The 1921 Malabar Resistance: Re-examining a Multi-layered Anti-Colonial Movement
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Modern Indian History (Peasant movements, Khilafat & Non-Cooperation Movement, Malabar Rebellion of 1921).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Modern Indian History & Post-Independence): The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country. The interpretation of historical events like the Malabar Resistance is a classic Mains topic, often involving historiographical debates.
Key Highlights from the News
The article argues that viewing the 1921 Malabar Rebellion (Malabar Resistance of 1921) merely as an agrarian revolt (peasant movement) or communal riot is an incomplete picture.
New studies indicate that it was a powerful people's movement against British colonial rule (anti-colonial resistance).
This uprising, led by figures like Ali Musaliar, was inspired by agrarian issues (exploitation by landlords), the Khilafat movement, and the Non-Cooperation movement.
Hindu-Muslim unity (Hindu-Muslim unity) was a significant factor in this rebellion. Both communities stood together in the fight against the British and the landlords.
Terms like "Moplah Rebellion" (Moplah Rebellion) are colonial constructs used by the British to denigrate the uprising.
The article states that the historical experience of Islam in South India is different from North India, and the harmonious coexistence in Malabar is an example of this.
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