Social Revolution of Sri Vidyadhiraja Chattambi Swamikal

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to show the place of Sri Chattambi Swamikal in the context of Kerala modernity. The making of the contemporary Kerala society was profoundly influenced by its ideological orientations during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. During this period several socially sensitive reformers tried to imbibe ideas of modernity and enlightment in society. Chattambi Swamikal was one of the well-known social reformers in India. He was a philosopher, a poet, a mystic, and a social revolutionary. He desired to spread the message of the mystic experience and the presence of divine to one and all in society In Kerala, the activities of Chattambi Swamikal and Narayana Guru encompassed the dimensions. His thoughts and actives have catalyzed many social movements and reforms in Travancore. Swamikal along with his contemporary, Narayana Guru and Ayyankali during 19th century strived hard to fight against caste system and social injustice that existed in Kerala a century ago. He also worked for emancipation of women and encouraged them to overcome creation of social disabilities of the Travancore society. He propagated the principles of ‘Ahimsa’ and preached for the classless society. Chattambi Swamikal articulated Advaita Vedanta and drew upon it in his social engagement. In the realm of the Kerala social reforms, his thoughts generated change which positively shaped masses towards freedom and provide further interpretative insights in to the ideological make up of Kerala society.