Question

Why abolition of slavery in Travancore in 1855 was frustrating for upper castes?

• A. Because the freed slaves resorted to riots.
• B. Because the freed slaves refused to work under the upper castes.
• C. Because upper caste people felt that they would lose control over the freed slaves.
• D. Because freed slaves converted to Christianity.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Because upper caste people felt that they would lose control over the freed slaves.

The abolition of slavery in Travancore in 1855 led to even more frustration among the upper castes who felt they were losing control. In October 1859, riots broke out as Shanar women were attacked in the marketplace and stripped of their upper cloths. Houses were looted and chapels burned. Finally, the government issued another proclamation permitting Shanar women, whether Christian or Hindu, to wear a jacket, or cover their upper bodies ‘in any manner whatever, but not like the women of high caste’.