Home > Indian History > History of India > Socio Religious Movements in South India
Socio Religious Movements in South India
Socio Religious movements in South India were mostly popular among the lower castes and the untouchables.

Share this Article:

Socio Religious Movements in South India, Socio-Religious Reform MovementsSouth India has always been popular for rich cultural diversity and tradition. The region was predominantly populated by the Hindus during the British period. People following the other religions like Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, etc. also lived in South India. Many socio religious movements in South India have been formed during the British period. The main objective of most of the movements was to eliminate the evil rituals practiced in different religions. Making positive social changes and improving the overall quality of living was also another objective of the socio religious movements in South India.

The Veda Samaj was one of the most important and influential socio religious movements in South India. The Samaj was founded at Madras city in 1864, mainly due to the efforts made by Sridharalu Naidu and Keshab Chandra Sen. Keshab Chandra Sen was one of the prominent leaders of Brahmo Samaj in Bengal and he visited Madras to spread the new religious ideals. The Veda Samaj accepted the theistic ideals of the Brahmo Samaj; however, it remained within the borders of Hinduism. Thus the ideals of both these associations were similar. The members of Veda Samaj considered marriage and the funeral rituals as `matters of routine, destitute of all religious significance`. They raised strong voices for `discarding all sectarian views, of gradually abandoning caste distinctions, of tolerating the view of strangers and never offending anyone`s feelings`. Both Brahmo Samaj and Veda Samaj were aimed at opposing polygamy and child marriage and supported widow remarriage.

Socio Religious Movements in South India, Socio-Religious Reform Movements Another prominent socio religious movement in South India was started by Swami Narayan Guru. The movement was started by the Izhavas in Kerala. Though the Izhavas were considered untouchables in the society of Kerala during that period, they had a higher status than the lowest castes like the Nayadis, Puluyas and Cherumas. The Izhavas were experts in coconut cultivation and toddy-tapping and some of them were also trained in Sanskrit and the traditional medical system of Ayurveda. However, they faced several restrictions regarding their dress, customs and religious practices and they were not allowed to attend schools with high-caste children. They were also not allowed to take jobs in government sector, enter Hindu temples or have idols of the higher gods in their own temples. All these restrictions sparked rebellion among the Izhavas and by the mid-nineteenth century, they started making attempts to improve their status in the society. They had their own temples, where the Izhava priests conducted the necessary rituals. In 1854, they established the first Izhava temple to worship Lord Shiva, something that was hitherto forbidden to the Izhavas. Swami Narayan Guru later transformed this form of agitation for an improved status of the Izhavas, into a socio-religious movement. Swami Narayana Guru became successful to formulate a doctrine that was aimed at improving the social position of the Izhavas. His message of social change was carried by groups of volunteers who travelled from village to village and town to town. The volunteers asked people from their community to abandon the old unacceptable customs.

The society in South India was mostly dominated by the people from Hindu religion and the Brahmans used to dominate all the other castes in Hinduism. The main reason behind most of the socio-religious movements in South India was the tension between Brahmans and non-Brahmans. The transitional and acculturative movements were mainly formed among the most depressed classes of the society, the untouchables. The long presence of Christianity in South India and the conversion of many lower caste Hindus to Christianity was another cause behind the socio religious movements in South India.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.