Book Review

Major Lines of Argument

The author, after giving a brief history of Kerala’s political scenario in the 1920s and the socio-cultural factors pertaining to the contemporary status quo, delves methodically into presenting the contributions of Abdurahiman in the freedom struggle, in Kerala’s politics, as a legislator, as a journalist and as a social activist, in each of the chapters in respective order.

In respect to the freedom struggle, the author claims in Chapter 3, “In the Vortex of Freedom Struggle,” explores the aftermath of the 1921 rebellion in Malabar, which left Muslim communities devastated and distrustful of the Indian National Congress and Khilafat Movement. Gandhi’s distancing from the rebellion led to local leaders like K.P. Kesava Menon facing public outrage. Amidst this turmoil, Muhammad Abdurahiman emerged as a key figure, working tirelessly to rehabilitate affected areas and provide relief to Muslim victims despite governmental bias favoring Hindu victims. His efforts extended to political activism, challenging harsh treatments of Mappila prisoners, and even enduring imprisonment where he continued his protests. Upon his release, Abdurahiman sought to rekindle the Khilafat Movement, persisting in his efforts to unify and mobilize the Muslim community for the National Movement, thus highlighting his dedication to social justice and political activism.

Chapter 4, “Differences within Consensus,” delves into the aftermath of the Malabar rebellion and its impact on Hindu-Muslim relations in Kerala, which also weakened the unity within the Congress party. This period saw the rise of two influential newspapers, Mathrubhumi and Al-Ameen, which contributed to growing divisions within Congress. Key political figures withdrew, and the imprisonment of M.P. Narayana Menon further strained relations between Hindus and Muslims in the party. Two distinct factions emerged, one around K. Kelappan associated with Mathrubhumi and another around Abdurahiman linked to Al-Ameen. National leaders with socialist views, like Jayaprakash Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia, began to question Gandhian ideals, inspiring Kerala leaders like E.M.S. Namboodiripad and P. Krishna Pillai to lead a minority socialist faction within Congress. Despite these ideological differences, there were moments of unity, such as the successful boycott of the Simon Commission. However, the creation of the Congress Socialist Party deepened the divide, as socialists and nationalist Muslims sought to expand their influence through trade union movements, which the right-wing Gandhian faction opposed. Internal conflicts, particularly around elections like the Calicut Municipal Council election, highlighted the struggles within Congress. Abdurahiman’s candidacy was opposed by the right-wing faction, intensifying internal strife. Nationalist Muslim leaders, including Abdurahiman and Moidu Maulavi, worked to mobilize the Muslim working class and integrate them into the National Movement, despite facing continuous opposition from the right-wing faction. This chapter underscores the complex and often contentious dynamics within the Congress party in Kerala during this period.

The author further claims in Chapter 5, “A Legislator at Work,” highlights Muhammad Abdurahiman’s active role in various legislative bodies. Viewing parliamentary platforms as essential for advocating people’s rights and educating the public about freedom, he was elected to the Calicut Municipal Council in 1931, where he addressed public issues such as school closures and teachers’ welfare. In the Malabar District Board, he protected coconut cultivators and proposed employment opportunities for backward communities. In the Madras Legislative Assembly, elected in 1937, he advocated for agricultural relief, electrification, and infrastructure improvements, while criticizing government policies that neglected the poor. He championed social and economic justice, opposing exploitation by landlords and oppressive laws, and was a strong advocate for prohibition and educational reforms. Known as a critical voice within the ruling Congress party, his legislative efforts laid the groundwork for future reforms, particularly in land tenure and agricultural relations.

