History of Kanyakumari District
History of Kanyakumari District
Language : English
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KIDS
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AND
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Preface
Many great men all through human history have
sacrificed their lives for the liberation of different people-
groups from oppression. To many of them, Jesus Christ was
the role-model. History of the various struggles for liberation
is studied more than that of kings, kingdoms, persons and
events.Today the social scientists make immense use of it to
predict the future.
Man is a gregarious animal living in small groups
called communities. They are formed on the basis of caste,
colour, religion, region, language, culture and profession. As
part of the survival of the fittest among such communities,
one community or a few communites jointly oppress another
community or communities to gain social, economic and
political supremacy over others.
Every study of the history of the struggle for the
liberation of an oppressed community provides one more
evidence to confirm the theory,“Continuous Struggle”. At the
same time when we study our own or close and familiar
community, that history has the ability to make us aware of
our own deficiency and obligation to the society. It creates
surprises and rouses our feelings and strains our nerves.We
also get a chance to discover how histroy is being stolen,hidden
and twisted by the dominant group or groups.
This reminds us that once oppressed and later
liberated community must always be alert, because
theoretically there are all chances of recurring oppression in
the same form or another. The once dominant community
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Acknowledgement
I wish to place on record the various contributions of the following
persons in giving this work a name, place and habitation :
Mr. K.R. Sukumar, Formerly Deputy Director of Small Scale,
Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Prof. S. Jeya Singh, Formerly Principal, Scott Christian College,
Nagercoil.
Dr. N. Rajappan, Formerly Professor and Head of the Department
of History, Scott Chirstian College.
Prof. Winston Somervell, Formerly Chaplain and Dean of
Academic Affairs, Scott Chistian College.
Mr. P.W. Nelson, Formerly Office Manager, Scott Christian College.
Dr. M. Albans Nathaniel, Formerly Reader in Tamil, Pioneer
Kumaraswamy College, Nagercoil.
Mr. D. Sydney Francis, Political Sufferer, TTNC, Mathias Nagar,
K.P. Road, Nagercoil.
Mrs. Julia Justin, Formerly Headmistress, L.M.S. H.S.School for
Girls, James Town.
Mr. M. Abraham Newport, Formerly H.S. Assistant, Scott Chirstian
H.S.S., Nagercoil.
Mr. E. Jesudhas, Formerly Headmaster, Government School,
Puthalam.
Dr. Justin Pon Thompson, Justin Hospital, Kulasekharam.
The Rainbow Printers, Nagercoil.
It is my special joy to acknowledge the encouragement
received from my younger son, Mr. P. Lino Stephen, 3D Technical
Director, Ocher Studio, Chennai, whose social concern and
commitment to the cause is a source of consolation and hope in
my twilight years.
D. Peter
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Contents
Appendices 129
Bibliography 285
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1
Background
and
Restrictions
1. The Subject 01
2. Social Background 02
3. Economic Background 05
4. Political Background 06
5. Social Restrictions 08
6. Religious Restrictions 09
7. Economic Restrictions 09
10
2
Nadars on the
Path of Progress
1. Introduction 13
2. Early Missionaries 13
3. The Nadars in Christianity 14
4. Relief From Restrictions 15
5. Educational Progress 16
6. Economic Progress 18
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3
First Uprising :
Against
Nair Dominance
1. Introduction 21
2. Kalkulam Struggle 22
3. Vilavancode Struggle 24
4. Nanjil Nadu Struggle 25
5. Government Order 26
6. Struggle Renewed 28
7. Interference of Missionaries 30
12
4
Second Uprising :
An Introduction
1. Introduction 33
2. Decline of Nair Dominance 33
3. Nair Dominance Rebuilt 36
4. Struggle Continued 38
13
5
An Organisation
for Liberation
1. Introduction 41
2. Security in Question 41
3. Political Changes 42
4. Allen Memorial Hall Event 43
5. Father of Kanyakumari 45
6. Unlimited Support of Nadars 47
7. Limited Support By Others 51
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Oppression
and
Solidarity
1. Introduction 55
2. Oppressions by Nair Government 55
3. Propaganda Meetings 57
4. Condemned 59
5. Police Attack 60
6. Compromise Failed 60
7. TTNC in Election 61
8. Police Persecution 62
9. Achievement of TTNC 64
10. Again Oppressions 65
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Nairs at the
Helm of Affairs
1. Introduction 69
2. Boycott of Assembly Session 70
3. A Nair Chief Minister 70
4. Fall of Ministry 71
5. Another Nair Chief Minister 72
6. Union of Travancore - Cochin 73
7. Another Fall of Ministry 74
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Trials
and
Triumph
1. Introduction 77
2. Boundary Conference 77
3. First Trial 79
4. Second Trial 80
5. Third Trial 80
6. Split in TTNC 81
7. Triumph of Nesamony 82
8. A Nadar in The Ministry 83
9. Re-Election Ordered 84
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Climax of
Malayalee Dominance
1. Introduction 87
2. Again a Nair 87
3. Subdued by Force 88
4. Deviculam Struggle 89
5. Deliverance Day 91
6. Manhunt at Marthandam 93
7. Manhunt at Puthukadai 94
8. Rule of Terror 95
9. Boycott of Enquiry 97
10. Pressure from all Quarters 98
11. In Darkness 98
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Liberation by
Separation
1. Introduction 101
2. In the Supreme Court 101
3. Danger to the Nair Government 102
4. Fall of Nair Government 104
5. Congress Rule 104
6. S.R.C. Report 105
7. Nesamony in Parliament 105
8. Saviour of Malayalees 106
9. Liberation Day 107
10. End of the Journey 108
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Oppressed Community
Since 1956
1. Introduction 109
2. Political Wisdom 110
3. From Independence to Dependence 111
4. First Priority 113
5. The Evolution of a Conspiracy115
6. Futile Propaganda 117
7. Counter Literature Campaign
and Research 120
8. The Oppressed Community Today122
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APPENDICES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. PRIMARY RECORDS 285
2. TAMIL BOOKS AND MAGAZINES 289
3. ENGLISH AND MALAYALAM
BOOKS AND JOURNALS 291
4. NEWS PAPERS 294
5. UNPUBLISHED THESES 295
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Background
and
1 Restrictions
1. The Subject
Liberation of an oppressed community is a continuous
struggle. This social science theory is strengthened by the liberation
history of a socially, economically and politically oppressed
community which lives in the extreme south of India. The Nadar
community which was oppressed fought for its liberation during
the first half of the nineteenth century, ie. from 1822 to 1859 A.D.
and again during the middle of the twentieth century, ie. 1947 to
1956 A.D.
The present Kanyakumari District of the State of Tamil
Nadu and southern portion of Kerala from Cochin formed the
erstwhile State of Travancore. Travancore was an independent
Princely State even while India was under the rule of the British
Government. The oppressed community under discussion, the
Nadars, formed a majority in the southern taluks of the State of
Travancore. They were under the oppression of Nairs, a minority
community in the southern taluks. But as the government was
under their control, Nairs exercised much power on the Nadars
and kept them under their sway. The Nadars had to fight
continuously to gain and safeguard their liberty and dignity.
24
2. Social Background
Travancore Society was subjected to many divisions based
on religion and caste. Hindus and Non-Hindus were the two major
religious divisions in the State. The Non-Hindus were Christians,
Muslims, Jains, Buddhists and Jews. Amongst the Non-Hindus,
the Christians and the Muslims formed the majority. Hindus, on
the basis of caste were divided into two, the Savarnas and the
Avarnas. Savarnas were the high caste Hindus or the Caste Hindus
and the Avarnas were the low caste Hindus or the Non-Caste
Hindus1.
Brahmins, Shatriyas, Ambalavasis, Nairs and Vellalas were
the Caste Hindus and the Ezhavas, Nadars, Kammalas, Fishermen,
Pulayas, Parayas, Pallas, Nayadis and the Hill Tribes were the Non-
Caste Hindus2.
On the caste hierarchy, the Brahmins were at the top. They
had all privileges and status in the society. Brahmins were divided
into two, namely, Malayalee Brahmins and Foreign Brahmins3.
The Malayalee Brahmins or the Nambudiris were the religious
heads and more powerful compared to the Foreign Brahmins.
Foreign Brahmins were high officers in the government. They were
emigrants from Canara, Maharashtra, Thulu and Tamil Nadu into
Travancore4. The Shatriyas came second on the caste hierarchy.
The kings of Travancore emerged from this caste5. Next came the
Ambalavasis, who were the Hindu Priests6.
The lowest in the high caste ranking was the Nairs and
Vellalas . The Nairs were allowed to possess the titles, Pillai, Thampi
7
and Menon. Pillai was given to those who enjoyed the Royal
Privileges, the Thampis were those who had blood relationship
with the king8 and the Menons came from respectable families9.
The Nairs mostly preferred to serve in the Army of the Country.
The male children were trained in martial arts even at the age of
seven10. When the opportunity in the army was reduced, they
preferred to exchange rifle for the pen11. More than 60 per cent of
the government vacancies were filled by Nairs12. They were the
landlords and Jenmis in Travancore. Their luxury and high status
in the society were ensured by the low caste people.
The most important pattern to be noted in the community
of the Nairs was the system of inheritance. They followed the
matrilineal system of inheritance. This system was called
Marumakkathayam13. According to this system, sister’s children
were the inheritors. The Nair women were permitted to have
marital relationship with any Nambudiri or Nair. Those
Nambudiris or Nairs were not bound to care for the children born
in such relationship. Polyandry prevailed among them. As Robin
Jeffrey observed, no Nair knew his or her father. The mother alone
was known. Properties were jointly used and it was managed by
the eldest male member of the family on behalf of the female
members14. So the female members of a family lived under one
roof with authority, safety, security and rights. The Vellalas of Nanjil
Nad were also called the Nanjil Nad Nairs. They also accepted the
Marumakkathayam Law of inheritance and identified themselves
with the Nairs15. But some families followed Makkathayam Law
of inheritance like their ancestors in Tamil Nadu16.
8. Ibid, p. 368
9. Ibid, p. 369
10. Census of India 1931. Vol. XXVIII, Travancore - Part-I, Report, Trivandrum 1932,
p.376
11. V. Nagam Aiya, op.cit., p. 345
12. Robin Jeffrey, The Decline of Nair Dominance : Society and Politics in Travancore
1847 - 1908, London, 1975, p. XVI
13. A. Sreedhara Menon, op.cit., p. 165
14. A. Sreedhara Menon, Social and Cultural History of Kerala, New Delhi, 1979, p. 88
15. V. Nagam Aiya, op.cit., p. 363
16. Edgar Thurston, Castes and Tribes of Southern India Vol. V, Madras, 1909, p. 293
26
Under the low caste group, the Ezhavas of North and the
Nadars of South Travancore were prominent17. Ezhavas depended
on coconut trees while the Nadars on palmyrah trees18. They were
also agriculturists. The Nadars largely lived in Thovalai,
Agasteeswaram, Eraniel, Kalkulam, Vilavancode, Shencottai,
Neyyatinkarai, Deviculam, Peermade and Chittoor taluks of
Travancore19. Some people served as coolies under Nair and Vellala
landlords and certain others as tenants to them20.
Next to the Nadars came the Kammalas. They were
Tattans, Kannans, Thatchans, Kalthatchans and Kollens. The
Kammalas imitated the Nairs and considered themselves as high
caste21. Next in the ladder was the fisherman community. People
in the lowest strata of the community were the Pulayas and Parayas.
They were called “soil slaves” and mostly lived away from the living
areas22.
Next to the Hindus, the Christians were in majority in
Travancore. They were divided into Syrian Christians, Catholic
Christians and Protestant Christians. Syrian Christians were on par
with the Nairs in status. They lived secluded from the other low
caste Christians They were agriculturists and traders and amassed
wealth23.
Francis Xavier came to India in the year 1542 A.D.. He
concentrated on the people along the sea coast for conversion. A
very large number of fishermen joined his denomination. He
belonged to the Catholic Christian tradition24. London Missionary
Society (L.M.S.) missionaries landed in South Travancore, while
17. Madras Goverment permitted to call Shanars as Nadars in 1921 A D (G.O. No. 785,
7 July 1921 Law (General) Department, Government of Madras)
18. Census of India 1931, Vol. XXVII, Travancore, Part - I, Report, Trivandrum, 1932,
p. 382
19. V. Nagam Aiya, op.cit., p. 393
20. Robert L. Hardgrave, The Nadars of Tamil Nad, Bombay 1909, p. 56
21. Census of India, 1931, op.cit., p. 373
22. Samuel Mateer, op. cit., pp. 42 & 45
23. Ibid., p. 238
24. Ibid., p. 231
27
32. Ibid., p. 77
33. A. Sreedhara Menon op.cit., p. 77
34. V. Nagam Aiya, op.cit., Vol. III, p.116
35. Ivy Peter (Tamil) Samaya Thondarkalum Samudhaya Marumalarchiyum, Nagercoil.
1999, p. 60
36. Ibid, p. 55
29
ascended the throne in 1729 A.D. set right the internal disorder
and brought the administration under his control. He subdued
the neighbouring Rajas and annexed their territories37. Attingal,
Kayankulam, Elayidathu Swarubam, Kollam, Ambalapuzha,
Vadakancoor, Thekkancoor were annexed. He purchased 30 miles
long portion between Kanyakumari and Kalacaud from the
Tiruchinapally Viceroy38. Hence the southern boundary became
Kanyakumari and the northern Kochi, covering an area of 7,600
sq. miles39.
Marthanda Varma concentrated on the internal
administration of his country.He employed those in whom he had
confidence. He removed the inefficient and insincere from the
government services. Tamil Brahmins were appointed in various
government departments. A Dutch captive, D’ Lennoy was
appointed as head of the State Army. The army was modernised
by introducing imported modern weapons40.
British East India Company set its foot in Travancore in
the year 1644 A.D.41 In 1684, they built a factory and in 1690
constructed a fort with the permission of Attingal Ranee42.
Marthanda Varma maintained good relationship with the British
East India Company. In 1789, Tippu Sultan waged war against
Travancore. The British East India Company came to the rescue
of Travancore. In return, Travancore had to pay a large sum of
money as cost of war to the Company. As per the agreement
between the Company and Travancore, the Company had to
protect Travancore and Travancore had to pay a large sum annually
to the Company for the maintenance of the army inside
Travancore43. Again the Company appointed a Resident in the
Travancore Court in 180044. In 1805, the agreement was renewed.
37. V. Nagam Aiya. op. cit., Vol. I. pp. 333 & 334
38. Ibid., p. 354
39. Robin Jeffrey, op. cit., pp. 3 & 4
40. V. Nagam Aiya, op. cit., pp. 358 & 359
41. Ibid., p. 302
42. Ibid., p. 314
43. P. Shungoony Menon, op.cit., p. 252
44. V. Nagam Aiya, op.cit., p. 420
30
52. Political Proceedings, No. 23, P.2, G.A. Ballard to the Acting Chief Secretary to
Madras Government, 23 April 1870, Tamil Nadu Archives, Madras
53. Samuel Mateer, op.cit., p. 41
54. Samuel Zacharia (Tamil - Reprint) Thenthiruvithankottu Thiruchabai Charitra
Churukkam, Part - I Nagercoil, 1991 p. 48
55. P. Parameswaran (Malayalam) Sri Narayana Guru Swamigal Navothathinte
Prevachekan, Calcutta, 1978, p. 8
56. Political Consultations, Vol. 124, p. 875, Colonel Munro to Chief Secretary to Gov-
ernment, Fort St. George, 7 March 1818, Tamil Nadu Archives, Madras
32
hours. Red hot iron was used to pierce the ears of the defaulter
and the rod was allowed to hang in his ear for many hours. They
were beaten, arrested and put in jail for many days64. The women
defaulters were molested by the government officers65. High
officers did not entertain the complaints lodged by the victims.
Another important factor that kept the Nadars under
permanent poverty was Ooliam and Viruthi services. They had to
carry salt from the field to the selling station on head66. To guard
the woods cut from the forest and elephant pits, the Nadars were
employed without payment67. Those who were drawn for such
duties had to be away from family for many days68. As the Nadars
were called continuously to do Ooliam service, their own works
suffered and thus they were driven to poverty 69. Even if the
government paid for the work done, the wages were
misappropriated by the officials. In all these, the Nadar community
suffered much70.
Those who held temple or government lands were called
Viruthikars. Viruthikars were bound to supply things free of cost in
addition to the Ooliam service. Palmyrah tree leaves used as writing
materials and coconut tree leaves used as the main food of elephants
were supplied regularly by the Viruthicars. During festivals, the Royal
Families, Officers and Jenmies should be gifted with hens, eggs,
vegetables, fruits, oil, firewood and vegetables should be supplied to
the Ootupuras, 71 free feeding centres for Brahmins by the
Viruthikars. In all these, many a time the Viruthikars had to transport
the things as head load to Trivandrum or Quilon where they lived72.
64. C.M. Agur, op.cit., p. 585
65. Ibid, p. 586
66. Samuel Zacharia, op.cit. p. 250
67. Cover file No. 1231 Report of Dewan Peishkar of Quilon, 30 September 1869,
English Records, Kerala State Archives, Trivandrum
68. D. Peter (Ed) Years of Challenge : Charles Mead, Nagercoil, 1994, pp. 194-198,
petition of Christians of Neyyatinkarai regarding their sufferings to C.S. Frazer,
British Resident to Travancore, June 1837
69. Idem
70. C.M. Agur op.cit., p. 584
71. Free feeding centres to the Brahmins
72. Samuel Mateer, op.cit. p. 359
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35
Nadars on the
2 Path of Progress
1. Introduction
The caste-ridden Travancore society imposed many
restrictions on the low castes. During the beginning of the
nineteenth century, a revolution took place. Even though the
British rule in the country was a major factor for this revolution,
the motivating force was the selfless service of the Protestant
Christian Missionaries. The then British Residents in Travancore,
Mecaulay and Munro, were responsible for the entry and expansion
of Protestant Christian Mission in South Travancore. The
Missionaries joined hands with the oppressed community, the
Nadars of this area and expanded their ministry. Major part of
their ministry consisted of relieving the low castes from their
miseries. Hence the oppressed Nadar community was awakened
and established its liberation from oppression and helped to choose
the path of progress1.
2. Early Missionaries
London Missionary Society sent William Tobias
Ringeltaube to India2. He landed at Tranquebar on 4 December
18043. Ringeltaube’s attention was directed towards the Shanars
1. Robin Jeffrey, The Decline of Nair Dominance : Society and Politics in Travancore
- 1847 - 1908, London, 1975, p. 265
2. William Robinson, Ringeltaube The Rishi : Letters and Journals, Sheffield, 1902, pp.
19 & 20
3. Samuel Mateer. The Land of Charity, London, 1871, p. 259
36
30. Idem
31. Robin Jeffrey, op.cit., p.51
32. Ibid, p. 131
33. John A. Jacob, op.cit., p. 157
34. Ibid, p. 156
35. Samuel Mateer, op.cit, p. 236
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43
First Uprising :
Against
3 Nair Dominance
1. Introduction
The educational and social services rendered by the
Protestant Christian Missionaries, in addition to their usual
evangelism among the oppressed community of South Travancore
opened the eyes of the Nadar community which suffered most,
towards liberation. In the persecutions which followed in various
places in South Travancore the Hindus, Romanists and Muslims
united together against the Protestant Christians particularly
Nadars. The Nairs were foremost in action, but the Brahmins and
others were behind the scenes. Samuel Mateer observed1, “On the
whole then, it was determined, that by some means or by any means
a stop must be put to the progress of Christianity and to the spread
of the reforms and innovations already in progress and impending.”
The Christians, particularly the Nadar Protestants rose up to break
the yoke of bondage imposed on them by the high castes,
particularly by the Nairs.
The Nadars who embraced Protestant Christianity with
the help of the missionaries managed to obtain many a relaxation
from the government. In all, the relief from the Ooliam service
hurt much the Nairs directly. For the Nairs lived by the exploitative
labour freely rendered by the Nadars at their beck and call. Nadars
began to refuse their invitation and often demanded wages for the
work done2. Hence the Nairs were infuriated.
Secondly, the women of those who embraced Christianity
were allowed to use upper garment to cover their bosom like the
high caste Nair ladies3. This was considered an insult by the Nairs.
Thirdly, the economic and social progress of the Christian
Nadars under the patronage of the missionaries irritated the Nairs.
Their anger was mainly on the missionaries who were responsible
for the progress and courage of the Nadars. Therefore the Nairs
decided to wipe out the missionaries, their mission churches the
schools and the Nadar converts4. In all these struggles, Nadars of
Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluks of South Travancore suffered
much, since the Nair settlements were comparatively high in those
taluks.
2. Kalkulam Struggle
The struggle first started in Kalkulam taluk. In May 1822,
a few Nadar women went to the church covering the upper part
of their body with a jacket. They were molested by the Nairs, their
jackets were torn to pieces and filthy words were used against
them5. Retaliation proceeded from the Nadars. The missionary,
Charles Mead reported the matter to the British Resident in
Travancore. The Resident directed the Padbanabapuram Court
to study the matter and report. The judgement came in favour of
the Christians6.
Jubilant over the judgement the Christian ladies gained
confidence and boldly began to use upper garments and freely
moved to market places and to the church. The Nairs were
2. Appendix No. 4
3. Appendix No. 1
4. Appendix No. 7
5. R.N. Yesudhas, The History of London Missionary Society in Travancore -1806-
1908, Trivandrum, 1980, p. 175
6. Appendix No. 5
45
7. Appendix No. 7
8. Appendix No. 8
9. Appendix No. 11
10. Appendix No. 7
11. Appendix No. 7
12. Appendix No. 7
46
supported always the Nairs. So the low caste people lost confidence
in them. The order was intended only to prohibit the Christians
from complaining to the Missionaries.
1829 order was painful to the Protestant Christians and to
the Missionary, Charles Mead in particular who fought for the
liberation of low castes from the clutches of high caste Nairs. Mead
considered that this order was an attempt to suppress the growth
of Christianity. By this order the Christians did not get any relief.
Those who languished in jail due to false cases lodged by the high
caste Nairs were suffering from diseases also. Their families were
in starvation. Considering the sufferings of his converts, Mead had
to fight with the Government for long29.
By the 1829 order, the Government could neither stop the
growth of Christianity nor find solution to the problems of
Christians. Christians were occasionally and, here and there
attacked by the Nairs and it was a continuing story. Under such
circumstances, in the year 1855 the order relating to the abolition
of slavery was proclaimed. The Nairs who were benefitted much
by the slaves were severely affected by the proclamation for which
the Christian Missionaries were instrumental. The slaves attained
the ownership of the land which they cultivated. The control the
Nairs had over the slaves vanished. This order put the Nairs in
shame and they began to crush the Christians and the Missionaries
who were responsible for their pitiable plight30.
The Proclamation of Queen Victoria of England in the
year 1858 confused both Nairs and the Nadars. The Nairs
considered that the Proclamation was in their favour. With the
help of the Nair officials, the Nairs took the law into their hands
and started oppressing the Nadars. The Nadar community thought
that they were given the right to disobey the existing social customs
and traditions31. The Hindu Nadar women also began to dress like
29. D. Peter, op.cit., pp. 113 - 115
30. Samuel Zachariah (Reprint Tamil), Then Thiruvithankottu Thiruchabai Charithira
Churukkam, Part - II, p. 14
31. V. Nagam Aiya (Reprint) The Travancore State Manuel, Vol. I, New Delhi, 1989, p. 526
50
the Christian Nadar women covering the upper part of their body.
For this, the Christian Nadars helped the Hindu Nadars. The Nairs
began to attack brutally the Christian Nadars with the assistance
of other low caste communites32. As a result in Neyyatinkarai,
Kalkulam, Vilavancode. Thovalai and Agasteeswaram rioting burst
out severely in December 185833.
6. Struggle Renewed
Rioting vigorously cropped up in Neyyoor region on 25
December 185834. the Nairs entered into the Neyyoor village and
manhandled all those Christians whom they came across. The
women who wore jackets were attacked and jackets were torn to
pieces. Fearing the Nair attack the Christian Nadars of that village
ran away. Children and women found shelter in the Mission
Bungalow. This struggle reflected in almost all the Neyyoor Mission
villages. Under the pretext of service to the government, the Nairs
captured four people from the Kallankuzhi village, tied them
together, beat them severely, put them under lock-up and released
them after many days35. After two days, the Kallankuzhi Church
was burnt down. On 27 December the Meicode Church was also
burnt down36.
The taluks of Agasteeswaram and Thovalai were also
affected severely. Houses of three Nadars were burnt down in the
James Town village on 29 December 185837. On 4 January 1859
rioting started at Kottar near Nagercoil. Nairs and Vellalas joined
together and attacked the Nadar Christians and their properties38.
Second Uprising :
4 An Introduction
1. Introduction
The Nairs had marital relationship with royal families and
Nambudiri families; consequently they were socially, economically
and politically in a privileged position in Travancore. Social
Revolution that took place during the nineteenth century in South
Travancore due to the labours of Protestant Christian missionaries,
the process adopted by the sovereigns to strengthen the
administration of the State, the influence of British rule in the
administration of Travancore and the break-down of Nair Tarawads
as a result of the educational and employment policies adopted by
the government marked the decline in power and authority of the
Nair community in Travancore. The Nairs were determined to
capture political power to restore their past glory in the society.
After attaining political power, once again they began to oppress
the Nadar community of South Travancore because their
representatives in the legislature refused to pay heed to their
dictates. There resulted the Nadar Revolt against the Nair
domination under a different scenario during the middle of the
twentieth century. This is addressed as a continuation of the struggle
that broke-out during the first half of the nineteenth century
between the two said communities.
2. Decline of Nair Dominance
Marthandavarma Maharaja was the maker of Modern
56
1. Robin Jeffrey, The Decline of Nair Dominance : Society and Politics in Travancore,
1847 - 1908, London, 1976, p. 3
2. P. Shungoony Menon (Reprint), History of Travancore From the Earliest Times,
New Delhi, 1985, p. 125
3. K.R. Sukumar (Tamil), Veluthampy Dalavai, Nagercoil, 2000, p.6
4. V. Nagam Aiya (Reprint) The State Manual of Travancore, Vol. I, 1989, p. 448
5. “She had a degree of confidence in his justice, judgement and integrity which she
could not place in the conduct of any other person” - V. Nagam Aiya, op.cit., p. 458
6. A. Sreedhara Menon (Reprint), A. Survey of Kerala History, Madras, 2000, p. 339
7. V. Nagam Aiya, op. cit., p. 261
57
8. C.M. Agur (Reprint) Church History of Travancore, New Delhi, 1990, pp. 568 &
569
9. Robin Jeffrey, op.cit., p. 6
10. Ibid, p. 8
11. V. Nagam Aiya, op.cit., p. 523
12. Travancore Government Gazette, Vol. X, No. 32, 6th Aug. 1872
13. Robin Jeffrey, op. cit., p. 77
14. Travancore Administration Report 1895 - 96
15. Robin Jeffrey, op.cit., p. 78
58
24. C.R. Mitra, Sri Narayana Guru and Social Revolution, Shertalli, 1979, p. 30
25. The Malayalee Memorial. op.cit., p. 137
26. Appendix No. 19
27. Suresh Kumar, Genesis of Political Movements 1859 - 1928, New Delhi, p. 64
28. K.K. Kusuman, The Abstention Movement, Trivandrum, 1976, p. 31
29. K.K. Kusuman, op.cit., p. 43
30. D. Daniel, Struggle for Responsible Government in Travancore 1838-1947, Madurai,
1985, p. 39
31. A.A. Razak, (Tamil) Nesamony Oru Charitra Tiruppam, Nagarcoil, 1998, pp. 12 &
13
32. Travancore Information and Listener, Vol. VIII, No. 8, April 1948, p.7
60
4. Struggle Continued
At first the struggle took place during the middle of the
twentieth century mainly in Kalkulam and Vilavancode Taluks33
of South Travancore as in the case of the struggle that happened
druing the first half of the nineteenth century34. The main reason
for this concentration in these two taluks was that the Nair
settlements in these two taluks were greater than in Thovalai and
Agasteeswaram Taluks.
The police firing of 1948 and 1954 also took place only in
Vilavancode Taluk 35 . The legislative council members of
Agasteeswaram and Thovalai wrote on 7 March 1948 to the high
police officer thus: “The Tamilians of Kalkulam and Vilavancode
feel their life, properties and liberty are most insecure . . ., the
District Magistrate had passed a curfew order in Kalkulam and
Vilavancode . . . the Tamilians of these two unfortunate taluks
may be saved from the valley of death . . .”36
The president of Travancore Tamil Nad Congress (TTNC),
a native of Agasteeswaram Taluk, Sam Nathaniel wrote in his letter
to the Governor General of India on 22 August 1948 as follows :
“Together they launched a bitter crusade against the Tamilians
mainly of Vilavancode and Kalkulam. Hundreds of false cases were
foisted on them and they made an occasion for a systematic
manhunt by the Armed Reserve. Looting and plunder became
the order of the day. Young men were hammered and clapped in
jails. Black terror stalked in the two taluks for months.”37
Secondly, like the nineteenth century struggle, the present
one also clearly showed that the Nadars were on the defensive side
and as usual, the Nairs were on the offensive. The hero of the
twentieth century struggle, Nesamony who was on the defensive
An Organisation
5 for Liberation
1. Introduction
In the event of India’s freedom the Indian National
Congress would take over the administration of India. It was
believed that the Congress Party would go in for the reorganisation
of the states on linguistic basis. Under such circumstances the
Malayalees wanted the formation of Kerala State adding Malabar
and Cochin with the existing Travancore. If that was materialised
by the Malayalees, the Tamilians in Travancore would go voiceless
and helpless in the administration of the State. Hence the Tamilians
wanted an organisation to voice their right to join Madras Tamil
Nadu in the event of Reorganisation of States. A political party
was founded and to elicit the support of the Tamilians, canvassing
was done vigorously by the leaders. The Nadar community
extended unlimited support while the other communities extended
only limited support.
2. Security in Question
Right from the beginning of 1947, far reaching and serious
changes followed one after another in the political scenario of
Travancore. British Prime Minister, Clement Atlee, in the month
of February confirmed India’s freedom. Handing over the
administration to the Indian National Congress, which was the
popular political party, was also made clear. Congress Party as early
64
19. Appendix 22
20. Appendix 22
21. A. Nesamony, op.cit. p. 3
67
22. D. Daniel, Travancore Tamils : Stuggle for Identity 1938-1956, Madurai, 1992, p.
126
23. Marshall Nesamony (Souvenir) K.P. Samsudheen, ‘Heroic History of Nesamony.”
Nagercoil, 1969, p. 1
68
38. File No. D. Dis. 424 / 1947, C.S., English Records, Kerala State Archives, Trivandrum
39. “ . . . About 500 persons mostly Nadars of the locality attended. The speakers
appealed to the Tamilians in general and Nadars in particular to stand united under
the Tamil Nad Congress . . . They also warned the Nadars against falling a prey to the
tricks played by the State Congressites to get the support of the Nadars in the
election” - From the Inspector General of Police to the Registrar, Huzur Secretariat
dated 14 - 11- 1947. Ibid.
40. File No. D. Dis. 199/1947, C.S., English Records Kerala State Archives, Trivandrum
41. File No. D. Dis . 424 / 1947, C.S. English Records Kerala State Archives, Trivandrum
42. “ . . . All Speakers condemned the attitude of the Nairs towards the Tamilians, About
4000 persons mostly Nadars attended” From the Inspector General of Police to the
Registrar, Huzur Secretariat, dated 18-11-1947, Ibid
72
43. “ . . . About 2000 persons, mostly Nadars were present” - From the Inspector
General of Police to the Registrar, Huzur Secretariat, dated 21-11-1947, Ibid
44. Ibid
45. Ibid
46. “ . . . About 5000 persons, mostly Nadars of the locality were present” - From the
Inspector General of Police to the Registrar, Huzur Secretariat, dated 25-11-1947.
Ibid
47. “ . . . 5000 persons mostly Nadars attended. The President (A. Nesamony) criticised
the Report of the Reforms Committee and pointed out the inadequate representation
given to SIUC Christians and depressed classes such as Asaris, Kammalars, etc. in
the Tamil Areas. Tamilians have once for all decided to establish a Tamil Province in
the State even at the risk of their lives” - From the Inspector General of Police to the
Registrar, Huzur secretariat, dated 25-11-1947, Ibid
48. “ . . . A Nesamony presided. 5000 persons mostly Nadars attended the meeting” -
From the Inspector General of Police to the Registrar, Huzur Secretariat dated 27-
11-1947. Ibid
73
Oppression
and
6 Solidarity
1. Introduction
The growth of Travancore Tamil Nad Congress within a
short period irritated the Nairs and became a threat to the State
Congress. The Nairs of State Congress began to attack the members
of TTNC. TTNC sympathisers, volunteers and leaders were
manhandled and kept under panic. There was no safety for their
lives and properties. This physical attack was rampant in Kalkulam
and Vilavancode Taluks where the Nair settlements were found
in large number when compared to Thovalai and Agasteeswaram
Taluks. The government actions were set in support of the Nairs.
Inspite of these, the State Congress was not able to prevent the
victory of TTNC in the Southern Taluks in the 1948 Assembly
Elections.
2. Oppression by Nair Government
In those times, Travancore Government was a Nair
Government. The Dewan, high officials and even the last grade
servants were all Nairs. They held important posts both in the Police
Department and Judiciary. Trivandrum District Judge, Trivandrum
District Superintendent of Police, Nagercoil Assisant
Superintendent of Police, Sub-Inspectors of Vilavancode, Eraniel,
Thuckalay, Thiruvattar were all Nairs. They were the sympathisers
78
3. Propaganda Meetings
The meeting arranged at Brahmmapuram on 14 November
1947 was banned and assembled people peacefully proceeded to
their houses5. But on their way home they were beaten and
wounded by State Congress rowdy elements and the Reserve
Police6.
On 15 November, a propaganda meeting was held at
Kuzhithurai. There also State Congress people created unruly
scenes. Two adjoining houses of Nairs were vacated and State
Congress rowdies were accommodated. After one hour of the
meeting, the rowdies stationed in the adjoining houses started
pelting stones on the crowd. Immediately a group of people who
were attending the meeting rushed towards the houses from where
the stones were thrown on the people who attended the meeting.
Those stationed in the houses ran away and hence forth the meeting
was peaceful till the end. Even though the magistrate and the police
inspector in their First Information Report condemned the action
of the State Congress people who were responsible for the
untoward happenings on that day, the next day the Superintendent
of Police and certain Nair officials and two Municipal Counsellors
came to the spot and filed false cases against 300 Tamilians and
arrested 23 of them. They were severely beaten, pulled, dragged
and thrown into police lock-up7.
On 23 November, TTNC Volunteers were returning home
after attending a TTNC meeting at Attoor. Due to the instigation
of the police inspector, the Nairs threw stones on the volunteers.
