Renaissance & Freedom Movement in Kerala | Short Notes & Study Materials for Kerala PSC Exams
This page provides you historical facts and figures related to the renaissance & freedom movement in Kerala for PSC exam. If you are looking for Kerala renaissance & freedom movement PSC questions, study material, short notes, frequently asked questions & answers on Kerala renaissance & freedom movement in PDF format for PSC exams like KAS exam, deputy collector exam, HSA, LDC, Company Corporation Board exams, junior employment officer, assistant engineer exams, Secretariat assistant exam, HSST etc, then this article can really help for your exam preparation. This page discusses the important periods and events of freedom movement in Kerala as well as Kerala history and renaissance.
The following are the syllabus of the renaissance in Kerala published by Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) for most of its exam. The entire article will be based on this syllabus and link to the concerned detailed page will be given under each section for more reading. So let us behold the syllabus of the renaissance in Kerala for PSC exam. Some connectors are added to each module unlike the original syllabus published by Kerala PSC so that the candidates or PSC exam aspirants can comprehend the same with ease.
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- Urge towards a new society in Kerala by the introduction to English education with the influence of various missionary organizations & their functioning. The founding of educational institutions, factories, printing press etc. (Click here for more details>>)
- Socio-Religious reform movements which ultimately led to the renaissance in Kerala like Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), Nair Service Society (NSS), Yogakshema Sabha, Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham (SJPS), Vaala Samudaya Parishkarani Sabha (VSPS), Samathwa Samajam, Islam Dharma Paripalana Sangham, Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha (PRDS), Sahodara Prasthanam etc. (Click here for more details>>)
- Struggles and social revolts which took place in the period of Kerala renaissance including upper cloth revolts or "Melmund Samaram", Channar agitation or "Channar lahala", Vaikom Satyagraha, Guruvayoor satyagraha, Paliyam satyagraha. Kuttamkulam satyagraha or Kuttamkulam struggle, Temple entry proclamation, Temple entry act, Malayalee memorial, Ezhava memorial, Malabar riots, Civil disobedience movement, Abstention movement etc. Other major revolts & processions like Coonan cross truth or Coonan cross revolt, Attingal revolt, revolts of Pazhassiraja, Kundara proclamation, Kurichyar revolt, Villuvandi samaram, Kallumala Samaram (Stone Necklace Protest) or Perinad Lahala, Thali Temple strike, Achipudava Samaram, Mukkuthi Samaram, Salt Satyagraha in Kerala, Kalpathi struggle (Kalpathi Prakshobham), Electricity agitation (Vaidyuthi samaram), Kayyur revolt, Kallara-Pangod struggle, Keezhariyur bomb case, Karivellur peasant strike and Punnapra Vayalar strike.(Click here for more details>>)
- Role of the press in the renaissance of Kerala and the impact of newspapers like Malayalee, Swadeshabhimani, Vivekodayam, Mithavadi, Swaraj, Malayala Manorama, Bhashaposhini, Mathrubhoomi, Kerala Kaumudi, Samadarsi, Kesari, Al-Ameen, Prabhatham, Yukthivadi, etc.(Click here for more details>>)
- Awakening through literature by the influence of novel, drama, poetry etc. Establishment of "purogamana sahithya prasthanam", "nataka prasthanam", library movement etc.(Click here for more details>>)
- Women who brought social change in the renaissance period of Kerala like Parvathi Nenmenimangalam, Arya Pallam, A V Kuttimalu Amma, Lalitha Prabhu.Akkamma Cheriyan, Anna Chandi, Lalithambika Antharjanam and others.(Click here for more details>>)
- Leaders of the renaissance in Kerala like Thycaud Ayya Vaikundar, Sree Narayana Guru, Ayyan Kali.Chattampi Swamikal, Brahmananda Sivayogi, Vagbhadananda, Poikayil Yohannan (Kumara Guru), Dr Palpu, Palakkunnath Abraham Malpan, Mampuram Thangal, Sahodaran Ayyappan, Pandit K P Karuppan, Pampadi John Joseph, Mannathu Padmanabhan, V T Bhattathirippad, Vakkom Abdul Khadar Maulavi, Makthi Thangal, Blessed Elias Kuriakose Chaavra, Barrister G P Pillai, TK Madhavan, Moorkoth Kumaran, C. Krishnan, K P Kesava Menon, Dr.Ayyathan Gopalan, C V Kunjuraman, Kuroor Neelakantan Namboothiripad, Velukkutty Arayan, K P Vellon, P K Chathan Master, K Kelappan, P. Krishna Pillai, A K Gopalan, T R Krishnaswami Iyer, C Kesavan. Swami Ananda Theerthan , M C Joseph, Kuttippuzha Krishnapillai and others.(Click here for more details>>)
