Ayyathan Gopalan
Rao Sahib Ayyathan Gopalan (3 March 1861 – 2 May 1948), popularly known as Darsarji and Darsar Sahib ("Darsar" means "doctor", derived from Latin word "docere" for doctor), was an Indian doctor, surgeon, professor, writer, philanthropist, social reformer, and Renaissance leader from Kerala. He is the founder of the Sugunavardhini movement (1900) and Depressed classes mission (1909) and also the leader and propagandist of Brahmo Samaj (1893) in Kerala. He denounced idol worship and fought to end those social practices in Kerala that he thought were unethical. Among his followers were Brahmananda Swami Sivayogi, Vaghbatananda, and Brahmavadhi P. Kunhiraman. Gopalan titled P. Kunhiraman as "Brahmavadhi" and Sivayogi as "Brahmananda Swami".
Rao Sahib Ayyathan Gopalan | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ayathan Gopalan 3 March 1861 Thalassery, Kerala, India |
| Died | 2 May 1948 (aged 87) Calicut Shanthi Ashram |
| Resting place | Santhi Gardens (Ayathan family cemetery, Calicut) |
| Other names | Darsarji, Darsar Sahib |
| Alma mater | Madras Medical College |
| Occupations |
|
| Notable work | Bhramodarma Malayalam (the Bible of Brahmo Samaj) Saranjiniparinayam Susheeladukham (musical dramas) |
| Movement | Sugunavardhini movement (1900), Depressed classes mission (1909) |
| Spouse |
Kallat Kausallya Ammal
(m. 1878–1930) |
| Children | 5 |
| Relatives | Ayyathan Janaki Ammal |
| Awards | Rao Sahib, |
| This article is part of a series on |
| Reformation in Kerala |
|---|
| Background |
|
| Notable people |
|
| Others |
|
He was awarded and honoured by the British government with the highest civilian award and title, the "Rao Sahib", for his services. The formation of the Sugunavardhini movement, Depressed classes mission and Brahmosamaj played a significant role in the Kerala reformation movement.