Indian Economy heading where, no where?

The Wholesale Price Index and Consumer Price Index which had wide variation, is now looking for a merger. Both of them are into double digits, and the percentage will go tandem with one another. This is an achievement of the Government’s economic and fiscal policies which are headed by Oxford educated Prime Minister, who is a Scholar in modern, ancient, medieval Economics.

Government looks to outside world to stabilize Indian economy. No problem with that. Government wants to bring Foreign Direct Investment in the multi-brand Retail sector, which would bring in invaluable Foreign Exchange, investment, expertise, and increase expenditure of hi-fliers by buying items from these fabulously decorated shops, malls, with good ambience, etc. And, of course, the farmer will get remunerative price for their product. With these noble objectives, why should any body murmur?

Our Government’s policy of import of Crude and edible oil which is in excess of 30% of the total required demand at nil customs duty creates a direct loss of Rs 24,000 Cr. Import/Export of other oils other than Palm oil causes the domestic industry to suffer sustained losses. Three lakh tones of imported palm oil is distributed to Public distribution System beneficiaries with a subsidy of Rs 15/- per Kilo. The total incidence of this benevolence on the exchequer is Rs 450 Cr.

Recently Government hiked the rate of kerosene. 39% of PDS Kerosene is diverted, and 18% of this finds way to adulterate diesel. Mr. B K Chaturvedi Committee found out that the rural use of kerosene has fallen to 40% from 51%. It predicted that only 1% of the PDS Kerosene was used for cooking purposes. The Committee noted a strange phenomenon- 24% rural consumption goes to states where there is 100% electrification Food Security programme is expected to obliterate poverty, as the beneficiaries would get atleast one square meal a day. 100 days compulsory with work at minimum wages is expected to provide stable income to the unemployed. Government should differentiate between unemployment and voluntary unemployment. In India, there are more than 20% of people who have the necessary physical strength and ability and below 40, who abstain from work and prefer to be voluntarily unemployed.

With all these developmental and populist Schemes directed at the poor, downtrodden, the weak, the incidence of percentage of poverty should have come down. But in India, opposite always happens. Every year, after substantial spending of money to the poorer sections of the Society, which no body grudges, the BPL population is going up in geographical progression. The Statistics provided by NCAER, Planning Commission, and the States, there is a wide divergence on the no. of BPLs. There is a mismatch in the figures. What about the audit; is it done only for namesake?

Government announces a Scheme. Course correction midway, Scheme contours are altered. A well intended Scheme conceived for some purpose, if the boundaries are altered the Scheme finds alterations. Then, the intended benefits will not accrue. I am referring to the removal of IT benefit for new SEZ units, new units not yet invested, units not at started commercial production, and many benefits offered to SEZ developers have been withdrawn. Various SEZ are in various state of completion and the units are also about to commence production. All of them will lose the provisions promised. Lack of clarity on the continuation of Minimum rate of Tax to developers and units in SEZ, has stalled work in the various sanctioned SEZ being developed by private promoters.

Now, coming to the retail prices of vegetables which had runaway inflation is still in the danger zone. There is no scarcity in the local production of vegetables in Kerala, as Onam festival is just around the corner, yet the prices have moved up significantly. Tomato prices have doubled over a year(selling at Rs 30/- per Kg against Rs 18/- a year ago), bitter gourd (Rs 34/kg against Rs 26/kg last January), cowpea (Rs 16/kg against Rs 26/kg last year), pumpkin (Rs 15/kg), elephant foot yam (Rs 32/kg), ginger(Rs65/kg),cabbage(Rs 20/kg), carrot(40/kg against Rs 16/kg in January 2010), Drumstick (Rs 20/kg against Rs 100/kg in Jan 2010). In the last year, the price of drumstick was Rs 30/kg (July 2009). Greenchilli is selling at Rs 42/kg against Rs 20/kg in January 2010.

Industrial output in April 2010 grew by 17.6% over what it was a year ago, aided by the boynant recovery in exports. WPI is 10.2%, while food inflation has slightly come down. The Government received Rs 70,000 Cr (Spectrum auctions), advance tax payments (Rs 35,000 Cr). RBI has hiked the two short-term policy interest rates. The impact of RBI’s interest rate signals and the efficacy of monetary transmission needs close monitoring. The banks have adopted a new Base lending rate system. How far it will impact, time alone can tell.

