Concept notes: The Rajakars were a paramilitary force formed in the princely state of Travancore-Cochin during the pre-independence era. They were primarily supported by the Nair Service Society (NSS) and feudal elements, and they opposed the Communist-led movements in the region. The Rajakars received support from the Dora, a group of landlords and feudalists, who were against the land reforms proposed by the Communists.
Explanation: The Rajakars were a paramilitary force that emerged in the princely state of Travancore-Cochin during the pre-independence era in India. They were primarily supported by the Nair Service Society (NSS) and feudal elements, who were opposed to the Communist-led movements in the region. The Rajakars were formed to counter the growing influence of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and its efforts to implement land reforms and other social changes.
The Dora, a group of landlords and feudalists, played a significant role in supporting the Rajakars. The Dora were traditional landowners who were threatened by the land reforms proposed by the Communists. These reforms aimed to redistribute land from large landowners to the landless and poor peasants, which would have significantly reduced the power and wealth of the Dora and other feudal elements.
The Rajakars were armed and trained to resist the Communist movements and maintain the status quo. They were involved in several violent confrontations with the Communist-led movements, particularly during the 1957 and 1959 Kerala Land Reforms Agitations. The Rajakars were seen as a reactionary force, opposing the progressive changes sought by the Communists.
The support of the Dora and feudalists for the Rajakars was rooted in their shared interest in maintaining their economic and social power. The Dora and feudalists feared that the land reforms and other social changes proposed by the Communists would undermine their traditional privileges and economic interests. Therefore, they aligned themselves with the Rajakars to resist these changes and protect their interests.
In summary, the Rajakars received the support of the Dora and feudalists because they shared a common interest in opposing the Communist-led movements and the proposed land reforms. This support was crucial in the formation and activities of the Rajakars as a paramilitary force in Kerala during the pre-independence era.