'Malabar rebellion not a Jihad', asserts US historian Stephen F Dale

In this special interview with Onmanorama, prominent historian from the United States, Sephen F Dale, asserts that Malabar rebellion was not a Jihad or holy war. Dale, who researched on the rebellion in the 1970s, is the author of a seminal book - Islamic Society on the South Asian Frontier: The Mappilas of Malabar - which is often quoted by historians and those participating in discussions. He is an emeritus professor at the Ohio State University.

Dale also reveals that he does not completely subscribe to either colonial or Hindu right-wing narrative (that treats the rebellion as attacks by fanatic Muslim against Hindus) or the nationalist or Marxist perception (that considers the rebellion as a fight against imperialism) about the historical event. He also explains why the rebellion was confined to just three taluks in south Malabar and why it failed to get the national attention it deserved, among other things.

Photos: Fahad Muneer, Wikimedia Commons & map from RH Hitchcock's book 'History of the Malabar Rebellion'

Edits: Alex Pappachan

Producer/ Presenter: TA Ameerudheen