Finance Minister wants to rein in fiscal deficit. All the acts done by the Finance Ministry is guided by defeating Savings growth rate by which inflation will come down. But is he aware of the Nils Gilman’s Deviant globalization theory? 50% of Indian economy is in the hands of people whose wealth is derived from illegal actions which have grown at twice the rate of legal economy. Perils and Opportunism involved in illicit dealings in the financial, real estate, energy, high corruption, stocks and shares, organs, CD disks, piracy, gold, cricket betting, etc. More diverse pattern of purchasing put transactions into buckets which cannot be measured. These funds would invade controlled economy, sending the carefully rehearsed formulas to oblivion. In India, deviant globalization has been active and sends economic cycles off the wheel. Has FM got any stick to beat this with?

Envoironmental catostrophe-unberable cost!

Fort Kochi beach was once upon a time a marvel of a place, playground, public maiden, lovers paradise, family get-together, the flying kite encounters of the Gujaratis, venue for New Year Celebrations, etc.

But in the 15th century, Vasco-da-Gama would have walked down the beach along with Cabral, the Commander of the Portuguese forces,Alphonso Alburqerque Van Rheed, the Dutch Governor who was responsible for getting the encyclopedia of Kerala herbs, Hortus Malabaricus published, many Dutchmen whose graves are interred in the Dutch cemetery close to the edge of the Beach, and Sir Robert Bristow, who would have walked up and down the beach atleast thousand times along with Mathewson Bosanquet, and Pierce Leslie, Aspinwall, Day, William Goodacre, would have taken a stroll with their ladies during the moon lit nights. Gandhiji had addressed a meeting from a padestral constructed on the beach where more than thousand people gathered to hear him. The noted musician Yesudas would have murmured a tune whenever he visited this beach during his childhood. So also Rani Chandra, Antony, T S Muthiah well known late actors would have perambulated through its lanes. S Koder, a respected well known Jew has his residence very much near the beach side.

But today, the Fort Kochi beach is in water. The sands on the coast have been washed away by the lazy Sea, and only a pathetic past post stand as a grandeur to the former Fort Kochi beach, which would have received many of the Westerners who came to India, and their first post of call was Kerala in general and Cochin in particular.

Parade Maidan, is girdled by rows of the ‘Flame of the Forest’ trees in full bloom. The ancient lofty St Francis Church where Vasco da Gama’s remains are buried imparts a historic touch to the surroundings. What is more, Fort Cochin, with its cluster of old Western side buildings and narrow alleys, still in a state of excellent preservation, reminds a visitor of the important part played by it as the earliest European settlement in India. Parade Maidan was a battle field of yore. Cameons in his ‘Lusiad’ extols the exploits of the valiant Paeheco and the ‘Battle of Vaipin’. The original war was fought on this ground. The fierce fight between the Raja of Cochin and Zamorin was fought here. As the Zamorin could not win the war, he fled with a couple of soldiers. Some of his soldiers crossed the ferry to Vaipin. But the Cochin Raja bribed the boatmen and when they reached the middle of the backwaters, they drowned all the soldiers. This was the spot where 500 years later Sir Robert Bristow widened the lake and made the entry to Cochin port from the Sea. This was known as the Cochin channel. Zamorin’s soldiers had a watery grave. When the Zamorin and his trusted soldiers reached Vaipin along the land route, they were greeted by the dead corpses greeted them. The entire entourage fled to Munampam where a fierce encounter between the Cochin Raja aided by his foreign friends and the Zamorin ensued. Zamorin was utterly defeated and the war ended with Zamorin ceding North Parur to Raja of Cochin. The Dutch is believed to have clashed with the Portuguese at this maidan.

