Pandit K P Karuppan | Kerala Renaissance - Important Personality To Study

 According to the official Kerala PSC syllabus for all levels—whether SSLC (10th), Higher Secondary (12th), or Degree—there are certain key personalities that candidates must study thoroughly. One such prominent figure is Pandit K. P. Karuppan. In this article, we will explore his life, contributions, and other significant facts that are essential for exam preparation.

“‘Kerala’s Lincoln’ – Pandit K P Karuppan”

Pandit Karuppan, founder of the Pulaya Mahasabha, spearheaded the historic Kayal Conference of 1913—a public assembly held on the backwaters where villagers tied their boats together to form a gathering space. Despite the struggle against the caste system, Dalit communities in Kerala weren't allowed to walk or use the roads or public spaces. Untouchability was also prevalent during the period

A stalwart fighter against social evils and superstitions in Kerala society, Pandit Karuppan’s contributions must be remembered for a long time.

---

Expanded Background & Legacy

While the column is brief, here’s additional context based on other reputable sources:

• Early Life & Education:
  – Born on May 24, 1885, in Cheranelloor near Ernakulam, to a modest family from the Dheevara/Pulaya community.
  – He studied Sanskrit and Malayalam in Kodungalloor and later worked under notable scholars, producing his first anti-caste poem Jathikummi in 1904 while at Kodungalloor Kovilakam at age 19.

• Literary & Reform Work
  – Renowned as a Sanskrit scholar, poet, and dramatist. He used literature to challenge caste hierarchies and social injustice.
  – Known as the “Lincoln of Kerala” for championing the rights of backward communities and promoting their educational and social upliftment.

• Leadership & Activism:
  – He was a founding member of the Cochin Pulaya Mahasabha, formed to give marginalized groups a political voice.
  – When state authorities denied meeting permission to Pulaya community members, Karuppan organized the Kayal Sabha (backwater assembly) by tying boats and holding the meeting on water, drawing public attention to caste discrimination.
  – He served as a member of the Cochin Legislative Council, first chair of the Malayalam Department at Maharaja’s College Ernakulam, and member of early Harijan welfare boards.

• Institution Building:
  – In 1909, he established a reading room (Vayana Shala) in Anapuzha that still operates today with a collection of over 40,000 books and more than 1,200 members.

• Death & Memorials:
  – Pandit Karuppan died of pleurisy on March 23, 1938, at the age of 53.
  – His memory is preserved through organizations, a memorial library in Cheranelloor founded in 1953, and annual commemorations.

---

Points to Ponder - Pandit K P Karuppan 

• Born in 1885
• Born at Cheranelloor (Ernakulam)
• Original name Sankaran
• Leader of Kayal Sammelanam in 1913 and  Founded Cochin Pulaya Maha Sabha
• Founded Kalyana Dayini Sabha ,  Prabodha Chandrodaya sabha , Vala Samudaya Parishkarini Sabha
• Founder of Araya Samajam in 1907
• Known as "Lincoln of Kerala"
• The title Sahityanipunan and  kavi thilakan (Great Poet) was given by Maharaja of Cochin
• The title Vidwan was given by Kerala Varma Valiya koi Thampuran in 1913
• Member of Cochin Legislative Council for a period of three years
• Famous book - Jathikummi , Acharabhooshanam , Dhruvacharitham ,  Chithralekha , Kairaleekouthukam
• Died in 1938