Kerala is a land of rich cultural heritage. Kerala shares the common musical culture of South India from the earliest times. Due to common features, the South Indian music is generally known as 'Karnatic music'. Music of Kerala is known as Sopanam. It is believed that Sangeetam (Music) may have acquired its name from the 'Sopanam' which means 'Sanctum Sanctorum' of the temple. The characteristic features of Kerala music are simple structure and peculiar forms of expression.

Sopanam music evolved and became popular through the practice of singing invocatory songs in front of Kali and later on at the sanctum of the temple. The feeling of devotion helps Sopanam maintain its rustic tone. From the sanctum of the temples, Sopanam has taken many diversions and grown as dance music in Ashtapadiyattam. With the introduction of 'Geet Govindam' in Kerala, the system got great transformation. Kerala has maintained, in its flourishing stock, some of the rare melodies specially conceived for the purpose of adornment of certain emotions. These melodies are 'Pati', Indisa', 'Puraniru', 'Kanakurinji'. Certain other ragas like 'Sri kandi', 'Desakshi', 'Nalatha' and 'Samantamalahari' used in old devotional songs, create extraordinarily fascinating rhythm and swing of a local character.