The Sea erosion and the great flood of the Periyar caused an opening of an estuary which is today’s entrance to Cochin port. This was known as Cochin Channel. There were many Ports which were world famous and found in the maritime maps. Muziris was a well known Port which was well known to the people of Arabia and the Orient. It was said that these voyagers who would come to Cochin rested in the Anjidiv Island off the coast of Karwar. The Romans called it ‘Algidioum’, the Arabs termed it as ‘Allan Gudde’, and Parasurama who is said to have reclaimed the land from the Sea from Gokarna to Cape Comorian is said to have got plenty of milk from the island for propitiation. The Portuguese colonized the island and built a Fort and a Church. The church was a conversion of a temple of a Devi. The Portuguese called it ‘Lady Brothas Church’. There is sweet water well though surrounded on all sides by saltish sea Water. This is the only Church in the whole world dedicated to Lady Brothas. Brothas in Portuguese mean, ‘never failing spring’. Beautiful and costly stones, carvings on the walls, precious carpets, bell, all rare, were in the Church. The Sultan of Bijapur attacked the island and destroyed the Fort. When Sivaji invaded Sadashivgad, the English ran for safety to Anjiv Island. Today, the island has two ponds, graves of Englishmen, Lady Brothas Church in a dilapidated form, a ruined fort, and coconut palms. Today, it is part of I.N.S. Kadamba. Upto 1963, it was part of the Portuguese along with Goa, Diu, Daman.

The beautiful beaches of Fort Kochin are old fable. From Chellanam to Fort Kochi, there is neither coast nor a beach line. Along the water edge of Fort Cochin, on the narrow pass-way to the harbour, are a line of Chinese fishing nets, the first virtual symbol of ancient trade and age old shared influences. Today, they are in deep water. According to people of the area, the Sea was slowly encroaching on the beach sands over a long period of time. No body has bothered to evaluate the erosion, and no body worries about any steps to prevent sea erosion. Every time, due to Sea erosion, valuable land has been lost.

The people of the area demand that instead of putting granite stones, big boulders on the beaches to prevent sea erosion, it would be better to build ‘gronium’ (or strong groyne like that was done by Bristow) to remove seepage, sea erosion, and breaches in the barricades to prevent gushing water which would inundate the lands situated adjoining the Sea coast. They also claim that there is some result for making a wall filled with sand bags to checkmate sea erosion. They attribute this soil erosion which has become ferocious for the last two decades, due to reclamation of land at Vallarpadam, Bolghatty, and across the Marine drive. Unscientific dredging has been a culprit, as the withdrawal of bar of heavy sand that is pulled by the sea currents to deepen the depth of the channel, has been responsible for nature’s fury. Cochin Port Trust is said to have conducted seismic studies, and the report has found nothing wrong. National Institute of Oceanography is conducting another study. But reclamation of land from backwaters or Sea would cause Sea erosion. There are examples to that effect.

A living shoreline is always going to help. Planting plenty of seaweed and creating an environment to attract sea creatures to the shore lines. More life means less chance of erosion, which is exactly what you're going for. A new technique, living shorelines are coasts in which shellfish have been planted. The shells attract aquatic life, which prevents erosion naturally. Nature itself is a solution to mend eroded coastlines. Planting tones of oyster shells to form angular breakwater, will draw aquatic life drawn to shells can create’ Living shoreline’ preventing coastal erosion. Young fish that move into it. Oyster shells placed in brackish waters with good tide flow will become rapidly colonized by a multitude of marine critters, including oysters, algae, worms, barnacles, crabs, small minnows and fish. Living shorelines are the best way to stop sea erosion. Change in mindset is slow to come. However, living shorelines generally don’t work in deep sea water where you have significant drop right at the shoreline.

Whatever the options are Vallarpadam Container terminal which will buzz in more economy through goods, services and employment would in its wake also bring natural problems. These recurring problems should be assessed and precautions should be in place well in advance, otherwise the economic gains of Vallarpadam Container terminal would be eaten away by the coastal erosion and sea erosion which would cost the exchequer heavily. Environmental prevention schemes are often put off, because people become miserly to incur costs to protect the environment. But the environmental fury can never be checked by human innovation.

Do we require a Planning apparatus?

At a recent meeting organized by the Planning Commission on “private Participation in the State Highways which was presided over by Dr Montek Singh Aluwaliah, Dy Chairman of Planning Commission, Shri Kamalnath, India’s Road Transport and Highways Minister, Government of India who played a sheet anchor role in the UPA’s First innings as Commerce Minister which rose to its pinnacle achieving US $ 185 billion in exports through was responsible for India’s exports touching US $ 185 billion (2008-9) against US $ 53 billion (2003-4) when he took over, lambasted the Planning Commission for the nations’ tardy progress in spite of spade work done by different ministries. He cited the example of construction of terminal III of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in record time, so much so, the Prime Minister who inaugurated it was really amazed. When told that it was a Private sector project where Planning Commission had no role, the Prime Minister stood shell shocked. The Transport Minister also called the Planning Commission an ‘armchair advisor’ with no accountability or target. They theorized every development, questioned every practical project, and had no idea of geography which required certain changes in the topology, planning module or methodology.

