Arya Pallam

Arya Pallam was a leader, communist,[1] feminist from Kerala who fought against oppression of upper class (Brahman) women. Arya along with Kanjoor Gauri Antherjanam, Kanjoor Kali Antherjanam participated in Yachanayatra[2] (hunger march) lead by V.T.Bhattathirippad which motivated Brahmin women to boycott their veil (Ghosha).[3] In a meeting of Yogakshema Sabha, an organisation founded by V. T. Battathirippad for upliftment of Brahman Women, at V.T. Battathiripad's House a resolution was passed under the leadership of Arya Pallam and Parvathi Nenmenimangalam to boycott cadjan umbrellas (Marakkuda) which was considered as a symbol of chastity among Brahman women and conducted a procession without cadjan umbrella. It was repeated in the Taliparamba session where, Parvathi Nenmanimangalam, Aryapallam and Devaki Narikkattari boycotted Ghosha (veil) and declared that chastity was not in "marakkuda" and they broke it. They also started wearing sari like other Indian women.

At Pazhoor session of Yogakshema Sabha, presided by K N Kuttan Namboodiri, Arya introduced a resolution called 'Anthapura Mardananeesanam'; which literarily translates to Stopping of oppressions inside the house.[4] She along with P. Priyadatta, E.S. Saraswati, I.C. Priyadatta, Rema Thampuratti and Indhira Thampuratti played an important role in Paliyam satyagraha (1947–48).[5]

She was also an elected member of Malabar district board. She is also a leader of Kathumuri Movement.