The Women and Socio-Cultural Changes in Kerala During the Sixteenth Century

The present article is an attempt to portray the position of women in Kerala during the Sixteenth century depicting the socio-cultural traits of the women of this period. The Kerala society of Sixteenth century was organized on the basis of religion and caste. The socio-cultural trait of each caste and religion varied and so also the customs. The life of women of this period is reconstructed on the basis of the Portuguese contemporary documents. Though patriarchy was prevalent among various castes of Kerala matrilineal system also existed among some castes of Kerala. Among the Nairs and Tiyas matrilineal system existed, whereas among the Nazranis patriarchy prevailed. With the coming of the Portuguese and their interaction through various synods and councils, lot of changes occurred in the life of women in Malabar. The present article tries to throw more light on the socio-cultural traits of the women of Kerala and the changes that happened due to Portuguese interaction during sixteenth century.