Next day it was noticed that the roof tiles of Aruvikarai Village
Office were damaged. It was on the same night the Nairs of that
Aruvikarai locality damaged the roof tiles, broke open the door of
the office and destroyed the records and the blame of their criminal
activites was thrown on the Nadars who had attended the Attoor
5. File No. D. Dis. 424 / 1947, C.S., English Records, Kerala State Archives, Trivandrum
6. Appendix No. 35
7. Appendix No. 35
80
TTNC meeting. Next day a case was filed against 14 Nadars and
they were taken to the police station. Pioneer Motor Service bus
was arranged to take the arrested to the police station. But on the
influence of the Nairs of that locality, the police inspector fettered
and made them walk along the road for two miles, two by two, in
the hot sun. The State Congress people mockingly remarked that
the Tamil bastards were carrying Tamil State on their heads two
by two. After a walk of two miles they were loaded in a bus and
taken to Vilavancode court. The magistrate placed them under
police custody. So they were brought to Thuckalay police station8.
On the same day, the Catholic Christians of Manalikarai
arranged a reception meeting to Annie Mascarene who was an
important leader in the Congress Party. The meeting was held in
the Manalikarai Catholic Church compound under the
chairmanship of the Catholic priest, Pius John Morris9. In collusion
with the local Nairs and the State Congressite fisher-men, the priest
turned the reception meeting into State Congress propaganda
meeting. Annie Mascarene appealed to the crowd to support the
State Congress which was responsible for obtaining Responsible
Government to Travancore. She tried to convince the crowd that
State Congress belonged to the Catholic Christians.Opposing her
statements, a part of the crowd stood up and shouted, “Jai TTNC”
and left the meeting shouting slogans in favour of TTNC10. As
confusion stalked, the meeting was closed abruptly. The infuriated
priest and the State Congressites instigated a fisherman who had a
petty shop on four wheels to give police complaint that his cart was
damaged by the Nadars. Following his complaint, the Sub-
Inspector of Police of the Thiruvattar station next day raided all
houses around, arrested the people and put them in jail after brutal
attacks. He gave the same treatment to all those who were seen on
the road and market places11.
8. Appendix No. 35
9. Appendix No. 32
10. Appendix No. 32
11. Appendix No. 35
81
4. Condemned
In connection with the above incidents in Kalkulam and
Vilavancode, meetings were arranged in Agasteeswaram and
Vilavancode Taluks to condemn the police atrocities.
On 16 November, under the chairmanship of Madhavan
Pillai, a meeting was conducted to condemn the action of the
magistrate regarding the Brahmmapuram meeting 12. Sam
Nathaniel presided over a meeting at Navalkaud on 27 November.
Daniel who spoke in that meeting indicated that the Tamilians of
Kalkulam and Vilavancode Taluks were thrashed and treated as
street dogs by the police and he strongly condemned the police
action. He warned the people that it was a deliberate attempt by
the government to humiliate the Tamilians and to divide them
into Christians and non-Christians. He appealed for the solidarity
of the Tamilians at any cost13.
On 18 November, under the presidentship of Sam
Nathaniel, another meeting was conducted at Nagercoil municipal
ground. All those who spoke at that meeting condemned the
deliberate attempt of the government under the instigation of the
State Congress to divide the Tamilians. The police officers who
filed false cases against the poor Nadars were also condemned14.
The meeting conducted at Kadukkarai on 30 November
condemned the illtreatment inflicted by the police on the TTNC
volunteers and all those officers who behaved in support of State
Congress people in Kalkulam and Vilavancode Taluks15.
When TTNC propaganda meetings were conducted in full
swing in various centres, the volunteers sent reports to the head
12. File No. D. Dis. 424 / 1947, C.S., English Records. Kerala State Archives, Trivandrum
13. “ . . . T.T. Danel, Advocate said that the government is trying to create a split among
the Hindu Nadars and Christian Nadars and appealed to the Tamilians to sink racial
differences and stand as one race and agitate. He said that in Vilavancode and in
Kalkulam TTNC workers are thrashed like dogs . . .” - From the Inspector General
of Police to the Registrar, Huzur Secretariat, dated 29-11-1947, Ibid
14. Ibid
15. Ibid
82
16. File No. D. Dis. 117/1948, C.S., English Records, Kerala State Archives, Trivandrum
17. File No. D. Dis. 104 / 1948, C.S. English Records, Kerala State Archives, Trivandrum
18. “ . . . Nesamony’s speech has appealed to the audience and has the effect of arousing
the feelings of illiterate Nadars as his speech was in the colloquial language of the
Nadars. The other speeches have little effect” - From the Inspector General of Police
to the Registrar of Huzur Secretariat, dated 15th November 1947, File No. D. Dis.
424 / 1947, C.S., English Records. Keral State Archives, Trivandrum
19. File No. D. Dis. 103 / 1948, C.S., English Records, Kerala State Archives, Trivandrum
83
20. File No. D. Dis. 104 / 1948, C.S., English Records, Kerala State Archives, Trivandrum
21. Appendix No. 35
22. The Hindu, 24th November 1947
23. N. Sasidharan Nair, History of Travancore Legislature, Trivandrum, 1984, p. 73
24. A.A. Razak (Tamil) Nesamony Oru Charitira Thiruppam, Nagercoil, 1998, p. 64
84
the Malayalee hotels for, in one of the Malayalee hotels, two Tamilians
were poisoned49.
In Vilavancode and Kalkulam Taluks, the right to assemble
and speak was refused. For two weeks from 5 March 1948, assembly
of more than five persons in a place was prohibited50. In the name
of Peace Committee, to restore peace in the disturbed areas,
unwanted elements of the State Congress were enrolled and they
under the pretext of peace talk kindled communal rioting to an
unimaginable extent51. The Members of the Representative Body
of Travancore of the Agasteeswaram-Thovalai Taluks, Sivaraman,
Thanulingam, Ponniah and Ambrose wrote a complaint, explaining
the pathetic condition of the Nadars of Kalkulam and Vilavancode
who were under the grip of insecurity of life and property, to the
police higher official on 7 March 1948. They requested the officer
to visit those places and see the conditions directly and to render
salvation to the victims. No action was taken. Instead persecution
continued without any interruption52.
The records confirm that the untold sufferings undergone
by the Nadar community of Kalkulam and Vilvancode Taluks laid
solid foundation for the liberation of the Tamilians of South
Travancore.
Nairs at the
7 Helm of Affairs
1. Introduction
The Nairs with the co-operation of other communities
wanted the abolition of the Dewan post and to capture power.
The goal was achieved by the Maharaja’s Proclamation of
Responsible Government to Travancore. The Reforms Committee
formed for the implementation of Responsible Government
conducted election for the Representative Body in 1948. The State
Congress headed by a Nair, Pattom Thanu Pillai bagged 97 seats
out of the 120 seats and came out with absolute majority in the
Assembly1. Next to the State Congress, TTNC captured 14, Muslim
League 8 and one seat independent2. The first day, first session of
the Representative Body was boycotted by TTNC as a protest against
the atrocities of the Government. Pattom Thanu Pillai was sworn
in as the Chief-Minister. After him Narayana Pillai became the
Chief Minister. During his period, Cochin State was united with
Travancore. The strength of the Nairs increased in the Travancore
- Cochin State Assembly. Even then Narayana Pillai ministry had a
premature exit. An Ezhava community member, Kesavan became
the chief minister until the next election to the State Assembly.
11. Iden
12. Travancore Information and Listener, Vol. VIII, No. 12, August 1948, p. 12
13. A.A. Razak, op.cit., p. 90
14. Journal of Kerala Studies, R. Ramakrishnan Nair, The Socio-Political Land Scape of
Kerala, June - September 1977, Vol. IV parts I & III, p. 454
15. K. Sadasivam Nair, Congress Party in Kerala 1947-63 (unpublished Doctoral The-
sis) University of Kerala, Trivandrum, 1971, p. 176
16. Kerala Kaumudi, 28th October, 1948
95
Pillai who laid down the office of the Prime Minister of Travancore
deserted State Congress and organised the Praja Socialist Party (PSP)
in Travancore with 17 important members of State Congress. As a
result like TTNC, PSP also became an opposition party in the
Assembly. In the mean time Muslim League Party was dissolved and
its members were allowed to join any other party. Consequently
Nedumancaud Muslim League Member of the Legislative Assembly,
Razak joined TTNC Party17. Since Thanu Pillai left State Congress,
his friend Karayalar who was elected to the Travancore Assembly
from Shenkottai constituency joined TTNC. As a result, the strength
of TTNC in the Assembly increased to sixteen18. State Congress now
came under the control of Syrian Christians.
6. Union of Travanocre - Cochin
Narayana Pillai was very much interested in forming Aykia
Keralam and attempted towards his goal as soon as he became the
Prime Minister. Dhar Commission which submitted its report on
Linguistic Reorganisation of States, recommended for the
formation of States on the basis of administrative convenience and
not on linguistic basis19. Yet the Commission suggested that if
Cochin was merged with Travancore, there was no harm in joining
Calicut also to form Aykia Keralam20. To Kelappan and Narayana
Pillai who were very particular in the formation of Aykia Keralam,
the suggestion of the Commission was a boon and they were busily
engaged in forming the Union of Travancore and Cochin21.
The State Congress members Kelappan and Narayana Pillai
and the Madras State Assembly members of Malabar and Palacaud
region jointly arranged for a Conference at Alwaye in February
194922. The TTNC members were also invited for the Conference.
Trials
and
8 Triumph
1. Introduction
Nair rule came to an end with the resignation of the Chief
Minister, Pattom Thanu Pillai in October 1948. However the same
Nair became the Chief Minister under another political party in
the State in March 1954. In the absence of Nair rule in Travancore
for a period of five years, TTNC and the Tamilians experienced
both trials and triumph. A Boundary Conference was successfully
conducted by the TTNC and displayed the strength of the
Tamilians in Travancore to the external world and to the internal
Malayalee Society, especially to the Nair community. TTNC could
establish good relationship with the State Congress and availed an
opportunity of participating in the administration of Travancore -
Cochin State during that interval. Amidst these happy instances,
TTNC had to face trials also from its own members. To divide
TTNC and thereby to neutralise its power, enemies made frantic
attempts. Nesamony, the leader of TTNC faced the situation boldly
and established the fact that no force or power on earth could
destroy the movement.
2. Boundary Conference
With a view to focus the attention of the people on the
subject of joining the Tamil Regions of Travancore with the State
100
7. Appendix No. 42
8. M.P. Sivagnanam, (Tamil) Enathu Porattam, Chennai, 1974, p. 723
9. Ibid, p. 722
10. Ibid, p. 723
11. Appendix No. 43
103
26. Ibid., p. 66
27. Ibid, p. 67
28. M. Manoharan, op.cit., p. 135
29. A.A. Razak, op.cit., p. 181
30. Appendix No. 45
31. Appendix No. 44
32. Appendix No. 44
107
Climax of
Malayalee
9 Dominance
1. Introduction
The Congress Government lost the confidence of the State
Assembly. Hence John ministry resigned on 24 September 1953
and the re-election was fixed to be held during the months of
January and February 1954. All the political parties in the State
were getting ready to face the election. Communist Party entered
the field as the main opponent of Congress Party. To oppose the
Congress Party, which was dominated by the Syrian Christians,
the Communist Party organised under its left fold all the anti-
Christian forces. Kerala Socialist Party, Praja Socialist Party and
Revolutionary Socialist Party joined together in opposing the
Congress Party. For the third time TTNC also entered the election
field. To give a strong opposition to the Communist alliance,
Congress Party tried for an alliance with TTNC. But it failed.
Hence Travancore State Congress and TTNC independently
competed in the election. The Nairs managed to capture the
government. This dominance of Nairs once again led to the
oppression of Nadars in South Travancore.
2. Again a Nair
The strength of State Congress fell after the election.
Congress secured only 45 seats in the 118 members Assembly.
110
4. Appendix No. 47
5. Appendix No. 57
6. Under the Chairmanship of Fazl Ali and K.N. Kunzru and K.M. Panicker as mem-
ber, State Reorganisation Commission was appointed in December 1953, The Hindu,
23rd December 1953
7. Appendix No. 56
8. Appendix No. 63
112
35. Ibid, p. 18
36. Appendix No. 62
37. K. Sankaran Commission Report, op.cit., p. 21
38. Appendix No. 57
39. Appendix No. 57
116
But nobody knew how many were injured, how many were shot
dead and how many escaped. The injured and dead were loaded
in two police vans and taken to Trivandrum50. The injured who
escaped the police eyes and found shelter in private hospitals for
treatment were collected and transported to Trivandrum in police
vans. Kunjan Nadar, Second Dictator who organised the whole
Deliverance Day programmes was arrested on the same day
midnight by breaking open the doors of his house at Nagercoil51.
Even though he was a member of the Travancore - Cochin
Legislative Assembly and an important leader of TTNC he was
offered scant respect and subjected to severe illtreatment52. The
struggle was suspended but the police atrocities continued.
8. Rule of Terror
Next day the Chief Minister Thanu Pillai visited the places
where shooting was conducted. He congratulated the police
department of having done a wonderful job53. When he came to
visit, he was accompanied by 1600 Reserve Police with weapons.
After the visit he returned to the capital leaving behind the Reserve
Police to identify the Nadars and torture them. The Reserve Police
force stationed at important centres in South Travancore started
persecuting the Nadar community54. They identified isolated
houses and plundered and entered the market places and
manhandled Nadars irrespective of sex and age55. Making use of
this opportunity the enemies of TTNC and other castes also helped
the Armed Reserve Police to identify the people by sight56 (Kandal
Ariyam Nadar). Those Nadars who worked on fields, visited the
market places or walked on the road were included in that list and
arrested if they were identified as Nadars57. If the arrested man
was a Nadar, he was thrust into the police van and if not sent away
by a push. The exact number of people under police custody was
unknown for they were not presented before the magistrates58. In
many cases the First Information Report (FIR) was not prepared
by the police. Following Kunjan Nadar, 6 MLAs were taken under
custody on different dates. Panchayat members and presidents,
Municipal chairmen and members, lawyers, teachers, merchants,
coolies, etc. were arrested and put in jail without presenting them
before the magistrate59. Even the students were not spared by the
police60. At Marthandam, Karungal, Painkulam and Puthukkadai
alone, 1054 persons were taken into custody in one day by the
police.61 Where they were confined was unknown and false cases
were foisted against many thousands. Consequently nearly 3000
persons found shelter in Madras State62.
The Police Stations were over-flowing and there was no
place for the prisoners even to sit63. Inhuman treatment was meted
out to the prisoners in the name of law and order64. The prisoners
were unable to bear the torture of the Police Department and the
cry of the sufferers rent the air around the stations throughout
night everyday65. Some were wounded and certain others died.
The Nadars of South Travancore felt that they were living in hell66.
Those who were wounded by the police were not able to
go home or to the hospital for treatment for they feared arrest.
They were destined to suffer in their hideouts. The family members
of those victims in the hospital or in the prison or in hiding places
were in starvation because the bread winner was unable to feed
them67. Nesamony and his family members were under house arrest.
The Water Tank Road in Nagercoil where Nesamony resided was
under keen watch by the police who camped at both east and west
ends of the road68. Nesamony lost all external contacts and did
not know what was going on regarding the safety and security of
his people. Telephone contact was also denied to him.
9. Boycott of Enquiry
The public and many national leaders demanded a detailed
and thorough enquiry on the 11 August 1954 firing and the
subsequent police atrocities on the Tamils of Travancore69. They
also demanded that the enquiry should be conducted by a man
outside the state and it should be impartial70. All India Praja
Socialist Paty secretary Ram Manohar Lohia condemned the action
of Thanu Pillai Government and demanded its immediate
resignation71. Lohia resigned from the General Secretaryship of
the PSP in protest of Thanu’s treacherous actions.
Because of high pressure from different quarters the
government came forward to institute an one man commission of
enquiry72. TTNC opposed the one man commission of the
government. TTNC demanded the enquiry by a person outside
Travancore-Cochin State and also the immediate withdrawal of
the police from South Travancore and the final report on the cases
should be submitted and the list of culprits identified by sight
should be withdrawn. As these demands of the TTNC were not
accepted, the TTNC decided to boycott the commission73.
10. Pressure From All Quarters
Bail applications were submitted in all courts to release all
those who were in police custody. All the applications were rejected
Liberation by
10 Separation
1. Introduction
The law courts in Travancore - Cochin State, at all levels,
rejected the bail applications of all those who were in various jails.
Finding no remedy for their relief, Nesamony approached the
Supreme Court of India for the transfer of cases of the victims. A
no-confidence resolution was moved in the Travancore - Cochin
State Assembly. The ministry had to go out of office and a new
ministry, supported by the TTNC was formed by the Congress
Party
The State Reorganisation Commission submitted its report.
It came for discussion in the Parliament. The Commission
recommended for the merger of four Southern Taluks and
Shencottai with Madras State. Nesamony, in a lone voice, fought
for the merger of the other four taluks with Madras State which
were left out by the Commission. However the oppressed people
of the Southern Taluks of Travancore - Cochin State were liberated
by separation on 1 November 1956.
2. In the Supreme Court
When the sympathisers were pessimistic about the future
of the organisation, Nesamony was optimistic and did not retreat
in spite of the failures and disappointments. He came to the
conclusion that he had to stand up firmly all by himself, never
124
1. Appendix No. 48
2. B. Maria John, Linguistic Reorganisation of Madras Presidency, Nagercoil, 1994,
p. 87
3. Appendix No. 64
4. A.A. Razak, (Tamil) Nesamony Oru Cheritra Thiruppam, Nagercoil, 1998, p. 87
5. Appendix No. 48
125
6. Appendix No. 61
7. Appendix No. 61
8. Dinamalar, 9 February 1955
9. The Hindu, 4 February 1955
10. A. Grant, :Mr. A. Nesamony the Man I Admired” Centenary Souvenir, Nagercoil,
1995
126
6. S.R.C. Report
In order to reorganise the states of the Indian Union on
the basis of language, under the chairmanship of Fazl Ali, a
commission called State Reorganisation Commission (SRC) was
appointed by the Central Government and it submitted its report.
On 10 October, 1955, the Commission’s Report was published.
The Commission gave more importance to the Southern States15.
As far as Travancore- Cochin State was concerned, TTNC
demanded to merge Thovalai, Agasteeswaram, Kalkulam,
Vilavancode, Neyyatinkarai, Senkottai. Deviculam, Peermade and
Chittoor taluks with Madras State 16. But the Commission
recommended to merge only Thovalai, Agasteeswaram, Kalkulam,
Vilvancode and Shenkottai with Madras State. Considering the
economic loss to the Travancore-Cochin State the Commission did
not favour the merger of the hilly districts17, Deviculam and
Peermade with Madras State 18. In Neyyatinkarai Taluk the
Commission found that 86 per cent of the people knew Malayalam.
So the Commission did not favour the merger of this Taluk with
Madras State. In Chittoor also the commission found that the
majority people spoke Malayalam and hence it was merged with
Malabar and consequently with the newly formed Kerala State19.
7. Nesamony in Parliament
States Reorganisation Commission’s report was submitted
in the Lok Sabha on 14 December 1955. When discussions started
in the Parliament representatives of Travancore - Cochin State
vehemently opposed the Commission’s recommendations for the
merger of the Southern Taluks with Madras State. Thomas, the
Ernakulam Constituency representative and State Minister
condemned the recommendation of the Commission for the merger
of the Southern Taluks with Madras State. As it would disfigure the
29. Surveyor General of India - (Map) Tamil Nadu, Political andTourist Guide, 2000
30. A.A. Razak, op.cit., p. 371
31. Marshall Nesamony : Special Souvenir, Nagercoil, 1969, p.8
131
Oppressed Community
11 Since 1956
1. Introduction
Kumari Thanthai Marshall Nesamony in his letter to the
President of Indian National Congress, on 26 August 1954,
regarding the police firing at Marthandam and Puthukkadai and
the police atrocities that followed on the Nadar community,
especially, of Kalkulam and Vilavancode Taluks, indicated, that a
high caste Nair could not brook the sight of a low caste Nadar
crossing his path1. This observation of Nesamony ought to serve as
a guide to any one who is engaged in the investigation of the process
of liberation of an oppressed community. It also reveals the fact
that the liberation struggle is a continuous process.
As already indicated in this text, the Vellala Community of
Nanjil Nadu claimed2 parity with the Nair Community in social,
economic and political status. Naturally, the Vellalas, accustomed
to being considered as a high caste community, could not tolerate
a low caste Nadar being honoured with the title, Kumari Thanthai
and his community people dominating the political affairs of
Kanyakumari District. After the merger of Kanyakumari District
with that of Tamil Nadu, a small group of Vellalas began to indulge
in various attempts to erase from the annals of history the sacrifices
made by Nesamony and the people of his community in the
1. Appendix No. 57
2. Edgar Thurston, Castes and Tribes of South India, Vol. V. Madras 1909, p. 243
132
8. Appendix No. 57
9. P. John John, Coalition Governments in Kerala,Thiruvalla, 1983, p. 73
10. Ibid, p. 67
11. P.S. Mony, Letter to Nesamony, dated 12 June 1964, Nagercoil. Ref. Samudaya
Sinthanai, Feb. 2007, p. 11
12. S.N.D.P. Yogam, Golden Jubilee Souvenir, Quilon, 1953, Mannathu Padbhanaban.
Hindu Samhatana, p. 175
13. Sreedhara Menon, Quilon - Kerala District Gazetteer, Trivandrum, 1964, p. 159
134
14. A.A. Razak, Nesamony Oru Charitra Thiruppam, Nagercoil 1998, p. 123
15. M. Manoharan, A. Nesamony : A Socio-Political Study (Doctoral Thesis), p. 135
16. Maheswari, (Tamil), Kamaraj, Chennai, 2006, p. 65
17. A. Sankar, (Tamil) Perunthalaivar Kamarajar, Chennai, 2000, p. 62
18. M. Albans Nathaniel, Letter to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, dated, 6 February
2009 and his office reply dated, 14 March 2009
D. Robertson, Letter to the Tourism minister of Tamil Nadu dated 9 April 2009 and
his reply dated 22 April 2009
C. Kumaradhas, President, Thiagigal Sangam, Letter to the District collector
Kanyakumri District, 25, June 2009
135
19. Without the consent of the District congress committee Tamil Nadu Congress
Committee handed over the Kanyakumari Parliamentary constituency to the D.M.K.
Party in the May 2009 Election.
20. File No. D.Dis 424/1947, C.S. English Records, Kerala State Archives, Trivandrum
21. Travancore-Cochin Legistative Assembly Proceedings, 20th February 1951, p. 202
22. P. John John, op. cit. p. 67
136
attempt to steal, hide and twist the liberation history in favour of his
Vellala group falls apart for want of coherent historical evidence.
Apart from such false claims of Velayutha Perumal there
are many other examples to prop up the name of Subramonia Pillai
as one who sowed the seed for the formation of TTNC and as the
spirit and brain behind the organisation.43 But their claims are not
found in any of the government records kept in the archives. None
knows, what was the brain scheme and what did the sower sow?
However one thing about the said Subramonia Pillai was clear. He
was the sole promoter of the campaign against Nesamony and his
people44. For his campaign he managed to get the assistance of
Sam Nathaniel who proved himself a traitor during the course of
the liberation struggle by joining the side of Pattom Thanu Pillai,
and Thanulingam Nadar who became a betrayer, by introducing
Hindu-Christian division among the oppressed community, the
Nadars during the course of the struggle45.
Sam Nathaniel in his letter to the Governor General of
India on 22 August 1948, indicates that TTNC has been fighting
for the Tamils since 194546. Here he is trying to corner glory for
himself by identifying the political party, TTNC that existed at the
time of writing his letter with that of some out fit which was said
to be in 1945 and wound up in July 194747. This existence is based
on claims rather than tangible proofs of activity. However, this
feeble and narrowly limited affair48 should not be confused with
an uniquely significant and widely respresented political party
voicing the cause of all the Tamilians in the State, which was formed
under the chairmanship of Nesamony on 8 September 1947 at the
Allen Memorial Hall, Home Church, Nagercoil49.
43. Moni 70, Special Souvenir, Nagercoil, 1987
44. M.E. Monickavasagam, P.S. Mony, An Historical Biography, Nagercoil, 1987
45. Nathaniel, Nagercoil, pp. 5-21
Thiruthamizhar Iyakathai Thottuvithavar yar? & Nagercoil Moni 70, Special Souvenir,
Nagercoil 1987
46. Appendix No. 34
47. R. Velayutha Perumal, op.cit., p. 21
48. M. Sankaralingam, Moni 70, op. cit., p. 278
49. Appendix No. 22
141
56. Plaintiff : P.S. Moni Vs. Dr. Dr. M. Albans Nathaniel, Pulavar K. Patchaimal & Dr.
A. Jabarulla as Defendents, Filed on 27 November 1999
57. “In the result the suit is dismissed. As to the nature and circumstances of the suit the
parties to bear their respective cost.”
58. “Since all the answers are answered infavour of the defendents, the plantiff is not
entitled to damage.”
59. Ivy Peter, op.cit.
60. K. Patchaimal, (Tamil) Marshall Nesamony Ezhuthum Patchum, Swamithope, 1999
K. Patchaimal (Tamil) Kumari Maavattam Pirantha Varalaru, Swamithope, 2001
144
community63. Before the merger the Nairs ruled and after the
merger the Vellalas are ruling the oppressed community. Both Nairs
and Vellalas belong to the high caste group.
A representative of the Vellala community always finds a
place in the Tamil Nadu ministry. where as the oppressed
community is not able to find respresentation in the ministry. As
usual, the oppressed and liberated community finds pleasure in
serving that Vellala representative who keeps his position in the
Tamil Nadu ministry64. Vellalas, irrespective of the political party
in power, are able to get a representative in the ministry.65 If by
some chance a Nadar reprentative is admitted in the ministry, he
will be pressed out of the cabinet before the end of the term66.
State Assembly election was conducted in May 2006 in
Tamil Nadu. Dravida Munnetta Kazhagam (D.M.K.) alliance,
fielded candidates in all the seven constituencies in Kanyakumari
District. It won in all the seven constituencies. Out of the seven
Members of the Legislative Assembly, six members belong to the
oppressed community, the Nadars. None of those six candidates
got an opporunity to serve in the capacity of a minister. As usual,
the Vellala representative got that opportunity. For the fourth time,
without any break, a Vellala representative is honoured by inducting
into the Tamil Nadu ministry. If such is the case what would be
the fate of the oppressed community, the Nadars in Kanyakumari
District? The liberation stands meaningless.
As a result, the communal representation in government
offices and concerns tilted adverse to the oppressed community, the
Nadars. An ordinary member of the oppressed community is unable
63. In the absence of official statistics the study relied on certain research works done earlier
R.L. Hardgrave, Nadars of Tamil Nadu, University of California Press, Barkeley and
Los Angels, 1969, p. 25
G. Sidharthan, Entrepreneurship of Small Scale Industries - Astudy in Kanyakumari
District (Doctoral Thesis) Madurai, 1986, p. 68
64. D.M.K. District Secretary election in November 2008
65. Suresh Rajan in the D.M.K. Ministry & Dhalavai Sundaram in the ADMK Ministry.
66. Lawrence and Rajendra Prasad in ADMK Ministry
146
Hindus.73 They did not go against the caste system and the
consequent oppressions on the low castes. So they remained
dormant for more than three hundred years. 74 They were
untouched by the high castes for they were not a problem to
them.75
Protestant Christian Missionaries believed in the liberation
of the oppressed from their miseries as God’s work. They
confronted with the existing bad and inhuman practices in the
society. Missionaries obtained legal liberation for the oppressed.
Hence wide spread hatred was concentrated on the Protestant
Christians.76
Among the oppressed community, the Protestant Christian
Nadars received government favour first.77 So enmity developed
between the Hindu Nadars and Protestant Christian Nadars. It
continues even today without any reason.78 As the privileges of the
government were first enjoyed by the Protestant Christian Nadars,
the Catholic Christians also began to hate the Protestant
Christians79. Thus on the basis of caste, religion and religious
denomination the Protestant Chirstian Nadars had to face a tri-
cornered hatred and attack.
On 11 January 1891, the three major communities, Nairs,
Ezhavas and Syrian Christians of Travancore jointly submitted the
famous memorandum called, “Malayali Memorial” to the Maharaja
of Travancore.80 The Vellalas of Nanjil Nadu were also partners in
that memorandum. At the same time, the Protestant Christian
Nadars of South Travancore were considered as foreigners and
81. Idem
82. Idem
83. A.A. Razak (Tamil) Nesamony Oru Charitra Thiruppam, Nagercoil, 1998, p. 115 & 116
84. Ibid p. 114&115
85. P. John John, Coalition Governments in Kerala, Thiruvella 1983, p. 73
86. Idem
87. A.A. Razak, op.cit., p. 139
88. Ibid, p. 369
149
APPENDICES
1. PERMISSION TO COVER BOSOMS (1812)
Translation of an Order from Colonel J. Munro, Resident
Dewan to the Sarvadicariacars of Trevandram and
Neiyattangurry Taluq dated Quilon the 19th of Dhanoo 988
(1812).
I have heard that the women of Elaver and such like castes who have
embraced Christianity have been prevented from covering their bosoms; but as
I have granted my permission to the women converted to Christianity to cover
their bosoms as obtains among Christians in other countries, you will take steps
that there be no obstacles put to the women converted to Christianity wearing
cloths over their breasts.
From Colonel J. Munro, Resident (as Dewan) to Trioomagumpidicha
Pillai of Neiyattangurry Taluq dated 10th of Vrichugam 989.
That although orders have been issued permitting the women of Elaver
and such like castes who have embraced Christianity to wear cloth over their
bosoms, that four persons who have been exempted from doing the Sirkar duty
and attached to that of the Church; and that the persons converted to Christianity
should not be called upon for the duties connected with Coicul; I have been told
that contrary to these orders they are now oppressed. I therefore enclose a copy
of the same; and should the like occur in future you shall be sent for to this place
and punished.
(Sigd) J. Munro
As Dewan
To the Tannah Naigues of Neiyattangurry Taluq order dated
10th Vrichugam 989 containing the same as above.
C.M. Agur, Church History of Travancore, (1903), App. XVIII(4)
152
Fourthly, But while we are thus ready to afford to all our subjects without
distinction every facility to follow their respective religions and to celebrate rites
of the same in a regular manner we cannot allow our people of whatever caste or
sect to erect Pagodas, Churches, Chapels and Schools, Mosques or other places
of worship without regular permission on the application of the parties through
the Sirkar officers; when all such applications will be duly considered and such
spots fixed on as shall not occasion inconvenience to other castes.
Fifthly, As it appears of late, certain Shanars and others of the same
caste who have embraced Christianity proving refractory to the Sirkar authorities,
make it a practice to prefer their complaints irregularly elsewhere, It is now notified
that as there are no other tribunals in this country besides those appointed by
us, whenever any person or persons of whatever caste and religion may have
any just grievances or complaints to be represented they shall prefer the same to
the Sirkar officers, whose duty it will then be to afford the parties redress, and in
the event of such grievance or complaint not being redressed by those officers,
the parties shall prefer the same to the courts, and eventually, if necessary to
ourself since the tribunals are bound to treat all the inhabitants alike.
Sixthly, If any of the Sirkar officers oppress or otherwise ill-treat any
inhabitant, the matter will be heard and redressed by the Courts and Ourself, and
should it be established in the course of investigation that the Sirkar officers
have been guilty of any irregularity or injustice, they will be duly visited with
punishment, and declared unworthy of holding any public appointments.
Seventhly, As all persons having complaints will perceive from the
premises hereof which are the tribunal or tribunals, to whom they shall have
recourse for the hearing and settlement of their complaints, persons commiting
outrages (on the plea of ill-treatment or oppression) shall be punished adequately
to the nature of their offences, because no clemency can be exercised towards
persons disturbing the peace of the country.
The above shall be duly noted and acted up to by all persons.
(Sign Manual)
C.M. Agur. Church History of Travancore, (1903), App. XVIII(2)
(Also see D. Peter (Ed.) Charles Mead (1994), pp. 110-112
157
by the trunks of them and took them to the Tannah office at Tackelly where they
put them in irons hands and feet. Thirdly they beat murdered and buried
Vedamonikum of Bombadiconum of Auttoor Congregation. They also state that
there are two guns with Bagawatipilly of Kunjuvudu, 3 with Esrapilly of Pucodoo
veedu, 3 with Pinnakaudoo Ayan, 3 with Neelakandan pilly of Elampaliveedoo, 10
with Ramen Tompy of Arumany, 5 with Neelakanden Tompy, 7, with Caisaven
Tompy of Talakulam, 5 Anandoo Kurippo of Kannenmangalam and 2 with Ramen
Tompy of Ohlakadoo, though a few of these possessers of gun were not in the
crowd. Yet they have rendered assistance in furnishing them with the same.
No.4 Paramanandam, Narkunanthan, Arulanandum, Porumyudayan,
Karutudyan, Kunamudayan, Vedamonikum, Kunamudayan, Whonmayudayan
and Sevagnanum of Daivikoodoo congregation state that the Paruvathiar of
Medalum Adigarum, Sangarapilly from Autoor, Vailentomby, Kitmen pilly,
Mudaliar, Kochenpilly a chief Pedagycar, Kalipilly a chief Pedagyear and
Ramantomby a chief Pedagycar with several others assembled with swords,
hatchets, etc. and not only illtreated the women who went to the fair but also said
that as Col. Mucheaully’s Bungalow was pulled down and himself driven out of
the country the gentlemen at present must be served the same way.
No.5 Sandanamary, Poodattankutty of Karmanvilly of Anjalepedagy,
Poodattankutty Neelan of Vadalikootum, Kutty Neelam of Kuttapulivilly of
Pattapidagy of Colachel Adigarum state that Ramanpilly and Palppanapilly
Adigarum of Killiyoor assembled, with 11 persons at the Pourch of the above
mentioned Ramanpilly, armed with two guns, some swords, stones, etc. and were
conversing amongst themselves saying, the chapels at Autoor and other places
have been burnt down, the people were taken and their houses plundered. We
shall also join with the Pedagicarers of the North District. One of them named
Ramanpilly said as follows. What business have the gentlemen in this country?
What can these Kaluvaries do? If we burn down all the chapels so that not one
should remain, these Kaluvaries will return to their country.
No.6 Veyayen reader of Kullivilly congregation states on a date of Audy
last when Eyasuadial of the above mentioned congregation was proceeding to
the fair at Kullivilly a chetty of the said fair named Plumadan pilly, Pandarum
Aundipilly, Coluven Kunjamaden and Mullepilly tundel of Kullivilly of
Auratasapatto Adigaram, beat the above mentioned woman for covering her
breast and made her to take it off. Moreover that on the 19th of Margaly 1004,
when Needeyandayal was proceeding to the fair, Velatoora of Kunnatoor
Adegarum, Moonalacaran residing in Valatortoovedoo Sairmanakar residing in
Thattathotatoorvedoo and several others joined together and abused the said
Needeyandayal shamefully beat her and told her to go and report their acts to
her father, the white man.
