Distress Relief and Social Reform in Malabar: The Role of A. V. Thakkar

Abstract

There was a spate of social reform movements in Kerala in the early decades of the 20th century. These were initiated mainly by religious and spiritual leaders. A few communal organizations also arose during this period and sought to cure the ills from which their particular community was suffering. Besides religious zeal, they were motivated by progressive views. They fought against superstitious practices as well as caste based social discrimination. Despite all these eventualities, Malabar was rather insulated by these progressive developments. Following the rebellion of 1921, Malabar became a center of national attention, as the entire area was thoroughly devastated by the aftermath of the riot, socially, culturally, and economically, and paralyzed politically. Great personalities associated with several service organizations flocked to the area to conduct relief, reconstruction, and reform activities on a massive scale.