Who among the following women social reformer and activist of 20th century Kerala actively participated in the Paliyam Satyagraha of 1947?

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

Arya Pallam was a prominent Nambudiri woman social reformer who actively participated in the Paliyam Satyagraha of 1947-48.
This satyagraha was a significant movement in Cochin (now part of Kerala) demanding the right for all castes, including avarnas (lower castes), to use the public road near the Paliyam family's residence.
Her participation was a radical act, as she came from a conservative background to fight against caste-based untouchability and for civil rights.

Option A: Akkamma Cheriyan was a key figure in the Travancore State Congress and is famous for leading a massive rally to the Travancore palace in 1938. Her primary sphere of activity was the Travancore freedom struggle, not the Paliyam Satyagraha in Cochin.
Option B: Anna Chandi was a pioneering feminist and jurist who became the first female judge in India (1937) and later a High Court judge (1959). Her contributions were primarily in the legal and judicial fields, not in leading satyagrahas.
Option C: While associated with social reform, historical records do not prominently link Kamalambal to a leading role in the Paliyam Satyagraha. Her name is sometimes mentioned in the context of earlier movements like the Vaikom Satyagraha.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Role of women in Kerala's social reform movements as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the history of social reform movements provides context for the evolution of civil rights and social justice in India.
The participation of women like Arya Pallam challenged both caste and patriarchal norms, highlighting the intersectional nature of social struggles.
These movements were foundational in establishing the principles of equality and public access that are now enshrined in law.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Paliyam Satyagraha', '1947', and 'women social reformer'.
The question requires specific historical knowledge about social reform movements in Kerala.
Evaluate each option based on their known historical contributions. Differentiate their primary areas of influence (e.g., politics, judiciary, specific movements).
Distinguish between the major satyagrahas in Kerala: Vaikom (1924-25), Guruvayur (1931-32), and Paliyam (1947-48), as they involved different leaders and goals.
Recall or deduce that Arya Pallam was the key woman activist from the given options who was directly involved in the Paliyam Satyagraha, which focused on the right to use a public road.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Role of women in Kerala's social reform movements
Stem keywords: women social reformer, activist, 20th century Kerala, Paliyam Satyagraha, 1947
Lead-in keywords: Who among the following
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Practise the full KPSC Staff Nurse - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.