159
They not only said thus, but in night of the next day. I was awoke by
some of the Xtians and informed that some persons were going to and fro with
torches, in order to spy near the Bungalow. As soon as I heard that, I went out
and saw not only torches and several persons with the light of the same, but also
a great crowd of people advancing from distance. There appeared another crowd
towards the north east but when sent people to see, they made off the nextday. I
related this to the Mission assistant Mr. Ashton.
No.10 January 12, 1829 Superamanen, Surveshamuthoo, Eyskimuthu,
Eyasmadeyan stated as follows, while we were in the night of the 6th January
lying around the materials as watchmen of Bungalow we saw light of torches
going to and fro, we awoke Yoven reader, who also saw the same and sent us, and
when we went to see they heard our voice and made off.
No.11 January 12, 1829 Poodathankutty, Gnanakannu of Autoor
Adigarum stated as follows, when I was returning from Tackaly Tannah, I met
with Adichen of Pinnakaudoo (on the public road in Elanda Ambalam fair) carrying
gun powder I asked him where he was taking it, he replied that Accuposu -
Essupilly wanted gun powder I am taking it to him.
No.12 Tey, 3rd 1004. Gnanakannu, Vellayan, Esaku Madan state as
follows, on a date of Marguly 1004, we saw truely. . .the Pedagycarrars of Autoor
Adegarum, Sarucoal. Pedagycarrars, the Pedagycarrars of Kalial Adegarum,
Tipparappo Pedagycars assembled with arrows, bows, swords, pikes, muskets,
hatchets etc. With two elephants, in Eravoor Bazar, and in Elandyambalam firing
off about 50 muskets at one time and beating tom-tom.
No.13 7th January, 1829 Veemen Paiduroo of Godayarvilly of Autoor
Adegarum states, that in the night of 6th January, I heard a sound of the firing
musket and when I came out I saw Godayarvilly chapel set on fire, when I was
making a noise and approaching the chapel I saw Errupilly, Paramu, Munnalicar,
Pandarum, Marimootookumaroo, Poodattan, Kalen, Palputomby and several
others, who drove me away and made off. There were a few others who had
gathered by the noise I made, who were also the spectators of the fact.
D. Peter (Ed.) Charles Mead (1994), pp. 38-44
161
No.14 The Defendants assembled with hatchets, swords & came in the
midnight, broke open the door of the complainants house, seized, pinioned, beat
and drove them to the Tana at Eraniel and imprisoned them after which one of
them named Paramasuranpilly released him. This was complained to the Dewan
& to the Resident but no enquiry has been made hitherto.
No.15 The Defendants receive tax of the Plaintiff on differenct dates
and year, and gave no receipts for the same and Aditchaplly has taken forcibly a
paddy field belonging to the Plaintiff. The defendants abused the Plaintiff, the
Parvathykar has refused to give receipt. They also threatened to seize all the
Christians.
No.16 The Defendants received from the Plaintiff 70 1/2 fanams on
different dates on account of tax and has hitherto given him no receipts, and
threatened to oppress him for being Xtian.
No.17 The Defendants always commit injustice & demand 3 3/4 fanams
of the Plaintiff & others for taking chunam toddy, contrary to the regulation.
No.18 Plundered the Plaintiff’s house and took away a casket of money
which he had discovered when digging his gardens.
No.19 The Defendants forced the Plaintiff to pay rent for chunam toddy
& when he refused , he was very cruelly used.
No.20 The defendants beat & ill-used the Plaintiff’s for dressing upper
cloth & made her remove it.
No.21 The Defendants beat & ill-used the Plaintiff’s timber which was
cut for the building of the chapel, stole the Pinnakays & jack fruits from the
gardens of the Plaintiff.
No.22 The Defendants unjustly demanded duty of the Plaintiff and
robbed him of a knife & 57 3/4 fanams.
No.23 The Defendants received bribe of the Plaintiff 65 fanams on
different occasions as well as seizing & beating him and several others.
No.24 The Plaintiff when going to pay her custom for jagry was abused
by the Defendants. They also tore the upper cloth from her.
No.25 The Defendants went in the night to the Paysaimy’s houses
collected the broken images & placed them at the doors of the houses of several
persons & in the morning not only raised a false report that the christians had
done it & have also lodged a complaint to the Dewan regarding the same. They
have also lodged a complaint against one of the Plaintiffs that he had broken the
necklace of the wife of a Thauedy.
163
No. 26 The Parvatecar assembled the defendants, took away the timber
which was cut for the building of a chapel and abused the gentlemen in various
ways, as well as expressing that as the Bungalow of Col. Macauly was pulled
down and himself turned out of the country, the gentlemen who are at present
must also be served the same & that all the veda chapels must be burnt down.
They said also that an order has been sent to seize, beat & put irons on all the
Xtians & threatened to do the same to the Plaintiff.
No.27 The defendants seized the plaintiff on the Sabbath, took to
Koilkalanelay, abused, beat, put in irons, received a bribe of 15 fanams. and did
not release him for worship. This was complained to the Tasildar & to the Tana
who said that the complaints of the Christians will not be attended to. Moreover
the Parvathekar abused, broke the Accany pot of a woman related to the Plaintiff,
beat her, stole her money & made her take off her upper cloth.
No.28 The Defendant an arrack vendor demanded at the rate of 1½
fanams. from each tree climber of the Plaintiff & promised to give permission for
drawing chunam toddy but has hitherto not done it.
No.29 That as the Plaintiff lodged a complaint on the 12th Tye, the
Defendant placed a Lavana chit in the roof of the Plaintiff without his knowledge.
It is mentioned in the chit that the Plaintiff to pay custom for three Thandies of
fire-wood & four Tulams of jagry, when he has nothing of that nature for sale in
his house.
No.30 The Plaintiff had been employed at Rajakamangalam Salt Pan in
carrying & storing up salt for the Bank stall of Poovar. They had borne 3015 Paras
of salt from the year 1002. As they were not paid their hire they complained at the
Tasildar’s office, at the Adigarum & to the Hozoor but no enquiry has hitherto
been made.
No.31 The Defendant seized the compainants and tried to compel them
to renounce Xtianity & when the complainants refused, they were imprisoned.
This and other oppressions were complained of but no enquiry has been made.
No.32 The defendant servant named Vedumaden Vellayen having had a
fall from a cocoanut tree, the defendant lodged a complaint against the Plaintiff
that he beat & wounded his servant. Though the court, when on investigation,
was convinced to the contrary by the persons that lived near the place but there
is no decree made as yet.
No.33 In consequence of the complainant embracing Xtianity, his sister
Neelee prevented a man from returning the jewel which we pawned to him by the
Plaintiff. When demanding the rent for one of his cocoanut trees was beaten and
ill used by the other Defendants. And when Gunamany, the plaintiff went to
reconcile them he was also beaten & one of his ears broke as well as robbed of his
164
ear rings. 2 Rupees and 28 fanams. After which he was falsely accused & taken to
the Tasildar who imprisoned him and beat him most cruelly.
No.34
No.35 The defendants abused the Plaintiff for embracing Xtianity &
said that Xtian instructions must not be received, and if any one did, they would
be seized, beaten and the chapel burnt down. Accordingly one night the defendants
came with a torch to set fire to the chapel but when they saw the Plaintiff they
made off.
No.36 The defendants threatened to oppress the complainants when
they were going to worship, and said that they would cause to remove the upper
cloth of the women.
No.37 Though the Plaintiff had given 2000 Cadjans for writing & 20
baskets & yet the defendants have not yet paid the price & hire for them. One of
the defendants who is custom collector put a lavana chit stating that the Palintiff
has to pay custom for 8 Thandies fire wood & 3 Tulams jagry when he had
nothing of the kind for sale. The plaintiff spoke of that to the said Valichairy
custom collector who replied that if he gives him 3 fanams he would try to lessen
the custom demanded, & he had paid 3 fanams the defendant has not yet
performed his promises.
No.38 The Plaintiff had been performing his duty in drawing timber for
himself & several other Xtians oppressed and ill used - and the Defendant
Mhoodayanhuripoo has taken away the knife of the Plaintiff so that he is
prevented from drawing toddy.
No.39 The defendants assembled with arms & surrounded the house of
the Plaintiff, entered it, searched the paddy bin and enquired of the wife of the
Plaintiff where he was, when they were told that he had gone to Quilon they
returned. Four days after they came again in the night with torches, broke, to
open the east door of the house of the Plaintiff went in, opened the lid of the said
Bin, broke the box that was in it, took away the jewels as well as brass vessels
that were in the Bin. They then broke one of the ears of the grand mother of the
Plaintiff, deprived her of her ear jewels & a silver bangle. Thus the Plaintiff’s
house was plundered and an old woman cruelly used.
No.40 The Plaintiff has been abused & threatened to be stabbed with
the knife when he was going to take the remaining property left by his deceased
brother and thereby is prevented hitherto from enjoying the same, he being
repeatedly hindered and no justice done by any of the local officers.
No.41 The defendants though having sufficient places in the street in
all directions yet last sabbath, they brought their looms placed at the front of the
165
chapel of the Plaintiffs and were working so that no one could enter the chapel,
making a horrid noise and disturbing the Plaintiffs at the time of worship. And
when they were requested to be silent, they would not but persisted more &
more.
No.42 When the Plaintiff was returning after administering medicine to
a man who was attacked with cholera, he was seized by the defendants, boxed &
beat with the hand, was taken to the Tesakavelkar’s office and imprisoned being
falsely accused of breaking a tom tom.
No.43 The Defendant at first lodged a complaint at the court claiming a
piece of ground which belonged to the Plaintiff and the court after investigation,
decreed that the ground legally belongs to the Plaintiff & not to the defendant
that claimed it, but the defendant not being satisfied appealed, since which there
is no inquiry made.
No.44 The Defendants went to the house of the complainant, demanded
3 1/4 fanams as a rent for drawing chunamb toddy, seized, tied & beat her husband
and also took hold of her hair & used her shamefully.
No.45 A man named Arunankalen borrowed 57 fanams from one
Mayakondon who died without issue & the property being left to the Sircar, the
said Arunankalen his debtor is also deceased, and instead of the Sircar officers
demanding the money of Kumaran Pitchy the friend of Arunankalen, they compel
the Plaintiff (who is not a relation to Mayahondan’s debtor) and demand of him
the interest for the same.
No.46 The defendant an uncle of the Plaintiff, has taken all the property
to himself when a part legally belongs to the Plaintiff & does not care for him.
No.47 The complainant had been paying rent at the rate of 12 fanams
per year for two salls but from the year 93, the Defendant demands of the
complainant 24 fams per month for the same two salls or distillers.
No.48 A garden having been mortgaged by Thanakoo Kitnen Mallenpilly
on the year 75, to the complainant is taken and enjoyed unjustly by the defendant
from the year 99.
No. 49 The defendant mortgaged 2 pieces of Paddy field to the Plaintiff in
the year 90, but after the said defendant is employed as an adigar he has forcibly
taken them from the Plaintiff & when the money is demanded he refuses to pay.
No.50 The defendants seized the complainant at a tank called
Perumkulam saying what business has this fellow to give instructions of the
veda in our Pedaky, we must kill him & so on after which they tied , beat &
pressed him into the water, when Mayethipilly, Narayanapilly & Mullen came &
took him from their hands, brought to shore and took with his bonds to the Head
166
men of the Padeky who wrote down the deepness of the wounds & was proved
by a witness, but hitherto nothing done in the cases.
No. 51 The defendants unjustly seized, beat and killed a goat belonging
to the complainant. This was reported to the local officers but no enquiry has
been made hitherto.
No.52 The defendants seized the complainant & forced him to carry
flowers & tender cocoanut, The complainant said that as he is a Christian he
cannot take things intended for idols when they beat him & cut him (deeply) with
a hatchet on his right thigh, left him & went away. This was complained at the
court by the complainant & there was no enquiry made.
No.53 The defendants seized the complainant’s wife, & told her to
complain against her Minister for her husband allowing him to go to the chapel
through his gardens & when refused to do the like, they beat, illused & took her
away.
No.54 The defendants beat & illused the complainants for refusing to
complain against their Ministers who were allowed to pass by the complainant’s
gardens.
No.55 The defendants beat & ill used Pakeyanaden & other of
Thanshara Koadoo Congregation. They also said to the complainant that he
must not teach the Veds & if he does they will kill him, burn down his house & the
chapel. In consequence of the people being persecuted they have all left their
villages & no one attend instruction; whereby the discharge of the duty of the
complainant is hindered. Besides they continue disturbing the complainants.
No.56 The defendant beat & broke the teeth of the complainant for
keeping off the swine & fowls of the defendant from destroying his cultivation.
This was complained to the Head men of the Pedaky & to the Tana & no enquiry
is hitherto made.
No.57 The defendants abuse, beat & persecute the people under Xtian
instruction. They prevent them from going to worship, they way lay & do great
many injust acts & thereby prevent the labours of the complainant. He therefore
begs that all preventions of the like should be put a stop to and Xtain worship
kept up.
No.58 As the Defendants said that they will not receive the tax & baskets
of those who are Xtians & as they persecuted them because they embraced
Xtianity, the complainant went once with the Xtians to the Adegarum & requested
that their taxes should be received, when it was replied that their tax shall not be
received & that if the complainant should in future give Xtian instructions in that
part of the country he would be beaten & turned out. In consequence of the
167
above mentioned causes the Xtians have all left their villages and the performance
of the duty of the complainant is greatly hindered. He therefore prays that the
Xtians should be treated justly (as other inhabitants) & their religious liberty
restored to them.
No.59 The defendants threaten the Xtians of Palleyady congregation &
reprove them for receiving Xtian instruction. They also told the complainant that
he is to go and impart Xtian instruction at Nagercoil & not at Palleyady where a
Chapel is built on a piece of ground by the free consents of Needeyandayan who
owns it as Patty & Kulikaranum. In consequence of the Defendants prevention
& oppression, the Xtians have lost the privilege of receiving instruction & thereby
the labours of the complainant has met with no success since.
No.60 The defendants say that Chapel must not be built at Koolivilly,
neither Xtianity taught in those parts. They also variously persecute the Xtians
when they go to the chapel, to the fair, and other places. They say that an order
had been sent by the Dewan to seize all the Xtians, iron & send them to him,
accordingly they go from house to house threatening them to seize & beat, they
also trouble the complainant to give a list of thieir names. These disturbance has
been the cause of discouraging the Xtians who in order to be screened from
oppression keep from attending instruction & worship & thereby there is a great
hinderance for the discharge of his duty.
No. 61 At the absence of the complainant, the defendants went to his
house in the day, broke open the door & plundered all his jagry, broke the jagry
pots, stole also jewels & brass vessels & caused a great loss. This was complained
to the Tanna & Tasil when an order was sent to the Adigar to take & send the
defendants but hitherto he has not done it, neither is there any further enquiry
made.
No.62 The defendants questioned the complainant & asked him who
ordered him to build a chapel & teach the Vedam, they said also that there is an
order come to take all the Xtians, seize & send them. They not only threatened
thus, but also disturb the Xtians on Sabbaths & other days. Many of the Xtians
being alarmed at their threatening have run away. The complainant therefore
begs that the case should be enquired into.
No.63 The complainant gave his Document to the defendant in order to
have it cleared & paid him 50 fanams for his trouble but the defendant instead of
doing as he was requested had one garden (mentioned in the document) cleared
in his own name & the other in the name of his son Mareyasavarimootoo. When
the complainant asks the defendant to return his document he says that if he
gives 150 fanams he would dispose it to him & not otherwise.
No.64 The defendants seized, tied & beat the Xtians so that they
scattered from their houses & also told the complainant not to impart Xtian
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instruction & that if he did he was threatened to be ill-used. Owing to the said
persecutions & threatenings the people are afraid of attending worship or
receiving instructions whereby the complainant is prevented from his duty.
No.65 The Defendants assembled & not only said that no chapel can be
built at Kunnathoor must Xtianity be embraced but also laid way, beat, abused,
ill-used & threatened the Xtians of both sexes when they go to worship on
Sabbaths & other days and to prevent them from receiving the word of truth. In
consequence of the said persecutions the people have quitted their aboad and
thereby the complainant is prevented from discharging his duty.
No.66 The defendants entered the complainant’s house & plundered
jewels & other things & took his wife away who is now in Yagen’s house. They
have also taken 3 cows.
No.67 Brought a tom tom in the street at Arapury & published that the
Christians must be seized & tied & that the women must take off the upper cloth.
In consequence the complainants & other Xtians have been obliged to flee &
hide & the School & congregations are dispersed.
No.68 Assembled near the chapel - troubled the Christians, sing songs
made a noise & prayers. Also on Sundays in time of workship they assemble,
sing songs & interrupt the worship.
No.69 Came into the Christian Village on the 10th Tey and made a
proclamation by tom tom that the Xtian women must take off thier upper cloth &
he also read a paper that those who have complaints must go & make them to the
Dewan within 5 days. In consequence of this the Xtians are frightened &
dispersed.
No.70 The defendants assembled & said we have received an order to
seize the Xtians, threw stones into the houses of the Xtians. In consequence, I
was obliged to flee from my house when a pot of Palmyrah jaggery & a load of
paddy were stolen.
The other complaints of a similar nature to the last mentioned were to
have been presented the day the cutchery left.
D. Peter (Ed.) Charles Mead (1994), pp. 58-62
169
your petitioners defendant were not sent for by the Thasildar nor by the Adigary
neither were they examined or sent to the Court.
Your petitioners not having justice done to them here, they were obliged
to lodge their grievances at the apeal court and to his Excellency the present
Dewan, from whom your petitioners received several orders to the court of
Palponabapooram and to the said Thasildar that their case should be investigated.
But no enquiry or redress have been hitherto made - as the district officers seem
to be afraid to procede against Caisapilly who boast that he acts by authority and
will root out all the Xtians who have embraced the white peoples religion.
Your petitioner beg to state also that their defendants have bought an
old house and intend to pruchase two or three more and burnt them down in
order to lodge false complaints against your petitioners and say they have also
been burning down their houses.
In consequence of this long persecution your petitioners are distressed
to see that the oppressions of their Pedagacarers never cease but continuous
prevailing. They therefore most submissively entreat your honour would
condescend to procure that your petitioners complaints be registered in the
court of Padpanabapooram and justice done to them and to procure His Highness
the Rajah’s permission to rebuild their chapel while over it may be deemed proper
as well as restoring to them the property they have lost.
Vykasi 7th 1005
Your petitioners will
D. Peter (E.d.), Charles Mead (1994), pp. 172-174
12. WHY THE DISTURBANCES? (1829)
Letter of Revd. C. Mead & C. Mault to the Resident regarding
the disturbances - An Extract.
“It is of the greatest moment to attend to the origin of the grievances
and oppressions which the Christians are suffering from the Soodra caste. The
Shanars are esteemed a low caste, and before thier acquaintance with Christianity
were in general depraved in their morals and filthy in their habits. Christianity has
effected a considerable alteration in both these respects. The Soodras appear to
be envious at seeing the improvement which the Christians present in their outward
appearance and habits. They are vexed like wise at the Shanars because they
refuse to labour for them without pay as they had been obliged to do while
heathen. In former times a Shanar could not be sure of his property or liberty for
a moment, for if a Soodrar wished to possess himself of a field or a garden
belonging to a Shanar the latter could not refuse as the former was always in
league with the Police and could convict him falsely of crimes, that might ruin
173
him. Now the people have become more enlightened, they will not submit quietly
to such impositions, and hence the opposition raised against Christianity, for it
is thought to be the only barrier to a return to the old state of things.”
D. Peter (E.d.), Charles Mead (1994), pp. 29
(For full text see, Samaya Thondarkalum Samudaya marumalarchiyum (1999)
by Dr. Ivy Peter & Dr. D. Peter, App. 5, pp. 206-210 or D. Peter (Ed.), Charles Mead
(1994),pp. 28-36)
13. WHY THE DISTURBANCES ? (1859)
Letter from Rev. Baylis to the Resident :
Neyoor
Jan. 17, 1859
To
Lt. Gen. Cullen
British Resident
Sir,
I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter, I have just forwarded to
the Dewan at Palpanabhapuram, referring to the disturbance in the Monday
Market on the 10th instant - to the burning of our chapel at Vadacancurray on
that night, and to the way in which some of our women have been treated, tho’
wearing only the jacket. I beg respectfully to solict your attention to these
statements.
2. As this village is only occupied by Christians many of the women
here have long been accustomed to wear the upper cloth as well as the Jacket, as
they go about, without any molestation. Only a few of them are in the habit of
going to the market and these have generally put it down at such times. A few
days ago, however, they all agreed to put off the upper-cloth, and wear only the
Jacket, hoping that it would help to put a stop to the present disturbances. I fully
approve of their having done so, tho’ I am sorry there should be a necessity for
it, and I shall use every endeavour to induce any of my people at out-stations,
who had commenced wearing the upper-cloth to do the same.
3. I am inclind to think that the growing intelligence, wealth and influence
of the Shanars / especially those of them who are Christians / owing to the efforts
that have been made to educate them, to many of them going often to Ceylon,
where some are employed in situations of trust and responsibility / some of our
people having situations of from 50 to 70 Rs. per mensem as Conductors & c. and
having a large number of coolies under them / and to their engaging to a much
greater extent than formerly, in trading in Jaggery, tamarind, cotton, & c., have
had much more to do in causing the present irritated and excited state of the
174
Sudras, here than the wearing of the upper-cloth by their females. I think you will
allow that these things should be borne in mind, and that measures should be
gradually introduced to free such a class from many of those restrictions and
disabilities that now press so heavily on them. I must record my opinion that
whatever faults the Shanars may have, they are generally a peaceable, well-
disposed people, and would remain so, and would go on increasing in intelligence
and general prosperity, by which the country must be benefitted, if not irritated
beyond the power of endurance by the insolence and tyranny of the higher
classes of the population, and by their finding it impossible, as had been too
often the case to get redress for their complaints in the police, where all the
officials belong to those higher classes.
I have & c.,
Sd/-
F. Baylis
R.N. Yesudhas, A Peoples Revolt in Travancore (1975), pp. 187 & 188
14. WHY THE DISTURBANCES? (1859)
Letter from W. Cullen to Thomas Pycroft. Chief Secretary to
Government, dated 16th February 1859
Sir,
I have the honour to transmit copy of a report by Dewan of Travancore,
on the late disturbances in the South, between Soodra and Shanar population.
2. Although the wearing of cloth over the upper part of the person by
the Shanar women apears to be the more immediate cause of the disturbances,
there has, I think, for several years past been a growing feeling of disquietude on
the part of the Soodras at the innovation of the Shanar both Christian and heathen.
Indeed in a recent petition from the missionaries in the south to his Highness the
Rajah, they distinctly admit that the present disturbances are to be traced to the
dissatisfied landed proprietors at the emancipation of their slaves announced by
Proclamation in 1855.
3. I believe this to have been one source, because the missionaries then
also availed themselves of that partial emancipation to endeavour to make converts
to Christianity, and I know that it led to much excitement; for in travelling about
in those districts at the period in question, I was frequently visited by large
number of proprietors, complaining bitterly that they lost the services of their
slaves on Sundays and that slaves had in other respects proved very refractory.
4. Another subject of irritation has been the exemption on the part of all
Shanars attached to the Mission of Oolium duties on Sundays, and from work
connected with Hindoo festivals or places of worship.
175
individual Christian women and their jackets forcibly torn off and some Christian
men also assaulted.
3. Complaints in some of the cases have been made to the Police Officer
at Neyattuncarey and appeal also made to the Huzoor, but though the charges
were proved, the punishment awarded by the Police Officer has proved quite
insufficient to deter the offenders from committing further assaults.
4. About two months ago a Christian woman was assaulted in the public
market at Aramanoor by a barber of the Eluvar caste and her jacket torn. Ten days
ago two women when on their way to Auraulamoodu market were assaulted by
Sirkar peons and taken before the Tanna Naick at Neyattunkarey and the jacket
of one of them violently stripped off and hung on a tree by the Tanna. Last week
the wife of one of my Readers was assaulted by a Mohamedan and the barber
above mentioned, and her jacket violently torn off and hung up in a tree with loud
shouts of threats. My Readers have been abused and threatened in several
places and two days ago one of them was stopped and struck by Sirkar Peons in
the road by Trevandrum itself. Most of the public throughfares and markets
about Baularamapuram and Neyattunkarey are now frequented by violent men
who assault and intimidate the Christians, whether men or women.
5. In particular I have now the honour to state that the market which is
held in rotation at the three places, Aramanoor, Puthenkadi and Tirupuram is
entirely in the hands of a lawless mob so that the Christians cannot now show
themselves there. On the 15th and 19th instant that mob consisting of Soodras,
Chetties, Mahomedans and other castes, to the number of about 400, visited the
markets with the openly avowed purpose of assaulting the Christians. The mob
then came on at a quick pace armed with sticks, bludgeons, and knives, and
stood at the entrance gate of the Chapel yard and called out to an oilman who
lives opposite to bring fire. The mob saw my Readers and others standing quietly
inside, and did not assault the Mission Premises, but after a while went off in a
body to the north, but their threats are still violent.
6. The chief men in exciting the mob are Kumara Pillay of Paulatta house
in Aramanoor who I believe is a Sirkar employee as Superitendent of the Salt
Store at Poovar, his son Ummini Pillay and the barber above named, who though
tried and convicted of that assault in Aramanoor above mentioned was allowed
to escape with so slight a punishment, that he has since assaulted the Reader’s
wife, and is now emboldened to greater violence. There are also some other
leaders whose names I do not know.
I have the honour etc.
Sd/-
John Cox
R.N. Yesudhas, A Peoples Revolt in Travancore (1975), pp. 190&191
177
next day the same crowd having entered the Chapel at Kadoopoothoor during
the time of Service, drove out the Catechist and Congregation, tore the books to
pieces, locked the Chapel and took away the key with them. Had not the Vellalas
of Kadoopoothoor interfered, they would have carried on their evil attempts to a
higher degree.
On the 14th January another set of them proceeded farther to Titoovilly
and Anditope having for their leaders Poothanatha Pillai, Mathevan Pillai, Vallimai
Pillai. Anajan Pillai of Poothapandi, Vythiyalingom Pillai and Neelan of Talagoody
&c., came by day against the catechist and school master, broke the doors,
pulled down the roofs, plundered all the furnitures and stripped some of the
women’s jewels.
On the 10th instant, about 50 Sudras of Aroomanallur under the command
of Ananda Pillai, Sevaramakrishna Pillai, Senthaparoomal Pillai and Nager Pillai,
came to the Catechist at Collantherootty and persuaded him not to preach the
gospel any more there about nor open the chapel for service saying that they
would give him 1/2 cottah of paddy every month if he would but obey them and
at length they took and imprisoned a Christian who is not yet released.
Another party of Sudras about 30 in number from Sevamaddum.
Thresannenkoppu, Koosathory & c., strictly ordered the Christians at Pooliyaddi
and Kalloovantidill not to open the chapels any more and forced them to renounce
the Christian Religion taking many of them to do Devasom Ooliyam on Sundays
and to work as slaves as was usual before the freedom of slavery. Besides this,
they forced the school girls at Kalloovantidill while learning, to strip of their
jackets and tore the books. This they did on the 10th January. They also watch
now and then on the ways to prevent the people from going to Service.
On the 10th instant, at Mylaudy a few Sudras headed by Sivasubramonya
Pillai, Mootha Pillai and Poothalingum Asary of Saintheanpoothur,
Soontharalingum Pillai of Myaludy & c., drove the Catechist and his wife off from
the place and abused the women while going to the river for fetching water. Had
the Vellalas of the above said place been not ocasionally checked by Paroomal
Pillai, Pariya Pillai and others of Wiravilly, they would have done more injuries.
That in consequence of all this, many of the villages are wholly deserted
by Christians and almost all the congregations are deprived of their catechists
and schools and accordingly the Sunday and other services are stopped, the
roads by which the Christians go to markets and other public places have been
shut up and the Christians are here and there oppressed to become Heathens
and forced to daub on their foreheads what is called Holy Ashes.
R.N. Yesudhas, A Peoples Revolt in Travancore (1975), pp. 196&198
179
But the truer and better instincts of humanity had been aroused by
Christianity, and the Christian females were accustomed and taught to wear a kind
of plain loose jacket with short sleeves, devised by one of the missionary ladies.
This of itself was displeasing to the Sudra aristocracy. And in addition to the jacket
(which is not worn by the Sudra females) some of the Christian women, without the
consent of the missionaries, and even in several instances in opposition to their
advice, had taken the liberty of wearing an additional cloth or scarf laid over the
shoulder, called the “upper cloth,” as worn by theSudra women, and this the latter
interpreted as an infringement of their peculiar and exclusive privilege.
On the whole, then, it was determined that by some means, or by any
means, a stop must be put to the progress of Christianity and to the spread of the
reforms and innovations already in progress and impending.
The persecution commenced about the middle of 1827, and continued till
1830. The storm raged chiefly in the Western division of the mission, although a
part of its fury extended to the Eastern division. The opposition to the truth
commenced in threatening language, and afterwards proceeded to avert acts of
personal assault, annoyance, and public outrage. Threats were uttered that the
missionaries would be assassinated and their chapels, school rooms, and houses
set on fire; the erection of the Neyoor mission-house, then in process of building,
was forcibly hindered. It became necessay to guard the mission buildings night
after night. Several chapels and school-houses were actually burnt down to the
ground by incendiaries, and the erection of new ones prevented by the threats and
violence of the Sudras. A native gentleman of high caste, Raman Tambi, who had
proved himself friendly to the missionaries, and had ventured to sell them the
ground on which they were erecting the mission-house at Neyoor, was seized and
imprisoned on false charges, and was not released for seven years. The native
converts were falsely accused, thrown into prison, and sometimes removed from
place to place for months, so as to conceal the place of their confinement. Heathen
Shanars and Pariahs were sent, under the guise of inquirers, to act as spies and
carry their report to the persecuting party. Some of the schools were interrupted,
and the books torn and cast into the street. Menaces were used to deter the native
Christians from attending public worship; men were seized on the Sabbath, and
compelled to work on that day; women were insulted and beaten in the bazaars;
and alarm and terror spread amongst the timid people in every direction.
Among the Christians seized at one place were the schoolmaster and
the principal man of the village, who had recently embraced Christianity; the
house of the schoolmaster they first plundered and then burnt. The house of
another respectable native, whom, with others, they had falsely charged with
murder, they broke open, robbed, and he himself being absent, seized his three
sons. At length their outrages became so alarming and intolerable as to render it
absolutely necessary to apply for military aid, which was at once afforded and
was the means of checking for the time the further violence of the assailants.
182
One poor man was tied to the hind leg of an elephant, and ill-treated for
refusing to do forced labour without pay. Mr. Ashton had to accompany several
women, who had been shamefully beaten, and whose clothing had been publicly
torn off, to the Dewan, Venkata Row, who had been sent to investigate into these
disturbances. They went, wrote Mr. Ashton, to a large building in the fort at
Palpanabhapuram, where the Dewan held his court. The Sudra Sepoys would not
allow the women to pass the gateway covered, so they had to remove their cloths
and reclothe themselves after entering. They found the Dewan surrounded by a
large guard in full uniform, together with the Government officials (all of high
caste) and the head men of the Sudra villages, all filled with rage at the unfortunate
Christians and awaiting their arrival. The tumult was great but the missionary
was kindly received by the Dewan, who recommended the Christian women to
place their cloths across the bosom instead of over the shoulders. After a few
inquiries, he advised all to live at peace together and maintain the ancient customs
without change, promising that a proclamation with regard to the use of the
upper cloth should soon be issued.
This proclamation appeared on 28th February, 1829, but afforded no relief
to the Christians, nor any extension of liberty as to the use of decent and convenient
clothing. In it the Christians were blamed for desiring to wear the upper cloth
“contrary to orders and ancient customs,” and were charged with refusing to
perform the Government service. The use of the upper cloth was absolutedly
prohibited, the jacket only being allowed. Exemption from Sunday labour and from
employment in idolatrous service was granted. An apeal was made to the precepts
of Christianity, as “inculcating humility and obedience to superiors;” totally ignoring
the fact that the whole genius of the Christian religion leads to advancement in
civilization and decency, and destroys the possibility of slavery and tyranny. The
regulations as to obtaining the permission of Government for the erection of chapels,
&c., was repealed, and strong hints given against the interference of the missionaries,
who had sought to aid their people by constitutional means in bringing their
grievances before the notice of the Government. Promises were made of redress in
the courts of justice; but these were presided over at that time, almost without
exception, by corrupt and partial Brahmans and Sudras, so that the poor had no
access to them on just or equal terms.
But again the providence of God overruled the vile passions of man for
His own purpose and the advancement of His kingdom, so that the cause of
Christianity was eventually a gainer. Even while this severe persecution was going
on, and the violence and cruelty were at their highest pitch, the people flocked to
the Christian congregations from all directions, voluntarily demolishing with their
own hands their shrines and idols, some of them bringing their gods of gold, silver,
brass and wood and the instruments of idolatry, which they surrendered to the
missionaries. “So mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed.”
Samual Mateer, The land of Charity
John Snow and Co, London, 1870, pp. 274-281
183
higher officers, the Dewan is a native, the next highest revenue officer the
Settlement Dewan Peishcar is a native, 2 out of the 4 Dewan Peishcars in charge
of Divisions are Natives, 2 out of the 3 Deputy Peishcars are natives, all the 4
Assistant Peishcars are natives, all the Huzoor Officers with the exception of one
or two are natives, All the 20 Tahsildars with the exception of 2 or 3 are natives,
all the Zillah Judges exclusive of the one European and with the exception of 3 are
natives, all the Magistrates of whom there are 120 exclusive of the Europeans, all
the revenue officers already referred to with the exception of one are natives and
all the 3 Inspectors of Registration are natives, all the District Registrars of whom
there are 34 and with the exception of 3 or 4 natives and in the Police Department
94.4 percent are natives. The minor appointments are admittedly mostly filled up
by natives. It is unnecessary to enter into further details. It will be clearly seen
from the above that the complaint of foreign preponderance in the Government
service is not based upon facts. That complaint is wholly founded on the wrong
assumption as ‘foreigners’ of people who are really natives of the country. There
are, it is true foreigners in the Government service. But they are few in number
and have mostly come into the country at the special invitation of the Maharajahs
and their trusted advisers. Travancore has been from time to time adopting British
institutions and modes of government. In order to introduce and work at the
commencement those institutions and modes of government, the services of
skilled foreigners had to be sought for from British India. To this cirumstance
might be chiefly traced the entertainment of foreigners in the service. In many
instances, those foreigners were holding important posts in the British Service.
