C.Sankaran Nair’s Legacy Resists Political Labels

C.Sankaran Nair’s Legacy Resists Political Labels

Why in the News ?

C Sankaran Nair is being politically appropriated by both the BJP and Congress, especially after his portrayal in the recent film Kesari 2, also known as the C Sankaran Nair biopic. However, his complex legacy, rooted in liberalism, secularism, and free speech, defies partisan categorisation

.

Complex Historical Legacy and Political Misuse:

• Both BJP and Congress are attempting to claim C Sankaran Nair’s legacy, ignoring his nuanced contributions to the Indian independence movement.
• BJP highlights his criticism of Gandhi, using it to reinforce its anti-Congress narrative.
• The Indian National Congress, despite long ignoring him, is now reclaiming his image post the film Kesari 2.
• Reducing Nair’s role to anti-Gandhism undermines his multifaceted ideology and contributions to Indian self-governance.

Visionary Reformer and Secular Liberal

• A cosmopolitan thinker, C Sankaran Nair championed universal liberty, women’s equality, and caste reform.
• As a secular education advocate, he opposed communal universities and rejected extreme nationalism.
• Despite criticising Gandhi, he admired his impact and supported village-level democracy.
• As a social reformer, he fought gender inequality and the matrilineal system among Kerala’s Nairs.

Fearless Voice and Pragmatic Nationalist

• C Sankaran Nair resigned from the Viceroy’s Executive Council post Jallianwala Bagh massacre, showcasing his moral courage and commitment to nationalist principles.
• He upheld freedom of speech even at personal cost—rejected war prayers in churches during WWI.
• C Sankaran Nair described India without romanticism: poor, superstitious, and caste-bound, focusing on real reform under British colonial rule.
• His pragmatism, wit, and ethical clarity remain a model for today’s leadership.

Key Points on C Sankaran Nair:

C Sankaran Nair’s life and work, from his role in the Indian National Congress to his advocacy for self-government and constitutional reforms, showcase a complex figure in India’s struggle for independence. His resignation in protest after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and his subsequent Minutes of Dissent highlight his unwavering commitment to justice and Indian rights under British colonial rule.

The recent C Sankaran Nair biopic, “Kesari 2”, while bringing attention to his legacy, only scratches the surface of his multifaceted contributions to the Indian independence movement. The film, starring Akshay Kumar, has sparked renewed interest in the question of “who killed General Dyer”, although it’s important to note that Nair was not directly involved in Dyer’s death. This biographical film trend reminds us of other recent productions like the “Auto Shankar real story”, which also aimed to bring historical figures to life on screen.

Chettur Sankaran Nair, also known as C Sankaran Nair, was a prominent figure in Indian history, particularly known for his stance against the Jalianwala Bagh massacre. The incident, which occurred in जलियांवाला बाग (Jallianwala Bagh), remains a dark chapter in colonial history. Today, Jallianwala Bagh now stands as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the massacre, serving as a poignant reminder of the struggle for independence in Bagh India.

Nair’s legacy extends beyond his opposition to the massacre. He was the first Indian in Viceroy’s Executive Council, a position that allowed him to advocate for Indian interests at the highest levels of British colonial administration. His contributions to Indian law are significant, having founded the Madras Law Journal and serving as Advocate-General of Madras.

Sankaran Nair’s life intersected with many key events and figures of his time. While he criticized Gandhi’s methods, he shared the goal of Indian independence. His interactions with figures like Michael O’Dwyer shaped his understanding of colonial administration and justice. It’s worth noting that some sources mistakenly refer to “Michael Gandhi” when discussing this period, conflating different historical figures.

The Rowlatt Act, which Nair opposed, was one of the catalysts for the protests that led to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. His stance against this act and his subsequent actions demonstrate his commitment to civil liberties and justice.

C Sankaran Nair’s advocacy for social reforms was ahead of his time. He pushed for changes in areas such as education, caste system, and women’s rights. His vision for India included progress towards Dominion Status, a stepping stone to full independence.

In recognition of his services, Nair was made a Companion of the Indian Empire. He also made significant contributions to Indian literature and journalism, writing for publications like the Madras Review.

The C Sankaran Nair legacy continues to be relevant today. His life story, from his early days in Kerala to his final years fighting legal battles in the King’s Bench in London, offers valuable lessons in integrity, courage, and the pursuit of justice. The renewed interest in his life, sparked by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and its portrayal in popular media, ensures that his contributions to Indian history will not be forgotten.

While the Kesari 2 movie has brought attention to Nair’s story, it’s crucial to understand the full scope of his contributions beyond just the note on Jallianwala Bagh massacre. His life’s work encompassed a broad range of social, legal, and political reforms that shaped India’s journey towards independence and modernization.