During colonial rule, South India witnessed several socio-religious reform movements. These were influenced by northern movements like Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj. Reformers targeted caste discrimination, women’s rights, and education. Movements like the Veda Samaj, SNDP, and Self-Respect Movement reshaped society by promoting equality and challenging orthodoxy.

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• Reform movements challenged caste system, promoted women’s rights, education
• Inspired by Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj in North India
• Veda Samaj founded in 1864 in Madras; supported widow remarriage, girl education
• Chembeti Sridharalu Naidu translated reformist texts into Tamil, Telugu
• Kandukuri Veeresalingam led women’s reforms in Andhra; started Telugu social journal
• SNDP movement by Narayan Guru uplifted Kerala’s Ezhava community
• Vokkaligara Sangha in 1905 Mysore led anti-Brahmin movement
• Self-Respect Movement in 1925 by Periyar fought Brahminical dominance
• Reformers targeted Devadasi system, pushed temple reforms and public control
• Emphasis on rationalism, equality, revival of Dravidian identity