Who was Sir CP, whose ‘independent Travancore mission’ ended with assassination bid

Source: The post is based on the article “Who was Sir CP, whose ‘independent Travancore mission’ ended with assassination bid” published in Indian Express on 15th November 2022

What is the News?

The name of former Travancore Diwan Sir CP Ramaswamy Iyer has been mentioned in the middle of the ongoing disagreement between the Kerala administration and the Governor.

Who is Sir CP Ramaswamy Iyer?

Sir Chetput Pattabhiraman Ramaswamy Iyer, popularly known as ‘Sir CP’, was the Diwan of the erstwhile Travancore princely state from 1936 to 1947.

He rose to glorious heights as he found favour with both the crown prince Sri Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and Lord Willingdon, the Viceroy of India. 

From 1936 to 1947, he was the Diwan of the old Travancore princely state.

Independent Travancore: On June 3, 1947, Britain announced its intention to quit India, while also accepting demands for the country’s partition. 

– Following this, the Indian Independence Act of 1947 gave princely states the option to accede to the newly divided territories of India or Pakistan or continue as an independent sovereign state.

– Maharaja Sri Chithira Thirunal, who wished to stay independent, was supported by Sir CP, who declared his intention of forming an independent state of Travancore that would be open to the idea of signing a treaty with the Indian union.

Punnapra-Vayalar revolt: Amid his dream of an independent state, Sir CP became more unpopular as he proposed an ‘American model’ for Travancore. 

– His policies led to a massive uprising, the Punnapra-Vayalar revolt which was suppressed by the Travancore army and navy. 

– The anger and discontent culminated into an assassination attempt on Sir CP on July 25, 1947.

Joining of India: Sir CP agreed to the accession of Travancore state to the Indian Union, following which he resigned and left for London. On July 30, 1947, Travancore joined India.