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Context

V.S. Achuthanandan, a communist legend who died at the age of 101, was one of the last living leaders of Kerala's historic Punnapra-Vayalar rebellion in 1946.

Overview of the Punnapara-Vayalar Revolt

The Punnapara-Vayalar revolt was a coordinated working-class uprising in the Princely State of Travancore, British India. It was directed against the authoritarian rule of Prime Minister C. P. Ramaswami Iyer and the oppressive state administration.

Immediate Triggers of the Uprising

The Diwan's statement that Travancore would declare independence rather than join the Indian Union sparked political unrest.
His oppressive measures, including as mass arrests, curfews, censorship, and deadly crackdowns on labor protests, further alienated the public.
The CPI, which was then working underground, mounted a massive mobilisation against the Diwan regime.

Objectives of the Revolt

To remove the exploitative Diwan of Travancore.
To free the working class from burdensome taxation and economic exploitation by the state.

Significance of the Revolt

(a) A rare movement where the working class rose in direct opposition to the ruling government.
(b) United people from all social and religious backgrounds against a common oppressor, fostering communal harmony and solidarity.
(c) Played a pivotal role in ushering democracy into Travancore and marked a decisive shift in the region’s political landscape.

Source: The Hindu

Attempt Daily Quiz

Practice Question:

Q. The Punnapra-Vayalar revolt (1946) in Travancore is significant because:

It was a working-class uprising against the Diwan of Travancore, C. P. Ramaswami Iyer.
It marked one of the first movements where people of different social and religious backgrounds united against an oppressive regime.
It directly led to the merger of Travancore with the Indian Union.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer:

A) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. The revolt was aimed at removing the autocratic Diwan, C. P. Ramaswami Iyer.
Statement 2: Correct. It united people across social and religious divides, fostering a sense of solidarity.
Statement 3: Incorrect. While the revolt influenced Travancore’s politics and led to democratic reforms, the actual merger with the Indian Union came later (1949) and was not a direct result of this revolt.