Tenancy Legislation in Malabar, 1880-1970

Book excerpt: In agrarian societies land is the most important means of wealth and source of power and prestige. Rights in land are often hereditary with power and prestige. Therefore, changes in the tenurial system and the pattern of ownership will have far reaching effects on the social order. The Indian peasantry appeared as a formidable force against foreign domination after the imposition of British authority. Investigates the impact of British rule in the agrarian relations of Malabar district, in the Madras presidency which came under the direct rule of the British in 1792 and the consequent complexities in landlord tenant relations. The various tenancy legislations and later land reforms in the State of Kerala are also studied. The relations of the Peasant movement with the nationalist movement and the role of the Malabar peasantry in the anti-imperialist, anti-landlord struggles are discussed at length.