Course of the Revolt: The Mappila Revolt started in August 1921 and spread rapidly throughout the Malabar region. It involved a series of violent clashes between the Mappilas and the British administration, as well as the Hindu landlords. Some key features of the revolt were:

The rebels targeted British symbols of authority, such as police stations, courts, and government offices. They aimed to challenge the British colonial rule and establish their own self-governance.

The revolt was primarily an agrarian uprising, with the Mappila peasants attacking and occupying the estates and lands of the Hindu landlords. They sought to reclaim their rights to land and resources. The Mappilas employed guerilla warfare tactics, utilizing the dense forests and difficult terrain of the region to their advantage. They engaged in hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, making it difficult for the British forces to suppress the rebellion.

The British administration responded to the revolt with a heavy hand, deploying military forces and imposing martial law. They conducted punitive operations, including burning villages, mass arrests, and summary executions, in an attempt to crush the rebellion. The revolt was gradually suppressed by the British forces by early 1922. The Mappilas faced heavy casualties, and the rebellion was effectively brought under control through a combination of military action and coercive measures.

Consequences:

• Loss of Life and Property: The revolt resulted in significant loss of life and property on both sides. Many Mappila peasants were killed, and their villages were destroyed.
• Repression and Retribution: The British administration implemented repressive measures, including mass arrests, torture, and public hangings, to suppress any further dissent.
• Socio-political Impact: The Mappila Revolt had a lasting impact on the social and political landscape of Malabar. It led to a significant decline in the influence of the traditional feudal landlords and brought attention to the issues of land reforms and tenant rights.
• Communal Tensions: The revolt also exacerbated communal tensions between the Muslim and Hindu communities in the region. It led to a deepening of religious divides and mistrust.
• Historical Legacy: The Mappila Revolt is remembered as a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression and socio-economic injustices. It remains an important event in Kerala’s history and is commemorated by the Mappila community as a struggle for land and justice.

In conclusion, the Mappila Revolt was a significant uprising by the Mappila Muslim community against the oppressive social and economic conditions imposed by the British colonial administration and Hindu feudal landlords. It was a response to years of exploitation and discrimination, and while it was ultimately suppressed, it brought attention to the issues of agrarian reforms, tenant rights, and religious equality.