Kalparhy struggles and flag hoisted Ezhavas

Abstract

Kerala witnessed many anti-caste movements from the early decades of 19th century it self. Agitations lead by Ayyankali at Perinadu, Aruvippuram consecration of Sreenarayanaguru etc are examples of that. Anti caste movements in Kerala were sharpened by extreme caste based feudalism. Apart from the traditional varna system, Kerala society was deeply stratified with Namboodiri Brahmins at the top and marginalised communities are facing severe untouchability and restrictions. Anti caste protections in Kerala were shaped by spiritual egalitarianism. Social reformers in Kerala  used religious and spiritual assertions as a weapon against brahmin domination. Another character of public protest in Kerala was  massive agitation for  freedom of mobility  through roads adjacent to temples owned by Brahmins. After the 'villuvandi' agitation of Ayyankali a series of  similar agitation had take place in  different parts of Kerala.Sucheendram struggles, market struggle in Nedumamgad, Vaikom Satya griha,Kalparhy struggles are few of them.But none of them recieved country wide attention except Vaikom satyagriham. This article discuss Kalparhy struggles in Palakkad district in which Ezhavas community championed the chief role. Their immediate desire was to enter in the Agrahara premises of Kalparhy, where famous Viswanatha swamintemple and ratholsavam was held. Christian and muslims had the right to enter there,while Ezhavas and lower caste were forbidden. Even after many attemptes Ezhavas was not allowed to enter inside, then many of them decided to join Islam and Christianity More 80  Ezhavas families  had got converted to christian and islam religion. In this situation Arya samajam tried to bring back them to Hinduism. Eventhough  Kalparhy struggles could not achieve its goal all on a sudden, this movement stand unique  in the history of Kerala on account of religious conversion.