Abstract

Kudmul Ranga Rao (1859 to 1928) was a social reformer from former South Kanara district, who was one of the pioneers of depressed classes movements in Southern India for providing education, better housing, employment and empowering the depressed classes socially by guarding them against exploitation by upper classes in later half of the 19^th century. This paper briefly discusses the role of Kudmul Ranga Rao in relation to the emancipation of the depressed classes in South Kanara region. It also highlights the way he followed to improve the social conditions of the downtrodden people parallel to Mahatma Gandhi during that contemporary period.

Key words: Kudmul Ranga Rao, Empowerment, Undivided, Untouchable, Empowering, Depressed