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Introduction

As per the dharmasasthas, custom is an accepted way of behaviour or doing things in a society or community.  It can be a practice, a habit, a way of living or performance.  Usually when learned men do some thing, others follow the same. 

Customs begin when a society recognizes a set of rules intended for its common bebefit. High-quality thoughts, ideologies and conduct rules are thus made customs through continuous practice and precedence.  Customs teach mankind how to lead a life filled with truth, kindness, duty, love, devotion and affection.  When these customs get the backing and support of religions they become unbreakable.  These noble virtues are enabled him to watch and follow rules and rituals of neighboring locality/country and accept whatever practices are good for his community. Hence, the desire of the people to keep such belief and practice without error and omissions will persist.

The ruling pattern of Kerala was based on Hindu principles and practices.  The Kerala rulers accepted the code rules of the ancient books and the precedence followed as the basis for their administration.   It was also believed that one who rejected the customs would not attain purity forever even though he was a scholar in four vedas and six vedangas Many communities belonging to Hindu religion inherited several Shodasacharas (16 customs from pregnancy to death) of Brahmins  (Namboothiris). The only difference is that Brahmins practice them with hymns and rituals.  However, the customs like untouchability, matrilineal system, Thalikettu Marriage, Sambandham, Pulappedi etc. came to an end. Other practices are still in force without major changes.  To a certain extent, they got modified periodically in due course of time.