Crafting a community by modernising caste occupation rise and fall of fisheries schools in malabar district 1918 1956

Abstract

Colonial modernity, a complex process of cultural, economic, and political transformation in colonized societies under European rule, often involved the violent imposition of Western modernity, disrupting traditional cultures and ways of life. Malabar society‟s exposure to modernity and British governance contributed significantly to this intellectual evolution. The lower strata of Malabar society were initially excluded from the benefits of colonial modernity due to their religious beliefs and strong adherence to tradition. However, social reformers and colonial interventions encouraged them to seek education as a means to escape servitude and suffering. Colonial education and socio-religious reforms challenged traditional institutions. English-educated individuals, facing societal challenges, led reforms to modernize society. The present study is organized into four main chapters, excluding the introductory and concluding sections. This research focuses on the modernization of the fisheries sector in the coastal regions of Malabar and South Canara during the colonial period. It examines how these changes impacted fishing communities, including social and economic effects. The study also investigates the role of the British colonial government in modernizing the fishing industry through the introduction of vocational education, specifically by establishing specialized schools for fishermen. The primary objective is to enhance our understanding of fisheries education during the colonial era. Sir F A Nicolson initiated a transformative movement in the fisheries sector by establishing cooperative societies to uplift fisherfolk communities along the West Coast. New scientific technologies were brought into the fish curing yard and experiment station. He also established fish curing yards in the coastal belts. Theschemes introduced by the British government to uplift fishermen and introduce new technology into fishing were ultimately exploited by intermediaries. Colonial policies, including taxes on fishing equipment and a salt monopoly, disrupted the livelihoods of Malabar‟s fishing communities. The revocation of fishing rights in 1935 further threatened their existence. The fisherfolk agreed to a licensing system to protect their profession from encroachment. This decision, though forced, was crucial in safeguarding their resources.