As a rule, The Maharajahs and their advisers have only entertained foreigners
when duly qualified natives were not available and when such a course was
found necessary in the exigencies of the service. Travancore owes its formation
and place as a kingdom to a Tamil Brahmin the celebrated Dalawah Rama Iyen. It
was he who largely added by conquest to the then comparatively narrow
dimensions of Travancore. Rama Iyen was a skilful general. a great statesman
and had not his equal in their disinterested and able discharge of the duties of
Prime Minister and in his devotion and loyalty to his sovereign. The foundations
of order and good govenment in Travancore were laid by that great man.
Travancore also owes a great deal of its prosperity, civilization and enlightenment
and likewise its prominent position among the well governed native States of
India, to foreign Brahmin administrators. It was that eminent statesman the late
lamented Rajah Sir Madava Row who assuming office at a critical period in the
history of Travancore not only redeemed the country from its then embarrasments
but by his successful and brilliant administration won for Travancore the proud
appellation of ‘The Model Native State in British India’. That reputation,
Travancore has maintained under the subsequent administrations of the foreign
Dewans the Honourable Seshiah Sastry and the Honourable V. Ramiengar and of
its present native Dewan T. Rama Row Esquire C.I.E. It is to another great foreign
Hindu, the late Mr. Sadasiva Pillay, the head of the Judicial administration of the
187
State for several years, that Travancore chiefly owes its systematic organisation
of courts, its improved laws and the purity of its judical service. It is scarcely
necessary to refer to the more recent successors of that eminent Judge are Your
Highness knows them so well. Much of the prosperity of the trade and commerce
of Travancore is due to foreign Hindus who in the first instance had to be invited
and encouraged by the Maharajahs to settle in the country.
5. The second noteworthly error in the Malayali Memorial is the
advocacy of the distribution of Goverment appointments among the several
classes and creeds in the country according to their numerical strength. The
Malayali memorialists complain that the Malayali Hindus and Christians have
not been given their full and proper share in the appointments in the State in their
various grades especially the higher. They further say that the Malayali Sudras
even if in point of education are comparatively backward they as the real natives
of the soil deserve the special support of Your Highness Govenment, that the
British Government have accorded special privileges to the Mohomedans, that
certain British District Officers reject applications for appointment in their own
offices from Brahmins and that the example set by the British Government is
worthy of imitation here. In no civilized country are appointments distributed
among the component classes of the population according to numbers. Such a
distribution will not only be subversive of all good government and productive
of mischievious consequences but will practically be impossible. Good government
can be secured only by the selection of the fittest and best available men for the
public service. The entire business of Government is skilled employment.
Intellectual and moral worth and professional attainments alone must be the
qualifications for Government employment. We may quote here the weighty words
of the great western thinker John Stuart Mill on the point. Mill says in his treatise
on Representative Government “A most important principle of good government
in a popular election neither by the votes of the people themselves nor by those
of their representatives. The entire business of Government is skilled employment,
the qualifications for the discharge of it are of that special and professional kind,
which cannot be properly judged of, except by persons who have themselves
some share of those qualifications or some practical experience of them. The
business of finding the fittest persons to fill public employment not merely
selecting the best officer but looking out for the absolutely best and taking note
of all fit persons who are met with, that they may be found when wanted, is very
laborious and requires a delicate as well as highly conscientious discernment;
and as there is no public duty which is in general so badly performed, so there is
none for which it is of greater importance to enforce the utmost practicable
amount of personal responsibility, by imposing it as a special obligation on high
functionaries in the several departments”. His Excellency Lord Wenlock, the new
Governor of Madras affirmed the same principle when complaints similar to those
urged by the Malayali memorialists were made to him recently by the Eurasian
and Mohamedan communities of Madras. The Malayali memorial though at the
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outset refers to the total Malayali Hindu population and gives their numbers as
1,436,835, only urges the claims of the portion of that population which consist
of the Malayali sudras, (464, 239) the Nanjanad Sudras (20,000) and the Ealavars
or Tiers (387, 179) as also of the Christians and chiefly of those of the Malayali
Sudras who comprise 1/5 of the total population of Travancore. the Census
Report of 1050 from which the total percentage of male and female education
mentioned in the Malayali Memorial have been taken, gives the percentage of,
educated males to total males among the Brahmins, Vellalars, Pandi Sudras,
Malayali Sudras, Native Christians and Ealavars as respectively 50.18, 36.19,
31.59, 21.27,12.42 and 3.15. The Census Report of 1056 contains no educational
statistics. It must be admitted that all classes have advanced in education since
1050. But that the ratio between the classes mentioned above have not materially
altered, at least so far as higher education is concerned, will be seen by a reference
to the educational result and statistics, incomplete though they are, published in
the Madras University Calendars and the Travancore Administration Report. Up
to date, 238 Bachelors of Arts i.e. inclusive of those who have passed by private
study and also of those who eventually passed out of other Colleges, 26 Bachelors
of Laws, 7 Masters of Arts, one M.B. and C.M. and one B.C.E. have passed out
of the Travancore College and from Travancore. Of the 26 Bachelors of Laws 16
are Brahmins, 4 Malayali Sudras, 3 Pandi Sudras and 3 Christians. 2 of the Masters
of Arts are Brahmins, one a Pandi Sudra, one a Kshetriya, 2 Malayali Sudras and
one an Eurasian. The one M.D. and C.M. is a Brahmin and the one B.C.E. a Syrian
Christian. A perusal of the results of other University Examinations and of the
British and Travancore Service Examinations will show that by far the higher
percentage of successful candidates are Brahmin. The non-Malayali Brahmins
have been the earliest in the field among those who have sought the benefits of
English Education and they will occupy in proportion to their population a pre-
eminent position among all calsses in that respect, will be seen from the statement
published in page 160 of the latest Travancore Administration Report. The number
of pupils (boys) in the English District and Aided schools in 1065 among the
Brahmins, Pandi Sudras, Malayali Sudras and Christians are given in the report
as respectively 894, 224,1135 and 752. Taking the figures given in the Malayalai
Memorail the Malyalai Hindus occupy by far the greater number and proportion
of minor appointments in the Travancore service, so many as 11,668 out of 13,000
appointments of all ranks held by the so called foreign Hindus, Malayali Hindus
and Native Christians are stated in the memorial as .99, .79 and .26 and of
appointments above 10 Rs. as .45, .11 and .06. On the basis of education as the
stand of qualification for Government service, there is no disproportion in the
distribution of the total appointments among the 3 classes mentioned above.
The mis-named foreign Hindus who are really mostly non-Malayali Hindu natives
of Travancore and the class of Brahmins among them occupy less than their just
share in the total appointments. In appointments above 10 Rs. there are no Ealavars
or Pulayars. Education which qualifies for Government service is often now at a
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very low ebb among Ealavars and among the Pulayars such education is nil.
These remarks apply to some other classes of Malayali Hindus and to some
sections of the non-Malayali Hindus also. In taking therefore the percentage of
those employed to the total population so far as appointments above 10Rs. are
concerned the classes virtually uneducated or among whom education is very
low must be excluded. Even among the educated classes we shall have to see
what proportion of them really possess the qualifications necessary for the higher
grade of the Government service especially as University and Service
Examinations are now the indispensable qualifications for the majority of
appointments above 10 Rs. When considered in this proper light, the
disproportion complained of by the Malayali memorialists disappears. Even if
some disproportion exists, it is a matter for which there is no help. The principle
of selection being the choice of the best and the fittest and the absolutely best,
it is neither desirable nor possible to secure equal proportions of all classes in the
Government service. To attain that result, the highly objectionable principle of
distribution of appointments according to numerical strength will have virually
to be adopted. The absurdity of the curiously expressed and ambiguously worded
wish of the Malayali Memorialists for the total exclusion from Government Service
of the non-Malayali Brahmins the majority of whom are as much natives of the
soil as the Malayali Sudras themselves and who have had from time immemorial
as good a share, if not more, in ruling the country as the Malayali Sudras needs
no comment. It may be mentioned in this connection that the claims of the
important class of Mahomedans whose percentage in education is much higher
than that of the Ealavars is omitted in the Malayali Memorial on the ground that
education is at a low ebb among them. The Census Report of 1050 gives the
lowest percentage of education to total males among Mahomedans as 8.39 the
highest as 38.58 and the average as 9.27. The claims of the Ealavars however
whose percentage of education according to the above Census Report is only
3.15 have been set forth in the memorial evidently as their large numbers swell the
total number of Malayali Hindus and go to show an apparently low percentage of
appointments for the Malayali Hindus. The reference in the Malayali Memorial to
the state and private charities and gifts as helping the Brahmins in their English
education appears to us too frivolous to need refutation.
6. Certain portion of the Malayali Memorial appears to us especially
objectionable and we cannot but notice them here. The Malayali Memorialists
say “Yet the Malayali Sudras in Travancore under their own Government rules
over by members of their own nationality, are in a far worse position at present
than their brethren in Malabar under an alien Government. Their condition is all
the more deplorable when it is remembered by Your Highness that they were from
time immemorial - till within the last few years the chief administrators of the
State. History records a distinguished line of Dewans who had sprung from the
Nair Class and who were renowned as much for their deep-seated devotion to the
throne. Not only the Dewanship but almost all the higher appointments were also
190
held by them. A reference to the list of Travancore Dewans shows that this
country which used from time immemorial to be administered by a number of
Native Prime Ministers was ruled from 1817 to 1872 for about half a century by a
series of foreign Dewans regularly and systematically. These Dewans without
exception not only introduced their relations, castemen and friends into the State
but tried their best to oust the Nairs and prevent them from filling any of the
higher appointments. The pernicious effect of this policy is well illustrated by the
gradual way in which all the Malayali Sudras were ousted from the offices of
Dewan Peischars which form the stepping stone to the Prime-Ministership and
all of which were held by them till so late as thirty years ago . . . The policy
inaugurated by foreign Dewans to the detriment of the natives of the State is, we
are sorry to submit, being now followed. Able and educated Malayali Sudras are
denied admission to the Huzur and relatives and castemen of officers in power
are carefully promoted.” We cannot but express our surprise at the above
statements of the Malayali Memorialists which are far wide of the truth and of the
facts recorded by history. The only history of Travancore we have is that written
by the late Mr. Shangunny Menon, a Malayali Sudra who was for several years
Dewan Peishcar of one of the Divisions in Travancore. The first mention by name
of a Prime Minister in that book is that of Aroomookam Pillay who was appointed
acting Dalawah in 1726 A.D. and confirmed in that office in 1729. In the latter year
however the celebrated Rama Iyen Dalawah had been entertained in the
Government service and had commenced to exercise his sway (He was then
Secretary of State). Upto 1727 Aroomookan Pillay and his brother Thannu Pillay
were Dalawahs. Rama Iyen’s brilliant career commenced in that year and extended
up to his death in 1756. Among the Dewans, it was Rama Iyen who held office for
the longest period, a period to which Travancore owes its formation and
regeneration. Iyappen Marthanda Pillay succeeded Rama Iyen and was Dalawah
till 1763 and from that year up to 1788 with the exception of one year during which
Mallen Chembaka Raman Pillay was Dalawah, Warkaly Subba Iyen, Gopala Iyen,
Vadiviswarom Soobramania Iyen and Nagercoil Rama Iyen all non-Malayali Hindus
and Brahmins were Prime Ministers. Krishnan Chembakaraman succeeded
Nagercoil Rama Iyen in 1788 but he died one year after. From 1789 till 1799, Raja
Keshava Doss was Dewan. He was succeeded by a Malayali Brahmin also a
foreigner according to the Malayali Memorial who however was in office only for
a short time. After him Iyappan Chembaka Raman and Patmanabhan Chembaka
Raman did the duties of Prime Minister for about 22 months. In 1802 Velu Thamby
became Dalawah and his adminstration extended upto 1809 and Ummany Thamby
succeeded him. Ummany Thampy’s tenure of office lasted only for one or two
years. In 1810 the reigning Ranee entrusted the administration into the hands of
the then British Resident Colonel Munro. The beneficient adminstration of Colonel
Munro continued up to 1814 and after that Dewan Patmanabhan under the sole
advice of the Resident was Dewan for 5 months. After Dewan Patmanabhan,
Dewan Peishcar Bappoo Row and Subbien Sankara Narayan Iyen, the former a
foreigner and the latter a non-Malayali native Brahmin administered the affairs of
191
the State. Shankara Narayan Iyen was succeeded by Ramen Menon, a foreigner,
native of Cochin. But he continued in office only till 1817. From 1817 to 1877 the
administration of Travancore affairs was carried on by foreign Dewans 8 in number.
Nanoo Pillay, a Malayali Sudra was Dewan from 1877 to 1880. He was followed by
V. Ramaiengar who continued up to 1887 and from that date the present Dewan
has been in office. It will thus be seen that from 1726 (from which date alone we
have authentic information) up to date a period of 165 years Travancore affairs
have been administered by Prime-Ministers by far the greater number of whom
were Tamil and Maharatta Brahmins. The Brahmin sway extended for about 114
years while the native Nairs were in office only for about 45 years, the remaining
6 years having been the period of its territorial, material and moral advancement
to Brahmin Prime-ministers and that the Brahmin role of Dewans and Dalawahs
shows a number of distinguished names while able Nair Dewans were but few are
matters of history and need not be detailed here. The Tamil Brahmin Dewan who
adminstered the country for more than 40 year before 1817 for as long a term as
their Malayali countrymen of the same period though all natives of Travancore
must according to the Malayali Memorialists be reckoned as foreign Hindus.
History does not furnish us with sufficient data as to the classes before the year
1860. But that non-Malayali Brahmins and foreigners formed an important element
of the service both in the revenue and judicial administrations before 1860. But
that non-Malayali Brahmins and foreigners formed an important element of the
service both in the revenue and judicial administrations before 1860 will be seen
from the references in Mr. Shangunny Menon’s history to Dewan Peishcars
Bappoo Row, Raddy Row, Venkata Row, Renga Row, Veerasami Naid, Krishna
Row, Kunden Menon, Sreenevassa Row, Rajah Sir Madava Row and Ramen
Menon and to Appeal Court Judges Begavantha Row, Sreenevassa Row,
Veeraswami Mudaliar, Vedadrisadasa Mudaliar and Parameswaran Namboodiri
and from the fact that the Sattavariola of laws which established regular Courts
for the first time in Travancore in the year 1812 enacted that of the 3 Judges
provided for the court of appeal and subordinate courts 2 should be Brahmins
and one a Nair. If at one time it happened that all Dewan Peishcars were Malayali
Sudras, and if now the majority of them are Brahmins, those facts cannot be the
result of any particular encouragement to the Malayalis at that time or their
exclusion now. The year 1860 pointed out in the Malayali Memorial as the year in
which both the Dewan Peishcars were Malayali Sudras was in the middle or the
period of the foreign administration which commenced in 1817 and that
circumstance redounds to the credit of the foreign administrators. As a matter of
fact one of the two Malayali Dewan Peishcars of 1850 was appointed only in 1858
in the place of a foreign Brahmin Rajah Sir Madava Row, on his elevation to the
post of Prime-Minister. In 1858 and for some years previous, both the Dewan
Peishcars (Rajah Sir Madava Row and Ramen Menon) were foreigners. All the
Brahmin and foreign Dewan Peishcars and appeal Court Judges whose names we
have referred to above were in office before 1860. The foreign administrators as
a rule instead of excluding and discouraing the Malayalis encouraged and
192
advanced them and favoured their claims. The names of Rajah Sir Madava Row,
the Honorable Seshia Sastry, the Honourable V. Rama Iyengar and the present
Dewan may be prominently mentioned in this connection. It is to foreign
administrators and to them alone especially to Sir Madava Row that the Malayali
Hindus owe the English and in great part the Vernacular education they refer to
in the Malayali Memorial. The names of Rama Iyen Dalawah and Rajah Sir Madava
Row are household words in Travancore. But for the noble work done by them
Travancore would not have attained to anything like its present prosperous and
enlightened condition. To forget the services of Rama Iyen Dalawah and to
attribute interested and unworthy motives to Sir Madava Row appeal to us to
savour of ingratitude and unwarranted calumny.
7. We, the Syriean Christian portion of Your Highness Memorialists,
were until lately devoted to the pursuits of religion, agriculture and commerce.
We owe our present flourishing and prosperous condition to the tolerance and
encouragement held out to us from time immemorial by the Travancore Maha
Raja and their Brahmin Prime-Ministers. We sought Government appointements.
The majority of our class and its really thinking portion do not share in the
sentiments expressed by the Malayali Memorialists. We would be guilty of
ingratitude if we join the Malayali Memorialists. We would be guilty of ingratitude
if we join the Malayali sudras in an agitation which appears to us to have no
foundation whatever on facts.
8. The Census Report of 1056 shows that Government service gives
occupation to only 1.33 percent of the total male population and to but a very
small number (200) of females. In these days of enlightenment and advancing
civilization when each year turns out graduates and undergraduates far in excess
of the number that can possibly be absorbed in the Government service and
when each succeeding convocation address advices graduates not to look up to
Government appointments as the goal of their University career, it is really a
matter for wonder that Malayali Memoralists among whom there are several
graduates should say. “The passing of these rules (rules in regard to the
appointment of natives as much as possible to the Goverment service) and the
rigorous enforcement of them beginning from the immediate present will alone
save Your Highness subjects from that degradation and degeneration with which
they are threatened and secure a chance for the natives of the country, at least in
the far future, to regain their former position and status in the land”. We are
unable to realize in our minds the apprehended degeneration and degradation
which if at all would affect only about one percent of the male population of the
country and but a small number of females; and the remedy suggested for their
cure appears to us to be a quick remedy advertised for deluding the public and
not a real medicine which will have any beneficial effects whatever.
9. Good Government has been hitherto our privilege and we are anxious
to secure its continuance in the future. The selection of the absolutely best and
193
Sir,
The political development in British India, the part the Travancore is to
play in the Constituent Assembly, the proposed reforms in Travancore and the
helplessness of Tamilians of Travancore for effective participation in the politics
of this State have set many people thinking to devise ways and means for an
organised attempt at securing our legitimate rights. Some of my friends who are
interested in the consolidation of the Tamilians of Travancore as a political party
irrespective of caste and religion are urging me to take the necessary steps for
the formation of a party composed of the Tamilians in the state and owing
allegiance to none of the existing political orgainsations in the state. So I am
requesting you to express your opinion on the desirability of the formation of
such a party and to indicate what its programme ought to be.
Yours sicncerely
Sd-
To A.C. Sundaram Pillai
Nagercoil
P. Ramachandran, A.C. Sundaram Pillai, Trivandrum (1982), App.No. XV, p.50
22. NESAMONY IN ALLEN MEMORIAL HALL (1947)
Copy of Report No. 184, dated 24-11-1123 from the Stationary First
Class Magistrate, Kottar to the District Magistrate, Trivandrum
In continuation of this office report No. 181 dated 23-1-1123 re: Political
activities, the Inspector of Police, Kottar that a meeting under the auspices of the
Tamil Nad Congress was held on 23-1-1123 at about 5.30 P.M. in the Allan Memorial
Hall, Nagercoil Mr. A. Nesamony Ex-Municipal President presided, Messers. P.
Chidambaram Pillai, R. Ramalingam, Nagendra Panickar and S. Muthukaruppa Pillai
spoke on the occasion. The President and speakers spoke about the non-
representation of Tamilians in the Delimitation Committee and exhorted the audience
to collect men and money and be prepared for a fight in the elections for getting
majority of the seats for Tamilians. All the speakers except Dr. S. Muthu Karuppa
Pillai said that the Tamil Nad Congress is the only political body in the State to
195
represent the Tamilians and so all Tamilians should join the Tamil Nad Congress.
But Dr. S. Muthu Karuppa Pillai said that there is only one political body in the
State namely, State Congress and it represents both Malayalees and Tamilians.
These two motions were put to vote among the audience and Dr. S. Muthu Karuppa
Pillai’s motion was lost. About 200 people mostly advocates attended the meeting.
Sd/-
D.M.
Kerala State Archives, File No. 424/47/C.S.,dt. 29-10-47
23. REQUEST OF CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (1947)
SIUC Representation in the Reforms Committee
Letter of :
The Travancore Indian Christian Association
13 Sep. 47
Resolution passed in a special meeting of the General Body of the above
Associaltion held at Trivandrum on 28th Chingam 1123
Resolved further that the President and two Vice-Presidents meet the Dewan on
a deputation at once and place this memorandam before the Dewan and request
Government to appoint one of their two nominees namely Mr. T.A. Thomas or
Mr. A. Nesamony in the Preliminary Constitutional Committee to represent the
SIUC Community
Trivandrum T.A. Thomas
28th Chingam 1123 (President)
D. Gnanasigamony William Peter
P. James J.A. Jacob
(Secretaries) (Vice-Presidents)
Kerala State Archives, File No. 527/47/C.S.,dt. 8-12-47
24. DEWAN INVITED NESAMONY (1947)
Letter of Dewan to Mr. A. Nesamony
Confidential
Rajasevapravina Trivandrum
P.G. Unnithan 14th Sep. 1947
Dear Mr. Nesamony
The Joint Secretaries of the Travancore Indian Christian Association
have met me and handed over to me a resolution passed by a special meeting of
the Governing Body at which your name was suggested for nomination in the
196
small committee that is being set up for drafting rules etc. for election of members
to the Representative Body, which has to be called together under the Proclamation
of the 4th September for drafting a Constitution. Please let me know, after
consultations if necessary, whether in case the Government accept the
recommendation, you will be agreeable to serve this small committee.
Yours faithfully
Sd/-
Kerala State Archives, File No. 527/47/C.S., dt. 8-12-47
25. NESAMONY TO DEWAN (1947)
Letter of Mr. A. Nesamony to Dewan
A. Nesamony, B.A., B.L. Nagercoil
15th Sep. 1947
The Dewan of Travancore
Trivandrum
Sir,
I thank you most sincerely for your kind invitation to serve on the
advisory committee. I regret to have to decline your invitation since the Tamil
Nad Congress of which I am a member claims to be called upon to nominate its
own nominees.
Yours Sincerely
Sd/-
Kerala State Archives, File No. 527/47/C.S., dt. 8-12-47
26. CHARGES ON NESAMONY (1947)
Mr. T.M. Chithambarathanoo’s Pamphlet dated 7-2-1123 English
Translation of the letter, For the Attention of the Public
Our friend, Gandhi Raman, states that the cause of this fasting is my
joining the Reforms Committee thereby dishonouring the Tamil Nad Congress. It
is not quite true. I shall explain the reasons in short:
1. I am not a member of Tamil Nad Congress. Various versions are given of its
policy. Nobody has asked me to join the Tamil Nad Congress nor has it opposed
at anytime anybody joining the Reforms Committe. Even if that be so. I am not
bound by it.
2. Just as Messers. A. Nesamony, Sivaraman Pillai, R.S. Nadar, Thiraviam Nadar
197
and many others were expecting a place in the committee, I was also expecting a
place. They all tried various means. SIUC people also interviewed the Dewan in
this connection.
3. I also know that Mr. Nesamony, Sivarama Pillai and Daniel went to Trivandrum,
conferred with each other but nobody knows what transpired. I was appointed
as a member of the Reforms Committee. It can be gathered that there is no member
representing the SIUC in the committee.
4. I do not understand why Raman Pillai should show such antipathy towards me
alone and condemn my action. If Mr. Raman Pillai has got the least regard for me,
he is at liberty to meet me and ask what he wants. I know what he does is
voluntary but is induced by others. I also know who are the persons thus inducing
him and I feel sorry for that.
5. I am also a Member of the Vellalar Associaltion. Merchant’s Association and
also President of various commercial organisations. I was aware of the meeting at
the Allan Memorial Hall, where it was decided that no Vellala should be elected
as President of the Tamil Nad Congress but only a Christian should be chosen
in it. The less said about this the better.
6. So let my brother Gandhi Raman realise the truth. That is all my wish. I am
prepared to abide by the decision of Various Tamil Organisations on the question
of my participation in the Reforms Committee, but tricks played by exploiting an
individual wil be of no avail with me.
Nagercoil Your Servant
7-2-1123 T.M. Chithambarathanoo Pillai
There will be a meeting of the Tamilians in the Thampanoor New Theatre on 19-2-1123
at 10 A.M. to encourage me and advice me. I have already sent notice of the meeting.
Mr. A. Nesamony’s letter to the Dewan for permission to publish Dewan’s letter
and the reply of Dewan’s Office
Trivandrum
2 Oct. 47
Nesamony is permitted to publish only the gist of the Dewan’s letter.
Kerala State Archives, File No. 527/47/C.S., dt. 8-12-47
198
have represented these facts in person to the officiating Dewan praying for
immediate relief and public enquiry, the situation has not only not improved but
has worsened.
Therefore this committee warns the government that unless the police
vans are immediately recalled and the deliberate persecution by the police on
the Tamilians is put an end to, the T.T.N.C. shall be compelled to resort to direct
action to secure to the Tamilians their fundamental political right.
Sd/-
President, T.T.N.C.
Kerala State Archives, File No. D. Dis 104/48 C.S. English Records
34. MANHUNT IN KALKULAM & VILAVAN CODE (1948)
Before His Excellency The Governor General of India
The humble memorial submitted by S. Nathaniel, President of the
Travancore Tamil Nad Congress on behalf of the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress
and the Citizens of the Travancore Tamil Nad.
May it please your Excellency.
Your Excellency may be well aware that there are 7 Taluqs in Travancore
predominantly inhabited by Tamilians and lying contiguous to Tamil Nad;
‘Venad’ which served 200 years ago as the nucleus for the present
Travancore was a Tamil Country and its Maharajah was a Tamilian. But within the
past half a century the rulers of Travancore have conveniently forgotten their
historical association with the Tamils of Travancore and they and their Malayali
subjects have begun to look upon and make the Tamils feel as if they are strangers
in their own country.
That normal amenities were not given them is a bare fact. The opening
of the Railway line to Quilon via; Shenkottah contrary to the recommendation of
the S.I. Ry., and the Government of India to open a line via, Aramboly, Nagercoil,
Colachel and Trivandrum to Quilon in the early years of this century diverted the
large volume of commerce from South to Central Travancore. The non-maintenance
of the Colachel-Poovar canal and the abandonment of the proposed canal from
Trivandrum to Poovar amounted to a denial of the cheapest form of transport to
South Travancore. The Government did not care to improve the natural but safe
harbours of Colachel and Leepuram; Cheap electricity is supplied from Pallivasal
to Cochin but not South of Trivandrum. The Perunchani Reservoir Scheme as
laid by the able engineer Sri Venkita Krishna Iyer had been given up and a less
costly and less useful scheme has been suggested; The Padmanabhapuram and
Deviculam Division which existed as Tamil units of administration have been
203
abolished; In the primary schools in the Tamil Taluqs of Kalkulam and Vilavancode
education is generally imparted in Malayalam, Admission to Tamil students in
the Colleges of Central and North Travancore is virtually denied. Key positions
in the administration is seldom given to Tamilians. Since the linguistic politics in
Travancore took its present form, the disabilities of Tamils have enhanced very
much and the reluctance of the Govenment to invest money on productive
activities in the Travancore Tamil Nad has become more pronounced.
But who intorduced the claims of language in Travancore politics? The
Malayalis and the State Congress. Supremely conscious that the dominant
position they held was unassailable they emphasised, more than was good for
the integrity of the State their linguistic affinity for Cochin and Malabar and
actively collaborated with the Cochin Praja Mandal and the Kerala Provincial
Congress to force the Tamil areas of Travancore into the Malayalam Province, in
utter disregard of the welfare and in defiance of the sentiments of the Tamils. It
was an open challenge to the self respect of the Tamils who accepted it by
forming in December 1945 the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress and postulated
the following propositions:
1. On no plausible grounds has the Kerala Province the right to include the Tamil
areas of Travancore in it.
2. Simulataneously with the union of Travancore or any part thereof with Cochin
or Malabar to form the United Kerala Province as proposed or in a incubate form
the Travancore, Tamil Nad shall get united to Tamil Nad. Consideration of the
existence of a Maharaja or a unitary form of Government for Travancore are
irrelevant, and shall not stand in the way of such union;
3. Now that the major linguistic section in Travancore and the major political
party, the State Congress had begun to think and act in terms of lingiustic union,
the logical splitting up of Travancore was only a matter of time; and during the
interim period it was only proper that the Tamil area of Travancore so demarcated
and as much of autonomy granted it to preserve its integrity;
Then followed a false and malicious propaganda against the Travancore
Tamil Nad Congress in the press and the platform. The aims and objects of the
T.T.N. Congress were distorted. They called the T.T.N. Congress a group of job
hunters, Communists, Communalists Sir. C.P.’s creatures and Pakistanis; Give the
dog a bad name and hang it was their motto. But the names did not stick, and the
T.T.N.C. grew from strength to strength, though in an uncongenial atmosphere.
In August 1947, the old order changed yielding place to the Government
of Sri P.G.N. Unnithan. The feeble Sri. Unnithan cared more for his skin than his
conscience; and the State Congress bent upon smothering the T.T.N. Congress
out of existence found in him a willing servant. Together they launched a bitter
crusade against the Tamils mainly of Vilavancode and Kalkulam. Hundreds of
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false cases were foisted against them and they were made the occasion for a
systematic manhunt by the Armed Reserve. Looting and plunder became the
order of the day. Young men were hammered and clapped in jails. Black Terror
stalked in the two Taluqs for months.
Yet in the election that followed the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress
annexed all the fourteen seats of the 4 southern Taluqs.
The State Congress became vindictive and released another orgy of
persecution. Since it assumed the governance of Travancore the desire of State
Congress to stamp out the T.T.N.C. has not diminshed a hair’s breadth. When a
powerful organisation is out in a spirit of conquest it is not possible to resisit
successfully - either surrender or perish! After such a situation has been created,
esatblishedment of status quo is impossible.
Probably certain responisble members of the State Congress may wish
it to appear that they have resiled from the position they have formerly taken on
the issue of the Kerala Province. There cannot be any bonafides in the move.
Further the retraction of individuals is not important; for the State Congress
members met a couple of days back at Trivandrum under the auspices of the Iykia
Kerala Council not an insignificant force. Any way it will only be fair to pin down
the State Congress to the position it has already taken with its eyes all open.
During the black days I have mentioned, hundreds of phonocoms,
telegrams, memorials were sent to His Highness The Maharajah praying for
intervention; and He was supremely indifferent to the cries of agony of His Tamil
subjects. The retention of the same Police officers in the same areas inspite of all
protests is a standing evidence of the indifference of His Highness to the welfare
of His Tamil subjects.
In such circumstances we have only one haven - The India Government.
And we have sought for merger of the Tamil areas of Travancore in the
neighbouring Presidency so that the Indian Government may effectively keep us
under its protection.
Praying that your excellency may be pleased to take steps to grant the
Tamils of Travancore the protection they are so much in need of.
Nagercoil I beg to remain
22nd August, 1948 May it Please Your Excellency
Your most obedient Servant
President, T.T.N. Congress.
A. Nesamony’s Personal File
205
Monday Market and Neyyoor. We met four persons who were being treated at
the London Mission Hospital at Neyyoor for the injuries sustained by them and
had them photographed. While coming out of the Hospital we met the Inspector
of Police, Eraniel, and we understood from him that no notice was taken till then
of the injured persons or the damaged shops, and we were led to believe that the
police were not inclined to take any note of the incident at all, even though it was
then 11 a.m.
We have incontrovertible evidence to show that persons belonging to
the State Congress volunteer corps waving paper flags stuck to lathis were
transported in lorries and cars from distant places to Eraniel. Such people were
gathered to overawe the local public, who are staunch supporters of the
Travancore Tamil Nad Congress. This resulted in cowardly attacks on innocent
people and cutting down placards and posters of the Travancore Tamil Nad
Congress. Its office was singled out for their attack, and, in sight of the police
and the local First Class Magistrate, these State Congress volunteers indulged in
reckless rioting. A cloth placard of the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress waving in
the air more than 25 feet above the ground and high over the telegraph wires
which cross the road was forcibly removed and torn to pieces to insult the only
political organisation of the Tamilians of Travancore, and the officers did not
move their little finger to check this wanton insult.
We have no hesitation whatever in stating that the police and the First
Class Magistrate with a strong party of Armed Reserve Police failed to discharge
their elementary duty of protecting the life and property of innocent persons. We
are constrained to observe that the Tamilians are losing confidence in the Police
and in the local Magistracy and to demand an impartial enquiry into the incident
to restore confidence in the public.
Complete hartal was observed to-day in Eraniel, Monday Market and
Neyyoor as a protest against the high-handed action of the State Congress. We
have refrained from giving details of the incident lest it should inflame the public.
But we trust that Government would read the signs of the times and order an
immediate open public enquiry in the matter.
(Sd.) Sam Nathaniel & Others
Kuzhithurai : A Tamil Nad Congress propaganda meeting was held at Kuzhithurai.
It was a monster gathering about 30,000 strong. The President of the Taluk State
Congress of Vilavancode and other leading Nairs of the locality got two Nair
houses in the vicinity vacated to the purpose of harbouring hooligans. The
meeting had been in progress for an hour when stones were pelted at the gathering
from those houses. Many in the crowd were injured. A portion of the crowd
rushed into these houses, Whereupon the hooligans took to their heels. There
was some confusion for a few minutes. Order was then restored and the meeting
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continued for two hours more and then dispersed peacefully. The first reports of
the Inspector of Police and the local Magistrate condemned the action of the
State Congress. The next day the District Superintendent of Police and other Nair
officals came to the spot, and a case was taken up against 300 unknown persons,
including two Municipal Councillors of Kuzhithurai Municipality. Police in motor
vans hunted down the accused, who were beaten like rabid dogs, dragged into
police vans, and then put into the police lock-up at Kuzhithurai. Twenty-three
persons were thus arrested, and the Magistrate refused to let them on bail. The
Sessions Judge of Nagercoil, who was then moved for bail, observed that the
prosecution story was a ‘stupid one’, and yet a charge sheet had been filed after
four months against forty-seven accused for rioting, dacoity, unlawful assembly
and housebreaking.
Manalikarai : Miss Annie Mascarene, a leading State Congressite, was accorded
a reception by the Catholic Christians of Manalikarai. The local parish priest was
in league with the leading Nairs of the locality and some fisherfolk who were the
supporters of the State Congress and he seized this opportunity of converting
the reception into a State Congress propaganda meeting. When Miss Mascarene
appealed to the gathering to support the State Congress in spite of the warming
given her by the leading Catholics of the locality not to indulge in politics, a
section of the audience left the meeting place in protest. Confusion then prevailed
and the meeting ended abruptly. Enraged at this, the Nairs and the Catholic priest
instigated one of the fisherfolk to inform the police that a shop of his, resting on
four wheels, was broken open and the contents spoiled and some articles removed.
