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.[citation needed]
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.[1][2][3] 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.[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]
The winds of reformation were set in by the Syrian Christian priest (kathanar)St.Kuriakose Elias Chavara.The first Sanskrit school for the lower caste Hindus were set up by Chavara[7]. The revolutionary concept of a school along with every church (palliyum pallikoodavum) was also implemented by Chavara[8].He also initiated the practice of a mid-day meal scheme in schools[9].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.[10]
^Channa, Subhadra, ed. (2013). Life as a Dalit: views from the bottom on caste in India. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications India Pvt Ltd. ISBN978-81-321-1777-3.
