Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker

[7][8] Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker is considered to be the first notable person to challenge the Savarnas of Kerala, and it led to many legendary struggles on behalf of both women and men, against the upper caste domination.

[3][9] In 1859, Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker spearheaded the Achipudava Samaram (strike for the right to wear lengthy lower garment, extending below the knees, by the women of backward communities) at Kayamkulam.

[2][3][11][13][14] The successful outcomes of these 19th century struggles, organized and led by Velayudha Panicker, played pivotal role in elevating the dignity of marginalised women in the society.

[2][3][7][9][15] In 1869, on his way to Padmanabhaswamy temple for the Murajapam (the chanting of prayers and recitation of three Vedas performed for a period of 56 days), Brahmin priest Tharananellur Nambudiri, was robbed of his Salagramam (sacred stone) in the backwaters of Kayamkulam.

Both the palace and police officials failed to find Kayamkulam Kochunni, who stole the Salagramam, after which, Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker, was enlisted with the task, who eventually captured him and submitted him to the Diwan.

[2][16] In 1874, a few upper caste men plotted against Velayudha Panicker and, murdered him in his sleep in the darkness of night during a boat journey, using the help of a converted Ezhava Muslim, Thoppiyitta Kittan.

Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, released a documentary, Munpe Nadannavan based on the life of Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker, directed by U K Sreejith Bhaskar, on 25 August 2022.