There upon the Inspector of Police, Thiruvettar, came to the scene the following
day assaulted with lathis all innocent passers by, took up a case against Tamil
Nad Congress volunteers and sympathisers, rushed into their houses at odd
hours of the night, beat them, belaboured them, and carried them in police vans
and threw them into the lock-up at Thiruvettar
Aruvikara : The Tamil Nad Congress volunteers of Aruvikara, while returning
home after attending a meeting the same day at Attoor, a few miles away, and
crying familiar slogans of the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress, were set upon by
the Nairs living by the side of the house of the local Inspector of Police, who are
his near relations. Stones were pelted at them, and as it was dark the volunteers
took to their heels and reached their homes. The next day it was found that some
tiles of the Pakuthy Cutcherry which was located in the house of a cousin of the
Inspector were broken. The Nairs purposely broke a few tiles and pushed open a
door at night, and the following day a case was taken up against 18 volunteers.
Four of them were arrested on the road and they asked the Inspector to let them
know the names of other volunteers who were implicated in the case. He gave the
names of 14 others. All appeared before the police in a moment and they were
taken to the police lock-up in a van.
The next day, those arrested at Aruvikara and Manalikara were proposed
208
to be taken in a passenger bus belonging to the Pioneer Motor Service and such
a bus was requistioned and taken to the police station. But the local Nairs prevailed
upon the Police Inspector to march them down in the hot sun for two miles with
their hands chained two by two and the local State Congressites mockeing at
them, saying : Here are Tamil Nad bastards carrying the Tamil province on their
heads two by two. Then they were put into the motor bus and driven straight to
the Vilanvancode Magistrate, who remanded them to custody. As there was not
sufficient accommodation in the local lock-up, they were sent to the police lock-
up at Thuckalay in police vans. As they entered the lock-up, the Reserve Police
who accompanied them assaulted them with the butt end of their guns, and cries
of agony and pain could be heard outside the jail premises. Thereupon an attempt
was made to move the local Magistrate to inspect the lock-up that night and
record the statement of the injured. This was unsucessful as the Magistrate was
not in the station. The Magistrate at Eraniel, who is in charge of the local lock-up,
had left the place on leave. So a petition was sent to the local Magistrate by
express anchal. (The local mail service) No action was taken on it. The following
day another petition was moved before the local Magistrate for inspection of the
lock-up. That petition was forwarded to the local Medical Officer for report and
necessay action. He visited the lock-up, and we are given to understand that he
noted serious injuries on the person of more than four undertrials. The Medical
Officer was a Tamilian, and so he was immediately transferred. Bail was granted
by the Sessions Judge, Nagercoil, who observed that the cases were mere
exaggerations. One of the undertrials had a rupture of his ear drum when he was
released on bail, for which he had to undergo treatment for several days as an in-
patient in the London Mission Hospital at Neyyoor.
Pacode : In connection with the case at Kuzhithurai, several persons from a
neighbouring village called Pacode were arrested. A rich and influential Nair of
that place was selling paddy at night in the black market. This was discovered by
the local Tamil Nad Congress volunteers, who obstructed the removal of paddy
by the purchaser and reported the matter to the local Tahsildar. He came to the
spot and had a mahasar prepared. The informants, the attestors to the Mahasar
and other withnesses were all impleaded as accused in the Kuzhithurai case.
Lorry loads of Reserve Police rushed to this village and arrested and belaboured
a large number of villagers. Houses were broken open by the police at night to
effect arrests. Thankamma Palamma aged 28, Muthu Palammal aged 20, her mother
in-law Ponnamma Mariamuthu aged 45, Chempakkakutty Kochy Valli aged 48
and Valli Kochupennu aged 38 were attacked by the Reserve Police with lathis
and severely beaten while their dear ones were being arrested.
Thikkanamcode : The Reserve Police under the command of Mr. V.K. George,
Inspector of Police, Eraniel, started the game of man-hunting one day, and more
than fifty persons who were passing along the road leading to Mangarai, Kottethi
and Palapallam were assaulted with lathis and kicked. While passing
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escaped their hands. Many of those assaulted are in despair of their lives and
seeking treatment in various hospitals. Some of the prominent Nadars of the
village had their share of beating with lathis and their houses broken open.
We saw the well into which one Sanku Nadar was thrown by the Reserve
Police, the grave of his wife who died of snakebite ten days ago a few yards off
this well, his five poor starving children lying prostrate in their hut and looked
after by a neighbouring old woman. By the eastern bank of a tank where a Nair is
said to have been assaulted, batches of Nadars are collected by the Reserve
Police, and there they are subjected to inhuman torture. We recovered a piece of
broken lathi at that spot. We also picked up at that spot the broken handle of an
umbrella belonging to Muthunayagom of Mettukumel, who happened to pass
that way to see his relation who was undergoing treatment in the London Mission
Hospital at Marthandam and was severely belaboured at that spot. These are
now preserved as sacred relics at the Tamil Nad Congress office to remind the
Tamilians of what a Malayalee regime means. The Padanthalumudu evening market
is not held, as people do not stir out of their houses and are in hiding. These are
but a few of a hundred odd instances brought to our notice.
I apprised the local Magistrate of the situation by a petition, and
requested him “to order the Reserve Police to stop this orgy of man-hunting and
to make a local inspection of this area to ensure safety of person and property to
the public”. Though the Magistrate promised to look into the matter and to visit
the place if necessary, nothing has been done up to this moment. Yesterday the
President of the Tamil Nad Congress asked the Dewan for permission to lead a
deputation of those wounded at the hands of the Reserve Police, and no reply
has been received yet. Where shall we go for redress when Government turns
a deaf ear to our representations?
27-5-1123 / 11th Jan. 1948 (Sd.) A. Nesamony
These are but a few instances where whole villages were subjected to
police torture.
By this time, terrorism had spread far and wide. Reports of police
excesses were pouring into the office from all quarters. Representations were
made to the Dewan, the District Magistrate and to His Highness the Maharaja.
No redress was obtained. The police in their vans carried on a systematic compaign
of terrorising Tamil Nad Congress volunteers and workers. They drive along the
roads, get down whenever they find a volunteer or a group of Tamilians who are
out on their peacful avocations of life, assult them with lathis or the butt ends of
their rifles, kick them and throw them on the roadside. Sometimes they are carried
in their vans and thrown out far away from the places where they have been
taken in.
It was at this time that the Tamil Nad Congress appealed to Sri. Kamaraj
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Nadar to visit Travancore and see for himself the condition of the Tamilians in
Travancore. He arrived in Travancore and tried to induce the State Congress to
come to terms with the Tamil Nad Congress. His attempts failed. The Malayalam
papers indulged in misrepresenting what he stated, and when he was informed of
the pernicious propaganda carried on by the Malayalam Press, he issued a
statement to the Associated Press of India advocating to start with the formation
of the southern taluks of Travancore into a separate Revenue Division, with
necessary safeguards for the Tamilians.
The compromise talks were proposed to be continued at Madras, but
the President of the State Congress did not keep his promise to go to Madras,
and Sri. Kamaraj Nadar seems not to have taken any further action in the
matter.
The Inspector of Police, Vilavancode terrorised his jurisdiction. Not a
single day passed without at least a dozen being injured by lathis. Two Muslims
at Kaliakkavilai were so severely beaten with lathis that one of them had to be
removed to the hospital forthwith; and nothing came out of the agitation set up
by the Muslim League.
In all our trials human help was not forthcoming from any quarter.
When a set of innocent Tamilians were arrested by the Inspector of Police,
Thuckalay, as he suspected that they helped a culprit to escape, the police
threatened to return at night and dishonour the women who were left alone in the
houses. But God so ordered that the police party did not return to the village, as
the van in which they were driving back to the spot turned on the road and the
head of a constable was severed from his trunk. Several others, including the
Inspector, received severe injuries.
Prohibition of Meetings
Undeterred by these lathi blows from butt ends of rifles and kicks, the
Tamilians rose as one man with a firm determination to secure at any cost a Tamil
Province as the sole panacea for all the ills they were subjected to. They became
united as never before. The Govenrment now entered upon the next phase of
prohibiting Tamil Nad Congress meetings.
A Tamil Nad Congress meeting was held at Brahmapuram. State Congress
hooligans were transported in police vans and stationed by the side of the place
where the meeting was to take place. Police in mufti were present at the meeting
to create confusion.Congress volunteers who marched to the meeting from
different directions were stopped en route by the police. The local Magistrate
ordered the conveners to dissolve the meeting. They wanted an order in writing.
He would not give it. In the meantime, Shunmugham, a volunteer, was severely
beaten by hooligans and thrown into a field close by. He was asked to take note
of it. He wanted evidence as to how he was beaten. Then he got on the platform
212
and ordered through the microphone that the meeting should disperse. With a
heavy heart the crowd dispersed. All along the route the Reserve Police and
hooligans indulged in indiscriminate assault. Though this was brought to the
notice of the authorities, no action was taken.
A Tamil Nad Congress meeting was advertised to be held at Munchira.
On the way to the meeting a number of police vans were lined up to threaten
people. A small number of Nairs and employees in the local Taluk Office and
Devaswom Department obstructed the movement of traffic and did not allow the
car in which the speakers were driving to proceed further. The police were looking
on, but did nothing to warn these demonstrators that they should not obstruct
free movement of vehicles and persons along a public road. On the contrary, they
seemed to be conniving at it. A huge crowd had in the mean while gathered at the
meeting place. It was quite peaceful. No disturbance was caused to anybody.
Much less was there any breach of peace. But the convener of the meeting was
served with the following order:
“Whereas it is seen that there is a likelihood of a breach of peace on
account of the holding of this meeting here now at Munchira, the convener
thereof is ordered to disperse the meeting immediately and to see to the silent
and peaceful return of those assembled.
21-4-1123 (Sd.) First Class Magistrate
Time 11.15 a.m. Vilavancode
It was 11 a.m. So the meeting was dissolved and everyone was dispersing
to his home when the Reserve police charged the crowd with lathis and severely
assaulted a few and carried them away in their vans.
A peaceful meeting was held at Elathuvilai. It was 5.30 p.m. and the
meeting was about to end, when three lorry loads of Reserve Police arrived and
the Magistrate served the following order on the president of the meeting:
“Whereas it is now 5.45 p.m. already, the convener and the president of
this meeting now held at Nattalam are hereby ordered that this meeting be dispersed
immediately.”
25-4-11233 (Sd.) First Class Magistrate
Time 5.45 p.m.
The Reserve Police had come purposely to charge the crowd with lathis
and even to open fire on the crowd and incidentally on the president of the meeting
if a chance occurred. The meeting ended and everybody went home peacefully.
But the reserve Police would not stop at that. On their way back to their destination
they fell foul of Tamilians and belaboured them all along the route.
Finding that people on their way to their homes after attending meeting
213
at night were mercilessly assaulted by the police, the Congress made it a point to
finish all meetings before nightfall. When it was found that the police were bent
upon disturbing and dispersing meetings held in the evenings, we resolved
upon holding meetings during the morning hours. And yet the police would not
leave us alone. But, on the other hand, State Congress meetings were held at late
hours in the night, protected and escorted by the Reserve Police. No action was
taken against the worst vituperative language used in those meetings. It was
entirely Government-managed, and who can dare to withstand this Government
except to be exterminated in the end?
As a last resort, we finally submitted a memorandum to the Government
and to His Highness the Maharaja for the consitution of a special tribunal for the
trial of the police officers who were concerned in the atrocities committed by the
police (Appendix III). No reply has yet been received.
More than a thousand Tamilians, Tamil Nad Congress workers and
volunteers have been assaulted with lathis and ends of rifles and kicked and
assaulted by the police. It has now become a pastime and a sport for the police to
hunt out Tamilians, subject them to inhuman torture and then let them go. Many
have been rendered invalids for life. Several are incapable of following their
peaceful avocations of life. Innumerable young men and respectable persons
dare not stir out of their houses or move in public places as they live in constant
fear of being assaulted and falsely accused of committing offences or impleaded
in cases under investigation.
A. Nasamony, Inside Travancore Tamil Nad, Chapter III (1948), pp. 7-22
36. MANHUNT IN KALKULAM & VILAVANCODE (1948)
PETITION TO THE I.G. OF POLICE
To
The Inspector General of Police
Trivandrum
Sir,
We beg to present the following facts for your anxious consideration
and immediate action.
During the days prior to the elections in South Travancore, the Reserve
Police committed the worst atrocities against Tamil Nad Congress workers and
sympathisers; and on false and flimsy reasons opened fire and shot two people,
one at Keezhkulam and one at Mankad. The patently false cases foisted against
such workers were legion. No complaints against the Reserve Police or the State
Congressites who indulged in offences against Tamil Nad Congress sympathisers
214
and workers were paid heed to. The reason was only too obvious - the District
Magistrate, and the D.S.P. Trivandrum, had identified themselves with the State
Congress, and were sworn to crush the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress.
But the State Congress was unable to capture a single seat in the four
southern taluks.
The Tamilians thought that the State Congress would take its defeat
sportingly, and that the Reserve Police would return to its normal role. But as soon
as the results were announced, the State Congressites set afoot false and malicious
propaganda against the Tamil Nad Congressites, foisted false cases against them,
mainly of arson, and before they whispered a complaint to the Police, the Armed
Reserve was ready with Police vans to do their behest to beat, cause grievous hurt
and shoot. Again complaints were of no avail; and Nairs and other State Congress
rowdies, encouraged by the attitude of the Police, began to indulge in organized
rowdyism against Tamil Nad Congressites, with impunity. The Police also showed
themselves to be not anxious to help Tamilians to secure any redress, or even to
send the injured among them to hospitals. Private practitioners also refused to treat
them, even when severest injuries had been inflicted.
As if such systematic persecution did not reach to mark, the Working
Committee of the State Congress appointed an “Enquiry Committee” consisting of
the defeated candidates and people who had sworn the worst against Tamil Nad
Congressites. Mr. Pattom, accompanied not by the good elements, went to Kalkulam
and Vilavancode; and immediately arose another crop of false cases, false
allegations of arson, and Reserve Police persecutions with a vengeance. At
Marthandam on 4th March about forty of them came in a van, got down at the T.B.
Junction, beat with lathis a Muslim boy, an old man who was taking coffee. in a
hotel, a blackmith in his workshop, the owner of a cycle shop and his lame son; got
into the Christal Press, gave two slaps to the proprietor’s brother, threatened dire
consequence to Rev. N.H. Harris, who remonstrated; got into the Thoduvetti market,
severely assaulted a trader in coconuts, and gave four severe blows with lathis to
one Kochappy Nadankutty, of which one was right on the face; rammed Ponnayya
with the butt end of a gun; gave a jaggery merchant, Rayappan by name, about ten
blows, of which one was on his nose; and when he leaned on a wall stunned,
snatched Rs. 250 he had in hand and caused loss of Rs. 10 change and 15 cakes of
jaggery. One Chothi was severely beaten and put into the Police van, which drove
off; and nothing is known about him. A few other people in the market were beaten
on the head, and grievously injured. Two students of the local High School also
received blows. Women who were in the market were also mercilessly thrashed,
and they ran for their lives, losing their purchases, money and articles. Such
atrocities have never been seen since the inception of the State.
The District Magistrate, District Superintendent of Police and others
were phoned up. After a full day they came and sat in the Police Station, to which
215
some of the injured were taken. They were callous. The President of the Travancore
Tamil Nad Congress met you and sought your help, and it seemed that you
justified the action of the Police for the reason that the Tamilians refused to buy
fish in the market.
At Themanur, Attoor Pakuthy, a building was set fire to by State
Congressites, a false case foisted upon Tamil Nad Congressites, and it was made
an occasion for the Police and Reserve Police to unleash their atrocities - and
encouraged the State Congressites to do likewise.
On 1-3-1948 a phonocom was sent to you that Vikraman Nair, Vasudevan
Tampi, Eswaran Tampi and Lokidasan Pillai of Thirunainar Kurichi were persecuting
Tamilians and protection was sought. Instead of protection, the Armed Reserve
Police went there in a van and indiscriminately attacked the innocent Tamilians of
the place; Some of them are now in the London Mission Hospital, Neyyoor.
At Methukummal, the Armed Reserve Police beat and terrorised the
people; and one Vishaksenam Nair, against whom many complaints have been
given, continues to be still confident of the Reserve Police, and he about a week
ago is reported to have feasted the Police, including high officers, with the flesh
of a stolen sheep.
The Tamilians of Kalkulam and Vilavancode feel their life, properties
and liberty are most insecure. As if the opportunities given to the Armed Reserve
Police were not adequate enough, the District Magistrate had passed a curfew
order in Kalkulam and Vilavancode.
We pray, Sir, that you may be pleased to visit the places, see the
persecuted innocents, and do what you can to save them from the effects of the
black terror that has passed over them and probably is in store for them.
We may point out that the District Magistrate, Mr. Raman Pillai and the
D.S.P., Mr. Chandrasekarn Nair, are actuated by the worst partisan spirit, and are
wading in the blood of innocent Tamilians.
We pray that the curfew order be immediately withdrawn and the above
said two officers be transferred elsewhere, so that the Tamilians of these two
unfortunate Taluks may be saved from the valley of the shadow of death.
Yours faithfully
(Sd.)
1. K. SIVARAMA PILLAI 2. P. THANULINGAM NADAR
3. D. PONNIAH 4. S. AMBROSE
Members of theRespresentative Body from Thovala and Agasteeswaram Taluks.
A. Nesamony, Inside Travancore Tamil Nad, App. VI (1948), pp. 45-48
37. RESULTS OF ELECTION (1948)
Name of State No.of
Constituency and Name of T.T.N.C. Votes
Congress Candidate Votes Remarks
Nature of seat. Candidate (elected) secured
(defeated) secured
1. THOVALA :
General ... K. Sivarama Pillai ... 14,089 T.K. Narayani Amma 1,196 Deposit
2. AGASTEESWARAM : forfeited
General ... K. Raman Pillai ... 50,911 S. Muthu Karupa Pillai 6,273 do.
Hindu Nadar ... P. Thanooligam Nadar 50,311 * S.I. Pandia Nadar 5,866 do.
Paraya ... D. Ponniah ... 50,804 * P. Vivekanandan 5,276 do.
Latin Catholic ... S. Ambrose ... 51,363 Rodericz 5,489 do.
3. KALKULAM - A :
General ... T. Kochi Krishna Pillai 33,018 Madavan Pillai 15,807
Latin Catholic ... A. Elias ... 32,948 J. Simon 15,765
Hindu Nadar ... V. Dhas ... 32,314 Ponmoni Nadar 15,906
4. KALKULAM - B :
General ... D. Gnanasigamoni ... 19,424 C.N. Sivathanoo Pillai 10,699
Hindu Nadar ... A. Chidambaranatha Nadar 20,159 Subramania Nadar 10,566
5. VILAVANCODE :
General ... S. Satha Sivan ... 50,584 A. Sankara Pillai 28,089
Hindu Nadar ... R. Chellaswami Nadar 50,707 S. Muthuswami 27,872
Latin Catholic ... A. Gabriel ... 51,379 Duraiswami 27,812
S.I.U.C. ... A. Nesamony ... 51,524 G. Jebamony 27,463
* Members nominated by the State Congress to the rule-making committe.
A. Nesamony, Inside Travancore Tamil Nad, App. II (1948), P.37
216
217
to the court of the First Class Magistrate, Vilavancode, lest he should be dragged
into the adjacent room which forms the Police Station, belaboured, arrested, and
produced at the will of the police before the local Magistrate. It is understood
that the Subordinate Magistracy have directions that they should not grant bail
to other accused in the same case, even if the Sessions Judge grants bail to those
whose applications are rejected by the Subordinate Magistrate. Applications for
bail are heard and disposed of at leisure at the dictation of the police, in chambers
or at home.
A committee known as the Peace Committee has been formed by the
State Congress of discredited elements of society. They tour the countryside,
setup community against community, organise looting and plunder, and negotiate
through their agents for sale and purchase of vacant buildings, unwanted
buildings and useless buildings, set fire to them, and foist false cases of arson on
poor Tamilians. In this, Syrian and Malayalee priests play a clever game. There
have been several cases of arson from various places. Hundreds of Tamilians are
reported to have been included as accused. Not one such report is true. Organized
looting was carried on at Attoor market at the instance of Malayalee Catholic
priests, the local police and Nairs. The loss was immense. After all, it is the
Tamilian who lost!
Freedom of association and speech had now been cut down by the
Government in the taluks of Vilavancode and Kalkulam by prohibiting meetings
of more than five persons in any part of these taluks for a fortnight since 5-3-1948.
One wonders at the wisdom of the Government and that of the officers who
recommended such a measure. Can fish be thrust down the throat of the Tamilians
with the butt ends of rifles and pointed ends of lathis? Can the Tamilians be
forced to carry loads and climb palmyras by the various acts of police repression?
The Tamilian is a worker. He is the peasant. He was a tenant-at-will on vast
estates which once belonged to him. Those estates fell into the hands of Nairs
because of Pokudy (úTôÏ¥) driven out of holdings; Sakudy (NôÏ¥), massacared;
and Nirthal(¨ßjRp), unable to cultivate because of obstructions caused by Nairs.
These poor Tamilians then trespassed upon Government lands in reserved forests
and elsewhere. The clever Nair who occupies all grades of offices from the
lowest Proverticar to the highest Division Peishkar managed to get an easy
registry from the Govenment in favour of a near relation. One fine morning the
poor Tamilian is turned out of this holding which he had improved with the sweat
of his brow. But times are changing. From a poor tenant-at-will he has now
become a small peasant proprietor. He has got his vote. He need not fall back on
the good offices of the Nair close by. And the Nair can no longer brook the
independence of the Tamilian whom he trampled under his feet and kept under
economic bondage. Power and wealth are slipping from the hands of the Nair.
The Tamilian taps the palms for toddy and sweet juice and boils it into Jaggery.
He tills the soil and reaps the harvest. He is the sole manufacturer of salt. He
219
has developed spinning and weaving as a cottage industry. The bleak and barren
slopes of the hills have yielded to his pickaxe and spade and are covered with
resplendent vegetation, food crops of various kinds. His hands built the Kodayar
dam and dug the channels.
His opponents are leeches on society, living on jobs. The oppression of
the peasant and the worker never succeeded anywhare in the world. Oppression
has steeled the nerves of the Tamilian for suffering. He is determined to suffer
for his cause, for it is a righteous cause. He has now begun to feel his strength.
He has the strength to break the shackles that bound him to a life of thraldom. Let
the Government read the writing on the wall and the signs of the times. It is a
struggle for political emancipation from the iron grip of the Malayalee. The
earlier the Malayalee releases his hold, the better for all. Peace would then reign
supreme in this Land of Charity.
A. Nesamony, Inside Travancore Tamil Nad, Chapter V (1948) pp. 27-31
39. MERGER WITH MADRAS PROVINCE (1949)
COPY OF THE MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO THE
STATES MINISTRY, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA by
THE TAMIL NAD CONGRESS PARTY
IN THE TRAVANCORE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
THE HON. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA, NEW DELHI
Sir,
We, the undersigned fifteen members of the Travancore Tamil Nad
Congress Party in the Legislative Assembly of Travancore, submit the following
for your kind consideration and action.
1. The struggle carried on by the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress for
justice at the hands of a Malayalee Government and our demand for merger with
the adjoining Madras Province as the sole solution of all our ills is so well known to
you that it requires no reiteration. We are grateful that our demand had commended
itself to you and to the President of the Indian National Congress, who in a speech
at Madras recently upheld the right of the contiguous and predominantly Tamil
areas of Travancore to join the Province of Madras, But the Prime Minster of
Travancore has unfortunately characterised it as “most regrettable”
2. The visit of Sri. V.P. Menon is causing much concern to us now. When
we met him he told us that the Government of India has accepted the principle of
Union of States and that questions relating to the merger of Travancore and
Cochin and the formation of the Kerala Province were beyond his purview. A
220
pertinent question was put to us ‘what has Madras done for Malabar’ and that
gave us the clue to what he had in his mind, viz., a province for Malayalees.
Subsequent events also have justified our inference. The cent percent Malayalee
dominated District Congress Committee of Travancore and Cochin, and the Aikya
Kerala Committee have passed resolutions welcoming the Union of Travancore
and Cochin as a first step towards the formation of the Aikya Kerala Province.
The representatives from Malabar were warned to keep quiet and not demand the
union of Malabar, Cochin and Travancore until a three and a half crore scheme
for the development of Malabar to be borne by the Government of India and the
Government of Madras in equal shares had been put into operation.
3. The repeated statements of Sri V.P. Menon at the various conferences
he held with groups of persons representing different views and at the press
conferences created in the minds of the public and impression that the union of
the two states was a fait accompli in Delhi and that his visit was only to find out
ways and means to give effect to it. This was further strengthened by the timely
visit of Sri M.O. Mathai, and the Syrian Christians lost no time to set afoot a
propaganda that this union had the blessings of the Government of India. All
these are being so well twisted by several agents and agencies sponsored by the
Government to mean that the merger of Travancore with the adjoining Province
of Madras is out of the question and that it would be futile to press that issue
further.
4. The Prime Minister of Travancore has declared that the Government
of Travancore will oppose the merger of Travancore with all the powers at its
command. We question his competency to speak on behalf of the people of
Travancore on such a vital matter which affects generations still unborn. The
Representative Body of Travancore was elected only to suggest the revision of
the Constitution Act of 1122 and submit a draft to His Highness the Maharajah
for approval. The sweep of events in the Indian Union made His Highness move
with the times, and by the Interim Constitution Act converted the Representative
Body into a Legislature. We wish to impress on you the fact that the Legislative
Assembly was not elected as such to form a Government and the Union of
Cochin and Travancore has never been placed before the electorate as an issue
during the last elections.
5. During the session of the Legislative Assembly held in February
1949, the Leader of our party prayed for a ruling from the President whether the
opposition is entitled to call upon the Leader of the House to make a statement of
the policy of the Government towards Aikya Kerala, the reported agreement
between Travancore and Cochin on certain outstanding points in dispute and
the result of the investigation into the finances of the State by the Government of
India. It is on the debate on such fundamental issues that Governments rise or
fall. Though the President ruled that debates could be allowed only when the
Leader of the House makes such a statement, the Prime Minister who is the
221
Leader of the House was not prepared to make any statement and thus allow a
debate on the floor of the Legislative Assembly. Even now we would respectfully
suggest that this matter of Union of States of merger with the Madras Province
be allowed to be moved in the Legislative Assembly and be discussed and voted
upon as a non-party matter.
6. The District Court Bar Associations at Nagercoil, Trivandrum, Quilon
and Mavelikara and other Bar Associations at Thuckalay, Kuzhithurai and Haripad
have already passed resolutions requesting the merger of Travancore with the
Madras Province and opposing the Union of Cochin and Travancore. The
Trivandrum Division Committee of the State Congress had passed a resolution
recommending to the Government of India that Travancore should be allowed to
merge with the Madras Province. The Travancore Tamil Nad Congress has already
taken its stand on merger. These resolutions interpreted in terms of area and
population indicate that 21 Taluks out of the total of 30 Taluks and an area of
5,226.2 square miles having a population of 40,29,039 are for merger out of a total
area of 7,662 square miles and 65 lakhs of people. Of the three administrative
divisions of Travancore, the two southern divisions of Trivandrum and Quilon
and the Taluks of Peermade and Devikulam in the northernmost division of
Kottayam are for merger. The map appended herewith would bear this out clearly.
7. Out of the six ministers, only two come from the area which is for
merger and the remaining four from the area which advocates Aikya Kerala, being
nearer to Cochin. It may also be pointed out that the District Court Bar Associaltion
at Quilon had passed a resolution advocating merger in spite of Sri Kesavan, the
President of the District Congress Committee of Travancore, and Sri T.M. Verghese
who are members thereof.
8. The Malayalee - dominated Government of Travancore is bent upon
putting under its heels the interest of the Tamils of Travancore. The plight of the
Tamilians in Travancore is now desperate. They are being oppressed and the
Tamilian Officers are in a terrible fright considering what befell the acting Surgeon
General, a Tamil lady. In the industrial concerns wherein the Government had
shares, in the rubber, tea and other plantations owned and conducted by private
persons and companies, there is now a slow silent persecution of Tamilian
employees engineered by the Government, and an adjournment of the business
of the Assembly for the purpose of discussing the situation caused in the Kannan
Devan Hills Produce Company by the reversion of three Tamilian Labour Welfare
Officers to make room for the appointment of three Malayalees was moved and
it was ruled out by the President.
9. The Malayalee Government in Travancore is still resorting to the old
mode of suppression of the Tamilians with a view to coerce them to submit to
Aikya Kerala. The false cases taken up against the Tamil Nad Congress workers
in the taluks of Agastiswaram and Neyattinkara and a few others in other taluks
222
have not yet been withdrawn. The Travancore State Congress which two years
ago passed a resolution granting self-determination to the Tamilians has now
gone back upon its plighted word. If this be our fate in Travancore, worse is in
store for us in a Union of Cochin, which is cent percent Malayalee, and
Travancore.
10. The short history of ministry-making in Travancore bears ample
evidence that the three ministries which have come into being within the short
period of a year were composed of only three communities, the Syrian Christian,
the Ezhava and the Nair. There are now 8 Muslims, 40 members of the backword
communities and three Tamilians among the ranks of the party in power and none
of them were given a place in the Cabinet and the only Tamilian who was taken as
a minister had to resign within 72 hours, lest there should be a crisis in the
cabinet. The Aikya Kerala Province, with an overwhelming majority of the people
of these two States, especially in Travancore, are in favour of merger. The statement
of Sri V.P. Menon that this Union is the forerunner of the formation of a province
for Malayalees from Cape Comorin to Kasargod had made our future dark and
anxious.
It is therefore our earnest prayer that when you take action on the report
of Sri V.P. Menon, at least the predominantly Tamil areas of Travancore, if not the
whole of Travancore, may be permitted to merge with the Madras Province.
Nagercoil Yours faithfully
21st March, 1949
(Sd.) The fifteen Members of the
Tamil Nad Congress Party in Legislative Assembly
223
224
was withdrawn from Tamil Nad. Distribution of rice, clothing and money by the
Government to those families affected by cholera was stopped and it was stated
by responsible officers that no funds were made available for the purpose. And
it is a wellknown fact that the callousness and indifference of the Government
was due to political considerations.
Heart rending news of the suffering of the people and their helplessness
in certain localities poured into the office of the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress
and we were obliged to take action. I issued an appeal for help and sought the
services of private medical practitioners. It was forthcoming in an abundant
measure. Free medical aid and inoculation was started at our instance. Dr. M.
Mathias, a private medical practitioner of standing and reputation as the best in
South India was the first in the field with his staff helping the sick and the needy
with food, clothing and medicine. When his stock of vaccine was exhausted he
asked the Director of Public Health for some vaccine. Though he was promised a
supply one evening, his messenger came home empty - handed the following
morning as he was told that no vaccine could be supplied to inoculate at the
instance of the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress. Undaunted by this petty and
mean act of the Government, a band of able private practitioners came forward to
help us as a challenge to the menacing attitude of the Government. They were
able to inoculate about ten thousand people. The Government was then convinced
of its folly and started inoculation. But there is a general complaint that the
necessary dose of vaccine is not injected by the Vaccinators and that in many
cases distilled water was used instead of vaccine. From the results I am led to
believe that there is some truth in it, for many of those who had an attack of
cholera and many who succumbed to it were people alredy inoculated.
I understand that at the meeting of the Congress Workers at the Cape
Guest House, Sri Kalathil Velayudhan Nair as a typical respresentative of the
present government is alleged to have stated that some would drag out corpses
from pits and lecture about them making a political propaganda out of it and that
the Government is not prepared to do anything more than what it is now doing.
There was not a single word of protest from any individual at that meeting.
Managers and teachers of schools where school children were inoculated by the
volunteers of the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress have been asked to explain
why they allowed that to be done in the schools. After the last Panchayat elections,
about 36 teachers were deported from Tamil Nad and probably the same fate
might befall some. Several young men selected by the Public Service Commission
are not granted appointments on the reports of the C.I.D. officers that they are
sympathisers of the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress. Instances there are where
police officers summon respectable citizens to police stations and insult them.
The cholera epidemic in Vilavancode Taluk is due to the famine conditions
prevailing in that taluk. This is due to the criminal negligence of the Goverment
to execute the Vilathara Lift irrigation scheme and the Karungal drinking
230
water supply scheme though they were included in the budget for this year. This
Government is answerable for this criminal negligence and they shall have to
account for it. The day of reckoning is not far off. Vilavancode knows what
suffering is and phoenix like it will rise from this holocaust of suffering to wrest
from the unwilling hands of this Government its rights and legitimate privileges.
The Travancore Tamil Nad Congress is all to save the precious lives of
all citizens in Tamil Nad. In this labour of love and charity it does not count the
cost. We thank our volunteers and friends for the generous help they are rendering
to enable us to offer relief from the twelve centres viz., Kulathur, Kollencode,
Methukummel, Kirathur, Kanjanpuram, Cherumanvila, Koikathope, Irenepuram,
Kappicaud, Panikulam, Madattituvilai and Villukiri. Rice, clothing and medicine
are distributed from these centres. We thank all those who are engaged in this
humanitarian work of relieving human pain and suffering.
In conclusion I wish to say that the Press Note is false and misleading.
The total population in the four southern taluks is 8, 29, 980 but the Government
claims to have inoculated 8, 31, 518. The four municipalities inoculated their
citizens numbering 1, 17, 147 and the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress inoculated
about ten thousand. Appeals are even now being received from various localities
by me to send medical men for inoculation. We are watching the situation and we
are again orgainsing to inoculate. The Travancore Tamil Nad Congress would
stand by the people allieviating human pain and suffering. It is no political stunt.
But on the other hand I would warn this Government not to pursue this sterile
path of victimisation to gain its political ends.
Nagercoil (Sd.) P. Ramaswamy Pillai
28-11-1953 President, T.T.N.C.
47. WARNING TO GOVERNMENT (1954)
The petition filed before the Chief Minister of Travancore-Cochin State
by the Parliamentary Party of the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress.
We, the members of the parliamentary party of the Travancore Tamil
Nad Congress bring the following to your immediate attention.
Due to continuous drought, the farmers belonging to the Tamil area of
this State are enduring various sufferings and hardship. We have ever been
requesting each and every government, which came to power from 1948 onwards
to formulate appropriate irrigational schemes to redress the very long suffering of
farmers belonging to the Tamil area. Palatable assurance with some vacillating ones
were given in this respect. Besides, budgetary proposals were also made in some
cases. But the governments are reluctant to put into implementation of the schemes
so as to fulfill such given assurances. During the First Five Year Plan and its
subsequent revised plan, a sum of Rs. 1,021/- lakh was made available to this state
231
from the central fund. But very meagre amount of Rs. 6 lakh, just required to
complete the Perunchani irrigational scheme is spent for the whole of Tamil area.
