Abstract
As Pulayas were the primary producers, agricultural production depended up on the labour of these groups. this paper attempts to the historical roots of the transition of the tribes into the castes, the condition of the Pulayas during the pre-colonial and colonial period and the effects of the abolition of slavery on Pulayas are also highlighted. In ancient period Kerala was a part of Thamilakam.Society in ancient Thamilakam was tribal in character. The division of population into castes and communities were absent in the Sangam period. Social evils like the denial of equal opportunity, exploitation and untouchability were unknown during that period.Various social groups like the Panar, the Parayar, and the Kuravar enjoyed social freedom and social equality. (Elamkulam P.N.Kunjanpillai, 1921,Keralam Anchum Arum Noottandukalil)
Keywords
References
2. M.G.S.Narayanan, Foundations of South Indian Society and Culture, Bharathiya Book Corporation, Delhi, 1994, p.44.
3. Rajan Gurukkal ,M.R.Raghava Warrier (ed.), Cultural History of Kerala, Vol.1, Department of Cultural Publications, Government of Kerala, 1999, p.252.
4. K.NGanesh, Keralathinte Ennalakal, (Mal.), Kerala Basha Institute, Thiruvanathapuram, 2011, pp.160-161.
5. V.T.Rajeshekar, Caste, A Nation With in the Nation, Karnataka, 2007, p.4.
6. M.G.S., Narayanan, Perumals of Kerala, Calicut University Press, Calicut, 1996, p.153.
7. Kesavan Veluthat, Brahman Settlements In Kerala Historical Studies, Cosmo, Thrissur, 2013,p.24
8. M.G.S.Narayanan, Cultural Symbiosis in Kerala, Kerala Historical Society, Thiruvanathapuram, 1972, p.1.
9. N. K. Jose, Pulaya Lahala, Malayalam,(here after Mal.), Prakasam Publications, Kottayam, 1982, p.3.
10. C.,Achutha, Menon , Report on the Census of Cochin, 1891, Part 1, Government Press, Cochin, 1893,p.152.
11. K.C.Alexander, ‘Changing Status of Pulaya Harijans of Kerala’, Economic and Political Weekley, Vol.3,No.26/28,1968, p.1071.
12. Elamkulam P.N.Kunjanpillai Charithrathinte Paschathalathil (Mal.), Sahithya Pravarthaka Sangham, Kottayam, 1961, p.156.
13. N. K. Jose, Pulaya Lahala (Mal.), Prakasam Publications, Kottayam, 1982, p.3.
14. Kanippayyur Sankaran Namboothiripad, Aryanmarude Kudiyettam Keralatthli,(Mal.),Vol.2, Kunnamkulam, 2009, p.86.
15. K. Saradamoni, Emergence of a Slave Caste: Pulayas of Kerala, Peoples Publishing House, New Delhi, 1980.
16. Ward and Conner, Memoir of the Survey of the Travancore and Cochin State, Vol.I, Government of Kerala, 1863, p.150
17. Information gathered from, Kunjumon, Retired Village Officer, Craganore Taluk, 21.5.2015.
18. M.Achuthan,Writing Indian History A View from Below, Samya Publications, New Delhi, 2009,p.205.
19. P.J.Cheriyan, Perspectives on Kerala History, Kerala State Gazetteer, Vol.II, Part II, Thiruvanathapuram, 1999, P.458.
20. P.Sanal Mohan, Modernity of Slavery, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2015, p.17.
21. Report on the Census of Cochin, 1891, Part 1, Government Press, Cochin, 1893, p.23.
22. K.S.Chalam, Economic Reforms and Social Exclusion, Sage Publications, New Delhi, 2011, p.147.
23. C. Achutha Menon, History of Education in Cochin, Government Press, Ernakulam, 1925, p.8.
24. Report on the Administration of Cochin, 3rd March 1919 to 18th April 1922, Cochin Government Press, Eranakulam, 1923, P.XXVII.
25. T.H. P .Chantharassery, Ayyankali,( Mal.),Thiruvanathapuram, 1989, p.44.
26. Quoted from Velayudhan Panikkasseri,’ Excerpts from Ayyankali’, in Dasan, M.,et.al, (ed.), The Oxford India Anthology of Malayalam Dalit Writing, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2012,p.203.
27. Archives Letters in 1914,R A E, p.14.
28. Diwans Proceedings, 1910, P.26; Archives Letters, 1958, R A E,p.12.
Cite This Article
Use one of the citation formats below when referencing this article.