The socio economic aspects of dalit colonies in Kerala

Abstract

This study reinterprets Kerala as a developmental state by tracing its complex evolution from early colonial settlements to government-sanctioned caste colonies. It explores the social, economic, and cultural dimensions of these transformations. This version streamlines the sentence while maintaining its depth. Let me know if you'd like further adjustments! Initially established as spaces to mitigate social disruptions by relocating agricultural laborers, plantation workers, and other marginalized groups, these colonies underwent a significant transformation during the colonial period. A pivotal policy aimed at “upgrading the condition of Dalit communities” effectively redefined the term “colony,” evolving it into a marker of social segregation and caste identity. Employing a multifaceted approach, the study draws on historical records and critical examinations of policy measures including the establishment of early colonies in Amarpuram (1917) and Chalakudy (1919), and the later formation of the Palakkad Nayadi colonies (1926) to unravel the complexities underpinning land rights, collective living,and caste discrimination. The analysis further interrogates how influential figures such as Ayyankali, Poykayil Appachan, Gandhi, and Ambedkar shaped public discourse around caste and land ownership. By tracing the shift from forced resettlements to the institutionalization of ghetto-like spaces, the paper highlights how these practices not only solidified caste hierarchies but also influenced the broader mechanisms of capital formation and social development. In doing so, the study underscores the necessity of a multidimensional perspective to understand the intertwined historical, socio-economic, and cultural forces that continue to shape Kerala’s developmental trajectory.