The High way and Transport Ministry had fixed a per capita target of building at least 20 Kms of highway a day, but the Planning Commission’s spokes in the wheel deterred any improvement in highway building, bemoaned the Minister.

There is an urgent need to restore the usefulness of the Planning Commission in the present context of growing Market Economy. When market forces are free, the Results are often haphazard and therefore, anathema to those who believe in Planning. When the State fails, the Market takes upon itself for a free play and succeeds. This is Economic logic. This takes place time and again in India. The State fails because its extended Organizations like Planning Commission encroaches on the wrong territories with their faulty assumptions and presumptions
The Transport Minister gave vent to the feelings under the very nose of Dy Chairman of Planning Commission by saying, "Producing a book is one thing, while building a road is something different. You collect something from here and there and then produce a book. It's very well when you are an ‘armchair’ adviser. “
Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who was at the dais with Kamal Nath, termed the Minister’s outburst as ''constructive criticism'' and did not verbally react. He said the commission was not an implementing agency. That was where the problems arose. Kerala Government is in dire need for Metro Railway. But Planning Commission is standing in its way while preferential treatment is bestowed on Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc.
Plan is a realistic view of expectations. It forecasts the roadmap and vision. There are sectors, sub sectors and mini sectors in the Plan. The officials and advisors in the Planning body do not have intricate knowledge of these intricate sectors which provide employment to so many people, The Market Potential Value) and Market Potential indices vary from place to place. The economy of different districts is based on the certain. It can be fishing, it can be vegetables, it can be flowers, tourism, even conversion of wastes into composts, shell dust into charcoal, tailoring, milk, handicrafts, etc. These districts require support, financially, and/or through mechanization, up-gradation of their skills, higher productivity so that they can earn more money using the tools. Between the Planning apparatus and policy makers, there is neither link nor coordination. Theoretically, viability is easy to estimate. We can give conclusions based on ‘V’ curve, Kuznets Curve, ‘U’ shaped growth, ‘M’ (double dip) growth , Inverted double dip (W), can be beautifully sketched in glossy papers. Growth is not the same thing as Development. Economics is one aspect in the process of Economic theory. We talk about ‘Unemployment’. Have we any time factored ‘voluntary unemployment’ in it?

There is a need for a mix between free market play and the Planning evolution in India so that the two give boost to the Indian economy and do not work in cross purposes? The Customary top-down approach to Planning has been going on for decades; people with expertise and knowledge are seldom consulted. This laid back approach of the Planning Commission must go.

Today, Planning Commissions’ bureaucracy-cum-technocracy decides the contents of each Plan and prepares the Plan documents. The Plan spread presently is confined to only 10% of India’s geographical area; the rest 90% are left unattended as the Yojana Bhavan has no ideas of geographical tracts and their features. The fat portion of the allocation goes towards salaries. .. There are some States more equal than others because of their proximity to the ruled and lobbying clout.

The Planning Commission immersed itself in a whole lot of temporizing where economic Policy decisions are concerned resulting in a few unexpected short-term gains but in the near long-time, it left a snarl. We say Indian economy has been integrated with the world economy. The Planning spread is restricted to only 10%, while the rest 90% is unplanned.

One area, which the Plans do not brace itself, revolves around “Perspective Planning”. That is why, it is very important that there is continuity in Planning between two different Plans. In the Context of a rapidly integrating Global economy, the nations Policy makers seem to be grouping for want of a Vision.