This Perunchani irrigation project was prepared and partly implemented during the
Dewan’s period which was later left out uncompleted. There is a limit for our long
patience in this respect and we are now constrained to request the govt, as a last
resort, to implement the schemes listed here under before 30th June by all probabilities.
If the government is not having a good mind to implement the following schemes,
within the period stipulated we will be constrained to resort to all such other
measures which lie within our limits and ability to get them redressed:-
1. Pattanam Canal Project
This project was a subsidiary project of Kodayar irrigation scheme,
which was drawn up some sixty years back. Since the Kodayar Dam is located
within the boundary of Vilavancode Taluk, it is imperative on the part of the State
to safeguard the irrigational interests of the ryots of Vilavancode. This principle
has also been duly accepted by the government as seen through its deliberations
on various occasions. But it is most unfortunate that the voice of the ryots of
Vilavancode were not heard by the authorities so far. Their voices never came to
light even. But during 1950, the government came forward to have a detailed
study about this project. For this project study, provision of a nominal amount of
Rs. 10,000 was made in the budget for the year 1953-1954. On its strength, it was
expected that a revised Pattanam Canal project might have been drawn up and
included in the revised five year plan schemes. Instead, the government, then in
power kept mum over this project. Therefore the allotted amount was not fully
utilized for the very purpose for which it was set apart. As a result, the ryots were
stricken with famine and poverty followed as usual. By the end of 1953, due to
scarcity of good drinking water, Cholera epidemic broke out in these Tamil areas
which claimed many precious lives.
2. Vilathurai Lift Irrigation Scheme
This project was materialized during 1950. The electrical power required
to run the water lifting pumps was sanctioned by the Electricity Department and
the required transmission poles were planted. But the government, for the last
two years, took no step to implement the project. The budgeted amount of Rs.
1,00,000/- for the year 1953-54 was not even spent. The land needed for the
construction of a reservoir required under this project was already surrendered
to the government. Repeatedly it was assured to the government that the land
required to dig the Canal shall also be gifted to the govt. and the respective
panchayat shall take up the responsibility to dig the Canal at reasonable low
cost. Even then the government did not take any positive step to have the
project implemented.
232
Cheif Minster (Shri A. Thanu Pillai) : (a) and (b) No written memorandum
has been submitted to the States Reorganisation Commission by the State
Government.
In the course of the interview with the States Reorganisation
Commission, the Chief Minister has, however, apprised them of the views of
Government. Broadly, the points stressed are the following :
(1) Travancore - Cochin has reached a high level of development in
many directions. The addition of Malabar to this State would create administrative
problems which are difficult of solution and would jeopardise the existing standard
of development in the State. The proposition would also result in heavy financial
burden to the State. If, however, in deference to public opinion, Malabar is to be
joined to this State, substantial subsidies from the Government of India have to
be guaranteed to ensure the financial stability and necessary development.
(2) The claim for secession of the Tamil speaking areas or any part
thereof is not based on facts and would cut at the root of the economy of the
State, especially, on the power and food fronts , whether Malabar is to join the
State or not.
(3) The existence of Fort Cochin is an anamoly in the present set up
causing serious administrative inconvenience and loss of revenue.
Shri K. Sattanatha Karayalar : Am I to understand that this Government
is against Aikya Kerala and Aikya - Tamil Nad?
Shri A. Thanu Pillai : I have placed berore the House what I told to
Commission. We will be glad to see theTamil speaking areas remaining within the
State. If Malabar is to join Travancore - Cochin to form a new State, we should get
enough financial help from the Centre.............................................
Shri T.S. Ramaswami : It is seen from the replies of the Chief Minister
that he presented before the commission not only facts but also his views. May
I know whether these were his personal views or the views of Government?
Shri Thanu Pillai : Whatever views I have placed before the Commission
are the views of the Government.
49. REPLY TO THE AYKIA KERALA COUNCIL (1954)
We have read the explanatory note on the answers to the questionnaire
of the Linguistic Provinces Commission submitted jointly by the Kerala Provincial
Congress Committe and the Aikya Kerala Council and the joint statement submitted
by a majority of the representatives of the State Congress members of the
Respresentative Body of Travancore and of the All Travancore Congress
Committee and issue this statement in reply thereto.
234
the plains into these areas and they still speak Tamil, living side by side with the
Mannadiars. The Muthuvans who move from one mountain top to another
persecuted by petty government servants of the Exercise, Forest and Revenue
Departments are Tamils. These are the sons of the soil retaining their connection
with the neighbouring Districts of the Madras Presidency as their only means of
communication were through these Districts. In course of time these Taluks came
under the suzerainty of the Maharaja of Travancore. When the Europeans opened
up estates, naturally, Tamilians from several parts of the Madras Presidency were
recruited as labourers and officers in these estates. There is now a good Tamil
population which has settled in these estates for generations and are awaiting
enfrachisement. The Neriamangalam Bridge and the Pallivasal Road opened up
these taluks from the west and the Malayalees are now infiltrating into this area
for economic exploitation lured by land grabbing which has now become a menace
in these taluks Shencottah is outside the ghats and its population is indigenous
and not plantation labour.
III. The so-called Tamil population in South Travncore is at present bi-
lingual. The official language in Travancore was Tamil. But owing to the
preponderance of the Malayalee in government service, Tamil was replaced by
Malayalam. The Civil Courts guide has provided that Tamil also shall be the
court language in the Courts in the Taluks of Thovala, Agastiswaram and
Shencottah. But as the officers who preside over these courts are Malayalees
knowing only Malayalam with very few exceptions, in the interest of the litigant
population Malayalam happens to be used in these courts. In the Revenue Taluk
offices, Police and Excise Departments the officers, clerks and menials happen to
be Malayalees and so the Tamilian cannot have a hearing except in Malayalam.
So, those educated few have been forced by circumstances to study Malayalam.
They too along with the mass speak only Tamil and Tamil alone is their mother
tongue: The 1941 Census Report gives the following figures regarding the
language used in the Tamil Taluks:-
less would Coorg and Nilgiris be included in the proposed Kerala Union. If the
sea is an effective barrier and boundary of a province, the islands of Lacadives
and Maldives in the Arabian sea could never form part of Kerala. If the argument
based upon sea and hills as boundaires are pushed to their logical conclusion,
then the proposed Kerala Province would have no place and it ought to form part
of the Province of Bombay as a coastal region.
The first level country stretching from the frontiers of Travancore
touching the Tinnevelly District extends up to Neyattinkara. “The collected
villages, waving plains, palmyra topes and extensive cultivation of Nanjinad
resemble in every particular way the neighbouring province of Tinnevelly.”
Western Ghats are only a low lying ridge with scattered hillocks in the southern
taluks. “In the South the mountain range is of no great breadth .............. For the
rest of its length towards the south the mountain back bone is a mere ridge
sloping down on either side ........... The Ghats end abruptly near the Aramboly
Pass.” From Aramboly down to Cape Comorin, a distance of fifteen miles, there
are no barriers whatever to separate Tinnevely from Travancore. In some places
the border line runs through villages dividing them into two. Nowhere in Tamil
Nad is the distance between the hills and the sea greater than fifteen miles. The
Travancore Tamil Nad in the south lies contiguous to the Madras Province and
geographically there is no impediment to the merging of these two areas. The
vegetation, cultivation of paddy, cereals and pulses and irrigation are so akin to
the Madras Province.
The Travancore Tamil Nad forms an economic unit with Madras Tamil
Nad with its network of roads and irrigation channels. Its trade is with the Madras
Tamil Nad. The Madras Tamil Nad gets an access to the Arabian sea and an
occassion to improve its coastal trade and communications. It produces enough
paddy and salt which can be raised on a commercail scale. It is rich in minerals
especially Monozite, Illiminite and Zircon. It has rich forests producing rubber,
tea, coffee and cardamoms. Its forests are abundant with timber and other forest
produce. The rest of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar is economically backward
and if this Travancore Tamil Nad is added on to a deficit area, it would end in
economic exploitation and its ultimate ruin
The hundreds of inscriptions scattered throughout the length and
breadth of Travancore Tamil Nad are only in Tamil. Even the mile stones were
numbered in Tamil. The old settlement records were in Tamil. Grants and Neets
were in Tamil. The wearing of single piece coloured sari over cloth and removal of
Thali indicating widowhood are peculiar only to the Tamils. The Mithakshara law
of inheritance governs all Tamil Hindus and the Christians of Travancore. Tamil
Nad as governed by the same system of inheritance till the passing of the Christian
Succession Act in 1916.
240
Apart from this, I would regret greatly the launching of Satyagraha for
any such objective. That does not and cannot help. I hope, therefore, that you
will reconsider this matter.
Shri Ramaswamy Pillai Yours Sincerely
President Jawaharlal Nehru
Travancore Tamilnad Congress
Pangaudi
Travancore - Cochin
52. REPLY TO NEHRU (1954)
Nagercoil
To 16 July, 1954
The Honourable Prime Minister of India
New Delhi
Honoured Sir,
I am extremely thankful for your letter No.586-PMH/54 dated 9th July
1954 which has been received by me on the 14th instant. I have sent the following
telegram to you which I confirm. It is “JAWAHARLAL NEHRU PRIME
MINISTER, NEW DELHI. THANKS FOR YOUR LETTER. DETAILED REPLY
FOLLOWS. PRESIDENT T.T.N.C. 15-7-54”.
I wish to place before you the following circumstances which led to the
decision of the T.T.N.C. to launch Satyagraha. The Travancore Tamil Nad Congress
has been agitating for the past eight years for the merger of the predominantly
Tamil Taluk of 1. Thovala, 2. Agasteeswaram, 3. Kalkulam, 4. Vilavancode,
5. Neyyattinkara, 6. Shencottah, 7. Devikulam, 8. Peermade, 9. Chitoor of the T.C.
State with the adjacent State of Madras. The above taluks are contiguous to
Madras Tamil Nad and the people of these taluks have in the past general elections
declared unequivocally their intention for merger, by voting for the T.T.N.C
candidates and electing 12 T.T.N.C. members with an overwhelming majority. We
are thankful to the Central Government for having appointed a high power
commission for the reorganisation of States. When the Commission visited
Trivandrum in May 1954 we represented our case before them hoping that the
commission would by accepting our demands set at rest the innumerable
disablities to which the Tamilians in the State are subjected to at the hands of the
successive Malayali Governments. We apprehend that one of the three members
of the Commission namely Sri. Sirdar K.M. Panikkar is assuming an attitude
inconsistent with the real state of facts, and proposing the formation of Aykia
Kerala with the Tamil Taluks of Devikulam and Peermade in it. He has on many
occasions publicly expressed his view as stated above. The present P.S.P.
Government has also expressed its view on the linguistic question and it favours
the T.C. State to remain as it is. Since the visit of the States Reorganisation
244
T.T.N.C. decided to send three of its leaders to go to Munnar to meet the persons
in distress and to enquire into the conduct of the Police officers. In pursuance of
the decision when the T.T.N.C. leaders Messrs. A. Nesamony, M.P., A.A. Razack,
M.P. and A. Chidambaranatha Nadar, M.L.A. and Ex-Minister visited Devikulam
to console their Tamilian brethren in distress the Government had promulgated
an order under 144 Cr.P.C. without any just cause or excuse but only to prevent
them from meeting the Tamilians at Devikulam. They were arrested and sentenced
to six weeks imprisonment for defying the ban. It is therefore abundantly clear
that the State Government is adumbrating a policy of not only repression against
the Tamils of the State but callously neglecting to safeguard the interests of the
Tamils in diverse directions. It has become absolutely impossible for the Tamilians
in the State to continue to be under this Malayali Government with liberty or self-
respect. There is no way out for the Tamils in the State except the merger of the
Tamil areas with the adjoining Madras State.
We are aware that the States Reorganisation Commission is seized of
the question of the Travancore Tamil areas being merged with Madras Tamil Nad.
We are also aware that there are certain constitutional procedures to be adopted
before the merger could be given effect to. But the conditions and circumstances
in this State are such that it is absoutely impossible for the Tamils to continue
under this government without their solidarity being disturbed at the hands of
the Malayali Government and its officers. There is absoultely no guarantee for
the Tamilians to maintain Status quo in this State till the report of the
Reorganisation Commission is published and action taken on it. Hence it is that
the T.T.N.C. has decided to launch satyagraha.
You in your letter have stated that “the launching of satyagraha does
not and cannot help” the objective. But considering the peculiar situation in
which we are now placed in the State we find no other alternative. Our condition
is in no way different from the conditions of Tamils in Chittoor, Pondicherry and
in Ceylon with the difference that we have the right to appeal to our Central
Goverment.
However I would request you to have personal visit to the State or to
depute somebody in whom you have got confidence to make personal enquiries
into the conditions that prevail in this State and then to advise us as to what we
should do.
Thanking you, I beg to remain
Honoured Sir,
P. Ramaswamy Pillai, President, T.T.N.C.
246
relatives and friends of the deceased put up a strong guard in the Hospital and
pressed the Doctor as well as the Police Officer for post mortem. There ensued a
scuffle between the two parties (relatives of the deceased and friends of the
accused) in which both parties sustained slight injuries. On the same day the S.I.
of Police, one Mr. Raja of Devikulam Police Station went to the S.I. Plantation
workers’ Union office at about 6 p.m., asked Subbiah and their Organising Secretary
Kuppuswamy to enter the Police van. They were taken to the Devikulam Police
station where they were left in the lock-up without giving them food for the night
and without even a blanket to cover the chill at a height of over. 5, 500 feet above
sea level. Sri. S.S. Sarma, M.L.A. (T.T.N.C.) and advocate, Munnar tried his best
to ascertain from the Police why these people were arrested, But the S.I. absconded.
Information is that the Circle Inspector and D.S.P. of Kottayam were camping at
Munnar at the time. The arrest of Sri Subbiah and Kuppuswamy, labour leaders
of the T.T.N.C. was effected, as a result of all these Police Officrs conspiring to
discredit the leaders in the eyes of the 40 thousand poor labourers who adore
them almost as God.
These leaders immediately wired to us and prayed for our intervention.
Myself, Sri. P. Thanulinga Nadar, M.L.A. and A. Razac, M.P. went to Munnar to
have a personal acquaintance with the circumstances of the case. We held a
protest meeting where a resolution was passed condemning the action of the
Police and meeting the Chief Minister in deputation led by Sri. S.S. Sarma.
Accordingly, 3 days later, six T.T.N.C. M.L.A.s met Sri Pattom in his official
residence, presented a memorandum on the subject and requested him to make a
personal enquiry into the conduct of the Police Officers there. But to our surprise,
on the 3rd day, the same Kuppuswamy and Subbiah were again arrested by the
same Sub-Inspector. They were hand-cuffed and paraded in pouring rain through
the streets of Munnar. Subbiah was put in lock-up and Kuppuswamy was very
severly thrashed, kicked and fisted by the S.I. in his room. His hair was caught
hold of by two police constables and the whole body was lifted and again thrashed,
fisted by the S.I. Abusive languages were used by the S.I. about the T.T.N.C.
M.L.A.’s and about their complaints to the Chief Minister.
Kuppuswamy was compelled to sign on a blank paper against protest
from him. Again he was given a blow on the check which caused the ear-drum to
break. Blood oozed out of the ear and the man was thrown into the lock-up. Next
day Sri Kuppuswamy was bailed out and at his request the injuries and condition
of the ear were noted down by the Magistrate. The injuries were again noted
down by A.S.P. who was then camping at Munnar. The complaint regarding the
police excesses has not been so far enquired into. The matter immediately was
wired to us and I informed the Chief Minister, Sri Pattom Thanu Pillai by means of
a wire on the 9th of June complaining of the above police excesses and praying
for immediate intervention. Sri Kuppuswamy was brought to Nagercoil and he
was ex-rayed in the Hospital of Dr. Mathias and he was treated there.
248
receving at the hands of the Government. Out of 28 crore of rupees allotted in the
1st five year plan only 4 lakhs of rupees was spent in the Tamil area as balance of
expenditure in the putting of the Perunchani Dam. The one or two industries in the
Tamil areas have been removed further North to the Malayalam area, depriving the
labour population of the Tamil area of their means of livelihood. Even in the II - 5
Year Plan no amount has been allotted for any major works in the Tamil areas. The
Tamil areas which form nearly 1/4 of the whole state, must have legitimate share of
the total allotment in the plans. The Malayali Government of Travancore is robbing
the Tamil area of its benefits and the money so obtained is utilised by the state for
setting up luxurious roads, canals, buildings &c. in Malayalam areas. When
complained, the State Government does not hesitate to answer the Tamil area is
bound to separate from Travancore State and that they cannot spend for the
benefit of the people of that area. While Madras State spending very huge sums in
Malabar area after knowing that the District of Malabar is bound to become a part
of Aykia Kerala, has no effect on the Malayali Government of the State.
In conclusion, I may state that the present P.S.P. Government is instrumental
in setting up Ganapathi’s party as against the bigger labour association. Sri. Pattom
in the last Assembly Session unequivocally declared on the floor of the Assembly
that the Tamils would have the right to go to Madras Tamil Nad when Provinces are
redistributed on language basis. But when the Re-organisaion Commission visted
the State the Parlimentary party of the Travancore-Cochin Praja Socialist Party
resolved and submitted a memorandam to the Commission pleading for the
continuance of the Travancore - Cochin as it is. As agaist this, Sri Subbiah Nadar
and his men at Devikulam pleaded for the merger of Devikulam, Peermade with
Madra State.The Commission has not finalised its enquiry of this State. The move
on the part of the local Government appears to be to terrorise the members of the
merger group through its police force and its subordinate machinery and thus to
coerce them to their view. Thus, the incidents at Munnar have brought far-reaching
consequence in the politics of the State and each step is calculated to put down the
voice of merger with the Madras Tamil Nad.
P. Ramaswamy Pillai
20-7-1954 T.T.N.C., President
54. AGAIN REPLY TO NEHRU (1954)
The Prime Minister of India Nagercoil
New Delhi 12-8-1954
Sir.
Your letter of 29th July 1954 suggesting to me that your previous letter
of the 18th should be published was received by Sri. A. Kunjan Nadar after I was
arrested at Munnar on 28th July. I was convicted on 30th July and released on
10th August 1954. I came to know of your letter only yesterday and so I was not
250
able to publish it as directed. I have published your letter along with my letter
dated 16th July this morning though extracts of your letter have already been
released to the Press by the Chief Minister of the T.C. State at a Press Conference
held on 11th August.
Your letter was marked confidential and so it was not passed on to Sri.
Kunjan Nadar. It was because of this, that your suggestion was not complied
with by him. I am sorry that this has happened but I wish to assure you that we
have no intention at all to refuse publication of any of your latters.
I have this day despatched the following telegram to you and to the
States Ministry.
“T.T.N.C. temporarily suspended satyagraha. Hundreds of people
arrested tortured in Police lock-ups. Orgy of man hunt going on. Normal life in
villages and market places rendered impossible. Sanctity of home violated day
and night. Advocate not allowed facilities for defence. Request immediate
intervention. P. Ramaswami Pillai, President T.T.N.C. 13-8-1954”
In view of certain unforeseen unfortunate incidents which took place
on the 11th August, the T.T.N.C. resolved to suspend picketting on the very
same night. I am convinced from the information available to me till now, no
untoward event was caused by any one of our volunteers or leaders. Certain
political orgainsations and individuals opposed to us created troubles wantonly
to suppress our peaceful and nonviolent agitation by causing violence. The
State Government has now seized this opportunity of wantonly arresting
respectful citizens and sumpathisers of T.T.N.C. through out the Tamil Area.
Hundreds are being arrested everyday, taken to the Police Lock-up and are severly
tortured. There are several instances where people are beaten up and carried
away in the Police vans from the public roads and public markets. Day and night
man-hunting had become common and sanctity of home is not respected. Facilities
for advocates to get papers and vakalaths signed by those in custody are not
granted by the authorities. No information has been laid before any court of law
up to the present time though time prescribed by law has elapsed long ago.
Normal life and security of persons are at stake.
Therefore I request you to intervene at this juncture for the sake of the
protection of persons and homes of our people.
I remain,
Yours faithfully
(P. Ramaswami Pillai)
President, T.T.N.C., Nagercoil
251
Puthukaday without provocation and without warning. Many lost their lives and
many were severely wounded. The police then, with the aid of agent provocateurs
and anit-social elements, deliberately caused damage to certain public property
with a view to justify the action of the police. These marked the beginning of a
Black Reign of Terror which still continues. Regular man-hunt, illegal arrests and
searches, looting of shops and molestation of women became just normal features
of this dark regime.
Until the time when writs of Habeas Corpus were moved in the High
Court of the State, hundreds of persons were taken into custody and were
subjected to inhuman torture. Marks of violence with lathis, buttends of rifles,
rulers and wooden hammers are still visible on the persons of under-trials and on
the few who have been released on bail. The under-trials are kept in lock-ups,
18x9 feet each, along with convicts, with little ventilation and light and the number
varies from 15 to 22. Every such cell is a black hole infested with vermin and yet
the inmates have to lie on the bare floor. They have to answer their calls of nature
in a pot kept inside the cell and which the under-trials are compelled to clean
every morning. The aweful stink emanating from the pot is suffocating and
injurious to the health. Yet the request made for reasonable amenities was turned
down by the Magistrates. The treatment meted out, the feelings of the police and
of the officers concerned are such that there is a fear in the mind of every one that
they are not safe in mind or in body while in jail. The dealing is wholly vindictive
and calculated merely for securing these persons for as long a period as possible,
and terrorise them and the possible witnesses in the various cases and the Tamil
public. The picture on the front page is one of the many examples of police
victimisation in lock-ups, the case of Shri. S. Chellappan. He was arrested while
leading a procession on August 11. Due to inhuman torture at the hands of the
police his right leg was fractured. A writ application was moved on his behalf
before the T-C High Court, and when he appeared in Court limping on 31st
August, the Chief Justice ordered that he should be sent to the Hospital for
treatment. He was thus sent to the Government Hospital, Trivandrum, where his
leg was X-rayed and put under plaster. It still continues in plaster, and it is now
feared that he shall have to undergo an operation to set right his ankle. The case
of Shri Muthukannu Palayyan is another telling example of police ravages inside
lock-ups. He was released on bail about the middle of October, and while coming
home he complained of acute pain in the abdomen. He was immdiately rushed to
the hospital. But medical aid was late and he died within 24 hours of his admission,
leaving behind a young widow and a child.
There is no knowing so far as to the exact number of cases reported by
the police. For over three months no final charge-sheet was laid in any case. From
the available records furnished lately, 416 persons are accused in 9 cases. This
number includes 9 members of the Assembly, 2 Municipal Chairmen, 19 Presidents
and 39 members of Village Panchyats, 13 Advocates, 3 Law-Apprentices and 3
254
Teachers. It is over three months and a half since August 11, and still it is reported
that more cases are being fabricated. Strangely a faked body is also sitting on
enquiry over the police shooting on August 11. To match well the purpose of this
enquiry, the police are further armed with an “Open List” to go about the villages
and summon witnesses under threat of this frightful weapon. Evidently persons
found not agreeable to the behests of the police are brought within this list. In
Courts, police officers openly indulge in false representations, and the Courts
are reticent even where there is irrefuttable proof of such perjury. The big stick of
the police has gained ascendancy over the Rule of Law, and the Tamil people are
under continual threat and fear of being hauled up by the police.
Travancore has not witnessed a darker regime in the last 200 years of its
history, and the following are a few belated camera testimonials which were
possible only during the visit of Shri S. Karayalar, President of the Tamil Nad
Congress Committee, Madras, to the police plagued villages in South Travancore
on 29th August, the earlier attempts at photographing having been sedulously
thwarted by the police
New Delhi A. Abdul Razak, M.P. (Rajya Sabha)
15th November ‘54 A. Nesamony, M.P. (Lok Sabha)
57. II AUGUST 1954 AND AFTER (1954)
A. Nesamony, M.P. Nagercoil
The President August 26, 1954
Indian National Congress
New Delhi
Sir,
Representations have been made to you by various bodies and
individuals regarding the situation in Travancore Tamil Nad since August 11,
1954. I submit this statement to clarify the incidents that took place on that date
and subsequently and what led to these incidents.
1. Sri. Pattom Thanu Pillay is an enemy of the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress:
During the course of the election in 1948 he caused the shooting at Mangad and
Keezhkulam and two valuable lives were lost. About sixty cases were started by
the police under his instruction. When he headed the first ministry and until his
downfall he followed a policy of discrimination with the avowed object of
destroying the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress (T.T.N.C.) The proceedings of
the Legislative Assembly of that time and the various representations made by
us bear this out.
It was widely talked about that Sri. Pattom Thanu Pillay is to head a
ministry as soon as the last elections were over. He through his friends
255
approached the President of the T.T.N.C. and offered the Speakership of the local
Assembly. But, we who had fought all political parties in the State did not wish to
be allied to any party or be under obligation to any party which would underline
our independent existence as an opposition group. So, the offer was turned
down. This infuriated him. Subsequently in the elections to the various standing
committees, the Council of State and the Devaswom Board the T.T.N.C. had to
adopt a course opposed to his wishes and his party candidates suffered reverses
one after the other. These infuriated him further and he assumed a hostile attitude
and made up his mind to take vengeance on us.
2. Representation to the Ministers for the execution of Irrigation Projects :
When the Minister for Finance presented his first budget we found that the
construction of the Neyyar Left Bank Channel included in the First Five Year Plan
was given up during the Plan period. Various other irrigation and drinking water
supply schemes which were included in successive budgets but were not executed
mostly because they benefitted the Travancore Tamil Nad were omitted in the
budget. So the fourteen members of the T.T.N.C. Parliamentary Party presented a
memorandum requesting the ministers to reconsider the budget proposal so as
to include certain schemes and to execute those schemes included in the budget
without allowing any amount to lapse failing which we stated that we would be
compelled to adopt other methods. A copy of this representation was sent to all
the Ministers concerned in New Delhi. The Secretary of the party wrote to the
Chief Minister to fix a day so that we might wait on him and discuss the matter
with him. He was not courteous enough to fix a day. He turned a deaf ear to our
requests and we understand that he laughed at our requests and stated that he
would not be persuaded by threats.
3. Persecution of Tamils in Deviculam : Since the presentation of the
Memorandum by the T.T.N.C. to the Boundary Commission urging the merger of
the Taluks of Deviculam and Peermade along with other Tamil taluks with the
Madras State, the Tamils in these taluks are being harassed by the police at the
instance of interested parties. The local branch of the T.T.N.C. informed us that
security proceedings have been started against about 400 persons including
women and that most of them are being tortured by the local police. Labour
leaders were arrested, fettered and paraded through the streets of Munnar in
pouring rain. One Sri. Kupuswamy was so belaboured that his ear drum is ruptured
and he had become an invalid. Hearing this, four representatives of the T.T.N.C.
including three members of the local Legislative Assembly went over to Deviculam,
investigated the situation there and made a representation to the Chief Minister
that the police atrocities should cease and that a transfer of the local Sub-Inspector
of Police would ease the situation. He refused to look into the matter and the
situation there was deteriorating. So, several urgent representations were made
and they too were not attended to.
256
Rumours are afloat that two lorry loads of dead and wounded were carried away
to Trivandrum. The damage to the Post Office and the police outpost are
subsequent events made up by the police and their hirelings to justify the shooting.
For a while the people were fleeing for their lives and men of a particular community
chased them and severely manhandled them.
10. Terrorism Prevails : The wounded when carried to the hospital were snatched
away and their helpers arrested and tortured. Five wounded persons were removed
to the hospital and they are all now figuring as accused. So, several of the
wounded died for want of proper medical relief. From the afternoon of August 11
terrorism prevails. There is no safety of person and property. Police informers
and our political enemies have seized this opportunity of supplying lists of T.T.N.C.
workers and sympathisers to the police. Armed police with these lists seize all
those whom they could find on the road, in market places, in the fields, in
villages and vehicles. If they are in the list they are beaten and taken into the van
if not they are given a sound thrashing and driven off. Fields lie without being
harvested. Nobody is safe to follow his own avocation. Sanctity of homes have
been violated and the modesty of women outraged. It is now a Police Raj. Inhuman
cruelties are perpetuated in the name of law and order. Sri Kunjan Nadar, M.L.A.
was arrested at midnight by forcibly breaking open his house. Then what about
others?
11. The Black Holes : Every police lockup is awfully crowded. There is not even
sitting spaces in some lockups. Organised violence and torture is the order of
the day in these lockups. The skies are rent with their screams at night - a
living death in the cell. The spectre of death is before their eyes. There is no
account of those arrested, and locked up in jails. Several are alleged to have
been removed to hospitals. But where to find them is the question.
12. Medical relief : The urgent matter for condideration is the check up of all
those locked in police lockups by a competent medical officer of repute and to
render medical aid to all those who have been tortured by the police. It is quite
evident that no Magistrate would even dare to grant bail to any until the evidence
of torture is obliterated. It is a humane problem that requires immediate attention.
Physicians are requisitioned stealthily to treat the wounded in the lockups to
obliterate evidence of torture.
13. Sham Justice : Nothing need be said of the early records in each case.
Competent courts would adjudge on their relative value. The Chief Minister had
been to places where shooting took place and whole heartedly supported the action
of the police in public. Then he directed the district collector to hold an enquiry
about the shooting. Witnesses were summoned and in the death stillness of a
court surrounded by hundreds of armed police the court held its sittings. Who
would dare to give evidence speaking the truth and nothing but the truth. It was
only a mockery of justice. Now, no minister is tired of haranguing that the shooting
259
was justified and what justice can be obtained and from whom is the question.
Finally Sir, We are witnessing today the worst forms of communalism
making strident march in Tamil nad. Sri. Pattom Thanu Pillay is a Malayalee
and he cannot brook the sight of a Tamilian crossing his path. He is a Nair who
thirsts for the blood of the Nadar his opponent. He has drunk enough of it, not
once but twice. Could not this orgy of man hunting and man slaughter be put an
end to?
Yours faithfully
Sd-
A. Nesamony’s Personal File
58. 11 AUGUST 1954 AND AFTER (1954)
STATEMENT ISSUED BY A. NESAMONY ON THE SITUATION
CREATED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON 11 AUGUST 1954
(In addition to the 13 paras found in Nesamony’s Letter to the President,
Indian National Congress dt. 26 Aug. 1954 (App. 57) the STATEMENT
contained 4 more paras (14, 15, 16 & 17) and a conclusion. The
additional paras . . .)
14. Cases launched : We are not in a position even today to give the number of
cases that have been taken up from every police station since August 11th. From
the information available we are led to think that atleast 14 cases have been taken
up and the accused in them are innumerable. As usual the police say 2000 others
or 150 others or the others in all their reports. Thus they are casting a very wide
net and nobody in Tamil Nad is sure whether he is an accused or not. All the
names of those who are in the lockups are not available. But, in the mean time
interested parties and police are having a good harvest.
15. Asylum in the Madras State : People have fled and have taken refuge in the
Madras State and elsewhere. The police are attempting to haul them up and they
have met with failure. This has led to the outbrust of the Chief Minister at Ernakulam
making a wild allegation that the Chief Minister of Madras and Sri. Subramoniam
would have invaded Tamil Nad if there was no Central Government. Thus the
attitude of the Chief Minister of this State is made up.
16. An enforced non-cooperation : Every Panchayat member, Panchayat President,
Municipal Councellor and Municipal Chairman is either arrested or is wanted. So
panchayats and Municipalities have ceased to function. How long they would
continue as such is a question. Thus all local self governing institutions are at a
stand still. Shops are closed. Market places are deserted and normal life in all
areas is rendered impossible owing to the activities of police.
260
plaster on 12-9-54, a month after his arrest. About the middle of October he was
released. His leg still continues to be under plaster and doctors are of opinion
that his leg should be under plaster for six weeks more. It is feared that he shall
have to undergo an operation to set right his ankle.
One Muthukannu Palayyan, who was bailed out towards the end of
October complained of pain in the abdomen due to torture in the police lock-up at
Thuckalay. He was taken to the hospital and died within twenty-four hours of his
admission, leaving behind a young widow and a child.
These are but two instances of the many who have suffered similar
torture and are languishing behind prison bars. Final charge-sheets have not
been filed in all cases, and above 500 persons are yet to be arrested. They would
all have surrendered but for this torture in the police lock-ups.
I therefore apeal to you to safeguard the lives of those who happen to
enter the lock-ups.
I shall have to leave Delhi by the end of this week and so I would be
grateful if you would kindly grant me an interview at your earliest convenience to
explain matters further.
Yours faithfully,
A. Nesamony’s Personal File
60. INFORMATION & CHARGES (1954)
The Indian Express 20-11-1954
T.C. Police Firing Enquiry Report before December
Trivandrum, Novermber 18
Mr. Justice Sankaran, who is enquiring into the police firing in South
Travancore, said on the conclusion of the enquiry today that he expected to
submit his report before December 1.
Mr. M. Govinda Pillai, counsel for the police, concluding his arguments
today, told the commission ............................................................................................
Mr. Govinda Pillai said the Tamil Congress leader, Mr. Nesamony, M.P.
should be the first to be arraigned before the court for the unruly activities on
August 11 ...............
The Dinamalar 22-9-1954
The Chief Justice and the Chief Minister confer
Trivandrum, Novermber 21
It is understood that Shri. K.T. Koshy, Chief Justice of the Travancore -
262
plaster on 12-9-54, a month after his arrest. About the middle of October he was
released. His leg still continues to be under plaster and doctors are of opinion
that his leg should be under plaster for six weeks more. It is feared that he shall
have to undergo an operation to set right his ankle.
One Muthukannu Palayyan, who was bailed out towards the end of
October complained of pain in the abdomen due to torture in the police lock-up at
Thuckalay. He was taken to the hospital and died within twenty-four hours of his
admission, leaving behind a young widow and a child.
These are but two instances of the many who have suffered similar
torture and are languishing behind prison bars. Final charge-sheets have not
been filed in all cases, and above 500 persons are yet to be arrested. They would
all have surrendered but for this torture in the police lock-ups.
I therefore apeal to you to safeguard the lives of those who happen to
enter the lock-ups.
I shall have to leave Delhi by the end of this week and so I would be
grateful if you would kindly grant me an interview at your earliest convenience to
explain matters further.
Yours faithfully,
A. Nesamony’s Personal File
60. INFORMATION & CHARGES (1954)
The Indian Express 20-11-1954
T.C. Police Firing Enquiry Report before December
Trivandrum, Novermber 18
Mr. Justice Sankaran, who is enquiring into the police firing in South
Travancore, said on the conclusion of the enquiry today that he expected to
submit his report before December 1.
Mr. M. Govinda Pillai, counsel for the police, concluding his arguments
today, told the commission ............................................................................................
Mr. Govinda Pillai said the Tamil Congress leader, Mr. Nesamony, M.P.
should be the first to be arraigned before the court for the unruly activities on
August 11 ...............
