Question

Analyse the circumstances that laid the foundation for the formation of the Kerala society based on gender equality.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Write about the circumstances such as various revolts, and contributions by prominent social reformers that laid the foundation for the formation of the Kerala society based on gender equality.

Solution:

• The position of women in Kerala society was not ideal due to the practice of rigid caste system and male domination.
• However, several revolts, such as the Channar revolt, Tolviraku revolt at Cheemeni in Kasargod and Mechipullu Revolt led by Kandaikai Kunhakkamma of Kandakai village, were initiated by women to break the chains of male domination.
• Various social reformers also tried to bring gender equality. For instance, V.T. Bhattathirippad, M.R. Bhattathirippad, Arya Pallam, Devaki Narikkattiri and Parvathy Nenmenimangalam supported the women of the Namboothiri community by protesting the inequalities and discrimination faced by the Namboothiri women, and by organizing various activities to improve the plight of Namboothiri women by making them self-sufficient.
• Plays such as Adukkalayil ninnu Arangathekku, written by V.T. Bhattathirippad, and Rithumati by Premji, also played a crucial role in laying the foundation of a society based on gender equality as these plays showed the tragic plight of the Namboothiri women.