Distortions in the re-written South Indian History

The Kingdoms of South India do not get wide coverage in the Ancient Indian History, possibly because the Kings or potentates have not left any record of their reign or inscriptions. Even though Tamil was one of the oldest classical languages of India from the unknown date in history,the historical sagas carried by the authors of famous texts are not considered authentic. However, Kerala is as old as History. The Ramayana and Mahabharata, there are references to places in Kerala. Kerala princes and warriors are said to have partaken in the ‘Kurushekhtra War’. Vamana, one of the incarnations of Vishnu is said to have exiled the then emperor Maha Bali to pathala (Bhagavatham). Parasurama, the subsequent Avatara of Vishnu is said to have reclaimed Kerala from the Sea throwing his axe from the Oom Gokarna sea coast. All these testify that there has been Cheranad, along with Cholas and Pndyan Kingdoms in South India.
Perumchoth Udayan Cheralatan was the first of the Chera Kings about whom there is a scanty sketch in the Tamil literature. He is said to be a great warrior who partook in the kurukshetra War. He was succeded by Palyanai Selkeh Kuttavan who ruled from ‘Thiruvanchikulam on the broad Periyar, near the sounding ocean’. Kalankaikkanni Narmudic Cheral succeded Selkh Kuttavan. Cholas had by that time annexed some of the parts of the Chera Kingdom. Karikola Chola defeated the combined forces of Pandya and Chera forces in the famous battle of Venni. His successors were weak, and they were subdued by Cheran Senkuttavan. The great poets of the Sangam literature have ascribed many victories and he was credited with subjugating many victories. He won a great naval war (Pathittipattu 45, 46, 48 Agam 212), and got the title ‘Kadal Pirakottiya’. Muziris, which suffered from the depredations of buccaneers, was made a safe Port of Call.
Muziris (Kodungalloor or CRAGANORE) was reputed to be the ancient world's greatest trading centre in the East for such highly prized possessions as Pepper, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger and other Spices. Pliny the elder describes Muziris as primum emporium Indiae. The Port was popular to the author of the Periplus of the Erythrean Sea who described it as being situated on River Pseudostomus (Greek for false mouth- a precise Malayalam translation of Periyar alimukom) A second century Papyrus from Egypt concerning the transshipment of goods originating in Muziris from the Red Sea to Alexandria attests the continued importance of the Port in the Indian Ocean after Pilany and Periplus. Pliny, the younger is said to have lamented the fact that trade with Muziris was draining the treasury of Rome. The trade flourished by ships riding on the monsoon winds from Africa and back to Arabia, from where the overland caravan took the prized items to the markets along the Mediterranean Ports. Kerala was known as fabled land of Spices and black Gold. It was during this time Europe was busy in exploration and Voyages to unknown lands. Route to India was a dream of most of the voyager. Many attempts were made, but most could reach only up to "Cape of Good hope" in Africa.
Historians like Dr Tomber of the British Museum attest that the flow of trade between Rome and Kerala lasted between the 1st century BC and 1st Century AD. However, there was growing evidence, according to her, that this trade continued much longer into the 6th and early 7th century AD, although not continually.
So well known was this Port town, a placed loved by the navigators, that the direct disciple of Jesus Christ, St Thomas came to Muziris, and the Christian religion took their roots here. The testimony to this is the St Marthoma Church (built in 52 AD). There has been a congregation of Buddhists to this place as well. Huan Tsang, Chinese traveler who has recounted the history of his travel in India, describes Muziris as a place where there were many Buddhists. The 24th Perumal Raja Varman (294-314 AD), the thirteeth Perumal Chandra Varman II (515-540 AD) became staunch Buddhists. In Kerala upto 550 AD Buddhism was highly prevalent here. Well known geographer Ptolemy (AD 95) had a map where Muziris was marked. Sri Kurumba Bhagavati temple of Kodungallur is said to have been built by Cheran Senkuttavan. Kodungalluramma and the fable relating to her have been depicted in Silapathikaram by Elangovan, who is said to be the brother of Cheran Senkuttavan (2 nd centuries AD Tamil classic). The Kannaki of Chilapathikaram is said to have burned the city of Madurai when the Pandyan King unknowingly killed her husband Kovalan, accusing him of having robbed the precious pearl studded bracelet. According to lore, Kannaki is Kodungalluramma. However, under Senkuttavan, there was peaceful co-existence between the conglomerations of all religious faiths in the remote period of History.
