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Kerala reformation movement

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Socio-cultural movement in Kerala
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Reformation in Kerala
Narayana Guru, the most prominent face of the movement
Background
Notable people
Others

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The reformation movement in Kerala refers to a socio-cultural shift that began in the late 19th century, resulting in significant transformations in the social fabric of the southern Indian state of Kerala.

Background

The foundations of social change in Kerala can be traced back to the 16th century. The emergence of the Bhakti movement and the development of the modern Malayalam language and the influence of figures like Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan led to the breaking of Brahmin dominance over literature and knowledge.

The arrival of European powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and English, played a significant role as catalysts for these changes. The arrival of missionaries from Europe contributed to the establishment of educational institutions in Kerala.

Unlike the four-fold varna division seen in other parts of India, Kerala's social hierarchy was based on caste. The Malayali Brahmins occupied the top priestly class, while the Samantha Kshatriya and Nair communities constituted the upper military and ruling classes. Apart from the Hindu Brahmins and Nairs, as well as the Christians and Muslims, all other castes, ranging from Ezhavas to Pulayas were considered lower castes. These castes had to abide untouchability and ritualistic pollution norms enforced by the upper caste Brahmins and Nairs.

The political landscape of Kerala underwent significant changes with the establishment of centralized monarchies in Travancore and Cochin, leading to the decline of the feudal order. The Mysorean invasion of Kerala (1766–1792) further disrupted the existing caste hierarchy. Although the Mysoreans attempted to establish an Islamic state in Malabar, their advances were ultimately thwarted by the British.

In contrast to northern India, the reformation in Kerala was driven by the lower castes. Prominent reformist leaders such as Narayana Guru and Ayyankali hailed from castes that were deemed lower in the social hierarchy of 19th century Kerala. Consequently, leaders like Guru and Ayyankali focused on the abolition of the caste system rather than its reformation.

Leaders

Prominent leaders of Kerala reformation include :

Major Events

  1. Channar revolt
  2. Consecration at Aruvippuram
  3. Formation of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam
  4. Villuvandi Samaram
  5. Kallumala Samaram
  6. Education agitation by Mahatma Ayyankali
  7. Vaikom Satyagraha

See also

References

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  11. Sekher, Dr Ajay S. (18 February 2018). "Poykayil Appachan, practitioner of critique and co-option". www.deccanchronicle.com. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  12. Oommen, George (28 March 2019), Fuchs, Martin; Dalmia, Vasudha (eds.), "Dalit Liberative Identity as Amalgam: Kerala's Pulaya Christians and Communist Movement in the Mid-Twentieth Century", Religious Interactions in Modern India, Oxford University Press, p. 0, ISBN 978-0-19-808168-5, retrieved 11 December 2024
  13. "The Channar Revolt: Using Clothing As A Tool Of Repression". Centre for Law & Policy Research. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  14. "Ezhava Siva", Misplaced Pages, 14 October 2024, retrieved 11 December 2024
  15. Irschick, Eugene F.; Jeffrey, Robin (1977). "The Decline of Nayar Dominance. Society and Politics in Travancore, 1847-1908". Pacific Affairs. 50 (1): 150. doi:10.2307/2756149. ISSN 0030-851X.
  16. "Kallumala Samaram", Misplaced Pages, 11 January 2024, retrieved 11 December 2024
  17. Channa, Subhadra, ed. (2013). Life as a Dalit: views from the bottom on caste in India. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications India Pvt Ltd. ISBN 978-81-321-1777-3.
  18. Ranjani, Lalitha (30 March 2023). "Remembering Vaikom Satyagraha: A movement that spearheaded social reforms in two States". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  • R.Ponnu, Sri Vaikunda Swamigal and the struggle for Social Equality in South India, Madurai, 2000.
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