Ayyankali and Dalit Liberation Movement in Kerala: A Historical Analysis

This book is the outcome of my Post-Doctoral research and is fruitful endeavour to see the mysteries of the movement of Ayyankali. History has been witness to several key social reformers who have left an indelible mark in paving the way for the empowerment of dalits. A prime example is Kerala’s remarkable social reformer, Ayyankali – a subaltern hero who has been long forgotten in the annals of history. The condition of Kerala before 20th century was more pathetic. Kerala society then was not based on the principles of freedom and equality. It was a caste ridden society. The lower caste people were suppressed in almost all fields. They were the victims of untouchability, unapproachability and unseeability. The mere sight of them was considered as polluting by the upper castes. They were even not permitted to enter the temples, public roads and the roads leading to temple premises, courts, and markets and so on. Among the reformers, the role played by Ayyankali is significant. He was a man from the downtrodden community. Through his fearless actions, he played a vital role in the upliftment of lower caste people in Kerala, particularly the Pulaya community. He was a remarkable social reformer, politician, and leader who fought for the rights and dignity of the oppressed in the princely state of Travancore, Kerala. He challenged the caste system and its discriminatory practices and advocated for education, land ownership, and labour rights for the Dalits.