Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-I – History, Modern India
Why in news?
The 1921 Malabar Rebellion or Moplah Riots turns 100 next year.
In other words, the year 2021 will mark the 100th year anniversary of the Malabar/Moplah uprising of 1921.
About Malabar Rebellion
Malabar Rebellion of 1921 was the culmination of a series of riots by Moplahs (Muslims of Malabar) in the 19th and early 20th centuries against the British and the Hindu landlords in Malabar (Northern Kerala).
The resistance which started against the British colonial rule and the feudal system later ended in communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.
The Moplah Rebellion or the Malabar Rebellion was an extended version of the Khilafat Movement in Kerala in 1921.
The main leaders of this rebellion were:
Variyankunnath Kunjahammed Haji
Sithi Koya Thangal
Ali Musliyar
Background:
In 1921 the Muslim peasants of the Malabar districts of Kerala known as the Moplahs rose against their landlords, the Namboodris and Nairs. These upper classes exploited the peasants. The Moplahs had no security of their tenure.
The renewal of fees, high rents and other extractions by the zamindars, broke the backbone of the Moplahs. They became united and made armed attacks on the Namboodris, Nair’s and other higher castes. The British Government became active and suppressed them.
