It is derived from the words:
* Mudhalali (മുതലാളി) - This word refers to a capitalist, someone who owns capital (money, assets) and invests it for profit.
* -ttam (-ത്തം) - This is a suffix in Malayalam that often indicates a system or ideology.
Therefore, "mudhalalitham" refers to the economic and social system based on private ownership of the means of production and their operation for profit.
This system is characterized by:
* Private ownership of capital
* Free market competition
* Profit maximization
* Wage labor
It's important to note that the term "mudhalalitham" can have slightly different connotations depending on the context. It might be used to discuss the economic system in a neutral way, or it could be used with a negative connotation to criticize the perceived inequalities and exploitative nature of capitalism.