The Liberation of Women of South Travancore from the Systems of Pulapedi, Parapedi and Manapedi

Abstract

The article is intended to highlight “THE LIBERATION OF WOMEN OF SOUTH TRAVANCORE FROM THE SYSTEMS OF PULAPEDI, PARAPEDI AND MANNAPEDI”. There were certain customs prevalent in South Travancore among the unprivileged classes. The term Pulapedi means the fear of Pulayars, Parayars and Mannan. On a few days of the year, the avarnas (pulayas and parayas) were granted the right to frighten and to pollute high caste women. The 1696 proclamation is an important document in the social history of South Travancore.