TRIBAL FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF KERALA

Abstract

Kerala is one of the regions that did not play a major role in the history of freedom struggles of India. Although the region has a history of uprisings and agrarian struggles led by left movements that led to improvements in indices relating to health and awareness, there is not much to show when it comes to continuous and strong struggles against foreign occupation. However, history books have not given due credit to some valiant struggles against the colonials, which were sustained over long periods, at great human cost. The credit for this goes to the tribal communities of the hills of what is today the state of Kerala. This book is an attempt at capturing this lost or forgotten history that have not been recognized or recorded with due importance. Tribal struggles have occurred during different time periods , against different aggressors, with differing objectives.

Although there is some record available about three distinctive instances, more research is needed to flesh out the exact period, places and participants in these struggles and the results that were accomplished. The three theatres of these battles were Wayanad, Idukki and Kasaragod, which have different tribal communities. These are stories of resistance, continued agitations, and community uprisings.