I would like to pause for a second, and look at the record achievements of South Indian rulers. However, when the entire Indian History was re-constrcuted by Western Scholars, they gave scant respect for Chola, Chera and Pandya Kingdoms. Pulakasi II stopped the exploits of Harsha Vardhan. Raja Raja Chola and Rajemdra were great monarchs. In the annals of the early centuries of Christian era, South Indian Ports excelled. Priceless treasures were brought by Phoenicians, Arabs, and Romans. The exploits of south Indian Kings lay concealed under the dust of centuries until comparatively recent times (!) Historians have often failed to appreciate the work and recognize the greatness of warriors and Kings of the South (Dravidians). The subjugation of the south by the invaders from the north is with them a normal occurrence, a fascinating theme, and a forgone conclusion. It was possible for people of South India to spread throughout India, colonize islands like Java, Bali and push commercial enterprise in the countries of the West, the story of their conquest of North India need not be branded as a figment of poetic fancy or a mere manifestation of parochial patriotism. If the expedition of Samudra Gupta could give the historic background to Kalidasa in describing the military triumphs of Raghu, the exploits by Chera Kings recorded in Pathithupattu and other Sangam Works of contemporary poets may also be legitimately regarded as reliable and true(Travancore Manual, Chap XIII,p 21). It may, perhaps, be contended that the desire for recognition and regard, might have induced the composers to burn their incense at the feet of the Kings and potentates and persuaded them to improvise fictions to make their panegyrics acceptable to their patrons. That is the fragility of poets of all ages and all Countries. But no historian has refused on that ground to indent for his facts on Bana’s Harscharita, Bilhana’s ‘Vikramankaradevacharitra’ or Kalhana’s Rajatharangani. V A Smith has frankly acknowledged that for the period of Indian History from 600 to 326 BC, dependence must be placed almost wholly upon tradition communicated through literary works. The remarks are no doubt applicable to the History of Sangam period in South Indian History.
Ancient Tamil works are invaluable pieces of information for reconstruction of history of those times. Silapathikaram is a notable work which gives inkling of the times. The Pathittipattu describes the exploits and valours of individual Chera Kings. The reputation of the Sangam works depended upon the stamp of approval placed on them by the great Madurai Academy composed by the most learned men of that time. The ‘Akkappural’ and ‘Pura Nanuru’ are also compositions of great value. But the accounts furnished by the Sangam works are often taken at a discount. So great is the inferiority that even Shri P T Srinivasa Iyer, who has done a lot of study in the South Indian History, would fain dismiss the expedition of Sen Kuttavan into the Gangetic Valley as a fable invented by ‘a Tamil poet ignorant of the geography of India’. In the light of the same arguments, it is feasible for a fantastic historian to state the great pilgrimage of Sri Sankara (Adi Sankara) from the remote Kaladi to the North as a fable invented by a fanciful poet of the South! If the Indo-Aryans from their Artic home and the Greeks under Alexander the Great knew geography enough to invade India through the difficult passes in the north-west, it may be reasonably presumed that a South Indian King should also be able to discover the route which led to the northern Regions.
Sangam Works quote the beautiful ships of Yevanas brought gold in great quantity to the Court of Muziris and went back laden with pepper. Spinning and weaving were common, carpentry, working in hides and skins were common. The land grew spices, especially pepper which was much sought out in the Western World. It abounded in Coconuts, sandlewood, akil and sugar cane. Elephants gave ivory, its mines yielded precious stones, and its seas produced pearls.
It was the consecration of a Bhagavati Temple at Kodungallur paved the way for Bhagavati workship in Kerala.
The Cheraman Jamal masjid was constructed in 629 AD and is the first Muslim mosque constructed in India. It had unique and queer architecture and a century year old lamp which show the close amenity between the various religions at Kodungallur. Kodungallur still enjoys religious amenity.
Today, Muziris stands in isolation, with big gated houses, with their occupants away in America, Emirates and other far countries. Kodungallur is a native place of the famous P Bhaskar who gave many songs including “Nallikerathindanattil annikku nadi edigandi mannundu” (In the land of Coconut, I have a small land), Prof M N Vijayan, Kamal, Cinema Director, Kodungallur Kunju Kuttan thampuran, an erudite Sanskrit Scholar, Bahadhur, late cine artist, etc.
Bibliography:

