Teachings and Impacts of Ayyavazhi - Against Economic Exploitation

Against Economic Exploitation

Strong discontent against the deeply entrenched exploitation of the labouring masses was expressed in the form of poetic lamentations that were repeated and commented upon in the gatherings of Ayyavazhi. Akilattirattu devotes three full pages to enumerating and lamenting upon the innumerable exploitative measures imposed on the toiling masses, primarily on the Chanars. It lists a number of oppressive taxes (imposed on items such as firewood and the implements of the people's occupation). It also speaks about the varieties of taxes levied on land and cultivation and narrates the way the exploitative system of oozhiyam burdened the people. In a very telling statement, Akilattirattu summarises its accusation that "the treacherous neesan squeezed out the labour and its produce from the Santror."

There are also certain verses found in Akilattirattu and Arul Nool which are in the form of instructions. A verse in Akilattirattu says, "Whoever makes an earning, let him rule over it and no one need be lightened of another." Another verse proclaims, "Tell that there is no Sevies to be paid anymore." There are also verses that call for revolutionary actions from the followers. For example, a section in Arul Nool goes as follows:

My child, born to rule the world, rise and awake

The arrogant mean is waging a war

Come my son, to raise an army to incinerate this world

Dignified as you are, the ignominy is intolerable

I brought a paisa by carrying on my head a heavy load

He snatched away even that one paisa

Did you take birth when such a cruel king is ruling?