- Literary figures like Kodungallur Kunhikkuttan Thampuran, Kerala Varma Valiyakoyi Thampuran, Kandathil Varghese Mappila. Kumaran Asan, Vallathol Narayana Menon, Ulloor S Parameswara Iyer, G Sankara Kurup, Changampuzha Krishna Pillai, Chandu Menon, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. Kesav Dev, Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, Ponkunnam Varky, S K Pottakkad and others.(Click here for more details>>)
Introduction
Kerala had a great history of rulers and empires from its ancient period to the end of Chera empire (which was prominent from the Sangham period). Frequent conflicts between the Cheras and Pandyas (another major empire which was prominent in south India during this period) led to the collapse of Cheras empire into small provinces. These provinces were confined to a small area as compared to a large Chera empire. Some of the dominant rulers of these provinces were the following.
- Samoothiri (Anglicised name - Zamorins) of Kozhikode
- Kings of Venad & Kochi.
- Kings of Travancore.
From the Sangham period itself, Kerala had trade relations with the West. This continued all along and was led to the spread of Christianity in Kerala. The major mark in the trade with West was established by the arrival of Vasco de Gama in 20th May 1498 in a place called Panthalayani in a ship called Sao Gabriel near Kappad in present Kozhikode district of Kerala.
From the time of the provincial rulers and the reign of these Europeans, starting from Portuguese to the mighty British rule, many social atrocities and caste systems were prevailing in the society of Kerala. As the time pass by, the society of Kerala were evolving and a wave of protest was spreading all over Kerala irrespective of caste, creed, and sex in the form of socio-religious movements, social struggles, peasant revolts, literary movements etc. Newspapers, journals, and magazines were published from many socio-religious institutions to unite the people of Kerala. In these periods, Kerala witnessed the power of its prose and poetry in inspiring the society to fight against the social discrimination and emergence of many men and women leaders who fearlessly fought for the upliftment of society. All these chains of events, which led to the social development of the people of Kerala is termed as the renaissance in Kerala.
Note: Some of the useful facts related to ancient Kerala History and Sangham age are as follows.
As already discussed, Christianity started to flourish in Kerala from AD 52 itself. They have started schools along with every church to promote their religion in Kerala and this led to the spread of English education in Kerala. Father Kuriakose Elias Chaavara or "Chaavara Achan" introduced this concept and is considered as the father of English education in Kerala.
There were mainly three Christian Missionaries which were prominent in Kerala during the time of provincial rulers. They are as follows:
Note: Some of the useful facts related to ancient Kerala History and Sangham age are as follows.
- An ancient Greek sailor and explorer named Heppalus reached Kerala in a place known as Kodungallur (anglicised name - Cranganore) in AD 45 and resulted in trade between Romans & Kerala. Kodungallur (also named as Muchiri, Muchirippattinam etc in ancient times ) was an important ancient seaport of Kerala built of the banks of Periyar (or Chorni). Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus and his followers arrived at Kodungallor for the patronage of Christianity and similarly, Malik Ibn Dinar and his followers arrived at Kodungallor for the patronage of Islam. He built Cheraman Juma Masjid, the first mosque constructed in India over there around 612 AD. Kodungallur was also the capital of Cheraman Perumal. Kodungallur was ruled by Perumpadapu Swaroopam until the Indian independence. Flood of 1341 AD resulted in demolishing of the seaport and silting of the natural harbor and resulted in the formation of another port in Kochi. Thus Kodungallur lost its commercial importance. Kodungallur Bharani festival in Kodungallur Bhagavathi Temple is also famous.
