Sri Narayana Guru & Renaissance in Kerala | Contributions of Sri Narayana Guru in Social Reform Movements in India | KAS Mains Practise Question 2

This article is all about Sri Narayana Guru and his contributions to social reform movements in India including renaissance in Kerala. Here we discuss 2 sample questions related to Sri Narayana Guru which can be good practise questions for Kerala Administrative Service Mains Examination. The questions are as follows.

Q.1 Discuss the role of Sri Narayana Guru in social reform movements in India.

Introduction

Sri Narayana Guru is a saint, prophet and social reformer from Kerala. His words and deeds ignited sparks of revolution that led to a remarkable cultural renaissance in the profligate society of Kerala.

Contributions of Sri Narayana Guru in Social Reform Movements in India.

1. Temple entry

• Aravipuram Movement was launched by Sri Narayana Guru in 1888. On that day, Sri Narayana Guru defied the religious restrictions traditionally placed on the Ezhava community, and consecrated an idol of Shiva at Aravipuram. 
• In 1925 Guru supported the famous Vaikom Satyagraha movement, which demanded entry for lower caste people in the Shiva temple at Vaikom and all temples in Kerala. 

 2. He redeemed the downtrodden human from the curse of caste-ism . ‘Oneness of Humanity’ was his dream.

• His famous message “ One Caste, One Religion and One God to Mankind ”, which was a clarion call to the mankind to unite, instead of breaking down in the name of caste and religion. 

 3. He believed that other than the freedom from the curse of untouchability, the downtrodden classes needed education and wealth . They needed opportunities to improve like others.

• Sri Narayana Guru articulated a doctrine aimed at improving the Ezhavas ’ social position. He urged them to abandon the occupation of toddy tapping and to abstain from liquor. 

 4. He formed a programme of action known as the Sri Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP).

• The Yogam took up several issues, including the right of admission to public schools, recruitment to government employment, entry into temples, on roads and political representation. 

 5. Guru did not approve polygamy and polyandry . He discouraged some unnecessary traditions in marriage.

 6. Religious harmony

• He considered all religions to be a way for man’s goodness and welfare and thus are equal. 
• He held that the essence of all religions is one and the same, and advocated the comparative study of all faiths. 

 7. Literature

• Sree Narayana Guru had proficiency in Sanskrit, Malayalam and Tamil and had written by way of hymns of prayer to different gods in all three languages, translations, philosophy and teachings. 
• Some of the notable ones are “ Atmopadesa Sathakam ” and Darsanamala ” which give in condensed way the moral and spiritual principles. 

8. Sree Narayana Guru has made a silent revolution , without any blood shed or hatred, but with evoking respect and cooperation from all concerned.

Conclusion: Sri Narayana Guru - The father of Kerala renaissance


 Q 2. In many ways Sri Narayana Guru can be called as ‘Father of Kerala Renaissance’. Do you agree? Discuss.

 Introduction

 Brief about Sri Narayana Guru and his unparalleled contributions.

 Why Sri Narayana Guru is in true sense the father of Renaissance in Kerala?

1. Upliftment of Oppressed : SNDP Yogam
2. Against Untouchability – Aruvippuram Consecration 
3. Promotion of Education 
4. Against social evils like thalikettukalyanam, thirandukuli etc. 
5. Advocated for prohibition of intoxicants 
6. Stood for social equality 

 Conclusion : ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God for mankind’.

Video Explanation

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