Kerala reformation movement explained

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 Kerala society was divided into endogamous groups called castes.^{[1] [2] [3]} These castes had to abide untouchability and ritualistic pollution norms enforced.^[4]

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.^{[5] [6]}

In contrast to northern India, the reformation in Kerala was driven by the backward castes. Prominent reformist leaders such as Narayana Guru and Ayyankali hailed from castes that were deemed backward 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.^[7]

Leaders

Prominent leaders of Kerala reformation include :

• Narayana Guru
• Chattampi Swamikal
  • Ayyankali Sahodaran Ayyappan
• Padmanabhan Palpu
• Kumaran Asan
• Mannath Padmanabhan
• Ayyathan Gopalan
• Brahmananda Swami Sivayogi
• Vagbhatananda
• Nitya Chaitanya Yati
• Nataraja Guru
• VT Bhattathiripad
• Kuriakose Elias Chavara
• C. V. Kunhiraman
• Sayyid Sanaullah Makti Tangal
• Vakkom Moulavi

See also

• Caste system in Kerala

References

• R.Ponnu, Sri Vaikunda Swamigal and the struggle for Social Equality in South India, Madurai, 2000.

Notes and References

1. Book: Nâyars of Malabar. 185. F. Fawcett. Asian Educational Services. 1 February 2004. 9788120601710.
2. Book: Kerala District Gazetteers: Palghat. Department of Education, Superintendent of Government Presses, Kerala. A. Sreedhara Menon. 1976. 159.
3. Book: Monsoon Islam: Trade and Faith on the Medieval Malabar Coast. 167. Sebastian R. Prange. Cambridge University Press. 3 May 2018. 9781108424387.
4. Manjalloor . Dr. Michael . Case Study of the Dalits of Kerala, India . . November 2015 . 24 December 2022.
5. Web site: Why Christo-Racist Nationalism and Anti-Muslim Rhetoric Are Gaining Ground in Kerala. 2021-06-15. The Wire. 3 October 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221003161517/https://thewire.in/religion/kerala-syrian-christians-caste-anti-muslim-rhetoric. live.
6. Book: Innes, Charles Alexander . Madras District Gazetteers Malabar (Volume I) . 1908 . Madras Government.
7. Web site: Three phases of Indian renaissance. K. N.. PANIKKAR. Frontline.thehindu.com. 15 February 2017. 4 March 2019. 28 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210428211440/https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/three-phases-of-indian-renaissance/article9541139.ece. live.