
Tiruvalluvar, the author of the Tirukkural.
South India has one of the oldest literary traditions in the world reaching back over two thousand years. The first known literature of South India are the poetic Sangams, which were written in Tamil around two to one and a half thousand years ago. The Kannada classic Kavirajamarga, written in 850 CE by King Amoghavarsha I, makes references to Kannada literature of King Durvinita in early sixth century CE. Tamil Buddhist commentators of the tenth century CE, Nemrinatham makes references to Kannada literature of fourth century CE. Distinct Malayalam and Telugu literary traditions developed in the following centuries. The artistic expressions of the South Indian people show their admiration of the magnificence of nature and its rhythms. Some of the works include Silappadhikaram by Ilango Adigal, Tholkappiam written by Tholkappiar, Thiruvalluvar's Thirukural, Kumaravyasa's Karnata Bharata Katamanjari, Pampa's Vikramarjuna Vijaya, Andhra Maha Bharatamu by the three poets namely Nannaya, Tikkana and Errana, Shiva Sharana by Basavanna and Akka Mahadevi's Vachanas. In South Indian literature and philosophy, women are considered very powerful. A married woman is regarded as auspicious, her shakti or feminine power, protects and empowers her husband and their children. Contemporary Kannada writers have received eight Jnanapith awards which is the highest for any Indian language and Malayalam literature has been presented with 6 Jnanpith awards, which lies second only to Kannada literature.
Communities and traditions
The main spiritual traditions of South India include both Shaivite and Vaishnavite branches of Hinduism, although Buddhist and Jain philosophies had been influential several centuries earlier (recent studies suggest at least the Shaivite branch of Hinduism was present in Southern India before the arrival of Buddhism and Jainism as Ellalan a Tamil King who invaded Sri Lanka in the year 205 BCE is identified by Sinhalese Buddhists as a Shaivite). South Indian Spiritual traditions have also been informed by Pre-Aryan Indigenous nature and polytheistic worship that distinguishes it from other regions in India. Shravanabelagola in Karnataka is a popular pilgrimage center for Jains. Christianity has flourished in coastal South India from the times of St. Thomas the Apostle who came to Kerala in 52 AD and established the Syrian Christian tradition today called Saint Thomas Christians or Nasranis.[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] There is a large Muslim community in South India, particularly in the Malabar Coast, which can trace its roots to the ancient maritime trade between Kerala and Omanis and other Arabs, mainly from Hadhramaut and adjoining South Arabian regions. They are known as Mappila Muslims and are scattered mainly around the regions of North Malabar and South Malabar in Kerala, along with the inhabited islands of Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea.[28][29] According to some scholars, the Mappilas are the oldest settled native Muslim community in South Asia.[28] Madras and Cochin are homes to one of the oldest Cochin Jews and Paradesi Jews in the world who are supposed to have arrived in the Malabar coast during the time of King Solomon.[25][26][30][31] The oldest surviving Jewish synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations is the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue and the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi, Kerala.
South Indian customs and manners are deeply rooted in tradition, spirituality, and respect for hierarchy and community.
Key practices include:
Eating with the right hand only: It is customary to use the right hand for eating, serving food, and passing items, as the left hand is traditionally associated with personal hygiene and considered impure.
Floor seating and communal dining: Traditional meals like Sadhya (Kerala), Bhojanam (Tamil Nadu), and Oota (Karnataka) are served on banana leaves laid on the floor. Guests sit cross-legged, often in a specific order of precedence, and share food from a common plate or leaf.
Respect for food and rituals: Meals are seen as sacred acts of togetherness. Washing hands before and after eating is essential. Avoid touching food with the left hand or letting your lips touch shared food.
Dress modestly: When visiting temples or homes, dress conservatively—cover shoulders and knees. Men may wear a dhoti (veshti) or lungi, while women traditionally wear a sari.
Temple etiquette: Remove footwear before entering temples. Avoid photographing deities or rituals. In some South Indian temples, non-Hindus or women during menstruation may be restricted from entering inner sanctums.
Greetings and respect: The Namaste gesture—palms together and a slight bow—is the most common greeting. Avoid public displays of affection, and never point with your feet or turn your back on religious icons.
Hospitality and conversation: Guests are often offered food and may be watched while eating. Asking personal questions (e.g., job, family) is normal and not considered intrusive.
Cultural sensitivity: Learn a few local phrases like "Namaste" or "Dhanyavadamulu" (thank you). Respect vegetarianism, which is widespread, and avoid consuming beef or pork unless certain of dietary preferences.
These customs reflect a culture that values community, spirituality, and deep-rooted traditions, making respectful engagement a key part of meaningful travel and interaction