# Pliny’s Natural History
# Travancore Manual
# History of the Tamils from the earliest times to 600 AD- P T
Srinivasa Iyengar
# History of Kerala – A Sridhara Menon
# Trade in early India (Oxford University Press)
# Cochin Saga- Sir Robert Bristow
# History of Kerala- Wikipedia
# Vestige of the Grand Past & Saga of Cochin (A V Ramanathan)
# Viswa Vijnana Kosh (Ed: P T Bhaskara Panikker)
# Annual Reports of Coir Board
#Coir Export Statistical Output (Coir Board)(2007)
#Coconut Export Manual (CDB, Govt of India, 2010]

Why distortions in ancient South Indian History

The Kingdoms of South India do not get wide coverage in the Ancient Indian History, possibly because the Kings or potentates have not left any record of their reign or inscriptions. Even though Tamil was one of the oldest classical languages of India from the unknown date in history, However, Kerala is as old as any other ancient Indian History. The Ramayana and Mahabharata, there are references to places in Kerala. Kerala princes and warriors are said to have partaken in the ‘Kurushekhtra War’. Vamana, one of the incarnations of Vishnu is said to have exiled the then emperor Maha Bali to pathala (Bhagavatham). Parasurama, the subsequent Avatara of Vishnu is said to have reclaimed Kerala from the Sea throwing his axe from the Oom Gokarna sea coast. All these testify that there has been Cheranad, along with Cholas and Pndyan Kingdoms in South India.
Perumchoth Udayan Cheralatan was the first of the Chera Kings about whom there is a scanty sketch in the Tamil literature. He is said to be a great warrior who partook in the kurukshetra War. He was succeded by Palyanai Selkeh Kuttavan who ruled from ‘Thiruvanchikulam on the broad Periyar, near the sounding ocean’. Kalankaikkanni Narmudic Cheral succeded Selkh Kuttavan. Cholas had by that time annexed some of the parts of the Chera Kingdom. Karikola Chola defeated the combined forces of Pandya and Chera forces in the famous battle of Venni. His successors were weak, and they were subdued by Cheran Senkuttavan. The great poets of the Sangam literature have ascribed many victories and he was credited with subjugating many victories. He won a great naval war (Pathittipattu 45, 46, 48 Agam 212), and got the title ‘Kadal Pirakottiya’. Muziris, which suffered from the depredations of buccaneers, was made a safe Port of Call.
Muziris (Kodungalloor or CRAGANORE) was reputed to be the ancient world's greatest trading centre in the East for such highly prized possessions as Pepper, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger and other Spices. Pliny the elder describes Muziris as primum emporium Indiae. The Port was popular to the author of the Periplus of the Erythrean Sea who described it as being situated on River Pseudostomus (Greek for false mouth- a precise Malayalam translation of Periyar alimukom) A second century Papyrus from Egypt concerning the transshipment of goods originating in Muziris from the Red Sea to Alexandria attests the continued importance of the Port in the Indian Ocean after Pilany and Periplus. Pliny, the younger is said to have lamented the fact that trade with Muziris was draining the treasury of Rome. The trade flourished by ships riding on the monsoon winds from Africa and back to Arabia, from where the overland caravan took the prized items to the markets along the Mediterranean Ports. Kerala was known as fabled land of Spices and black Gold. It was during this time Europe was busy in exploration and Voyages to unknown lands. Route to India was a dream of most of the voyager. Many attempts were made, but most could reach only up to "Cape of Good hope" in Africa.
Historians like Dr Tomber of the British Museum attest that the flow of trade between Rome and Kerala lasted between the 1st century BC and 1st Century AD. However, there was growing evidence, according to her, that this trade continued much longer into the 6th and early 7th century AD, although not continually.
So well known was this Port town, a placed loved by the navigators, that the direct disciple of Jesus Christ, St Thomas came to Muziris, and the Christian religion took fair roots here. The testimony to this is the St Marthoma Church (built in 52 AD). There has been a congregation of Buddhists to this place as well. Huan Tsang, Chinese traveler who has recounted the history of his travel in India, describes Muziris as a place where there were many Buddhists. The 24th Perumal Raja Varman (294-314 AD), the thirteeth Perumal Chandra Varman II (515-540 AD) became staunch Buddhists. In Kerala upto 550 AD Buddhism was highly prevalent here. Well known geographer Ptolemy (AD 95) had a map where Muziris was marked. Sri Kurumba Bhagavati temple of Kodungallur is said to have been built by Cheran Senkuttavan. Kodungalluramma and the fable relating to her have been depicted in Silapathikaram by Elangovan, who is said to be the brother of Cheran Senkuttavan (2 nd centuries AD Tamil classic). The Kannaki of Chilapathikaram is said to have burned the city of Madurai when the Pandyan King unknowingly killed her husband Kovalan, accusing him of having robbed the precious pearl studded bracelet. According to lore, Kannaki is Kodungalluramma. However, under Senkuttavan, there was peaceful co-existence between the conglomerations of all religious faiths in the remote period of History.
