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]
