In 1908, Chalilakath Kunchahmed Haji (d.1919) attempted to revitalize the Dars system.He introduced a comprehensive curriculum that included traditional Islamic sciences such as jurisprudence (fiqh), theology, tasawwuf, tafsir, and hadith, along with subjects like grammar, rhetoric, philology, logic, history, geography, astronomy, engineering (handasah), mathematics, as well as the Arabic Malayalam language.Innovative teaching tools such as globes, maps, charts, models, and blackboards, as well as an examination system, were also incorporated.
The educational model introduced by Chalilakath Kunhahammad Haji led to the establishment of Oriental Arabic Colleges with government recognition.These institutions conferred the Afzal al-Ulama degree, enabling graduates to be appointed as Arabic teachers in schools.To promote the Arabic language among students, the government provided grants to approved colleges.
Several Oriental Arabic Colleges were established in various parts of Kerala, including Feroke, Pulikkal, Valavannur, Mongam, Areekode, Vazhakkad, Kadavathur, Mukkam, and other locations.These institutions played a crucial role in integrating Arabic studies into mainstream education while maintaining government support.
The conventional class initially opposed the establishment of Oriental Arabic Colleges, but eventually started similar institutions themselves.The ulama feared that the rise of Oriental Colleges, backed by government support, would undermine the Dars system.In response, they urged the community to establish Dars in every mosque, but this effort was largely unsuccessful.
By 1969, the Dars system had transitioned into Arabic Colleges, marking the end of its connection to the authentic Dars tradition.The decline of the traditional Dars system reflected a broader shift in educational priorities within the community.However, Dars continues to thrive in many places, with students often progressing to Shariah Colleges for higher studies.
The establishment of Shariah and Da’wa colleges, shifted the center of learning from mosques to modern-style institutions.A notable example of this transition was the Darul Uloom in Vazhakkad.Since Darul Uloom adopted a syllabus distinct from the traditional system, students from Dars often pursued advanced studies at institutions such as Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh, Bāqiyāth al-Ṣālihat Arabic College, Lathīfiyah Arabic College, and Darul Uloom, Umarabad in Tamil Nadu.
