Poykayil Yohannan and Social Reform in Kerala

Vocabulary flashcards covering the life, religious reform, historical empowerment methods, and political actions of Poykayil Yohannan (Kumara Guru).

Poykayil Yohannan (1879-1939)

A prominent social reformer and leader born in Eraviperoor near Thiruvalla who fought for the rights of enslaved castes in Kerala and realized organized religion failed to provide true equality.

Eraviperoor

A location near Thiruvalla where Poykayil Yohannan was born into an oppressed agricultural family bonded to a Christian landlord.

Marthomite Christian

The Christian denomination that Poykayil Yohannan initially belonged to, which failed to liberate his family from traditional caste bondage.

Field Missionary Assistant

The early career role Poykayil Yohannan held within the Christian religious framework before becoming alienated from missionary tasks.

Poykayil Kumaran

The original name that Poykayil Yohannan reverted to in 1909 after making the decision to leave Christianity entirely.

Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha (PRDS)

A new religion founded by Poykayil Kumaran in 1910 to specifically address the spiritual and social needs of oppressed communities.

Pulayas, Parayas, and Kuravas

Examples of slave castes throughout Travancore who joined Kumara Guru's Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha.

Poykayil Appachan

A respectful title meaning spiritual leader given to Kumara Guru by his followers in the PRDS.

Atimasanthathikal

A term meaning 'children of slaves' used by Kumara Guru to address his followers, acknowledging their historical reality to prepare them for emancipation.

Dravidian Civilization

The South Indian civilization to which Kumara Guru connected his followers' ancestry, showing they were descendants of a great civilization before being destroyed by Aryan intruders.

Ayyankali

The leader whose political platform Kumara Guru utilized to implement political ideas and advocate for oppressed communities.

Sree Moolam Praja Sabha

The formal political assembly in which Kumara Guru secured nominations in 1921 and 1931 to advocate for the rights and welfare of his people.

Poetry (Kumara Guru's Tool)

Practical artistic tools composed by Kumara Guru to build self-confidence, offer social criticism, and make complex political ideas accessible to people without formal education.