THE MARGINALISED IN REVOLT CAPITAL MIGRATION AND TENURIAL RIGHTS IN IDUKKI 1961 1972

Abstract

With the penetration of the colonial capital there was advancement in the production process leading to expansion of agriculture Colonial capital introduced a new pattern of agriculture which led to the generation of surplus Consequently there emerged trade link with the West The development of trade boosted the agricultural sector in general and spice trade in particular Among the western powers the British established their paramonutcy over the Indians The British who introduced cash crops in India set up plantations in different parts of the country Naturally it resulted in the of agriculture newlineThe capital oriented production led to extensive forcible relocation of the poor tillers of the soil towards the plantation regions like Idukki and Wayanad from the main land Idukki the high range district of Kerala is geographically known for its mountainous hills and dense forests For the people of Kerala Idukki is always associated with spice production and in later years power generation Idukki the second largest district in Kerala accounts for 12 9 percent of the land area of Kerala accommodating 3 7 percent of the population of the State Half the area of the district is covered by reserved forest newlineIdukki district is characterized by extensive deployment of labor During 1898 1920 on account of plantation people were drawn to this region to work in plantations while during 1920 50 the migration was on account of the poverty due to the effects of the World Wars In the meantime Idukki emerged as the major seat of Hydro Electric power generation in Kerala that led to further deployment of labor and its accompanists towards the region newline