ROLE OF ERANAD REGION IN MALABAR REBELLION

The Eranad region of present-day Malappuram district occupied a central position in the Malabar Rebellion, one of the most significant anti-colonial uprisings in the history of British India. As the principal centre of agrarian discontent, religious mobilisation, and nationalist sentiment, Eranad witnessed intense resistance against colonial authorities and the prevailing landlord system. The rebellion emerged from a combination of socio-economic exploitation, peasant grievances, the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation movements, and long-standing tensions between tenants and landlords. Several prominent leaders from Eranad mobilised local peasants and volunteers, transforming the region into the epicentre of the uprising. Although the movement initially reflected anti-colonial aspirations, it gradually assumed communal and violent dimensions, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction. Despite its controversial legacy, the rebellion remains an important episode in India’s freedom struggle and the socio-political history of Kerala. This study examines the pivotal role of the Eranad region in the Malabar Rebellion by analysing its historical background, socio-economic conditions, political mobilisation, major events, and long-term consequences. The study also evaluates the rebellion’s contribution to agrarian reforms, regional identity, and historical memory.

Keywords

eranad region, malabar rebellion, agrarian conflict, british colonial rule, khilafat movement, peasant resistance, kerala history.

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To cite this article

Saritha, K. (2026). Role of Eranad Region in Malabar Rebellion. Sparkling International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Studies, 9(2), 25-34.