- Hsuan Tsang, a Chinese traveler visited Kerala during Sangham period.
- In A.D. 52, St. Thomas reached Kerala and Christianity began to flourish.
- During post-Sangham period, the famous cultural & trade festival called Mamankam was held on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha at Thirunavaya once every 12 years. It was celebrated for 28 days and on the final day, a new King will be selected.
- Kulasekara period in the history of Kerala is also known as the period of second Chera empire. Kollam era or Kollavarsham was introduced during this period.
Role of Christian missionaries in the introduction of English education in Kerala
There were mainly three Christian Missionaries which were prominent in Kerala during the time of provincial rulers. They are as follows:
- Basel Evangelical Missionary (BEMS) was prominent in the Malabar region.
- London Missionary Society (LMS) was prominent in the regions of Kochi kingdom.
- Church Missionary Society (CMS) was prominent in the regions of erstwhile Travancore.
The famous German missionary who has contributed a lot to the Malayalam language named Herman Gundert was part of BEMS. He was a resident at Illikkunnu Bangalow in Thalassery and started a press at Thalassery which published newspaper and magazines like Rajya Samacharam and Paschimodayam. Just like Gundert, Benjamin Bailey was a famous CMS missionary who started a press named CMS press in Kottayam and Rev. Mead has a great contribution as an LMS missionary. Apart from these missionaries, Arnos Pathiri and Dr. Angelos Francis had a great contribution to Malayalam grammar and translation.
Socio-Religious Reform Movements
Socio-religious movements were the backbone of renaissance movements in Kerala. Some of the socio-religious reform movements in Kerala and its establishing leaders are as follows.
- Samathwa Samajam: founded by Ayya Vaikundar (Vaikunda Swamikal) in 1836.
- Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP): founded by Sree Narayana Guru in 1903.
- Islam Dharma Paripalana Sangham: founded by Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi in 1906.
- Sadhujana Paripalana Sangham (SJPS): founded by Ayyankali in 1907.
- Yoga Kshema Sabha: founded by V T Bhattathirippad in 1908.
- Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha (PRDS): founded by Poikayil Yohannan in 1909.
- Vaala Samudaya Parishkarani Sabha : founded by Pandit Karuppan in 1912.
- Nair Service Society (NSS): founded by Mannath Padmanabhan in 1914.
- Sahodara Sangham: founded by Sahodaran Ayyappan in 1917.
- Yukthivaadi Sangham: founded by MC Joseph in 1935.
click here for more details>>>
For eBook based on Complete syllabus above - Click here>>
Struggles and Social Revolts in Kerala
Channar revolt (1857) - It is also known as Upper cloth revolt or "Sheelavazhak" or "Melsheelakalapam" took place in southern part of Travancore. Travancore King named Uthradam Thirunnal was responsible for the end of the revolt.Vaikkom Satyagraha (March 30, 1924) - One of the famous incident during Vaikkom Satyagraha was the Savarnajatha led by Mannath Padmanabhan from Vaikkom to Thiruvananthapuram. E V Ramaswamy Aiyer was called as the hero of Vaikkom Satyagraha.
Guruvayoor Satyagraha (1931-32) - The president of Guruvayur Satyagraha Committee was Mannath Padmanabhan and the secretary was K Kelappan.
Paliyam Satyagraha (1947-48) - C Kesavan inaugurated Paliyam Satyagraha. AG Velayudhan suffered martyrdom. A K Gopalan was the leader of satyagraha.
Temple Entry Proclamation (1936) - Temple Entry Proclamation in 1936 was announced by the Travancore King, Sri Chithira Thirunnal Balarama Varma.
Malayali Memorial (1891) - It was submitted to King of Travancore by K P Sankara Menon.
Ezhava Memorial (1896) - This memorial is submitted to the Travancore King, Sree Moolam Thirunnal by Dr. Palpu. 2nd Ezhava Memorial was presented to Lord Curzon in 1900.
