Social revolution in a Kerala village: a study in culture change

Aiyappan, A.

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Social revolution in a Kerala village: a study in culture change

Asia Publishing House • New York • Published In 1965 • Pages:

By: Aiyappan, A..

Abstract
Following the formation of Kerala in 1956, a series of social reforms were implemented that were designed to improve the welfare of lower-caste groups previously deemed "untouchable" by the culturally and politically dominant Brahmin and Nayar castes. One involved the opening up of temples, government offices, commercial cinemas, and related public spaces to members of all caste groups. Although the reforms greatly reduced—and in some cases even abolished—the most problematic aspects of caste life, this study shows the rise of new processes and drivers reinforcing preexisting caste-based affiliations and related ideologies. The most important of these were the local and, in some cases, regional organization of political parties along caste and, to some extent, religious lines.

Prophets and ascetics

Government regulation

Education system