Revolution Within - by T K Anandi (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book argues that the social reform movement in Kerala contributed to the growth of progressive democratic movements there.

Book Synopsis

Revolution Within portrays an important phase in the social reform movement of Kerala, where a major transformation took place within the upper-caste, patriarchal Nampudiri Brahmin households initiated by the youth and women, which challenged the pre-modern Brahminical moral codes, gendering process and modes of reproduction and inheritance, and resulted in a transformation of the Brahmin households. The book also shows how this internal revolutionary transformation later merged with an overall social change in Kerala. It argues that this transformation contributed to the growth of progressive democratic movements in Kerala and helped focus the gender question in this process.

Review Quotes

Extensive research using interviews and sources like newspapers, government documents, family records, diaries, etc, is employed to look at how women used their private domain to organise themselves and fight modes of patriarchy. In the end, the question remains, how far have women achieved what they set out to do? Or, have modern hypocritical modes of control replaced patriarchy to gift them with an illusion of freedom? 'Revolution Within' is an engaging read for anyone and everyone.--Sindhu V Nair "The Tribune"

For any sociological study on Indian communities and any feminist research, T K Anadi's book is an informative and enriching contribution, for historical pursuits too.--Papri Sri Raman "Mainstream Weekly"

About the Author

T.K. Anandi, a freelance researcher and a social activist, specializes in gender studies and has undertaken a number of projects on women in Kerala. She is currently the gender consultant, Gender Council, Government of Kerala.