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Abstract

The Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangam(SJPS) was formed under Ayyankali's leadership in 1907.The organization was not meant for any single caste but it unified all the depressed servile people (sadhu janam). Thus, Ayyankali was successful in creating a platform for the Dalits for the first time. Ayyankali established the Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangam with a view of activating his community to seek the path of progressive change and reform. He began the first step towards the social emancipation of his brethren. There were violent clashes on several occasions but  Ayyankali was went upon putting an end to the obsolescent practice of social discrimination. The militant attitude of this fearless fighter had telling effect, and the caste Hindus were forced to move in accordance with the social change of the time. The Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangam also palyed an important role in the contemporary social movements. The SJPS and its activities can be considered the genesis of the emergence of modern Dalit consciousness in Travancore.

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