M.R. Bhattathiripad: Advocated Nambudiri Brahmin Reforms, Opposed Caste in Kerala

 

M.R. Bhattathiripad: Advocated Nambudiri Brahmin Reforms, Opposed Caste in Kerala

Introduction

Mullamangalath Raman Bhattathiripad (1908–2001), popularly known as MRB, was a visionary social reformer, writer, and cultural leader from Kerala’s Nambudiri Brahmin community. Born into an orthodox Nambudiri family, MRB dedicated his life to reforming the rigid customs of his community and challenging the caste system that oppressed lower castes in Kerala. As a key member of the Yogakshema Sabha, a reformist organization, he used literature, drama, and activism to awaken his community and society at large. His efforts were part of Kerala’s broader reformation movement, which sought to dismantle caste hierarchies and promote equality. MRB’s work transformed the Nambudiri community and inspired social change across Kerala.

Reasons for Inception of Nambudiri Brahmin Reforms

The Nambudiri Brahmin reforms, championed by MRB, arose due to several social, cultural, and economic factors:

Orthodox Nambudiri Customs: The Nambudiris, Kerala’s highest-ranking Brahmin caste, followed strict traditions. Only the eldest son could marry within the caste, while younger sons entered sambandam (concubinage) with Nair women, whose children could not inherit Nambudiri status. This limited marriage opportunities and perpetuated social inequality.

Caste Oppression: The Nambudiris, along with Nairs, enforced untouchability and ritual pollution norms on lower castes like Ezhavas and Pulayas. Lower castes were denied temple entry, education, and basic rights, creating deep social divides.

Economic Disparities: As landowners (jenmis), Nambudiris controlled vast agricultural lands, while lower castes worked as tenants or laborers. This economic dominance reinforced caste hierarchies.

Influence of Western Education: The spread of English education and missionary schools in Kerala exposed young Nambudiris like MRB to ideas of equality and rationality. Exposure to reform movements like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj further inspired change.

Kerala’s Reformation Movement: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw lower-caste leaders like Narayana Guru and Ayyankali challenge caste norms. Their success motivated Nambudiri reformers to address their community’s role in perpetuating inequality.

Internal Community Issues: Nambudiri women (antharjanams) faced severe restrictions, living in seclusion and denied education. The community’s resistance to modern education and widow remarriage stifled progress, prompting young reformers to act.

The Yogakshema Sabha, founded in 1908, became the platform for Nambudiri reforms. MRB, along with reformers like V.T. Bhattathiripad, joined the Sabha to modernize their community and align it with broader social justice goals.

 

Course of Reforms under M.R. Bhattathiripad

MRB’s reformist journey was marked by bold initiatives that challenged Nambudiri orthodoxy and caste hierarchies:

Yogakshema Sabha Activism: MRB joined the Yogakshema Sabha, which aimed to abolish outdated customs like sambandam and promote education for Nambudiri men and women. The Sabha advocated widow remarriage, modern education, and the right of younger sons to marry within the caste.

Literary Contributions: MRB used his skills as a writer to awaken society. His play Marakkudakkullile Mahanakar (The Great Hell Under the Umbrella), staged by the Sabha, criticized Nambudiri conservatism and caste oppression. The play, performed by reformers like Arya Pallam, sparked debates on social change.

Advocacy for Women’s Rights: MRB supported the Antharjana Samajam, a women’s wing of the Yogakshema Sabha, which encouraged Nambudiri women to reject seclusion, pursue education, and participate in public life. He backed initiatives to establish libraries and hold meetings for women’s empowerment.

Opposition to Caste System: MRB challenged the Nambudiri’s role in enforcing untouchability. He supported lower-caste movements like the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25), which demanded temple entry for all Hindus. His writings condemned caste as a tool of oppression.

Paliyam Satyagraha (1947): MRB inspired Nambudiri women, led by Arya Pallam, to participate in the Paliyam Satyagraha, a protest against the ban on lower castes using a road near the Paliyam Kovilakam in Kochi. This marked a historic moment, as Nambudiri women stepped into public activism for the first time.

Promotion of Inter-Caste Unity: MRB worked with reformers from other communities, such as Narayana Guru’s SNDP Yogam, to foster unity across castes. He believed dismantling caste required collaboration between upper and lower castes.

Cultural Leadership: As a Malayalam writer, MRB contributed to Kerala’s cultural renaissance. His works blended reformist ideas with literary beauty, making complex social issues accessible to the masses.

MRB’s approach combined intellectual persuasion with grassroots activism. He faced resistance from orthodox Nambudiris but gained support from progressive youth and lower-caste leaders.

Results and Impact of MRB’s Reforms

MRB’s efforts yielded transformative outcomes for the Nambudiri community and Kerala’s society:

Modernization of Nambudiri Community: The Yogakshema Sabha’s reforms, driven by MRB, ended practices like sambandam and primogeniture. Younger Nambudiri sons gained the right to marry within the caste, and widow remarriage became acceptable.

Empowerment of Nambudiri Women: The Antharjana Samajam liberated Nambudiri women from seclusion. They accessed education, joined public movements, and contributed to Kerala’s social and national struggles, as seen in the Paliyam Satyagraha.

Weakening of Caste Barriers: MRB’s support for lower-caste movements like the Vaikom and Guruvayoor Satyagrahas helped secure temple entry and public access for all Hindus. His advocacy fostered inter-caste dialogue and reduced untouchability.

Cultural Renaissance: MRB’s plays and writings enriched Malayalam literature, making it a vehicle for social reform. His work inspired a generation of writers and activists to address caste and gender issues.

Contribution to Kerala’s Reformation: MRB’s efforts complemented the work of Narayana Guru, Ayyankali, and others, creating a holistic reformation movement. Kerala became a model for social equality, with progressive policies like land reforms and universal education.

National Impact: By aligning Nambudiri reforms with India’s freedom struggle, MRB contributed to the broader fight for social justice. His emphasis on equality influenced post-independence policies, such as reservations and anti-discrimination laws.

Conclusion

M.R. Bhattathiripad was a beacon of change in Kerala’s rigid caste society. His courage to challenge his own community’s orthodoxy and his commitment to uplifting lower castes transformed the Nambudiri Brahmins and Kerala as a whole. Through the Yogakshema Sabha, his literary works, and his support for women and lower castes, MRB sowed the seeds of equality and rationality. His legacy lives on in Kerala’s progressive ethos and its commitment to social justice. MRB’s life teaches us that reform begins with self-reflection and the will to build a fairer world.