Advent of christian missionaries in travancore a socio religious identity of the oppressed

Abstract

The Thesis entitled Advent of Christian Missionaries in Travancore A Socio-Religious Identity of the oppressed seeks to unravel, the Social and economic disabilities of the people of South Travancore in detail and their fight for obtaining social identity and equal rights. During 18th and 19th centuries the people suffered and they fought with the missionaries and won significant success. As no attempt is made on this topic, an attempt is made to bring to light their fight. newline The thesis consists of eight chapters excluding the introduction and conclusion. The introductory part which deals with the Topography, the political history of Travancore provides a brief history of Travancore. The first chapter deals with the communal divisions, the caste hierarchy and their effect on the social life of the people. The second chapter deals with the obstructions to the social identity, Feudalism, Oozhiam and Viruthi services and their effect on the social life of the people. The third chapter deals with the advent of Christianity, the syrians, Roman Catholics and the Protestants. The fourth chapter deals with the work of the early missionaries and preparing the people for the fight. The fifth chapter deals with the work of the protestant missionaries to create social awakening among the people of Nagercoil area. The sixth chapter deals with the work of the missionaries to create social awakening among the people of Neyyoor, Marthandam and Parasala areas. From there the work radiated to other parts of Travancore. The Seventh chapter deals with the fight for social identity and abolition of feudal levies and slavery. The eighth chapter deals with the fight for equal rights, the upper cloth revolts of 1822, 1828 and 1858 and their consequences. The other part of the chapter deals with the fight for temple entry and consequent proclamation of 1836. newline