Reform Movements in Southern India & Social Transformation

Introduction

During colonial rule in India, there were several Reform Movements in Southern India that aimed to address social, religious, and cultural issues prevalent in the region. Led by visionary leaders and thinkers, these reform movements played a crucial role in challenging societal norms, promoting education, advocating for social equality, and fostering cultural revival in Southern India.

Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Movement (1888)

• Emergence of SNDP: SNDP  emerged from conflicts between depressed classes and upper castes, led by Sree Narayana Guru Swamy among the Ezhavas of Kerala.
• Challenges Faced by the Ezhavas: Ezhavas were a backward caste of toddy-tappers, who faced discrimination, denied education, and temple entry.
• Revolutionary Act of Narayana Guru: Narayana Guru initiated a revolution by installing a Sivalinga at Aruvippuram in 1888, challenging the higher castes’ monopoly on idol consecration.
• Revolutionary Act of Narayana Guru: This movement attracted poet Kumaran Asan, and the Aruvippuram Kshetra Yogam was formed in 1889 to address discrimination.
• The Aruvippuram Sree Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) was registered in 1903, aiming for material and spiritual progress among the Ezhavas.
• Dr. Palpu’s Efforts: including the Ezhava Memorial and Malayali Memorial movements, played a crucial role in SNDP’s formation.
• Advocacy for Religious Equality: Narayana Guru believed in the equality of all religions and condemned divisive elements based on caste, race, or creed.
• SNDP Yogam Advocacy: SNDP Yogam advocated for Ezhavas’ rights, including admission to schools, government service recruitment, access to roads, temple entry, and political representation.
• Influence on Social Mobility: SNDP’s influence led to upward social mobility and the federation of backward castes into a larger conglomeration in Kerala.

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Vokkaliga Sangha (1905)

• Origin and Purpose: Vokkaliga Sangha was initiated as an anti-Brahmin movement in Mysore, challenging the prevailing social hierarchy.
• T.Byanna: He was the Sangha’s first president, and the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, and Diwan V.P. Madhava Rao was the association’s patron and vice-patron, respectively.

Justice Movement (1917)

• Non-Brahmin Movement: It commenced in the Madras Presidency, led by C.N. Mudaliar, T.M. Nair, and P. Tyagaraja, aimed to secure jobs and representation for non-Brahmins in the legislature.
• Formation of Madras Presidency Association: In 1917, the Madras Presidency Association was formed, which demanded separate representation for the lower castes in the legislature

Self-Respect Movement (1920s)

• E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker from the Balija Naidu caste initiated the movement in the mid-1920s, seeking to reject Brahmanical religion and culture, perceived as instruments of exploitation. [UPSC 2019]
• It formalised weddings without Brahmin priests.

Madras Hindu Association(1892)

• It was formed by Viresialingam Pantulu in Madras as a social purity movement against
• The devadasi system and oppression of widows. [UPSC 2018]

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Temple Entry Movement (1924, 1931, 1936, 1938)

• T.K. Madhavan: A prominent social reformer and editor of Deshabhimani, took up the issue of temple entry with the Travancore Administration. 
• Vaikom Satyagraha:  led by K.P. Kesava in 1924, demanded the opening of  Hindu temples and roads to untouchables.
  • It was reinforced by jathas from Punjab and Madurai. Gandhi undertook a tour of Kerala in support of the movement.
• Guruvayur Satyagraha of 1931: Inspired by K. Kelappan, poet Subramaniyam Tirumambu (the ‘singing sword of Kerala’) led a group of 16 volunteers to Guruvayur.  
  • This was known as Guruvayur Satyagraha. 
  • Leaders like P. Krishna Pillai and A.K. Gopalan were among the satyagrahis.
• Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936: Issuance of a proclamation for temple entry by the Maharaja of Travancore.
  • Similar steps were taken by the C. Rajagopalachari administration in Madras in 1938

Conclusion

• The reform movements in Southern India during colonial rule marked a period of significant societal transformation and intellectual awakening. 
• These movements addressed pressing social, religious, and cultural issues, advocating for progress, equality, and cultural revival. 
• Despite facing challenges and resistance, these movements left a lasting impact on the region, shaping its socio-cultural landscape and contributing to the broader narrative of reform and modernization in colonial India.