The History of Freedom Movement in Kerala: 1885-1938 (Volume 2)

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During the period covered by this volume, Kerala continued to be divided into three distinct political entities, Malabar as part of the Madras Presidency and the Princely States of Cochin and Travancore. Even from the early days, the leaders of political thought and social reformers evinced very keen interest in the affairs and progress of the Indian National Congress. Leaders like Messrs. C. Sankaran Nair, G.P. Pillai, V Ryru Nambiar, C. Kunhirama Menon, K.P Achutha Menon, K.U. Narayana Menon, M. Krishnan Nair, C. Karunakara Menon, S. K. Nair, and Dr. T.M. Nair used to attend the annual sessions of the Congress. Among them, Mr. C. Sankaran Nair presided over the Congress session held at Amraoti in 1897. In Travancore where considerations of caste seemed to fix the economic status of individuals much more than in the other two units, social consciousness was aroused early enough and the struggle for the recognition of social equality started. Mr. K. Ramakrishna Pillai, the fearless pioneer of journalistic activity in Kerala, mercilessly slashed the vagaries of administration and shaped critical public opinion. He stood alone and led no movement. In deference to the growing public demand some constitutional reforms were conceded resulting in the stabilisation of the Legislature. Progressive social legislation was effected. With the separate formation of the Devaswom Department the grievances in regard to the exclusion of the non-Hindus from the Revenue Department were allayed. The smooth but slow constitutional movement was, however, rudely ruffled in 1911 by the isolated episode of terrorism that victimised the Englishman, Mr. Ashe, the Collector of Tirunelveli. This unfortunate incident was typical of the cult of violence which was popular in certain circles in India at the time but which, fortunately, did not take root in the soil. In Malabar the educated middle class and some representatives of the orthodox aristocratic class gently fostered the nationalist movement. The District Political Conferences held from time to time served to arouse public interest and stimulate nationalist thinking. Important men like the Zamorin of Calicut, the Senior Raja of Nilambur and the Raja of Kollengode played a leading role at some of these Political Conferences. M these gatherings was mooted the question of tenancy reform for the benefit of the agriculturists and petty land holders. Messrs. K.P. Raman Menon, G. Sankaran Nair, M.M. Kunhirama Menon and K. Madhavan Nair did not spare themselves in this task of harmonising the relations between the landlords and the tenants and paving the way for true economic freedom. With the advent of Gandhiji on the scene, the attitude of the Indian National Congress and the character of the struggle underwent a revolutionary change. The creed of non-violent non-co-operation attracted the middle-class intelligentsia. Students left off their classes, lawyers the courts of law. The Moplah Rebellion of 1921 with its economic background and communal complexion was still anti-British and anti-feudal at the same time. The Indian National Congress paid attention, under Gandhiji's leadership, to constructive work also. Khadi work, Swadeshi, Prohibition, the spread of Hindi, Harijan uplift and anti untouchability campaign utilised the energies of enthusiastic workers. The down-trodden sections of the community realised their identity for the first time in the history of India. The famous Vaikom Satyagraha, the Suchindram Satyagraha and the Guruvayur Satyagraha, opened the hearts and widened the vision of the orthodox high-caste Hindus and cherished dreams of the progressive elements were fulfilled when the Maharaja of Travancore issued his famous Temple Entry Proclamation in November 1936.

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