The Social Reform Movements in Kerala

Origins Of The Freedom Movement In Kerala

The freedom movement in Kerala was also known as the reform movement in Kerala. It refers to a socio-cultural movement in the state. It began in the early 19th century. The social reform movements in Kerala led to massive changes that took place in the social outlook. 

Thycaud Ayyavu Swamikal was the first person to have started or begun the social reform movements in Kerala. He was a teacher and was born in 1814 in Madras. He was also called Sadananda Swami.

Ayya Vaikundar is known to be the first leader of the Kerala renaissance movements. He was a social movement reformer and a spiritual leader. Thycaud was the first individual to have broken the caste customs in Kerala. 

During his days, the caste restrictions were at their peak. Even today, we get to see few rural villages in India, where they are still existent. 

What Is The Main Aim Of The Social Reform Movement

Any social reform movements come with their agendas. The main aim of the social reform movements in Kerala is given as follows:

• Removal of caste discrimination
• Getting rid of the untouchability 
• Giving equal status to women 

These are the common evils that were plaguing society in those days. Thanks to these reformers, several radical changes have been brought out. It has helped immensely in almost completely eradicating these evils from society. 

They mainly strive to be able to generate a change in the schemes. All social movements are not required to be successful. But they should create awareness among the masses. So that the direction changes the way things are implemented henceforth. 

However, like social reform movements in Kerala, the campaign for the abolition of slavery was considered a major success. Many churches accepted that slavery should be abolished from society. 

Reasons For Social Reform Movements In Kerala

The purpose of social reforms is to try and bring about a change in the way society does things. It could be related to religion, caste, reservations, job opportunities, and various other things. Mostly it is the low-caste that suffer at the hands of the high-caste individuals in society.

They are not allowed to drink water from wells meant for the upper caste. Likewise, evil customs like female infanticide are still prevalent even today. We also have polygamy, and sati followed too in some areas of society. 

These are some of the evils that have to be wiped out from society. The social reform movements in Kerala were a result of this. The state of Kerala in India is known as the only state to have achieved 100% literacy. 

Unfortunately, due to the superstitious beliefs of some individuals, reforms are in dire need. Not to mention, one can often find casteism raising its ugly head, disrupting an otherwise peaceful society. 

One can find plenty of articles, posts, and forums discussing the freedom struggle in Kerala in Malayalam. 

Contribution Of Thycaud Ayyavu Swamikal

During the 19th century, casteism was at its height. The upper caste used to flaunt their power over the lower caste. Several social reformers like Chatambi Swami, Sree Narayana Guru, and Ayyankali were the torchbearers for reforms. 

Thycaud Ayya was born in 1814 in Madras. Thycaud Ayya parents were from Kerala. Due to Thycaud Ayya education, Thycaud Ayya had a close connection with the Royal family of Travancore. 

Because of Thycaud Ayya sincere efforts through his teachings, books, and reforms, untouchability was eradicated. Some of his famous works were Jnana, Bhakti, Ramayanam Pattu, Brahmotharakandom, Pazhani Daivam are prominent among them. Thycaud Ayya books are available in many languages, prominently in Tamil, Sanskrit, and Malayalam. 

Types Of Social Movements

Like the social reform movements in Kerala, there have been several social movements around the world. Few types of social activities can happen on a local or global platform. A social movement usually has a target audience that they want to garner attention. 

The leaders are aware of the kind of changes that they want. These changes should be able to have an impact positively on society. There are generally 4 kinds of social reforms.

• Alternative
• Redemptive
• Reformative
• Revolutionary social movements.

These social reform movements seek to change how society thinks about their regular activities. The evils have to be thwarted out for the larger good of people. These movements want to bring about these changes in non-violence.