History · Spectrum Books A Brief History of Modern India
Chapter 55 : Caste Movements
Table of contents5 sections
- 1.Caste Movements
- 2.Major Caste Movements, Leaders, and Outcomes
- 3.Key Terms
- 4.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 5.Quick-Recall Box
Chapter preview
Caste Movements
Major Caste Movements, Leaders, and Outcomes
The following table details the major caste movements in modern India, their geographical spread, leadership, underlying causes, and the resulting organizations or publications.
Key Terms
| Concept | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ezhavas / Iravas | A depressed class community in Kerala whose rights were championed by the Aravippuram Movement led by Shri Narayana Guru. |
| Shanars | An untouchable community in Tamil Nadu who imitated kshatriya customs to emerge as the Nadars. |
| Mahars | A depressed class community in Maharashtra mobilized for upliftment by B.R. Ambedkar. |
| Kaivartas | A community in Midnapore, Bengal, who initiated a movement in 1897 onwards and later became known as the Mahishyas. |
📌 Exam Tidbits
- Chronology of Ambedkar's Organizations: Depressed Classes Institution (1924) → Samaj Samta Sangh (1927) → Scheduled Caste Federation (1942).
- Key Journals & Publications:
- Kudi Arasu: Started by Periyar in 1910.
- Bahiskrit Bharat: A Marathi fortnightly founded by B.R. Ambedkar in 1927.
- Harijan: A weekly founded by Gandhi in 1933.
- Legislative Success: The Justice Party Movement directly resulted in the 1930 Government Order, which provided reservations to groups in Madras.
- Nair Movement Institutional Split: C.V. Raman Pillai formed the Malayali Memorial in 1891, whereas M. Padmanabha Pillai set up the Nair Service Society later in 1914.
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View plans Chapter 56 : 7. Newspapers and Journals