Modern Kerala: Studies in Social and Agrarian Relations

This collection of research papers, related to social and agrarian relations of modern Kerala, is yet another significant contribution of Prof. K.K.N. Kurup to the historical literature on Kerala. In these thirteen research papers collected in this book, the author unfolds different aspects which led to the birth of modern Kerala. In a feudalistic and caste-oriented society, dominated by medieval institutions and landmonopoly-houses, there have been structural changes. The old jenmi system has disappeared and has been replaced by ?peasant agriculture?. In this long historical process, eminent people from William Logan to E.M.S. Namboodiripad had played significant roles in bringing the disintegration of feudal institutions and shaping the modern society of Kerala. It is hoped that this book dealing with those developments would satisfy the curiosity of the student who is interested in the study and research of the history of Kerala in its varied aspects of medieval institutions and modern transformations.

Dr. K.K.N. Kurup (b. 1939), obtained M.A. (History) degree form the University of Calicut in 1971 which he joined as Lecturer in History in 1972. He was awarded Ph.D. degree in 1976 from the same University. He visited London in 1978 on a research programme sponsored by the U.G.C. and the British Council. He continued his research in the Archives of Basel and also Hague. In 1982 he headed the newly started Department of History, University of Mangalore, he came back to the University of Calicut and in 1983 visited Cuba on a cultural exchange programme for study of the agrarian relations and peasants revolts in Cuba. He visited some of the universities in West Germany and the Netherlands to co-operate with some of their short term research projects and seminars. He participated in 1986 in the IXth International Economic History Congress held in Bern and the World Malayalam Congress in West Berlin. He was a delegate to the Indo-Soviet seminar held in Moscow in 1988 on the History of Peasants in struggles. Dr. Kurup has several research publications both in English and Malayalam. His book, The Pazhassi Revolts, won the Damodaran Award,in 1981. His works include The Ali Rajas of Cannanore (1975), The Kayyur Riot (1978), Kavalapara Papers (1984), History of the Tellicherry Factory (1985) etc. He is associated with several scholarly bodies and associations in India and abroad.