On 12 November 1936, the Maharaja of the princely state of Travancore (in present-day Kerala) issued a landmark decree opening all state-controlled Hindu temples to all Hindus, irrespective of caste or “untouchability” status. 

Why it matters:

• Until then, many temples in Travancore denied entry to members of “lower” castes or those labelled untouchables. The Proclamation challenged this entrenched social-barrier. It is widely regarded as a major social reform milestone, especially in Kerala’s history of caste and temple-entry movements. 

• The Proclamation was preceded by movements such as the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25) which laid the ground for this change. 

Key figures & institutions:

• Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma – the Maharaja of Travancore who signed the decree. 

• C. P. Ramaswami Iyer – then Prime Minister (Diwan) of Travancore, who supported the reform. 

• The reform drew praise from Mahatma Gandhi and other national leaders, who saw in it a significant step toward religious equality. 

Broader impact:

• Changed temple access laws in Travancore and set a precedent for other regions in India. 

• Marked a symbolic blow against caste-based discrimination in religious spaces.

• Over time, contributed to the discourse on social reform, equality, and rights of Dalits and lower-caste Hindus in India.