The objectives of study were: (1) To study historically the attempts at spread of literacy in Ernakulum district in pre-post independence period. (2) To study the achievement of total literacy in Ernakulum district in respect of organizations, different socio-cultural agencies, educationally interested groups, government officials, etc. (3) To identify the factors responsible for total literacy in Ernakulum district on the basis of the data regarding objectives 1 and 2.

Ernakulum district of Kerala was taken as a case for in-depth study to understand the achievement of total literacy by looking into the past. Individuals, groups and organizations worked and involved with literacy related activities in the district and the state were also the part of the case.

The findings of study were: (1) Slavery prevailed in Cochin from very early times. (2) Political consciousness among citizens began to grow and administration was forced to respond to political assertiveness. (3) Communication means improved for the development of trade and commerce during 19th century. (4) Many indigenous schools were brought to aided list and came under the supervision of dependent of Vernacular education. (5) Percentage of girls student rose from 20 in 1915 to 66.4 in 1932. (6) As in 1981 all villages in Ernakulum district had at least one primary school. (7) Kerala has a network of village libraries and there were about 5300 libraries in 1990.