Question

Which social reformer from Kerala had a mastery over various languages like Malayalam, Urdu, Arabic, Sanskrit and Persian?
A.Vakkom Abdul Khader Maulavi
B.Sree Narayana Guru
C.Chattampi Swamikal
D.Vaikunda Swamikal

Answer 1

Hint:He was the founder of magazines Muslim and Al Islam and the newspaper Swadeshabhimani. He was a social reformer, teacher, prolific writer, muslim scholar, journalist, freedom fighter and newspaper proprietor in Travancore, a princely state of the present day kerala,India.

Complete answer:
Vakkom Abdul Khader Maulavi was a reformer, scholar, freedom fighter and the founder of newspaper Swadeshabhimani in Travancore, presently in Kerala. Since his newspaper criticized the British government widely, it was banned.He was born to a prominent merchant in 1873who engaged scholars from various parts of India to impart the best education for his son. Maulavi was an excellent learner and all his teachers praised him for his ability to understand and comprehend things at a fast pace. In a very short period, Maulavi learned many languages like Malayalam, Urdu, Arabic, Sanskrit and Persian.

In January 1905, he started his newspaper Swadeshabhimani telling people that his newspaper would expose all injustices done by the britishers on Indian people. In 1910 this newspaper the press was sealed by the government. The editor Ramakrishna Pillai was also arrested.After this incident, Maulavi diverted his efforts on social activities. He also wrote several books like Daussabah and Islam Matha Sidantha Samgraham.Maulavi is considered as the father of Muslim renaissance. He brought forward the need for women education, modern education and elimination of wrong customs. He also worked as the chairman of Muslim board of government of Travancore.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note:He instilled a sense of unity and oneness amongst the Muslim community voicing his thoughts in All Travancore Muslim Mahajanasabha. His activities were essential part for the formation of Muslim Aikya Sangham which was a united forum for the Muslims of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar amongst other regions also.