The author claims in Chapter 6, “The Tongue of the Oppressed,” that the establishment and impact of Al-Ameen, a nationalist newspaper founded by Muhammad Abdurahiman was direction altering for Kerala as well as the national political scenario. Recognizing the need for a medium to counter British propaganda and communicate Congress policies, especially after the 1921 rebellion, Abdurahiman launched Al-Ameen in 1924 despite financial challenges. The paper faced significant opposition from both the authorities and vested interests due to its bold anti-imperialist stance. Al-Ameen’s fearless editorial stance advocated for liberty, democracy, and anti-imperialism, infusing religious zeal into the fight for freedom. It played a vital role in the National Movement, criticizing oppressive laws, supporting laborers’ and farmers’ rights, and mobilizing public opinion. Despite frequent clashes with British authorities, bans, and financial sanctions, Al-Ameen remained a steadfast voice for the oppressed until its cessation in 1939. Its legacy endures as a symbol of resistance and nationalist fervor, significantly influencing political and social thought in Kerala.

Chapter 7, “A Social Activist,” highlights Muhammad Abdurahiman’s dedication to social reforms, which he saw as inseparable from political change. He was deeply concerned about the illiteracy, poverty, and superstition affecting the Muslim community and actively fought against reactionary influences. Believing education was key to national awakening and economic development, he established institutions to promote modern education. He also advocated for better conditions for teachers and engaged in significant relief work during natural disasters. Abdurahiman fought against untouchability, participated in the Vaikom Satyagraha, opposed the Andaman Scheme, and worked for the repeal of the Moplah Outrages Act. He also sought to restore the descendants of Sayyid Fazal Pookoya Tangal to inspire anti-colonial and anti-feudal struggles. His efforts underscore his commitment to social justice, education, and community welfare.

The many archival proofs have allowed the author to construct Abdurahiman as an outstanding leader of freedom struggle and keen journalistic as well as activist acumen in Kerala and also propelled him to fame and reverence in the national level.

Concepts and Methods

This study aims to introduce the life and activities of Muhammad Abdurahiman within the broader socio-economic and political context of Kerala during the first half of the 20th century through an exploratory and collative research. It focuses on selective issues and analyzes them to elucidate Abdurahiman’s contributions. Besides political issues, the study examines socio-economic changes and highlights his reform activities. The journalistic career of Abdurahiman, a key mobilizing force, is also investigated. The study emphasizes his patriotism, nationalism, secularism, and his crusade against political dishonesty and social injustice. It discusses his concern for the poor and his courage amidst life’s challenges. A systematic collection of records has been organized, with interpretations based on evidence and historical context. The study strives to be objective, truthful, and credible, aiming to highlight the historical significance of Abdurahiman’s life within contemporary socio-political developments. In this aspect, the study is primarily archival.

Moreover the author has further engaged with literary texts- biographies of Abdurahiman, autobiographies of his colleagues as well as variety of op-eds and commemorative pieces in multitudes of newspapers. The collation of the accounts of Abdurahiman has been tied together by a contextual narrative analysis of all the existing written records that highlight his political activities, social reforms, instances of leadership, his views on religions and his emancipatory efforts not only among the Mappila community but the greater Kerala in general.

The concepts that gave rise to the genesis and the continuation of this research has been meticulously documented by the author himself. He follows the like of Toynbee, Carlyle and Bipan Chandra regarding the importance and significance of leadership positions in mass movements and how they shape and spearhead the course of broader politics. The author notes that the role of leaders with unique positions in religious and social spheres, like Abdurahiman and how they have mobilized the masses have spoken to the legacy and efficiency of the Indian struggle movement in variegated ways, opening up newer discourses and dynamics to be studied in context to the present political situation.

Sources

The author faced considerable difficulties in sourcing authentic materials to study the life of Abdurahiman in a credible manner. However, the available primary sources are widely dispersed across various repositories, including the National Archives of India in Delhi, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library in Delhi, Tamil Nadu Archives in Chennai, State Archives in Trivandrum, and Regional Archives in Calicut. These sources comprise archival records, AICC files, MSP files, jail records, Fortnightly Reports, and newspaper reports. Additionally, the minutes of the Calicut Municipal Council, proceedings of the Malabar District Board, and debates of the Madras Legislative Assembly have been utilized as primary sources. Back volumes of newspapers such as The Hindu, The Bombay Chronicle, Al-Ameen, and Mathrubhumi have also been referenced.

