Question

Which of the following was an organisation founded by Poykayil Sreekumara Gurudevan?
A) Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam[SNDP]
B) Sadhujana Paripalana Sangham [SJPS]
C) Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha[PRDS]
D) Sree Moolam Praja Sabha [SMPS]

Answer 1

Hint:Poykayil Sreekumara Gurudevan made it to the Travancore Sreemoolam Prajasabha and initiated many legislative reforms for his people and similar depressed social sections.

Complete answer:
Kerala was plagued with many social caste problems in the early 20th century.Many social activists introduced various reforms to improve the lives of the depressed classes.All the organisations mentioned in the options were great ,significant movements in Kerala which shaped the coming generations of the people. These movements were against the oppressive upper castes and their slavery.We shall now see the options:-

Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam[SNDP]- SNDP , formed in 1903 was founded by Dr. Padmanabhan Palpu under the guidance of Sree Narayana Guru. SNDP was one of the foremost organizations to envisage Kerala as a whole, and one of the most powerful castes in India. As the founder is different hence, this is incorrect.
Sadhujana Paripalana Sangham [SJPS] - The Sadhujana Paripalana Sangham was formed in 1907 by a famous social reformer, Ayyankali to campaign for education for Dalits in Kerala with the support of the government of Travancore. Hence this is incorrect.
Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha[PRDS]- .Poykayil Appachan or commonly known as Kumara Gurudevan was a revolutionary Dalit leader and social reformer from Eraviperur , near the erstwhile Travancore whio formed the PRDS. He helped the early and original inhabitants of the region, who were enslaved by the dominant upper caste Hindus and Christians to get their rights. Therefore this is the correct option.
Sree Moolam Praja Sabha [SMPS]- In 1904, the lower house under the leadership of Sri Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma called the Sree Moolam Popular Assembly (known in the local language as Sree Moolam Praja Sabha) was formed with total of 88 members to provide for increased participation of the people in the administration . Hence this is the incorrect option.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C) Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha[PRDS].

Note:Gurudevan's efforts bore fruit with people outside the periphery of Tiruvalla came to form PRDS units in various parts of Travancore in early 20th century. People hailing from various Dalit communities co-operated with him, contributing to the general emancipation spirit of the Kerala renaissance.