Hindu Land Holders. The Malabar rebellion (also known as the Moplah rebellion and Māppila Lahaḷa in Malayalam) was an armed uprising in 1921 against British authority in the Malabar region of Southern India by Mappilas and the culmination of a series of Mappila revolts that recurred throughout the 19th century and early 20th century.
1. Agrarian Exploitation
Most Moplah peasants were tenants working under Hindu landlords called jenmis. High rents and lack of tenant rights created severe dissatisfaction.
2. British Policies
The British administration supported landlord interests, which increased resentment among peasants.
3. Khilafat Movement Influence
The Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement inspired political mobilization among Muslims.
4. Religious and Political Tensions
Religious emotions and anti-colonial feelings further intensified the conflict.
Nature of the Rebellion
Initially, the movement was:
- Anti-British
- Agrarian in character
- Focused on peasant grievances
However, as violence spread, communal clashes also occurred in several regions.