Question

Choose the incorrect statement:

1. Chattampi Swamikal actively promoted vegetarianism as part of his reform agenda.
2. Swamikal cited sources from the Vedas to support traditional caste practices.
3. Swamikal advocated for women’s empowerment, encouraging them to take active roles in society
4. The longest work of Chattampi Swamikal was Kristhumatha Niroopanam

• A. i, iii
• B. ii, iv
• C. ii only
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer:

B. ii, iv

Vegetarianism as part of his reform agenda

• Chattampi Swamikal believed in Ahimsa (non-violence) and advocated for a lifestyle that avoided harm to living beings.

• As part of his beliefs, he encouraged vegetarianism, which aligned with his principle of compassion and non-violence toward all life forms.

Advocated for women’s empowerment

• Swamikal was progressive in his views on gender equality too.

• He believed in the importance of women’s emancipation and encouraged women to step forward and participate more actively in societal roles.

• This was a significant stance, given the limited role that women were typically afforded in 19th-century Kerala society.

Vedic sources to challenge caste system

• While Swamikal did use the Vedas as a foundation for his teachings, he did not cite them to support traditional caste practices.

• In fact, he used Vedic sources to challenge and criticize the orthodox, caste-ridden interpretations of Hinduism prevalent in his time.

• His work aimed to reform the caste system and make Hindu practices more inclusive and less rigid.

Chattambi Swami's Important Works: 

• Pracheena Malayalam (Longest work)

• Vedhadhikara Niroopanam 

• Mokshapradeepa Khandanam

• Christumatha Niroopanam