Question

The positive environment created by social reform movements allowed the state to legally carry forward which types of reforms?

• A. A. Industrial and technological reforms
• B. B. Financial and trade reforms
• C. C. Agrarian and social reforms
• D. D. Educational and administrative reforms

Answer 1

Answer:

C. C. Agrarian and social reforms

Role of Social Reform Movements in Kerala's Development

• The unique development trajectory of Kerala, often termed the 'Kerala Model of Development', is largely attributed to a strong foundation laid by vibrant social reform movements alongside subsequent progressive state policies.
• These movements created a fertile ground by challenging traditional power structures and advocating for social justice, making it possible for the state to enact far-reaching legal reforms.

Impact of Social Reform Movements:

• Prior to these movements, Kerala's society was highly stratified, marked by rigid caste hierarchies, widespread untouchability, denial of basic human rights, and exploitative land tenure systems.
• These movements vigorously campaigned against social evils, advocating for equality, education, and access to public spaces for all sections of society, especially the marginalized.
• Key Social Reformers and their Contributions:
  • Sree Narayana Guru (1856-1928): Championed the cause of social equality, advocating 'One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man'. He founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, which promoted education, modern values, and challenged caste-based discrimination, including temple entry restrictions.
  • Chattampi Swamikal (1853-1924): A contemporary of Sree Narayana Guru, he also worked to reform society, focusing on challenging caste rigidity and promoting Vedantic studies accessible to all.
  • Ayyankali (1863-1941): A prominent leader of the Pulaya community, he founded the Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham (SJPS). He fought relentlessly for the rights of Dalits, including their right to walk on public roads, access schools, and own land. His struggles, like the historic Perinad Revolt and the Kayal Sammelanam, brought significant attention to the plight of the marginalized.
• Significant Social Protests:
  • The Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25) and the Guruvayoor Satyagraha (1931-32) were pivotal non-violent agitations demanding the right of all castes to use public roads around temples and enter temples, respectively. These movements garnered widespread support, including from Mahatma Gandhi.
  • These efforts culminated in the Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936 by the Maharaja of Travancore, which legally allowed all Hindus, irrespective of caste, to enter temples. This was a landmark social reform.

State-Led Agrarian and Social Reforms

• The positive environment created by the social reform movements provided the political will and social acceptance necessary for subsequent elected governments to enact progressive legislation.
• These legislative measures largely focused on two critical areas: agrarian reforms and social reforms (especially in education and health).

Agrarian Reforms:

• Pre-reform Kerala suffered from extreme land concentration in the hands of a few landlords (jenmis), with the majority of the population being landless tenants or labourers.
• The Kerala Land Reforms Act, 1963 (and its significant amendments, particularly in 1969 and 1970) was a revolutionary piece of legislation.
• Key Provisions of the Land Reforms Act:
  • Abolition of Landlordism: It abolished the archaic jenmi (landlord) system, thereby ending centuries of feudal exploitation.
  • Conferment of Ownership Rights: Tenants (kanamdar, verumpattamdar, etc.) who cultivated the land were granted ownership rights over it. This significantly redistributed land and empowered millions of cultivators.
  • Land Ceiling: It fixed a maximum amount of land an individual or family could own, with surplus land being acquired by the state for redistribution to the landless.
  • Protection for Hutment Dwellers (Kudikidappukars): It granted ownership rights to landless labourers who had built their huts on others' land.
• Economic Impact: These reforms led to a more equitable distribution of land, reduced rural poverty, and weakened the economic power of the traditional elite, contributing to a more egalitarian society.

Social Reforms through Legislation:

• Building on the social awakening, the state implemented policies that aimed at universal access to social services.
• Education: Kerala invested heavily in public education, making it accessible to all, irrespective of caste or economic status. This led to achieving near 100% literacy much earlier than other Indian states, a cornerstone of the Kerala Model.
• Public Health: The state established an extensive network of public health centers, hospitals, and primary healthcare facilities across the state, ensuring affordable healthcare for all. This resulted in high life expectancy and low infant mortality rates, comparable to developed nations.
• Eradication of Discrimination: Laws were enacted to legally abolish untouchability (in line with Article 17 of the Indian Constitution) and ensure equal rights and opportunities in public life, education, and employment.