Sources from personal collections, including those of K.K. Mohamed Abdul Kareem of Kondotty, A.P. Aboobacker Maulavi of Nellikkuthu, T. Abdul Azeez Maulavi of Mankada, and M.P. Abdul Rahiman Kurikkal of Manjeri, have been used. The minutes and other documents, including memorials submitted to His Excellency, the Governor, by the Hidayath-ul-Muslimeen Sabha in Manjeri, have also been consulted. Autobiographies of his colleagues and contemporaries, such as E. Moidu Maulavi, K.P. Kesava Menon, Moyarath Sankaran, E.M.S. Namboodiripad, and A.M. Gopalan, provide insights into Abdurahiman’s life. Memoirs written by his younger companions, such as Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, P.P. Ummer Koya, S.K. Pottekkatt, and N.P. Muhammad, also offer valuable information.

Published works, periodicals, and journals form the secondary sources for this study. The researcher has conducted interviews with P.P. Ummer Koya, N.P. Muhammad, M. Rasheed, K.K. Mohamed Abdul Kareem, and others who have meticulously studied Abdurahiman’s life and contributions. Thus, oral history tools have also been employed.

Bibliography

PRIMARY SOURCES

Archival Sources (Unpublished)

• National Archives of India, Delhi
• Proceedings of Home Political Department
• Proceedings of Judicial Department
• Report of the Andaman Deputation 1925–26
• Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Delhi
• All India Congress Committee Papers, 1937–40
• Tamil Nadu Archives
• Madras Fortnightly Reports 1920–1946
• Malabar District Records
• Proceedings of Criminal Investigation Department
• Proceedings of Home Political Department
• Proceedings of Judicial Department
• Proceedings of Public Department
• The District Magistrates’ Account of the Civil Disobedience Movement, 1930–31
• The Non-co-operation and Khilafat Movement in the Madras Presidency – Confidential Report, 1924
• Under Secretary’s Safe Files
• Regional Archives, Calicut
• Andaman Colonization Files
• Malabar Special Police Files
• Proceedings of Public Department
• Proceedings of Law (General) Department

Archival Sources (Published)

• Native Newspaper Reports, 1920–36 (TNA)
• Proceedings of the Calicut Municipal Council Meeting
• The Malabar District Gazette, Supplement, 1933–1934 (RAC)
• Proceedings of the Malabar District Board Meeting
• The Malabar District Gazette, Supplement 1933–35 (RAC)
• The Madras Legislative Assembly Debates, 1937–1938 (TNA)
• Report of the Andaman Deputation, 1925–26
• Report of the Malabar Tenancy Committee, 1940 (TNA)
• Hitchcock, R.H., District Superintendent of Police South Malabar, A History of the Malabar Rebellion, 1921, Madras, 1925 (TNA)
• Papers on the Administration of Malabar District, Calicut 1907 (RAC)

Newspapers

• The Hindu (Micro Films), 1920–22, The Hindu Office, Madras
• The Bombay Chronicle (Micro Films), 1920–1922, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Delhi
• Mathrubhumi from 1923 onwards
• Al-Ameen – all available copies and the abstracts given in Native Newspaper Reports (TNA)

Books

• Chandra, Bipan et al., India’s Struggle for Independence 1857–1947, Penguin Books, Delhi, 1989
• Hardiman, David (ed.), Peasant Resistance in India 1854–1914, Oxford University Press, Delhi, 1993
• Kareem, C.K. (ed.), Kerala District Gazetteers: Malappuram, Government of Kerala, Trivandrum, 1986
• Menon, M. Gangadhara, Malabar Rebellion (1921–1922), Vohra Publishers, Allahabad, 1989
• Minault, Gail, The Khilafat Movement: Religious Symbolism and Political Mobilization in India, Oxford University Press, Delhi, 1982
• Mujeeb, M., The Indian Muslims, George Allen and Unwin Ltd, London, 1969
• Rajasekharan (ed.), Kerala Through Ages, Director of Public Relations, Trivandrum, 1976
• Rao, M.S.A., Social Change in Malabar, Bombay, 1957