V.T. Bhattathiripad: Supported Nambudiri Reform, Promoted Social Equality in Kerala

 

V.T. Bhattathiripad: Supported Nambudiri Reform, Promoted Social Equality in Kerala

Introduction

Vellithuruthi Thazhathu Karutha Patteri Raman Bhattathiripad, fondly known as V.T. Bhattathiripad or simply V.T., was a beacon of change in Kerala’s Nambudiri community. Born on March 26, 1896, in Mezhathur, Malabar, V.T. was a social reformer, dramatist, and freedom fighter who dedicated his life to breaking the chains of casteism and conservatism within the Nambudiri Brahmin community. His efforts were pivotal in promoting social equality, empowering women, and modernizing Kerala’s rigid social structure. Through his writings, plays, and active participation in reform movements, V.T. transformed the lives of Nambudiri women and inspired broader societal change. His autobiography, Kanneerum Kinavum (Tears and Dreams), and his iconic play, Adukkalayil Ninnu Arangathekku (From the Kitchen to the Stage), remain timeless contributions to Malayalam literature and social reform.

Reasons for Inception

The Nambudiri community, one of Kerala’s most privileged Brahmin groups, was steeped in orthodoxy during the early 20th century. Several factors sparked V.T.’s resolve to initiate reforms:

Rigid Caste System and Gender Inequality: Nambudiri women, known as Antharjanams, lived in seclusion, confined to the inner quarters of their homes. They were denied education, freedom of movement, and the right to remarry if widowed. Only the eldest son in a Nambudiri family was allowed to marry within the community, leaving younger sons to form alliances with lower-caste women, which further reinforced caste hierarchies.

Social Stagnation: The Nambudiri community clung to outdated customs, such as child marriage and dowry, which stifled progress. These practices isolated them from the modernizing influences of the Indian independence movement and social reform initiatives elsewhere.

Influence of National Movements: The Indian National Congress and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi inspired V.T. to question social inequalities. His participation in the Congress’s Allahabad session exposed him to progressive ideas, fueling his desire to reform his own community.

Personal Experiences: V.T. witnessed the plight of Nambudiri women in his own family, including the suffering of widows. The excommunication of his brother, M.R. Bhattathiripad (MRB), for marrying a widow, deeply affected V.T. and strengthened his resolve to challenge oppressive norms.

Rise of Yogakshema Sabha: The Nambudiri Yogakshema Sabha, founded in 1908, aimed to modernize the community by promoting education and widow remarriage. V.T. found a platform in this organization to amplify his reformist ideas.

Course of the Movement

V.T. Bhattathiripad’s reform efforts were multifaceted, blending literature, activism, and personal example to drive change. His journey unfolded as follows:

Literary Contributions: V.T. used his pen as a powerful tool for reform. His play Adukkalayil Ninnu Arangathekku (1929) was a groundbreaking work that depicted the struggles of Nambudiri women. Staged by the Yogakshema Sabha, it criticized the confinement of women to domestic roles and advocated for their participation in public life. The play’s bold message resonated across Kerala, sparking debates on gender equality.

Yachana Yathra (Begging March): In 1931, V.T. organized the Yachana Yathra, a seven-day march from Thrissur to the Chandragiri River, to raise funds for widow remarriage and education. This march was both a protest against casteism and a call for social awakening. It drew attention to the plight of Nambudiri women and garnered public support for reform.

Advocacy for Widow Remarriage: V.T. challenged the taboo against widow remarriage by supporting his brother MRB’s marriage to a widow and later arranging his sister-in-law’s remarriage. These acts defied community norms and led to V.T.’s excommunication, but they set a precedent for change.

Collaboration with Reformers: V.T. worked closely with other Nambudiri reformers like E.M.S. Namboodiripad, a future communist leader, to promote education and social equality. Together, they encouraged Nambudiri youth to embrace modern ideas and reject caste-based discrimination.

Participation in Freedom Struggle: V.T.’s involvement in the Indian independence movement broadened his perspective. His expulsion from the Nambudiri community for attending Congress sessions only deepened his commitment to social justice.

Results of the Movement

V.T. Bhattathiripad’s efforts yielded significant outcomes, reshaping Kerala’s social landscape:

Empowerment of Nambudiri Women: The reforms initiated by V.T. liberated Nambudiri women from seclusion. They gained access to education, the right to remarry, and opportunities to participate in public life. The staging of Adukkalayil Ninnu Arangathekku inspired women to step out of the kitchen and into society.

Weakening of Caste Barriers: V.T.’s advocacy for inter-caste marriages and the abolition of discriminatory practices challenged the Nambudiri community’s exclusivity. His efforts aligned with broader anti-caste movements in Kerala, fostering social integration.

Strengthening of Yogakshema Sabha: The Yogakshema Sabha became a powerful platform for reform, promoting progressive ideas like women’s education and economic independence. V.T.’s leadership revitalized the organization’s mission.

Literary Legacy: V.T.’s writings, including his autobiography Kanneerum Kinavum, provided a vivid account of the Nambudiri reform movement. His works continue to inspire scholars and activists, earning him a distinguished fellowship from the Kerala Sahitya Akademi in 1976.

Inspiration for Future Reforms: V.T.’s movement paved the way for Kerala’s broader social renaissance, influencing reforms among other communities, such as the Ezhavas and Pulayas. His emphasis on education and equality contributed to Kerala’s high literacy rates and progressive social policies.

Conclusion

V.T. Bhattathiripad was a visionary who transformed the Nambudiri community and Kerala society at large. His courage to challenge deep-rooted customs, combined with his creative use of literature and activism, made him a pioneer of social equality. The Yachana Yathra, his iconic play, and his advocacy for widow remarriage broke the shackles of tradition, empowering women and weakening caste barriers. V.T.’s legacy lives on in Kerala’s progressive ethos, reminding us that change begins with the courage to dream and act. His life is a testament to the power of compassion and determination in building a just society.