Abstention Movement (1932) or Nivarthana Prakshobham was started under the leadership of C Kesavan.
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For eBook based on Complete syllabus above - Click here>>
Role of the Press in Renaissance in Kerala
Role of the press in promoting the renaissance wave in Kerala was significant. The following are some of the important newspapers and magazines and its corresponding publishers or editors. All these publications raised their voices against the social stigmas in the society and promoted unity among the downtrodden people of Kerala.
- Rajyasamacharam - It was the first newspaper in Malayalam which was published by Dr. Herman Gundert.
- Paschimodayam - It was the first-second newspaper in Malayalam - published by Dr. Herman Gundert.
- Njananikshepam - It was the third newspaper in Malayalam and first newspaper published in Travancore constituency.
- Mithavadi Newspaper - It was also known as Bible of Thiyyas or Bible of Down-trodden and was published under the leadership of C Krishnan.
- Malayalee Newspaper - It was published under the leadership of CV Raman Pillai.
- Vivekodayam Newspaper - It was known as the mouthpiece of SNDP, Ezhava Gazette. Kumaranasan was the editor of Vivekodayam.
- Deepika or Nasrani Deepika is the oldest newspaper now circulating in Kerala. Nidheerikkal Mani Kathanar was the editor of this newspaper.
- Swadeshabhimani Newspaper was published under the leadership of Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi.
- Samadarshi Newspaper was published under the leadership of A Balakrishna Pillai.
- Al Ameen was the newspaper started by Muhammed Abdu Rahman Sahib.
- Kerala Kaumudi newspaper editor was C V Kunjiraman.
- Kesari newspaper was under the leadership of A Balakrishnapillai.
- Yukthivadi was the newspaper started by Sahodaran Ayyappan.
- Malayala Manorama newspaper was published under the leadership of Kandathil Varghese Mappila.
- Mathrubhumi Newspaper - K P Kesava Menon was the first editor of Mathrubhumi and Kuroor Neelakandan Namboothirippad was the first publisher
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For eBook based on Complete syllabus above - Click here>>
Are you bored of reading too much content? You would like to listen? Then here is the YouTube playlist for Kerala History & Renaissance -
Awakening through literature
Apart from press and publications, literature which includes prose, poetry, drama etc were also used as a powerful tool to spread social awareness and abduct higher class people who are committing social injustice. Some of the leading figures in poetry were Kumaranasan, Vallathol Narayana Menon, and Ulloor S Parameshwara Aiyer. While Kumaranasan's works were inclined towards social equality and empowerment, Vallathol Narayana Menon's poem was more of contents which rosed Indian nationalism.
Purogamana Sahithya Prasthanam was the result of progressivism in the Malayalam language. It was previously known as Jeeval Sahithya Prasthanam. This led to the emergence of many visionary and progressive writers who had changed the preface of Kerala renaissance movements. Apart from Purogamana Sahithya Prasthanam, a progressive association including those who have involved in art merged to this idea and under the leadership of Vylopilli Sreedharamenon, Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham (Progressive Arts & Literary Organisation) was formed.
The desperation for social reforms and the revolutionary restructuring again give birth to organs like "Nataka prasthanam" were drama was used as a weapon to express social feelings. Dramas like "Adukkalayil ninnu arangathek" written by V T Bhattathirippad was one of the evident examples of reformist dramas that spoke against Namboothiri orthodoxy. M R Bhattathirippad and M P Bhattathirippad were also drama writers of this kind. Pattabakki, a play written by K Damodaran was a reformist drama supporting the peasants of Malabar.
Library movement started by Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker (P N Panicker) was another notable development during the renaissance in Kerala. He is considered as the father of library movement in Kerala. He has devoted most periods of his life to promoting people be literate and inculcating reading habits in them.
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Parvathy Nenmenimangalam was a Namboothiri (an upper caste of Hindus in Kerala) reformist who led the foundation of Antharjana Samajam. She also worked for widow's remarriage among Namboothiri caste and strived for the upliftment of women in this caste.
