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| Colonial Resident John Monroe, Kerala commons.wikimedia.org |
Above image: Colonial demonstrator of Kochi and Travancore (Kerala, S. India). John Monro (1775 to 1858), native of Glasgow, Scotland (UK), joined the EIC as a cadet. Recognizing his distinguished military services in the battle of Seringapatam (now in Karnataka) in 1799, East India Co promoted him and later his promotion was based on merit. He died in 1858 (aged 82) and was laid to rest in St. George CSI Church (British church built in 1869), Pallikkunnu of Kerala state. image credit: D.O.s Hill and Robert Adamson ...........
The temples of Kerala, dating back to the 10th century and beyond, have long been spiritual and cultural centers, dedicated to deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Ayyappa. People found solace at these places of worship where they made sacred covenant with the god. These temples fostered rich cultural traditions, including ritual folk performing arts such as Theyyam, Kothamooriyattam, Kanyar Kali, and Malavayiyattam which grew around the temples. .
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| Hindu temple of Kerala in native style. shutterstock.com |
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| Oppressive British rule in India 18th-19th CE mungfali.com |
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| British Residency in Kollam city]Col. John Munro |
Above image: British Residency, Kollam city for Colonial administrator. John Munro. Now a government guest house at Asramam, near the airport, it came up during the era of Rani Gowri Parvati Bai of Travancore, Kerala This two story palatial bungalow in native and European style (Tucson) was designed to keep the inmates of the residency cool during hot months.................
Temple Management and State Control: Munro convinced the Queen of Travancore to bring temple management under state control, converting temple revenues into state income. This move ensured that the subsidiary alliance fees due to the British East India Company were paid without fail. Munro declared that 62,000 acres of garden land and 548,000 acres of paddy fields owned by temples would fall under government control, boosting state revenue but disrupting temple finances.
Impact on Temples and Culture: Munro’s policies led to the transfer of vast temple properties to the state. As a result, many Devaswoms (temple trusts) came under government control, and their income was redirected to the state treasury, causing severe repercussions:
01. Temple Maintenance: Reduced income affected regular pujas and rituals.
02. Cultural Decline: Schools of performing arts associated wittemples suffered due to lack of funds.
03. Public Services: Annadhana centers, providing free food, declined in number.
Proclamation of 1865: The Proclamation of 1865 granted rights to holders of Pandara Pattom (government revenue) lands, previously temple properties, granting them fixity of tenure and proprietary rights. This undermined traditional temple trustees’ control and income.
Missionary Influence: A significant portion of temple lands and revenue was diverted to Christian missionary activities. This included the transfer of temple lands to mission establishments, which then used the income for agricultural and plantation activities, facilitating the spread of Christianity. This led to mass conversions, especially among lower-caste communities, who were enticed with promises of free education and other benefits.
Modern Relevance: The legacy of British interference in temple affairs is still felt today. The management of Hindu temples remains contentious, with government control often criticized for mismanagement and fund diversion. Contemporary political dynamics, where religion and caste are manipulated for electoral gains, exacerbate the situation.
Conclusion: The history of Kerala’s temples under British rule, particularly during John Munro’s administration, highlights the complex interplay between colonial ambitions, religious practices, and slow degradation of local culture. Munro’s social reforms had some positive aspects, but his overreach into temple affairs and alignment with missionary activities have left a lasting impact on Kerala’s religious and cultural landscape. Apart, the feudalistic land system authored by the British Raj created a socio-economic hierarchy wherein the majority of the rural population was left marginalized and impoverished. This disparity and exploitation neccesiated land reforms in the later yers in Kerala.
http://swatantramag.com/hindu.-temples-of-kerala-and-colonel-john-munros-reforms
https://ishwarsharan.com/2010/11/13/temple-looting-in-kerala-yesterday-and-today-leela-tampi
https://www.navrangindia.in/2023/07/gen-john-monroe-british-resident.html
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