Question

Which of the following statement is/are incorrect? (I) The First All Kerala Provincial Conference conducted at Manjeri in 1921 (II) The above conference was presided over by Sri. T. Prakasham (III) Malabar rebellion also broke out in 1921 (IV) The first planned and direct attack during Malabar rebellion was held at Pookkottur in August 1921

• A. Only (I)
• B. Only (II)
• C. Only (III)
• D. Only (IV)

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only (I)

Historical Context of Early 20th Century Kerala

• The early 20th century in Kerala witnessed significant political awakening and nationalist movements, particularly influenced by the broader Indian freedom struggle.
• This period saw the emergence of various political conferences aimed at uniting the Malayalam-speaking regions and advocating for greater political rights and eventually, independence.

Analysis of Statement (I): The First All Kerala Provincial Conference conducted at Manjeri in 1921

• This statement is incorrect. While a significant conference was held in Manjeri in April 1921, it is historically known as the First All Kerala Political Conference, not 'Provincial'.
• The Manjeri Conference was a landmark event that brought together political leaders and activists from Malabar, Travancore, and Cochin, marking a crucial step towards the concept of a united Kerala.
• It was instrumental in boosting nationalist sentiments and discussing socio-political issues pertinent to the region.

Analysis of Statement (II): The above conference was presided over by Sri. T. Prakasham

• This statement is correct. The Manjeri Political Conference of 1921 was indeed presided over by Sri. Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu.
• T. Prakasam was a prominent Indian politician, freedom fighter, and the first Chief Minister of the Andhra State. He was popularly known as 'Andhra Kesari' (Lion of Andhra).
• His presidency at the Manjeri conference underscored the solidarity between regional nationalist movements and the pan-Indian freedom struggle.

Analysis of Statement (III): Malabar rebellion also broke out in 1921

• This statement is correct. The Malabar Rebellion, also known as the Mappila Rebellion, commenced in August 1921 in the Malabar region of Kerala.
• The rebellion was a complex uprising with agrarian roots, exacerbated by British colonial policies, land tenure systems, and the influence of the Khilafat Movement.
• It involved the Mappila community (Muslims of Malabar) primarily, alongside sections of Hindu peasants, against the British authorities and local landlords (jenmis).

Analysis of Statement (IV): The first planned and direct attack during Malabar rebellion was held at Pookkottur in August 1921

• This statement is correct. The Battle of Pookkottur, which occurred on August 26, 1921, is considered one of the first major, planned, and direct confrontations of the Malabar Rebellion.
• The rebels, numbering in the thousands, launched a well-organized attack against British forces and their allies in Pookkottur, near Malappuram.
• Despite heavy losses, this battle highlighted the fierce resistance and organizational capacity of the Mappila rebels in the early phase of the uprising.