The
smoke and fire of riots got extinguished, but new fuel was being added
in the form of social and economic problems. Those who could not
withstand the pressures took refuge in other religions.
The following report in 'Mitawadi' (Jan 1916) throws light on conversions.
"Last week 102 Pulayas were converted by London Mission Church in Perinadu and Ashramam. If one considers the problems being faced by the low castes, one would not be surprised. When they were Hindus the Pulayas faced many discriminations at the hands of the upper castes. When the freedom with which the converts move with other members of Christian congregation, immediately after conversion, embracing of another faith is like 'moksha'.
Why? Even we are of the opinion that if one is to get the freedom as a human being, one must get oneself babtised or wear a 'thoppi' (Muslim cap). When we or those lower in the caste hierarchy shout 'Ho' now and then to warn the untouchables on our path, we may not be able to take for granted the patience of untouchables who move away from our path. But one can't disagree with the fact of their lacking in aggression. Why do we laugh at Pulayas who convert to Christianity? Do we want them to always remain a Pulaya? We are ourselves undergoing progressive changes. Some are asking if we want the Pulayas to remain Pulaya always? Why should they suffer as slaves?
It has become doubtful if water touched by Nair is clean enough for higher castes to drink. Doubts about the propriety of Theeya students eating in Shudra hostel has not been cleared. After deciding these cases only the decision about the Pulaya case will come. When that will be is anybody's guess. Instead of waiting forever, it is better for Pulayas to take a short cut. If we donot want to let Pulaya leave the Hindu fold, it is due to our selfish motives."
For giving up their old fashioned stone necklaces led to many atrocities on women. Some news report on it is as follows:
"...A man asked a Pulaya woman as to where her stone necklaces were. 'I cut them off at the Sabha', she answered. He took out a knife and said, 'Right. Then I am cutting off your ear too'. We are saddened by this news. Though this happened in a state ruled by the local Raja; it is surprising that it happened when we were part of the British Empire.('Mitavadi' Feb 1916)
"We had reported earlier about a Pulaya woman's ear being cut off near Kollam for not wearing stone ornaments. This has been repeated from other places also." ('Mitavadi' April 1916)
Unceasing agitations were organised and petitions submitted by the Dalit leaders asking that these atrocities be put down to no effect.
"When Dewan Bahadur Mr Rajagopalachari passed orders to appoint Pulayas to Sreemoolam Praja Sabha, there was trouble. There was severe unrest when he declared freedom of travel for Pulayas on the roads where they had never walked before. And, when he odered the entry of Pulaya children to schools, troubles seemed endless."
The following report in 'Mitawadi' (Jan 1916) throws light on conversions.
"Last week 102 Pulayas were converted by London Mission Church in Perinadu and Ashramam. If one considers the problems being faced by the low castes, one would not be surprised. When they were Hindus the Pulayas faced many discriminations at the hands of the upper castes. When the freedom with which the converts move with other members of Christian congregation, immediately after conversion, embracing of another faith is like 'moksha'.
Why? Even we are of the opinion that if one is to get the freedom as a human being, one must get oneself babtised or wear a 'thoppi' (Muslim cap). When we or those lower in the caste hierarchy shout 'Ho' now and then to warn the untouchables on our path, we may not be able to take for granted the patience of untouchables who move away from our path. But one can't disagree with the fact of their lacking in aggression. Why do we laugh at Pulayas who convert to Christianity? Do we want them to always remain a Pulaya? We are ourselves undergoing progressive changes. Some are asking if we want the Pulayas to remain Pulaya always? Why should they suffer as slaves?
It has become doubtful if water touched by Nair is clean enough for higher castes to drink. Doubts about the propriety of Theeya students eating in Shudra hostel has not been cleared. After deciding these cases only the decision about the Pulaya case will come. When that will be is anybody's guess. Instead of waiting forever, it is better for Pulayas to take a short cut. If we donot want to let Pulaya leave the Hindu fold, it is due to our selfish motives."
For giving up their old fashioned stone necklaces led to many atrocities on women. Some news report on it is as follows:
"...A man asked a Pulaya woman as to where her stone necklaces were. 'I cut them off at the Sabha', she answered. He took out a knife and said, 'Right. Then I am cutting off your ear too'. We are saddened by this news. Though this happened in a state ruled by the local Raja; it is surprising that it happened when we were part of the British Empire.('Mitavadi' Feb 1916)
"We had reported earlier about a Pulaya woman's ear being cut off near Kollam for not wearing stone ornaments. This has been repeated from other places also." ('Mitavadi' April 1916)
Unceasing agitations were organised and petitions submitted by the Dalit leaders asking that these atrocities be put down to no effect.
"When Dewan Bahadur Mr Rajagopalachari passed orders to appoint Pulayas to Sreemoolam Praja Sabha, there was trouble. There was severe unrest when he declared freedom of travel for Pulayas on the roads where they had never walked before. And, when he odered the entry of Pulaya children to schools, troubles seemed endless."
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