Arya Pallam was another prominent woman from Namboothiri caste and she was one among the woman leader in Kallumala revolt and Paliyam satyagraha.
A V Kuttimalu Amma was a brave woman leader in Indian freedom movement. She was even put in jail with her 14 years old baby. She was also a strong campaigner from Kerala for swadeshi movements, civil disobedience movement, and quit India movement.
Akkamma Cheriyan is another strong face among women leaders of Kerala renaissance and she was known as the Jhansi Rani of Kerala or Joan Arc of Kerala.
Some of the other famous leaders are Anna Chandi, Lalithambika Antharjanam, Lalitha Prabhu etc.
click here for more details>>>
The desperation for social reforms and the revolutionary restructuring again give birth to organs like "Nataka prasthanam" were drama was used as a weapon to express social feelings. Dramas like "Adukkalayil ninnu arangathek" written by V T Bhattathirippad was one of the evident examples of reformist dramas that spoke against Namboothiri orthodoxy. M R Bhattathirippad and M P Bhattathirippad were also drama writers of this kind. Pattabakki, a play written by K Damodaran was a reformist drama supporting the peasants of Malabar.
Library movement started by Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker (P N Panicker) was another notable development during the renaissance in Kerala. He is considered as the father of library movement in Kerala. He has devoted most periods of his life to promoting people be literate and inculcating reading habits in them.
click here for more details>>>
For eBook based on Complete syllabus above - Click here>>
Women & Social Change in Kerala
Some of the important women leaders who made a significant contribution to the social change in Kerala are discussed as follows. Many of them were part of Indian independence movement too.Parvathy Nenmenimangalam was a Namboothiri (an upper caste of Hindus in Kerala) reformist who led the foundation of Antharjana Samajam. She also worked for widow's remarriage among Namboothiri caste and strived for the upliftment of women in this caste.
Arya Pallam was another prominent woman from Namboothiri caste and she was one among the woman leader in Kallumala revolt and Paliyam satyagraha.
A V Kuttimalu Amma was a brave woman leader in Indian freedom movement. She was even put in jail with her 14 years old baby. She was also a strong campaigner from Kerala for swadeshi movements, civil disobedience movement, and quit India movement.
Akkamma Cheriyan is another strong face among women leaders of Kerala renaissance and she was known as the Jhansi Rani of Kerala or Joan Arc of Kerala.
Some of the other famous leaders are Anna Chandi, Lalithambika Antharjanam, Lalitha Prabhu etc.
click here for more details>>>
For eBook based on Complete syllabus above - Click here>>
Leaders of Renaissance in Kerala
- Ayya Vaikundar - founder of Samathva Samajam.
- Thycaud Ayya - founder of Saiva Prakasha Sabha.
- Sree Narayana Guru - founder of SNDP.
- Ayyankali - founder of Sadhujana Paripalana Sangham, leader of Kallumala Agitation.
- Chattampi Swamikal - social reformer born in Nair community and disciple of Thycaud Ayya.
- Brahmananda Sivayogi - founder of Anandamaha sabha and Ananadamatham.
- Vaghbhadananda - founder of Athmavidya Sangham.
- Poikayil Yohannan - founder of Prathyaksharaksha Sabha.
- Dr. Palpu - he is known as the political father of Ezhava's and was associated with Ezhava Memorial & Malayali Memorial.
- Sahodaran Ayyappan - founder of Sahodara Sangham, Vidyaposhini Sabha and conducted Misrabhojanam in Cherai.
- Pandit Karuppan - he is also known as the Lincon of Kerala, founder of Kalyanadayini Sabha, Araya Samajam etc.
- Pampadi John Joseph - founder of Cheraman Mahasabha.
- Mannath Padmanabhan - founder of Nair Service Society (NSS).
- V T Bhattathirippad - founder of Yoga Kshema Sabha.
- Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi - founder of Islam Dharma Paripalana Sangham.
For eBook based on Complete syllabus above - Click here>>
Are you bored of reading too much content? You would like to listen? Then here is the YouTube playlist for Kerala History & Renaissance -
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