Born of the uprising

The Punnapra-Vayalar uprising in 1946 represented a glorious chapter in the freedom struggle not only of Travancore but of India as a whole. The Maharaja of Travancore was planning to declare independence once the British left India. For the Royals, the Communist Party and the organized working class were its most powerful foes, dedicated to keeping Travancore within a post-Independence India. The Travancore government, therefore, set out to smash the workers and the Communist Party. Though bloodied, the working class emerged stronger than ever, its brave sacrifices having scotched forever

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Integrity. Humility. Selfless commitment. Conviction. These loaded words are grabbing media space with unending tributes to VS Achuthanandan, the former chief minister of Kerala who passed away recently, aged 101. Born out of the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising of 1946 when he was barely 23, Achuthanandan belonged to a unique generation that fought feudal, royal, colonial and capitalist forces for over eight long decades. His colleagues, CPI-M party leaders, mediapersons, and even political opponents acknowledge him as the 'last of the communist titans', 'his life an epitome of struggle', 'a champion of the working class', and 'Kerala's moral compass'.

Hidden in these tributes, the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising of 1946 merits a quick mention while it was in fact a historical event of immense significance not just for the communist movement in India but the entire struggle for India's independence. It irrevocably shaped the life and times of a young coir worker who was learning the ropes of how to survive hard life as an orphan. Drawn to trade union struggles in 1938 and inspired by leaders like P. Krishna Pillai, Achuthanandan joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) in 1940.

In 1987, when marking 40 years of Independence, the West Bengal government published 'India's Struggle for Freedom', a compilation of photographs and historical accounts depicting the contribution of various movements and individuals towards the country's freedom. As a homage to Achuthanandan, it is fascinating to read through the pages devoted to the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising and the conditions prevailing in Travancore in the 1940s.