Origins & Early Life

Ayyankali (28 August 1863 – 18 June 1941) was an Indian social reformer, educator, economist, lawmaker, and revolutionary leader. He worked for the advancement of oppressed people in the princely state of Travancore. His struggles resulted in many changes that improved the socio-political structure of Kerala. His determined and relentless efforts transformed the lives of Dalits.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He is known as the King of Pulaya. Ayyankali was born on 28 August 1863 in Venganoor, Thiruvananthapuram, Travancore. He was the first of eight children born to Ayyan and Mala, who were members of the Pulayar community. The family led a marginally better life compared to other Pulayars as they were given 5 acres (2.0 ha) of land by the landlord with whom Ayyan was an "Adiyalan" (slave) spending all his time serving the Janmi or Zamindar (feudal landlord). Members of the Pulayar community generally worked as bonded labor for the Janmis during this time and did not have the right to own land or even enter temples to pray.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The region in which Ayyankali lived, which now forms part of the state of Kerala, was particularly affected by social divisions during his lifetime and was described as a "mad...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alfred de Vigny — Contemporary (Died in 1863) (1863): French poet and early Romanticist, known for his plays and novels.
• Andrés Bonifacio — Contemporary (Born in 1863) (1863): Father of the Philippine Revolution, founder of the Katipunan.
• Annie Jump Cannon — Contemporary (Born in 1863) (1863): Pioneering astronomer credited with the Harvard Stellar Classification Scheme.
• Alan Hodgkin — Contemporary (Born in 1914) (1914): Pioneering physiologist known for action potential theory and Nobel laureate.
• Albert Günther — Contemporary (Died in 1914) (1914): Pioneering zoologist and ichthyologist, renowned for extensive systematic descriptions of reptiles and fish.
• Albert Soboul — Contemporary (Born in 1914) (1914): Influential French historian specializing in the French Revolution and Napoleonic eras.
• Al-Shafi'i — Shared historical date (08-28 · Born) (767): Founder of the Shāfiʿī school of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence and jurist.
• Armie Hammer — Shared historical date (08-28 · Born) (1986): American actor known for roles in 'The Social Network' and 'Call Me by Your Name'
• Austen Chamberlain — Historical peer (Born in 1863) (1863): Influential British statesman, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and key figure in early 20th-century politics.
• Bob Fitzsimmons — Historical peer (Born in 1863) (1863): Pioneering Cornish-New Zealand boxer, first three-division world champion.
• 1863 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1863
• August 28 (08-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 28
• 1914 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1914