The Dinamalar 22-9-1954
The Chief Justice and the Chief Minister confer
Trivandrum, Novermber 21
It is understood that Shri. K.T. Koshy, Chief Justice of the Travancore -
264
any Government charged with the responsibility of protecting the lives, honour
and property of its citizens.”
Shri Thanu Pillai was addressing a meeting at Kuzhithurai after a four-
hour fact-finding tour of the disturbed areas.
In the rioting that broke out following the “Deliverene Day” observance
by members of the T.T.N.C. last Wednesday, the Police had to open fire in two
places, which resulted in four persons being killed.
Addressing the district and local officers, the Chief Minister said “a
serious challenge has been directed against the forces of law and order”. It was
his duty, and the duty of the Government to assure the fullest protection to all
citizens. There should be no undue rigour and there should be no needless
leniency, he couselled them.
The Mail, Dated 28-11-1954
Lohia’s Demand for T-C Cabinet’s Resignation Fails Nagpur, November 27
Thanu Pillai’s Plea
Sri. Pattom Thanu Pillai, Chief Minister of Travancore - Cochin and Sri.
J.P. Narain spoke against the amendment Sri. Thanu Pillai asked the delegates not
to mix up the issue of police-firing with the demand for the resignation of the
Ministry. In demanding the resignation of the Ministry, he said, other matters
had to be considered namely, the Ministry’s honour, its reputation and ultimately
the honour and reputation of the party itself.
“It involves my honour personally, and this I ask you to consider”, he
told the convention, and asked what had the Ministry done that it should resign.
Inquiry finding on T.T.N.C. agitation in S. Travancore
Police Firing Justified
Trivandrum, Dec. 13
Mr. Justice K. Sankaran, Special Commissioner who inquired into the
Police firing, on August 11, in South Travancore, in his report, says, “the inquiry
has established, beyond doubt the complicity of the Travancore - Cochin
Communist Party in the agitation”, and the collusion of groups and parties
functioning from outside the State (such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
and Tamil Arasu Kazhagam) in the organised propaganda of linguistic race hatred,
and the attempt to paralyse the Government.”
An official summary of the report, released to the Press today, stated
that “the Police have been acting justly and properly and within the limits of their
lawful authority, and that they succeeded in maintaining law and order, and
peace, by resorting to the use of force justified by the situation.
265
employees of the State Transport Department. It is obvious that the idea was
that the confusion and lawlesssness sought to be created, should be at the
maximum possible level.”
The inquiry which commenced in October last ended on Nov. 16, and
the report was forwarded to the State Goverment on Nov. 27.
61. T.T.N.C. TO SUPPORT CONGRESS (1954)
JAWAHARLAL NEHRU
PRIME MINISTER
NEW DELHI
WELCOME DECISION TRAVANCORE COCHIN PRADESH CONGRESS
WITHDRAWING SUPPORT PATTOM MINISTRY TRAVANCORE TAMIL NAD
CONGRESS OFFERS SUPPORT FOR FORMATION CONGRESS MINISTRY.
NESAMONY
NAGERCOIL
A. Nesamony, M.P. Nagercoil
Leader T.T.N.C., Lok Sabha 13th Dec., 1954
To
Shri. Jawharlal Nehru
Prime Minister of India, New Delhi
Sir,
I confirm my telegram WELCOME DECISION TRAVANCORE COCHIN
PRADESH CONGRESS WITHDRAWING SUPPORT PATTOM MINISTRY
TRAVANCORE TAMIL NAD CONGRESS OFFERS SUPPORT FOR
FORMATION CONGRESS MINISTRY despatched today. The Travancore Tamil
Nad Congress will heartily co-operate with the Travancore - Cochin Pradesh
Congress Paliamentary Party unconditionally if the Congress would form a
ministry, It should not be misunderstood that we are welcoming this decision of
the Congress as we are in a tight corner because of th unjust acts of Shri. Pattom’s
regime. It is the genuine desire of the people of this State that Shri Pattom and his
ministry should quit office. They are tired of them.
Corruption, nepotism, communalism and interference of the executive
with the judiciary have been so unbearable that leading citizens of all castes and
creeds met at Changanacherry and sounded a note of warning to the present
ministry. But Shri Pattom could not be advised and brushed aside all criticism as
actuated by communal considerations. The local dailies have published articles
of his acts of high-handedness and have demanded his resignation. So, this
descision of the Congress voices forth only a popular demand.
267
Above all these, he has unequivocally declared that the Congress would
not thrive in this state if he were to continue in office. To this end the P.S.P. is
fomenting trouble among the labourers. We have been continuously agitating
for affiliation with the Madras Tamil Nad Congress.So, whatever may be our
differences of opinion with the Travancore - Cochin Pradesh Congress, we will
not allow that institution to be destroyed in this country by self-seeking, power-
grabbing Pattoms. So it is right that this Ministry which sets at naught all
democratic conventions and principles should quit office.
In the matter of the stability of a Congress Ministry, there need not be
any fear. In a house of 118, with one in the chair and Shri. T.S. Ramaswamy (P.S.P.)
having quitted the party demanding the resignation of Pattom Ministry and Shri.
Chattanathan (Independent) whose election has been set aside by an Election
Tribunal and the order of the Tribunal being now stayed by the Supreme Court
and who could be counted on for support and with other possibilities because of
the support we offer, I am sure that a Congress Ministry is bound to succeed.
Shri. Pattom’s ministry will now announce reforms which would involve
very heavy financial commitments as parting gifts. This must be guarded against
and he should be asked to resign immediately.
Assuring you once more of our continued support,
Yours Sincerely
A. Nasamony’s Personal File
62. GOVERNMENT COUNTER PETITION (1954)
APPENDIX - N
IN THE HIGH COURT OF TRAVANCORE - COCHIN
TRIVANDRUM
Or. M. Ps. Nos. 235 to 244 of 1954
COUNTER AFFIDAVIT FOR THE STATE
1. P. Gopalan son of Padmanabhan, Hindu Ezhava, aged 50, Assistant
Superintendent of Police, Nagercoil Sub-Division of the Trivandrum District,
residing at Ramavarmapuram, do hereby solemnly affirm and state as follows:
1. I am the Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nagercoil Sub-Division
of the Trivandrum District, and the Investigating Officer in the batch of cases out
of which the above petitions have arisen. The incidents which led up to the
charges laid, against the petitioners and others happened within my jurisdiction.
I know the details of the occurances and I believe that I am competent to swear in
this affidavit on behalf of the State.
2. This affidavit has been filed in answer to the averments in all the
above applications for bail and it is prayed that this may kindly be so treated.
268
3. I deny all the averments in the afore-said applications for bail save
those that are herein expressly admitted.
4. Petitioners in Or. M. Ps. 235 to 241 are the accused Nos. 1,2,3,9,155,156
and 152 respectively in P.E. 9/54 of the Kuzhithura Stationary 1st Class Magistrate
Court. Petitioners in Cr. M. Ps 242 and 243 are accused Nos. I and 2 respectively
in P.E. 10/54 of the same Court. They are the same accused Nos. I and 156 in P.E
9/54. Petitioner in Cr. M.P. 244/54 is accused No. 1 in C.C. 61/54 of the
Padmanabhapuram Sub Divisional Magistrate Court. They all stand charged for
commission of offences of a very grave and serious character.
5. The main incidents of the day may be briefly summarised thus:
On 11th August 1954, from early morning till dusk, within a range of
about 250 sq. miles of the Travancore - Cochin State Territory, a section of the
inhabitants of the locality of whom the Petitioners are the ring-leaders calling
themselves as members of an organisation designated the Travancore Tamil Nad
Congress (T.T.N.C) in the name of celebrating a day which they called the
Deliverance Day pursuant to a common design and acting in concert having
engaged in a conspiracy and in furtherance of their common object of paralysing
and prostrating the Govt. established by law, rose up in rebellion and forming
into several groups of unlawful assemblies, congregated themselves and openly
declared the territories in which they inhabit as one without any recognised
Government, marched in jathas 200 to 2000 to 10000 strong armed with dangerous
weapons, met in several places, the leaders delivering inflammatory speeches
and inciting the mob to violence; trespassing and obstructing the work in Courts
and other Public Offices in open defiance of law and constituted authority, forcibly
closed all the shops and other business places causing hurt to them to deter
them from their duty, at Court Houses and public and private Institutions causing
heavy damage; trespassed into the Sub Registry Office, Post Office and Police
Out Post, damaged the tiles by throwing stones, smashed all their doors and
windows, the furniture and valuable records therein were thrown into the fire and
burnt them down to ashes; carried away the weapons in the Out Post; obstructed
traffic by stopping State Transport and other private buses, throwing stones at
them and the passengers thereby scaring and injuring them and pushing them
down into the gutters; burning down the cushions and curtains, removing and
destroying other fittings and causing thereby loss to the State Transport
Department to the value of about Rs. 20,000/- robbed the Conductors of the State
Transport buses of their cash collections of the day, disrupted Telephone and
Telegraph communication to South Travancore by cutting down wires and
uprooting posts and thereby causing damage to the extent of about Rs. 8,000/- to
the Telegraph Department; obstructed the movement of the Police party and
their vehicles by erecting barricades of wires cut and forcibly removed from the
Electric Supply Office nearby and placing logs of wood, branches of trees and
big granite stones, thereby preventing their escape and attempting to murder
269
them; which acts of violence of the rioters when became uncontrollable even in
spite of lathi charges in several places the Police were compelled to open fire in
three places in self-defence and to preserve life and property, the security of the
State and the maintenance of law and order, after giving the rebellious and
tumultuous crowd sufficient warning. This was all the result of a conspiracy
hatched and in pursuance of a common design and a consorted plan to overawe
and overthrow the State-Government by criminal force. A situation thus arose
which compelled the State to choose between yielding to force and exposing
them and the public, the Public Insitutions and property to a very serious danger,
or re-establishing law and order and the Security of the State by resorting to the
use of the minimum force necessary for the purpose.
6. The petitioners are the leaders amongst the conspirators. They are
the moving spirit and the master-minds. The occurrence described above, in
short forms the subject matter of the charges laid against the accused on whose
behalf the petitions for bail are presented and several others yet to be
apprehended. The incidents are so closely connectd by continuity of purpose
and progressive action towards a single object.
7. The F.I. Rs. the interim charges and the final charges laid contain a
clear disclosure of the offences committed by the petitioners. It is submitted that
there are reasonable grounds to believe that the petitioners are guilty of the
offences with which they are charged.
8. The accused petitioners have committed all the offences charged
against them. Their alleged innocence is false. It is impossible to put an innocent
interpretation of their actions and to hold that they were engaged between 6-7-54
and 11-8-54 in peaceful, legitimate political propaganda. The Charge Sheets give
sufficient indication that the prosecution will be able to produce suffcient evidence
in support of the charges against the accused petitioners. The incidents are all
the result of a common design and concerted action to over-throw by force the
State - Government, of which the petitioners are the moving spirit and the master-
minds.
9. As the investigation has disclosed a clear case of conspiracy between
the accused to overawe and over-throw the State Government by force punishable
under Section 121 A of I.P.C. sanction was obtained and the final charge with a
complaint, charge-sheeting the accused under Section 121 A was also laid. The
allegation that the final charge is purposely and maliciously delayed to prolong
the period of incarceration is baseless and is refuted. Some little delay was
unavoidable, regard being had to the seriousness of the crime, the thoroughness
of the investigation and elaborate evidence to be let in the case. The petitioners
now stand charged for an offence punishable under section 121 A of I.P.C. and
the Court had taken congnisance of it.
270
10. For some time past the petitioners and a few others who are the ring
leaders of an organisation called the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress styled the
T.T.N.C. had embarked upon an attempt to merge the so called Tamil region of the
Travancore - Cochin territory with the State of Madras. Consequent upon the
arrest and conviction of three of their leaders on 4-7-54 for breaking the ban in
Devikulam, the T.T.N.C. and their leaders met in a special meeting convened in 6-
7-54, conspired and agreed to a violent programme of action to overthrow the
existing State Governent established by law and the destruction of the State
control over the region which they claimed as Tamil Nad, to attain their object.
11. The means by which the petitioners and their fellow-conspirators
attempted to compass their aims was to unite into one organisation the extremist
elements, communists, terrorists and Labour Unions. This organisation was to
be utilised for the purpose of promoting a revolution by winning over the masses,
the peasants and workers by promising economic betterment, by engineering
strikes, picketting Public Institutions, both State and Central and obstructing
work therein, inciting people to violence by breaking all the laws of the land as if
no Government existed and to non-payment of tax and organising students to
boycott Schools and come out to create confusion and lawlessness in the land
and if possible riots and the like.
12. With this aim in view the petitioners and their fellow conspirators
got in touch with Panchayats, Municipal Councils and Educational Institutions
in the area, sought comradeship between conspirators and the Communists, the
Dravida Munnetra Kazhakom, Tamilarasu Kazhakom etc., and acting in
conjunction endeavoured to prepare the way for the violent overthrow. An Office
was opened at Panagudi in Thirunelveli District for propaganda work, enlistment
of volunteers and collections of funds to finance their campaign. It is claear that
the period of conspiracy was between 6-6-54 and 11-8-54
13. The intention of the petitioners and their associates was to overthrow
the State Government by violent means. With this object in view the petitioners
and their associates endeavoured to arrange conferences, held innumerable
meetings delivering inciting and inflammatory speeches . Notices, pamphlets
and leaflets containing false and malicious statements against the existing
Government were profusely printed and circulated among the masses, inciting
them to violence and lawlessness. Burning publicly Government Stamps and
Gazettes, trespassing into Government Forest lands and cutting and removing
trees were frequently resorted to. By holding out hopes of better economic
conditions and creating hatred and contempt against the existing Government
by false and malicious statements and speeches, the petitioners and their
associates arranged to enlist the support of a section of workers and peasants
and by means of personal canvas, seditious literature and propaganda they
endeavoured to inflame the illiterate masses against the existing regime and by
271
linking up the Communist elements and extremists they intended to bring about
the violent overthrow of the State Government.
14. Thus by preparing the field the petitioner in Cr.M.P. 235/54 who is
designated the Dictator, in conjunction with his fellow conspirators resolved and
gave the command to celebrate 9th Aug. 1954 as The Deliverance Day of Tamil
Nad. To synchronise with the date of the intended State Transport Strike
sponsored by communists, the date was postponed by the order of the Dictator
to the 11th of Aug. 54. Throughout the 10th the petitioners who are the ring
leaders of the conspiracy were out in the field holding meetings in several places
circulating pamphlets and leaflets and exhorting the masses and the young
students to celebrate the Deliverance Day in a fitting manner by actual
demonstrations. They were exhorted to break all the laws of the land as if no
Government existed, picket and obstruct all work in public institutions, enforce
harthal removing by force all that stood in the way. The productions by way of
speeches, pamphlets and leaflets referred to in the charge clearly betray the
calibre of the petitioners. They are characteristic of so much of the out-pourings
of the so called revolutionary intelligentia. Certainly they suggest that the
petitioners entertained the chimerical visions of a free honey flowing Tamil Nad
in a day by resorting to force with A1 in P.E. 9/54 as their Dictator and the next his
lieutenant, though one may be tempted to describe their activities as puerile.
15. The day followed and on the 11th August ‘54 from day break it was
seen that the petitioners in conjunction with the avowed enemies of the
Government established by law engaged in stirring up rebellion throughout the
so called Tamil regions of the Travancore-Cochin Territory. Petitioners were the
moving spirits and the master-minds of the incidents. “Al Kunjan Nadar, petitioner
in Cr. M.P. 235/54 who was the Dictator instigated, inspired and instructed the
other accused to do the several acts of violence and also was actually present at
Thoduvatti junction to direct some of the operations like cutting and uprooting
telephone and telegraph posts, creating road blocks, molesting the police etc.,
with instruction not to allow the Police to escape. A2 Thanulinga Nadar Petitioner
in Cr. M.P. 236/54 took a leading part in the disturbance of the day presiding over
the Gandhi Maidan meeting by delivering an inflammatory speech inciting the
mob to break the law and leading the jatha who started with 16 volunteers
garlanded to cause obstructions to Court work on the protext of picketting freely
indulging to violence, upto the Kuzhithura bus stand . A3, William, petitioner in
Cr. M.P. 237/54 was also bodily present at Gandhi Maidan meeting presided over
by A2. He too spoke at the meeting and delivered a similar inflammatory violence-
provoking speech and led the jatha indulging in violence from its start to the
Magistrate’s Court. There was a lathi charge.The mob temporarily withdrew. He
then led the jatha via Vettumony junction up to his residence and its precincts.
It was from his compound and precincts that the mob indulged in stone-throwing
the police , their vehicles and the Transport buses and passengers. In the firing
272
incident one of the crowd was hit from his compound and fell dead with a big
granite stone in his hand. A9, O. Nallathambi Nadar, petitioner in Cr. M.P. 238/54
was yet another who led the jatha from Gandhi Maidan. He was one of those who
stoned the Police from the Court premises. He was a member of the action
committee which ordered and directed the movements of the day and that he was
one of those who took part in the conspiracy to paralyse and overawe the
Government. He was one of the leaders who were reponsible for the unhappy
incidents. He was arrested at the spot by the Sub-Inspector of Police. To say that
the aforesaid accused are innocent of the crime is a naked lie. They are the arch-
conspirators who planned and carried out all the acts.
16. Petitioner in Cr. M.P. 239/54 S.T. Mosses is the 155th accused in P.E.
9/54 of the Kuzhithura Magistrate’s Court and the 1st accused in C.C. 61/54 of
Sub Divisional Magistrate’s Court, Padmanabhapuram. He is a prominent worker
of the T.T.N.C. and a member of the action committee. He led a jatha of about 500
armed with sticks and stones shouting revolutionary slogans, compelling shops
to be closed and pelting the police with stones and attacking and causing damage
to one shop-owner who refused to close his shop, some of them picketting the
Sub Registry Office and others Sub Magistrate’s Court. He too addressed the
gathering an inflammatory speech inciting them to violence. He too is an arch-
conspirator and is responsible for the occurrence of the day. To say that he is
innocent of the crime is a naked lie.
17. Petitioner in Cr. M.P. 540/54 Gopalakrishnan is the 156th accused in
P.E. 9/54 of the Kuzhitura Magistrate’s Court. He is the moving spirit and the
master mind amongst the conspirators. He is a member of the action committee.
He presided over the meeting held near the Police Out post at Puthukadai. The
gathering numbered about 10000. He delivered an inflammatory violence -
provoking speech which actually had the desired effect immediately. The mob
attacked the Police Out Post & the Post Office under his guidance & inspiration,
smashed to smithers the doors and windows, carried away the weapons, the
chairs, tables and other articles were all broken, the valuable records seized and
all put into the fire and burnt down in open . The mob became so violent and
uncontrollable that the Police as a last resort had to open fire. He was arrested on
the spot. If innocence has to be presumed from action of this type there can be no
crime under the Penal Code. It is submitted that he must have regard to the
mundane matter-of-fact provisions of the Indian Penal Code and doctrines of his
political philosophy cannot override them.
18. Petitioner in Cr. M.P. 241/54 M.D. Anantharaman is the 152nd accused
in P.E. 9/54 of the Kuzhithura Magistrate’s Court. He is an arch - conspirator and
a T.T.N.C. Committee member. He took an active part in the secret meeting on 6-7-
54 held in A1’s residence where the conspiracy to overthrow the Government by
force was hatched. He is a member of the nine-men action committee formed
under the 2nd Dictator A1 Kunjan Nadar. He was the moving spirit in guiding and
273
prosecution and also will cause obstruction to the apprehension of the large
number of absconding accused.
23. It is submitted that in view of the activities indulged in by the
applicants and the serious charges laid against them, it is apprehended that the
applicants, if released on bail are likely to abscond and thereby evade the trial.
24. It is asserted that the State has strong prima facie grounds to believe
and are convinced of the likelihood of the offences being repeated if the accused
are let at large. Events that have happened recently raise a reasonable
apprehension of a repetition of the offences. They are:
(i) The Malayalam Primary School at Kodumkulam near Marthandam,
was set fire to on 1-9-54. This is the subject matter of Crime No. 103/54 of the
Vilavancode Police Station. Dharmalingom Nadar who is an absconding accused
in P.E. 9/54 has assaulted some Malayali at Kodumkulam on 5-9-54. This is the
subject matter of Crime No. 106/54 of the above Police Station.
(ii) A place of worship belonging to the Malayalees at Kollencode was
set fire to on 12-9-54. This is the subject matter of Crime No. 108/54 of the
Vilavancode Police Station.
(iii) Press reports have already appeared forecasting a revival by the
T.T.N.C. of their revolutionary campaign if the allegedly repressive measures of
Govt. do not cease. In such circumstances the State apprehends that if these
accused are let at large, the movement will be revived and the offences repeated.
25. The allegations about life in the lockup are false, misleading and
most mischievous. They are provided with all amenities that the Jail rules would
permit. They are given nice food and clothing. It is true that each prisoner cannot
be provided with a single room. The halls in which they are locked up are
sufficiently spacious and convenient-call of nature has to be answered in pots in
the night which is inevitable in the circumstances. During day time they are taken
out to answer the calls of nature and for meals. The pots are cleaned very often.
The halls are kept clean and quite sanitary. The petitioners have not as yet made
any such complaints to the proper authorities. The complaints now raised are all
figments of imagination and baseless. However they are quite irrelevant for the
purpose and connot form grounds for granting or refusing bail.
26. The averments that the health of the applicants have been impaired
as a result of the incarceration is untrue. The applicants are well looked after and
they are keeping good health. In fact they have put in more weight in their life in
the lock up.
27. It is true that A3, Williams, Petitioner in Cr. M.P. 237/54 is used to
have occasional attacks of asthma. He is well attended to by Doctors and proper
275
treatment is given when such attack comes. Very recently he wanted some better
treatment and as desired by him he is now sent to the Medical College Hospital,
Trivandrum for treatment. It is suspected that the desire thus expressed is a ruse
for presenting his application for bail as he did not succeed in his prior application
to this Honourable Court on the same ground. He is a person who went to
Devikulam leading a jatha to defy the ban all the way from Marthandom to
Devikulam.
28. Complaints of sickness by A1 and A 152 in P.E. 9/54 are baseless.
There is the jail doctor to attend to ordinary complaints. All are well looked after.
29. Allegation of want of sanction for a charge under S. 120 B.I.P.C. is
unsustainable. No sanction is required for a charge of criminal conspiracy to
commit cognizable offences punishable with imprisonment of more than two
years. The petitioners are charge-sheeted for committing such congnizable
offences. It is incorrect to say that the Magistrate has no jurisdiction to take
congnizance of the offences charged against the petitioners. The investigation
has clearly disclosed an offence under S. 121 A. Sanction was obtained and the
petitioners along with the other accused are charge-sheeted for an offence
punishable under Section 121 A. and the Magistrate has taken cognizance of it.
30. The allegation that some accused in the various cases have been let
on bail by the Police and the Magistrate are not true. It is true that some are let on
bail by this Honourable Court and the Sessions Court assigning reasons for the
same. The petitioners now before Honourable Court stand entirely on a different
footing. They are the ring leaders of the conspiracy and primarily responsible for
the whole occurrence and who do not deserve any indulgence at the hands of
this Hon. Court.
31. It is submitted that the learned Sessions Judge has expressed herself
in unequivocal terms at the very outset that under the circumstances of the case
she considered it not proper to release the petitioners who are the ring leaders of
the conspiracy on bail. The Trial Court has exercised its judicial discretion in the
matter and it appears all the circumstances of the case were taken note of by the
Court while it made an order refusing bail and it is submitted that it is a weighty
ground for this Honourable Court not to interfere in the exercise of discretion by
the Lower Court.
32. In the circumstances stated above and in the interests of the Security
of the State, life and property and the maintenance of law and order it is only just
and proper that the petitioners be not set at liberty and the petitions be dismissed.
33. It is prayed that this affidavit may be treated as affidavit for the State
in all other Criminal M.P.S. also.
276
The facts stated above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief
and borne out by the records in the case.
On this the 3rd day of November 1954
Deponent
63. T.T.N.C. IN SUPREME COURT (1955)
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA, NEW DELHI
(Original Criminal Jurisdiction)
Application under section 527 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for
transfer of P.E. No. 9 of 1954 from the court of the Stationary First Class Magistrate,
Kuzhithurai, in the State of Travancore-Cochin to any court in the State of Madras.
Shri. A. Kunjan Nadar, B.A., B.L. Advocate, Member, Travancore-Cochin
Legislative Assembly, Ramavarmapuram, Nagercoil now confined in the police
lock-up at Vilavancode Police Station.
Petitioner, First Accused
Versus
The State of Travancore-Cochin represented by the Chief Secretary to
Government, Trivandrum
Respondent, Complainant
To
The Honourable Shri. Mehr Chand Mahajan, Chief Justice of India and
his companion Judges of the Supreme Court.
1. That a case under Sections 121-A, 148, 149, 332, 395, 307, 426, 427,
451, 380, 447, 435, 114 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, Section 31(1) (a) and (5)
read with Section 2 (xvii) (c) (f) (l) (o) and (1) of Act V of 1950 of the Travancore-
Cochin State and Section 25 of Act XIII of 1885 against the petitioner and 162
others is pending in the court of the Stationary First Class Magistrate at Kuzhithurai
in the State of Travancore Cochin as P.E. 9 of 1954.
2. That the petitioner is an advocate of the High Court of Travancore-
Cochin and is a sitting member of the Travancore-Cochin Legislative Assembly.
3. That the petitioner is a member of the Travancore Tamil Nad Congress
(T.T.N.C), an organisation recognised as a political party by the Election
Commission of India and to which an exclusive symbol has been allotted. It has
twelve members in the State Legislative Assembly and a member each in the Lok
Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. It is a political organisation established in South
277
Travancore and has for its main object the merger of the predominantly Tamil
areas in the Travancrore-Cochin State with the adjoining Tamil State of Madras,
by peaceful and constitutional methods. The petitioner is a strong adherent of
non-violence as a political creed and practical method of action. With the growth
of the urge of the citizens of India for the redistribution of the States in India on
a linguistic basis and the demand of the Malayalam speaking public of Travancore
- Cochin and Malabar for the formation of an Aikya Kerala Province (a linguistic
Malayalam State), the T.T.N.C. urged the merger of nine taluks in the Travancore
- Cochin State which are predominantly Tamil with the adjoining State of Madras.
The Taluks are Agasteeswaram, Thovala, Kalkulam, Vilavancode, Neyyattinkara,
Shencottah, Chittor, Devicolam and Peermade.
4. That the present Chief Minister of Travancore Cochin, Shri Pattom A.
Thanu Pillai headed the first Travancore State Congress ministry in Travancore
in 1948 and at his instance this movement was sought to be ruthlessly put down.
Several false criminal cases implicating hundreds of innocent Tamils in these
areas were started. The police resorted to firing on unarmed people and shot
dead two persons. The State Congress was routed in the elections that followed
and many who opposed the T.T.N.C. candidates in the general elections in the
Tamil areas lost even their deposits. Eventually most of these cases were with-
drawn as false and the rest were thrown out by courts. The T.T.N.C. fought the
last three general elections on the issue of the merger of the Tamil areas in
Travancore - Cochin with the adjoining State of Madras and captured almost all
seats in the State Legislative Assembly and the Parliament.
5. The leading citizens from the Tamil areas gave evidence before the
States Re-organisation Commission supporting the demand of the T.T.N.C. for
merger. The T.T.N.C. submitted a memorandum to the States Re-organization
Commission putting forth its claim for the merger of the nine taluks of the
Travancore-Cochin state which are predominatly Tamil with the adjoining Madras
State. This claim was opposed by Shri Pattom A. Thanu Pillai Chief Minister of
the State in a statement to the States Re-organisation Commission and on the
floor of the Stae Legislative Assembly. This is corroborated by the copy of the
proceedings of the Travancore-Cochin Legislative Assembly official report Vol.
IX No.1 pages 7 to 10 filed herewith as Appendix A.
6. That Shri. Pattom A. Thanu Pillai became Chief Minister a second time
in March 1954. With the intention of scotching the popular movement carried on
by the T.T.N.C. a reign of terror was let loose in the two Tamil taluks of Devicolam
and Peermade by the State Government. Several hundreds of Tamil labourers,
men and women, were taken into police custody, brutally manhandled and several
false cases were foisted on them, thus rendering the life, liberty and property of
the Tamils in those taluks unsafe. Four members of the Travancore-Cochin
Legislative Assembly who are also members of the T.T.N.C. toured the said two
taluks and after studying the situation, submitted a memorandum to the Chief
278
Minister of the State complaining against the police excesses in those taluks and
prayed for taking suitable steps to stop it and to assure the people that proper
protection would be given to them from the ravages of the police. The Chief
Minister turned a deaf ear to this and subsequent representations made to him.
So, the T.T.N.C. proposed to observe 30th June 1954 as Devicolam Day in all
parts of the taluks of Devicolam and Peermade and the partisan attitude of the
State Government. The day was observed in all parts of the Tamil Taluks by
taking out peaceful processions and holding peaceful public meetings. The 4th
of July 1954 was fixed to be observed as Devicolam Day in Devicolam. The police
managed to secure a prohibitory order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure
Code, preventing all meetings, demonstrations and processions in Devicolam
Taluk. The ban was defied by successive batches of satyagrahis peacefully till
the 29th of July 1954 at Munnar, the head quarters of the Devicolam Taluk. In
other parts of the Tamil areas, peaceful processions, public meetings and
satyagrahas before public offices were conducted by the T.T.N.C. in a peaceful
and non-violent manner from the 9th July 1954.
7. That with a view to focus public attention on the repressive and
discriminatory policy pursued by the State Government against the Tamils and
as a mark of protest against the police excesses the T.T.N.C. proposed the
observance in a peaceful non-violent manner of a Deliverance Day on the 11th
August 1954, by holding public meetings, taking out processions, observing
hartal and offering satyagraha before public offices, in all parts of the Tamil areas
in the State. The same was organised for that day in a regular and consitutional
manner. With the intention of scotching the movement by all means in their
power, the present Council of Ministers headed by Shri. Pattom A. Thanu Pillai
belonging to the Praja Socialist Party of eighteen members in a House of one
hundred, and eighteen, who are avowed opponents of the objecive of the T.T.N.C.
let loose through out the Tamil areas of the State a reign of terror. The police
freely indulged in acts of lawlessness, incendiarism and looting. A copy of the
photograph, taken by Shri. L.S. Karayalar, President Tamil Nad Congress Madras,
of the tea shop of Shri. K.R. Savarimuthu Nadar, Puthukada looted by the police
on August 11, 1954 is herewith filed as Appendix B. The police in several places
wantonly beat peaceful processionists with lathis, and opened fire in various
places.
8. That armed platoons of Reserve Police were designed for duty in the
Tamil areas on the day and are quartered there still. The police fired several
rounds in various places and admittedly seven persons were killed and a large
number injured and disabled. A large number of leading citizens in the area were
taken into police custody, assaulted brutally, detained without being produced
before any Magistrate for several days and turned out of police stations
subsequently with marks of violence on their person, and are despairing of their
lives. Copies of photographs of batches of such persons are herewith filed as
279
Appendix C and D. The incidents of the day are sought to be justified by alleged
stone throwing by a few among the crowd causing abrasions to three or four
policemen. Obstruction to traffic and mischief to some government property are
also alleged as justifying causes that led to the shooting by the police on unarmed
persons.
9. That it was never the intention of the T.T.N.C. to indulge in acts of
violence or cause destruction to public property. The truth of the matter is that
certain mischief and damages were purposely caused by the police and agent
provocateurs of the State Government to justify the action of the police and to
achieve their end of killing the popular movement. Thus, the incidents that were
caused to be effected in various places by the State Government have now been
shifted on to the T.T.N.C. members and the public and a large number of false
cases have been started against several hundreds in various courts. Several
leaders and members of the T.T.N.C. and others were arrested, beaten and kept in
the police lock-ups and subjected to inhuman torture. Even boys of tender age
attending schools were arrested, brutally beaten and kept in police lock-ups for
close on two months. The petitioner is kept in the Vilavancode police lock-up
since 12th August 1954.
10. That to the information available to the petitioner over a dozen
prosecutions have been initiated by the police against over 500 Tamils under
sections of the Indian Penal Code and other enactments. P.E. 9 of 1954 ; P.E. 10 of
1954; C.C. 821 of 1954; c.C. 782 of 1954 and C.C. 824 of 1954 are among the cases
pending on the file of the court of the Stationary First Class Magistrate,
Kuzhithurai. C.C. 60 of 1954 now numbered as P.E. 5 of 1954 C.C. 61 of 1954 now
numbered as P.E. 4 of 1954; C.C. 62 of 1954 now numbered as P.E. 6 of 1954 and
C.C. 63 of 1954 now numbered as P.E. 7 of 1954 are among the cases pending on
the file of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Padmanabhapuram. There are several
cases pending on the file of the Court of the Sationary First Class Magistrate,
Kottar and on the file of the court of the Stationary Second Class Magistrate,
Eraniel. Many more cases may see the light of day at the pleasure of the police.
The trials have not started in any of these cases.
11. That even today armed platoons of reserve police are freely moving
about the Tamil areas in the State, insulting and manhandling those said to be
associating with the T.T.N.C. and a large number, nearly three thousand persons
have taken refuge in the Madras State since 11th August 1954. Applications for
bail and other reliefs moved before courts were rejected. And now for over four
months, the petitioner and seventy others are confined in the police lock-ups
under miserable conditions. Several members of the State Legislative Assembly,
a member of Parliament, graduate teachers, presidents and councillors of
municipalities , presidents and members of Panchayats and several students of
tender age, in short every leading citizen of the Tamil area are among the accused
in the several cases and hardly one half of the number of those implicated have
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so far been apprehended. the petitioner believes fully that the Chief Minister of
the State, Shri. Pattom A. Thanu Pillai and his colleagues who are avowed
opponents of the objectives of the T.T.N.C. are directly responsible for the
initiation of the several cirminal cases and they are abetting and sponsoring the
police atrocities in the Tamil area. The chief Minister turned down the demand of
several leading citizens and the general public from all over India to appoint an
impartial Commission, composed of eminent persons from outside the State to
enquire into the police firing on 11th August 1954 and the police atrocities
thereafter. The conscience of the Praja Socialist Party to which Shri Pattom A.
Thanu Pillai is now attached was shocked at the police firing in these areas and
at their insistence, the State Government announced the appointment of a
commission of Enquiry composed of single member - The Hon. Shri. Justice K.
Sankaran of the Travancore-Cochin High Court to enquire into the action of the
police in having resorted to firing on 11th August 1954 in South Travancore by
Notification No. 43 of 25th September 1954, published in the Gazettee
Extraordinary of the Government of Travancore - Cochin under Act LX of 1952.
12. That the T.T.N.C. protested against the constitution of a one-man
commision. They demanded an enquiry by leading persons drawn from outside
the State of Travancore - Cochin, withdrawal of the Police Platoons, the filing of
final reports of the police in all cases thus closing up the open list with which the
police were threatening the people as safeguards of a dispassionate and
independent approach to the several events and subsequent police atrocities.
These were not granted and so the T.T.N.C. did not take part in the so-called
enquiry.
13. That the constitution and initiation of proceedings before the
Commission of Enquiry on matters directly involved in the cases pending trial
before the several courts is a violation of the fundamental right of the petitioner
and other accused, of equality before the law and equal protection of the laws
guaranteed under Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
14. That the Commission had been examining persons who are to appear
as prosecution witnesses in the several cases and also others a few of whom may
have to appear as defence witnesses. The Commission has also taken the extra-
ordinary step of citing and examining on oath the accused in the several cases
and subjecting them to the cross examination by the Special State Prosecutor,
who really appeared for the police force and was attempting to establish grounds
to justify the shooting by the police. In fact one of the accused was asked during
his examination before the Commission as to the part played by him during the
firing and also questions so as to implicate his co-accused. This is a direct
violation of Article 20 (3) of the Constitution of India and Section 342(4) of the
code of Criminal Procedure. It is also clear that because the accused have to state
their case in answer to the questions of the Commission they have to disclose
their defence, which will certainly help the police to trim the case for the
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needs and their open declaration justifying the shooting by the police and the
killing of several persons and the appointment of Shri. Justice K. Sankaran a
member of the tarwad of the District Superintendent of Police, who was
responsible for the shooting as Enquiry Commissioner are exceptional
circumstaces.
(iv) This attitude of the State is also reflected in the several proceedings
in the court and before the enquiry commission through the State prosecutors.
(v) The Magistrates who had to try the cases have filed affidavits in
proceedings before the High Court and given evidence before the District
Magistrate and the Enquiry Commissioner on hearsay materials and condemned
the political activities of the party to which the petitioner belongs.
(vi) A sedulous propaganda is being carried on by the Government and
its officers both executive and judiciary that the Malayalam speaking public in
the Tamil areas in the State are in danger of extermination at the hands of the
Tamils, though there had been absolutely no incident of any sort to justify such
wild and sweeping allegations. Mr. N. Kumaran Achan, State Special Prosecutor
during his arguments had been exhorting and intimating before the Nagercoil
Session Court and the High Court that the fight of the T.T.N.C. is against the
Malayalees in the Tamil areas and that had not the police acted in good time that
day, no Malayalees’s life in the Tamil areas would have been spared. This view
put forth by a Malayalee Prosecutor assisted by superior Malayalee police officer
before Malayalee judges tend to gravely prejudice the chances of the petitioner
for a fair trial and justice in this State.
(vii) The incidents which form the subject matter of the charges have
roused great public excitement.
(viii) Armed platoons of reserve police are still quartered in the Tamil
areas and a reign of terror is let loose resulting in the migration of nearly 3000
persons to the adjoining Madras State and terrorising the remaining Tamil
population in the area.
(ix) Marks of violence with lathis, butt ends of rifles and wooden hammers
are still visible on the persons of under - trials and on the few who have been
released on bail. Samuel Chellappan 10th accused in P.E. 9 of 1954 was subjected
to such inhuman torture on successive days from the 11th to 14th August that
his right leg was fractured. The Chief Justice of Travancore - Cochin High Court
who heard the application for a writ of Habeas Corpus on his behalf on August 31
saw the said Chellapan in Court limping and gave oral directions that he should
be sent to the hospital in Trivandrum for X-raying and treatment. There his leg
was put under plaster and it still continues to be under plaster and he is unable to
walk. The said Chellappan due to the fracture could not be brought to the High
Court on the day when orders were pronounced. Yet the Chief Justice observed
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in his order that Allegations made in the affidavit about police torture have no
foundation on facts, they are all figments of some imaginative or inventive
brain . So is the case in all the companion petitions. The photograph of Samuel
Chellappan with his leg in plaster is filed as evidence along with this petition as
Appendix E.
(x) During the arguments on the writ applications Advocate Shri. T.N.
Subramonia Iyer submitted before the High Court that the prisoners then before
court would be willing to make statements in court concerning the torture which
they are subjected to, provided the Court would give them protection and not
send them back to police custody. Inspite of this offer made the Chief Justice
observed in his order that The prisoner was before us in court for three full days.
Though the petitioner’s affidavit shows that the prisoner was never produced
before the Magistrate after his arrest and that he was reported to have been
man-handled the prisoner did not seek to file an affidavit of his own supporting
his wife’s affidavit. Though it was strenuously urged and argued at length by the
petitioner’s advocate that the fundamental right of the prisoner to be produced
within twentyfour hours of his arrest before the nearest Magistrate at Kottar was
violated, the Chief Justice did not advert to this aspect of the case in his judgement.
(xi) The inordinate delay of eighteen days in pronouncing orders on
petitions for Habeas Corpus by the High Court of the State and the refusal of
leave to appeal to the Supreme Court thereon, persistent refusal of bail to several
accused by all the courts in the State and the observations made by the High
Court in its order dated 10th November 1954 on the Criminal Miscellaneous
Petitions 235 to 244 of 1954 effectively condemning the accused and their
activities, and the systematic arrest by the police of every person who has taken
any interest in the defence of the accused, the most glaring of which is the arrest
on 18th November 1954 of the printer who had the Writ of Prohibition to this
Honourable Court printed have created a bonafide belief in the accused that
they can have no justice if they are tried in any court in the State of Travancore-
Cochin. The Chairman of the Nagercoil Municipality Shri. M.D. Anantharaman,
an advocate and a member of the State Legislative Assembly was not among
those persons included in the first information report in the case. He was arrested
on 5th October 1954 soon after the Municipal Council under his presidentship
passed a resolution protesting against the police excesses in the Tamil area. Shri.
Christopher, the Vice-President of the Nagercoil Municipality seconded a motion
in the Council protesting against police excesses and moved a resolution
condemning the arrest of the Chairman on November 6, 1954. he too has been
included as an accused in P.E. 4 of 1954 of the Sub Divisional Magistrate’s Court,
Padmanabhapuram. Shri A. Nesamony, member of Lok Sabha who has been
although active in our defence was attacked by the State special prosecutor
before the Enquiry Commission during his arguments openly declared that,
Mr. Nesamony, M.P. should be the first to be arraigned before the court for the
284
unruly activities on August 11. Summary of the arguments of the State Special
Prosecutor before the Commission of Enquiry reported in the Indian Express is
herewith filed as Appendix - F. Shri. A. Nesamony has since been falsely implicated
in a case by the Kottar Police. On September 14, 1954 Advocate Shri. S.T. Moses
who went to get the vakalath and bail application signed by his brother-in-law a
graduate teacher then in custody, with the prior sanction of the Magistrate was
locked up in jail and was himself implicated in P.E. 4 of 1954 of the
Padmanabhapuram Sub-Devisional Magistrate’s Court as an accused. Shri. B.C.
Muthiah who was appearing in the cases pending before the Sub-Divisional
Magistrate, Padmanabhapuram was also included as an accused in P.E. 4 of 1954
in the final report of the police.
(xii) Newspapers have published the report of an interview between the
Chief Justice and another judge who heard the writ petitions and passed orders
with the Chief Minister of the State at his office in the Secretariat on the day
following the judgement. The report in Dinamalar is filed as Appendix - G. The
Government announced the appointment of Sri. M.U. Issac, Advocate, Ernakulam,
son-in-law of the said Chief Justice in the State Government Gazette dated 26-10-
1954 at page 1362 as the High Court Government pleader on a pay of Rupees five
hundred per mensem. The appointment is made in the vacancy created by the
appointment of Shri. N. Kumaran Achan as the Special Public Prosecutor to
prosecute the accused in the several cases initiated against the Tamils.
(xiii) No first informaton report was filed before 16-8-1954 and those
reports laid on that day seem to have been subsequently tampered with. The
offences for which the petitioner was stated to be arrested in the communication
to the Speaker of the State Legislatvie Assembly differ from those mentioned in
the First Information Report in the Case. A copy of the communication circulated
by the Speaker is herewith filed as Appendix - H.
(xiv) Certified copies of the F.I.R. in P.E. 9 and 10 of the Court of the First
Class Magistrate, Kuzhithurai applied for on 13-8-1954 was supplied on 20-8-
1954. Certified copies of the interim charges alleged to have been filed on 26-8-
1954 were granted to us only on 9-10-1954 even though urgent copies were
applied for on 26-8-1954 itself. Though on 16-8-1954 the investigating officer
filed a report that investigation has disclosed offences under sections 121, 121 A
and 122 of the I.P.C. along with the interim charge no complaint was filed and the
interim charge did not include those offences. When petitioner’s bail application
was moved in the High Court on 5-11-1954 it was brought to the notice of the
High Court during the course of the argument that no final report has been filed
in this case. But reference was made to an affidavit filed by the A.S.P. Nagercoil
who is the investigating officer in the case that final report has been filed on 3-11-
1954. But the court was told that on enquiry it was stated by the Kuzhiturai
Magistrate on the evening of 4-11-1954 that no final report was filed in court till
then. Thereupon the copy of the alleged final report with the police was directed
285
to be handed over to petitioner’s lawyer and it was shown to the court and that
copy did not bear any date and did not show that the final report was laid in the
court on 3-11-1954. I understand no final report was filed on 3-11-1954. The all-
embracing saction allowed by the State Government for the inclusion of Section
121 A of the I.P.C. in the several cases and the inclusion of the same in the final
report would show the prejudicial attitude of the State Government.
(xv) There is confirmed prejudice against me and the other accused and
the T.T.N.C. in the minds of the officers concerned both Judical and Executive.
The applications for bail on bahalf of 98 accused in these cases were moved
initially before the Sessions court of Nagercoil, the court which is to try the cases
on October 4, 1954. The applications were heard in that court full day on October
8, 1954 and at the instance of the Government prosecutor to that court it was
adjourned two days hence for the prosecutor’s reply. On that day, on a preliminary
point raised by the Special Prosecutor that the motion ought to have been made
to the Magistrates at the first instance, the whole body of 98 applications were
rejected. Thereupon the High Court was moved for bail. The High Court upheld
preliminary objection but granted bail for nine accused who are students.
(xvi) The demand for the merger of the predominantly Tamil areas in
Travancore-Cochin with Madras State is one against which the Government of
Travancore-Cochin have unconcealed and raging opposition and so have all the
officers in the Government who are either directly or indirectly connected with
the trial of these cases. The first class Magistrate, Kuzhithurai who was in office
then in that court and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Padmanabhapuram are
witnesses in this case and have given evidence before the Commission of Enquiry.
They are incompetent to try this case and yet the Sub-Divisional Magistrate,
Padmanabhapuram is hearing these cases even now. The police officers who are
witnesses in the cases are investigating the case and they are the people who
either caused the firing or ordered the firing. The investigating officers have filed
affidavits suggesting the conclusions to be arrived at by courts. The affidavits
are couched in vituperative language exhibiting their partisan attitude and
contradictory statements are made in them. The true copies of the five affidavits
filed by the investigating police officers before the Sessions Court, Nagercoil
and the High Court served on the petitioner’s advocate are herewith filed as
appendix - J,K,L,M and N.
(xvii) The open declarations of the Ministers in public speeches and in
press interviews condemning the agitation of the T.T.N.C. and the demand made
by it before the States Reorganisation Commission and foisting the blame on the
accused for the incidents of 11th August 1954 when the matter is subjudice have
caused serious prejudice rendering a fair trial in the courts of this State impossible,
Newspaper reports of such speeches and press interviews are filed herewith as
Appendix - O,P,Q and R.
286
ineffectual and a mere formality. The summary of the findings of the Enquiry
Commission as reported in The Mail is herewith filed as Appendix - T.
It is therefore prayed that the said case may be ordered to be transferred
from the court of the Stationary First Class Magistrate, Kuzhithurai in the State of
Travancore-Cochin to any court in the State of Madras or in some other State
Date Petitioner
Affidavit in support of the petition, Notice of Motion Memo of
Appearance, Vakalatnama of advocate on record are herewith filed.
Advocate on Record
A. Nesamony’s Personal File
64. IN THE HIGH COURT OF MYSORE (1955)
(Tuesday, the 1st day of February 1955)
Present
The Hon’ble Sri. P, Medapa, Chief Justice
and
The Hon’ble Justice Sri K.N. Padmanabhiah.
the problem. We take up first the States in the South where the demand for the
redistribution of state territories is of long standing.
289. The separation of Andhra from the composite Madras State has
met the most insistent of the demands and has virtually solved the problem for a
major area of this region. The residuary Madras State has been left as a fairly
compact unit; this State is linguistically homogeneous except mainly for two
districts, namely, Malabar and South Kanara, in a distant and outlying corner,
which are not Tamil-speaking. So the problem of Madras does not present any
serious difficulty.
290. The main claim advanced on behalf of Madras is for the addition of
the Tamil-speaking areas of Travancore-Cochin.This claim rests mainly on
lingustic considerations and grounds of geographical contiguity and relates to
nine taluks, namely, Thovala, Agastheeswaram, Kalkulam, Vilavancode and
Neyyatinkara in Trivandrum district, Devikulam and Peermede in Kottayam
District, Shenkotta in Quilon District and Chittur in Trichur distirct.
291. In our scheme of reorganisation, we have adopted the district as
the basic unit for making territorial readjustments. This is because we feel that
districts have developed an organic and administrative unity and an economic
life of their own and any adjustments below the district level, therefore, should
normally be avoided. If any such adjustments are considered necessary, they
should be made only by mutual agreement. We have departed from this rule only
when, for ensuring geographical contiguity or for some other important
administrative or economic considerations, detachment of part of a distirct has
become imperative.
292. The demand for Tamil-speaking taluks has a history behind it and
has assumed a form that prejudices the political and administrative stability of
this area. We have, therefore, considered it necessary, in the special circumstances
of this case, to examine the Tamil claims to these taluks and to make
recommendations about their future.
293. As a result of the re-sorting of census slips of the Tamil-speaking
taluks of the Travancore-Cochin State, the percentages of people with different
mother-tongues in the nine taluks claimed by the Madras Government are now
available. These figures show that in the four southern taluks, namely,
Agastheeswaram, Thovala, Kalkulam and Vilavancode, situated in what is
known as Nanjil Nad, the percentage of Tamil-speaking people is above 79.
The wishes of the people of this area have been clearly expressed and there is
no particular reason why these wishes should not be respected.
294. The Shenkotta Taluk is partly an enclave in Tirunelveli District of
Madras State and the percentage of Tamil-speaking people in this taluk is
about 93, Physically and geographically it belongs to Tirunelveli District in
which it should now merge.
290
generally in agreement with this view, but in our opinion, the mere fact that a
certain languages group has a substantial majority in a certain area should not be
the sole deciding factor.
299. Neyyattinkara is a predominantly Malayalam-speaking Taluk
(86 percent). As regards Chittur, it was claimed that the Tamil-speaking
population was 95 percent; the re-sorting, on the other hand, has shown that
the Malayalam percentage of the taluk is 59.8. There seems to be no particular
reason for separating these taluks. A portion of Chittur is now an enclave in
Madras State, but if a Kerala State is constituted on the lines indicated in the next
Chapter, this can be conveniently attached to Malabar which will form part of
Kerala.
300. The non-Tamil areas of Madras are the two districts of Malabar and
South Kanara and the Kannada-speaking areas on the borders of Mysore,
specially the Kollegal Taluk of Coimbatore District. The Madras Government has
not raised any objection to the separation of the two districts; as far as the
Kollegal Taluk is concerned, Madras had agreed earlier to its transfer to the
prospective Karnataka State, but subsequently, on reconsideration, has proposed
that only a northern portion, which is contiguous to the existing Mysore State,
should be transferred. We have considered very carefully the arguments in favour
of breaking up this taluk, but find on the whole that they are unconvincing. The
entire taluk, according to our proposals, will cease to be part of Madras.
Madras State thus constituted will have a population of about 30 millions,
covering an area of about 50,170 sq. miles a compact and integrated territory and
will form one of the important units of the Indian Union with a history of stable
administration. Neither its administration nor its plans of economic development
will be affected.
Government of India, States Reorganisation Commission Report
New Delhi, 1955 Chapter II pp. 81-84
66. NESAMONY IN PARLIAMENT (1955)
Lok Sabha Debates on the Report of the States Reorganisation Commission
December 1955
Mr. Deputy Speaker : I think Malabar means Kerala
Shri. A.M. Thomas : The entire area from Kasarcode to Cape Comorin West of
the Western Ghats should form part of Kerala and if any portion from that area is
taken out it will be a mutilated Kerala and not a Kerala which was the cherished
dream of the prople inhabiting the western side of the Western Ghats.
Shri. Nesamony : Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, . . .
292
Mr. Deputy Speaker : I am disposing of two persons one on either side of a State
with respect to the different State. I think Vishalandhra to some extent has been
done. Mr. Heda headed all the Members from Hyderabad.
Shri. T.B. Vittal Rao : No. Sir . . .
Mr. Deputy Speaker : The position is this. The Speaker wanted to know the
names of those persons one for and one against. The first round will be over and
there are the second, third and fourth rounds. We will have many rounds.
Shri . Nesamony : Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank you for giving me this
opportunity to make this maiden speech.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : The Hon-Member wanted to be a maiden all along.
Shr. Nesamony : Mine is the sole voice that speaks for the Tamilians of the
Travancore - Cochin State. I am the only representative of the Travancore Tamil
Nadu Congress which is referred to in page - 83 of the Report of the Commission.
The declared objective of the Travancore Tamil Nadu Congress is the merger of
the nine predominantly Tamil Taluks of Travancore-Cochin with the Madras
State. Those Taluks are Thovala, Agasteeswaram, Kalkulam, Vilavancode,
Neyyatinkara, Devikulam, Peermade, Shencottah and also Chittoor. Of these nine
taluks, the commission has recommended the merger of five taluks, Thovala,
Agasteeswaram, Kalkulam, Vilavancode and Shencottah. The claim now remains
for the remaining 4 taluks.
Before I proceed with our claim to the remaining four taluks. I would just
like to reply to Shri. Thomas who has raised certain points. I would like to dispose
of them as quickly as possible because they do not deserve much consideration.
(Interruption)
Shri Nesamony : You must compare the Travancore - Cochin Territory with the
adjoining Trinelveli District. If he had travelled through Aramboli, he would find
for himself that there is a vast territoy about 30 miles broad from Cape Comorin to
Aramboli which is not obstructed by any mountain.
Then he may say the High Court is in Travancore - Cochin. We do not
live upon litigation. When Pattom Thanu Pillai wanted to drive us out of the State
and let loose a reign of terror, it was the Supreme Court of India that gave us
protection. It was the High Court of Mysore that granted us our liberty. So, I
would say that whereever we may have the High Court of Travancore, it is of no
avail to us. We had to come to the Supreme Court half a dozen times so that it is
absolutely immaterial to us where the Travancore-Cochin High Court is, whether
it is in Nagercoil in my own village or whether it is in Ernakulam or whether it is in
Kailash. It is absolutely of no use to us.
293
places. You should interview these women to know how they were treated. Any
man of common sense and decency will revolt against it. That is highly revolting
- 434 men and 20 women. When these people were arrested and kept in lock-up,
we tried our level best to bring pressure upon the government to stop it.
An Hon Member : How did you do?
Shri Nesamony : There is the Kerala I.N.T.U.C. and there is the Tamil Nad I.N.T.U.C.
The South Indian Planters Workers Union is affiliated to the Madras I.N.T.U.C.
The High Range Workers Union supported by the Government and the Kottayam
District Congress Committee was functioning there. The present Hon. Minister
for Labour, when he was President of INTUC cancelled the affiliation of the
Kerala High Range Workers Union from the INTUC. It was supported by the
interested capitalists of Kottayam and the local capitalists to break the soildarity
of workers. Inspite of the order of the President of the INTUC, this High Range
Workers Union crops up like a mushroom now and then.
Mr. Deputy - Speaker : May I know if the House is willing to sit for another half
an hour?
Several Hon. Members : No
Mr. Deputy Speaker : How long will the Hon. Member take?
Shri Nesamony : Such time as the Chair is pleased to grant me, But I would like
to have my full say. Probably I am the only person to speak on this from
Travancore-Cochin.
Mr. Deputy Speakar : Then he may continue tommorow Thursday 15th December,
1955. (The Lok Sabha then adjourned till Eleven O’Clock on Thursday, the 15th
December 1955)
Mr. Speaker : The House will now proceed with futher consideration of the
motion moved yesterday that the Report of the States Reorganisation be taken
into consideration.
Shri. Nesamony was on his legs yesterday. I might remind the Hon.
Member that he has already taken 15 minutes. He may cut short his remarks.
Otherwise it is difficult to accommodate the large number of members who want
to express their views in this House.
Shri. A. Nesamony : I represented to the Deputy - Speaker yesterday that the
point of view which I am voicing would be voiced by me alone from Travancore-
Cochin and that I should be given sufficient time to explain my point of view. I will
crave the indulgence of the Chair also to give me an extension of time, if necessary,
if the Chair is pleased to do so.
296
Mr. Speaker : I believe Hon. Members from every State wish to lay before the
house as fully as possible their view points. But that will not be possible with in
the time at our disposal. Therefore he may just be short. He need not drop any of
the points but he may cut short his remarks or the arguments.
Shri. A. Nesamony : I was submitting yesterday that the problem of Devikulam
and Peermade is a human problem, and nobody has addressed himself to the
solution of that problem. I gave instances of repression by the police. I gave the
instance of the starting of the High Range Worker’s Union, even though the
president of INTUC cancelled its affiliation to the INTUC. I say that this
organisation will crop up like mushrooms at every election to break the solidarity
of the South India Plantation Worker’s Union which vindicated the stand of the
T.T.N.C. and its objective.
In the two Taluks of Devikulam and Peermade, there is only one High
School. That was started by the Kannan Devan Hill Products Co., and it is managed
by them. There are about 300 boys belonging to the Scheduled Castes and hill
tribes who enjoyed all fee concessions upto May 1954. From this year those
concessions are denied to those boys. These boys will have to discontinue their
studies if these concessions are denied to them. It is a matter of serious import to
the 63,000 and odd Scheduled Caste people who inhabit that area because it
concerns their next generation. Inspite of all the efforts that this government is
making to ameliorate their condition, the Travancore Cochin Government is not
prepared to help them, the next generaion of the Scheduled Castes. Instances
can be multiplied even upto the present moment.
(Sardar Hukum Singh in the Chair)
From reports that we are getting-both from the papers and otherwise
the policy of repression and discrimination continues throughout Devikulam
and Peermade. I am not going to multiply instances because the time at my
disposal is very short. but the will of the people of Devikulam and Peermade, as
successive elections have demonstrated, is that the area must merge with the
Madras State.
During question hour in the Madras Legislative Assembly, Shri. C.
Subramanyam, Finance Minister, Madras Government, stated that the Madras
Government had submitted a memorandum to the States Reorganisation Commission
demanding the merger of the 9 predominantly Tamil Taluks including Devikulam,
Peermade with the Madras State. Shri. Pattom Thanu Pillai, who was then the Chief
Minister of Travancore Cochin stated at Ernakulam at a public meeting that if there
were no Central Govenment - the Govenment of India - Shri. Kamaraj Nadar and
Shri. Subramaniyam would have invaded Travancore-Cochin. That was the attitude
that was taken up by the Travancore-Cochin Government when the Madras State
made a demand that these predominantly Tamil areas merge with Madras.
297
by the Commission that the Travancore Tamil Nadu Congress granted that the
two pakuthis-especially this area - are absoultely necessary for the economic
well-being of this place. May I be permitted just to quote a line or a few sentences
from the memorandum which we submitted to the States Reorganisation
Commission which has now turned out to be an argument against us?
The Assembly Constituency of Devikulam comprises the whole of
Devikulam Taluk except Pallivasal Pakuthy where the Hydro-Electric Works
are located. It comprises also the whole of Peermade Taluk except
Peruvanthanam Pakuthy which includes the township of Mundakayam and
the rubber estates owned by Syrian Christians mostly. The Travancore Tamil
Nadu Congress has no objection to exclude these two Pakuthis from the area
that is now sought to be merged with the Madras State for purpose of a settlement.
This passage is now being taken hold of by the States Reorganisation
Commission and that is being used as an argument against us to say that we
have more or less granted that this area is absolutely necessary for the economic
development of the proposed Kerala State. I submit that it is twisting of the facts
that we have put forward before the Commission. This area is absolutely necessary
for the development of the projects of the Madras State.
As I submitted, the Periyar Dam has 13sq. miles of water spread area
plus a catchment area of 305 sq. miles. It becomes an absolute necessity for
Madras because it pays a royalty for the waters that have been impounded at the
Periyar lake to irrigate 190 thousand acres of paddy land in the Madurai District.
The Government of Madras wanted to start a Hydro-electric project in the Periyar
headworks near Peryakulam but the Praja Socialist Government in charge at that
time would not give them sanction unless they paid another royalty for the
Periyar Hydro-electric Scheme to be laid at Peryakulam. There are two other
Schemes which are to be included in the Second Five Year Plan of the Madras
Government the Alady Dam, Upper Periyar Project at an esimated cost Rs. 7.75
crore and the Pambaiyar Scheme at an estimated cost of Rs. 14.5 crore and the
Periyar Hydro-electric project for which the foundation stone has been laid is
estimated to cost Rs. 7.98 crore. There is yet another project, the Parambikulam
Upper Alayar project or to make a survey and for the site to put up a dam within
the Madras territory itself. I find on the other hand the Travancore-Cochin
Government has absolutely no scheme included in the Second Five Year Plan for
the development of the waters of any of the streams that are flowing down from
this area. Therefore , it is an actual necessity for the Madras State and I submit
that these two taluks should be merged with the Madras State.
There are two other taluks which I have mentioned, the Chittoor taluk
which is an enclave within Coimbatore District in the Madras State. Claim is made
for this taluk on behalf of the villages which border the Coimbatore District; and
it is now being proposed to be part of Kerala.
300
Dakshina Pradesh and because they lost heart after the communique of the
government announced on the 16th January that the taluks of Devikulam and
Peermade were denied to them, were indifferent and said Yes to every thing that
was proposed to them. In para 294 of their report, the S.R.C. have said, The
Shencottah taluk is partly an enclave in Trinelveli district of Madras State and
the percentage of Tamil-speaking people in this taluk is about 93. Physically
and geographically it belongs to Tirunelveli District in which it should now
merge.
I underline the words Physically and geographically it belongs to
Tirunelveli district. On the 16th January, when the government issued a
communique denying the rights of Devikulam and Peermade to be merged with
the Madurai district and that of the portion of the Shencottah Taluk with the
Tirunelveli district, the whole of Tamil Nadu protested irrespective of party
affiliation. That was characterised as foolish on the floor of the House. But, the
fact remains that it was an insult to the Tamils and that we suffer because the
principles varied with territory and territory and with region and region. The
words used in the communique issued on the 16th January were The Western -
most portion of the Shencottah taluk lying on the west of the Western Ghats. But
subsequently when the Bill was introduced here, that wording was changed and
they said Puliyare Hill Pakuthy. When this Bill went before the Joint Committee,
probably, there were none in that Committee who knew the geography of that
place. They said well, delete excluding Puliyara Pakuthy. They deleted this on
the 2nd July. It is stated on the page 4 of the Report of the Joint Committee that
the Travancore-Cochin Government has, on the 1st July, transferred a territory
along the watershed line and added it on to an adjoining taluk. The Travancore-
Cochin Government has sabotaged the deliberations of the Joint Committee. The
Madras Government agreed to it. I do not know at whose instance it was done.
Some person might have had a brain wave and in his ingenuity he discovered
that it was along the water shed line, an imaginary line. I am thankful that they did
not think of longitudes and latitudes. Where is this imaginary line? It is a range of
hills. Where is this line, nobody knows. What are the portions that have been
transferred, nobody knows, except that the communique says that a portion of
this taluk has been added on to the adjoining taluk. On the 2nd of July, the
Committee sat for deliberation. This action whether of the Travancore-Cochin
Government or the Central Government, is a breach of privilege of this House.
When the Joint Committee was seized of the question, there has been this
readjustment of territory between the Travancore-Cochin Government and the
Madras Government. I may even say that it is a contempt of this High Court or
Parliament, whoever may be guilty. Note that I move that action must be taken,
they should be merged with the Madras State. The S.R.C. gave their verdict
physically and geographically they formed part of Tirunelveli Distirct. Where is
the watershed line? The railway line from Shencottah to Trivandrum pierces
through this area. There are gaps. Where is the watershed line? It is not an
302
I endorse every word of what Shri. Frank Anthony said so far as the
minorities are concerned. As our area is being proposed to be integrated with
Madras according to the present distribution of States, a large majority of the
Tamils have been left in the Travancore-Cochin State. It would be about 10 lakhs.
Shri. Achutan : What about the Malayalees in the four taluks?
Shri. Nesamony : I am coming to that; do not be in hurry. We will safeguard you.
The same things that we claim must be given to all Malayalees. It is our bitter
experience that the Malayalee government which was there did not give us freedom
to educate our children in our mother tongue. Consequently, the people whose
mother tongue has been Tamil have been turned into Malayalees. We fought
against it. I may tell you that during the last four years the schools where
Malayalam was taught are now becoming Tamil schools. There was a time when
everybody was compelled to learn Malayalam because no provision was made
for Tamil. When provision is made every one will take to his mother tongue, so
that adequate provision has to be made in the Bill itself as Shri Frank Anthony
has said. Do not leave it to the local Governor or the Zonel Council. There must
be a provision in the Bill itself to guarantee the rights of the minorities so far as
their education and culture are concerned.
I have appraised the Home Ministry also of a lacuna in the States
Reorganisation Bill in respect of the advocates of the southern areas which are
being integrated with Tirunelveli District and I have proposed an amendment to
that clause. I believe that it will receive the proper attention of the Home Minister.
68. NESAMONY IN PARLIAMENT (1965)
Railway Budget - General Discussion on 8 March 1965
Mr. Speaker : We will take up general dicussion of the Railway Budget. We have
got 6 hours and 55 minutes more.
Shri Nesamony (Nagercoil) : Mr. Speaker, I am thankful to the Railway Minister
for the speed with which the Pamban Bridge which had been washed away by the
tidal waves had been restored and reconstructed. We had our misgivings whether
in such a short period of time this could be done. Our engineers are to be
congratulated for their good job in reconstructing this bridge and restoring
communications to Rameswaram.
On reading through the budget speech of the Railway Minister, I find
that he had referred to the new lines which will be constructed in the future, one
of them being from Tinnevelly to Kanyakumari and Trivandrum. It has been
included in the Fourth Plan. The surveys are over, project reports are being
finalised. The execution or this line is conditional upon two things : resources
available in the Fourth Plan and the priority allotted to the execution of this work.
304
I am at a loss to know why they mention the priority of the execution of this line.
The State Governments of Kerala and Madras have urged upon the Central
Government to have the line executed as early as possible. Several times
representations had been made on the floor of the House that this line runs
through a backward area and it is very necessary for the progress of that area.
Industries are not being started because industrialists say it is not possible to
start any industry here because there are no means of communications. On the
other hand, Government says that priority could be granted only if there was
industrial development. We are moving in a vicious circle. Apart from the State
Governments all the local bodies and the municipalities in this area have urged
upon the Government the necessity of executing this line as early as possible.
There are two monozite factories in this area. They produce ilminite and monozite
and other mineral sands. The ilmenite produced in this area is exported to foreign
countries. The cost of production and transport is such that we were not able to
compete successfully. With the foreign firms dealing with this commodity. It is
particularly necessary for this dollar earning commodity to be produced and
exported abroad that there are easy means of communication. The factory there
is being expanded to meet the growing demands of the foreign market. So, to earn
the much-wanted foreign exchange, it is necessary that those commodities are
exported easily and this line is constructed quickly.
Moreover, the forest produce in this area - rubber and tea - is taken to
the Cochin port for subsequently being sold in the foreign countries. This
transport difficulty stands in the way of this produce bringing in good return to
the respective markets. Again, the rich rubber-latex drums are being taken from
here to Bombay. So, the trade suffers owing to the lack of easy means of
communication and it is necessary, therefore, that this line is executed as quickly
as possible. We are rather disappointed that it is not included in this year’s
budget, but atleast, as early as possible in the Fourth Plan, I believe the Railway
Minister would find its way to have this line executed.
One word about the aligment of this line. Various people have been
putting forward proposals that the line from Valliyur should be taken via Kanya
Kumari to Nagercoil, the headquarters of the district. Others have put forward
the plea that it must go from Valliyur straight to Aramboly through Panagudi. The
latter line follows the trunk road and eliminates tha road - rail competition when
the line is constructed, whereas the other line which is proposed, from Valliyur
to Kanyakumari, is cicuitous and goes through areas which are not thickly
populated. So, it would not serve a good purpose if it is taken as a circuitous
route to Kanyakumari; it must go straight from Valliyur to Nagercoil. When
the project report is being finalised, this matter should engage the Railway Ministry
at this juncture, as to which is the proper line through which the line must be laid.
If you want to eliminate the road-rail competition it must be laid along the trunk
road, because Tirunelveli could be reached from Nagercoil in two hours. But if
305
it is through Kanyakumari, it would take not less than three hours. And so,
there will be a tremendous competition from road traffic and if that has to be
eliminated, the shorter route must be taken.
One word about reservation of tickets at out-agencies. There is an out-
agency at Nagercoil, 50 miles away from the nearest railway station. The number
of passengers that book their tickets in the out-agency at Nagercoil is generally
vary large. But the number of tickets that are reserved in that out-agency is very
limited. It is not in any way comparable with the demand that is made by
passengers for the reservation of tickets. They have to go to Tirunelveri, 50 miles
off, if they are to book their tickets. The number allowed to the out-agency is
small. So, I request the Railway Ministry to look into this matter and enlarge the
number of tickets that could be reserved at Nagarcoil in proportion to the
passangers who took their tickets there, so that the difficulties of the passengers
might be minimised.
It is not only in the out-agencies that we feel the difficulty of reserving
the tickets, but at junctions and in cities also, were there are provisions for the
reservation of tickets, we find it rather difficult to get seats reserved at the proper
time and in a regular manner. We do not know what method is adopted by the
people in charge of this department dealing with the reservation we are told that
in the matter of reservation there is a black market in certain centres; in some
other places, the travel agencies book tickets in bulk and cancel them
subsequently, thus causing difficulties to the passengers. These are matters
which should be looked into so that the ordinary passengers may not feel any
difficulty in the matter of booking their tickets.
Mr. Speaker : The bell is being rung. - Now, there is no quorm. Yes , Shri
Nesamony. (13.06)
Shri Nesamony : Finally, it is gratifying to note that the railway catering
has much improved generally speaking. But I would request the Ministry to look
into the quality of the food that is being served. The quality has to be improved
and give satisfaction to the passengers who are accustomed to dine in these
restaurant cars or in the refreshment rooms.
Thank you.
306
307
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