I would like to pause here for a second, and look at the record achievements of South Indian rulers. However, when the entire Indian History was re-constrcuted by Western Scholars, they gave scant respect for Chola, Chera and Pandya ruler’s exploits. Pulakasi II stopped the exploits of Harsha Vardhan. Raja Raja Chola and Rajemdra were great monarchs. In the annals of the early centuries of Christian era, South Indian Ports gizzled. Priceless treasures were brought by Phoenicians, Arabs, and Romans. The exploits of south Indian Kings lay concealed under the dust of centuries until comparatively recent times (!) Historians have often failed to appreciate the work and recognize the greatness of warriors and Kings of the South (Dravidians). The subjugation of the south by the invaders from the north is with them a normal occurrence, a fascinating theme, and a forgone conclusion. It was possible for people of South India to spread throughout India, colonize islands like Java, Bali and push commercial enterprise in the countries of the West, the story of their conquest of North India need not be branded as a figment of poetic fancy or a mere manifestation of parochial patriotism. If the expedition of Samudra Gupta could give the historic background to Kalidasa in describing the military triumphs of Raghu, the exploits by Chera Kings recorded in Pathithupattu and other Sangam Works of contemporary poets may also be legitimately regarded as reliable and true(Travancore Manual, Chap XIII,p 21). It may, perhaps, be contended that the desire for recognition and regard, might have induced the composers to burn their incense at the feet of the Kings and potentates and persuaded them to improvise fictions to make their panegyrics acceptable to their patrons. That is the fragility of poets of all ages and all Countries. But no historian has refused on that ground to indent for his facts on Bana’s Harscharita, Bilhana’s ‘Vikramankaradevacharitra’ or Kalhana’s Rajatharangani. V A Smith has frankly acknowledged that for the period of Indian History from 600 to 326 BC, dependence must be placed almost wholly upon tradition communicated through literary works. The remarks are no doubt applicable to the History of Sangam period in South Indian History.
Ancient Tamil works are invaluable pieces of information for reconstruction of history of those times. Silapathikaram is a notable work which gives inkling of the times. The Pathittipattu describes the exploits and valours of individual Chera Kings. The reputation of the Sangam works depended upon the stamp of approval placed on them by the great Madurai Academy composed by the most learned men of that time. The ‘Akkappural’ and ‘Pura Nanuru’ are also compositions of great value. But the accounts furnished by the Sangam works are often taken at a discount. So great is the inferiority that even Shri P T Srinivasa Iyer, who has done a lot of study in the South Indian History, would fain dismiss the expedition of Sen Kuttavan into the Gangetic Valley as a fable invented by ‘a Tamil poet ignorant of the geography of India’. In the light of the same arguments, it is feasible for a fantastic historian to state the great pilgrimage of Sri Sankara (Adi Sankara) from the remote Kaladi to the North as a fable invented by a fanciful poet of the South! If the Indo-Aryans from their Artic home and the Greeks under Alexander the Great knew geography enough to invade India through the difficult passes in the north-west, it may be reasonably presumed that a South Indian Kings should also be able to discover the route which led to the northern Regions.
Sangam Works quote the beautiful ships of Yevanas brought gold in great quantity to the Court of Muziris and went back laden with pepper. Spinning and weaving were common, carpentry, working in hides and skins were common. The land grew spices, especially pepper which was much sought out in the Western World. It abounded in Coconuts, sandlewood, akil and sugar cane. Elephants gave ivory, its mines yielded precious stones, and its seas produced pearls.
It was the consecration of a Bhagavati Temple at Kodungallur paved the way for Bhagavati workshop in Kerala.
The Cheraman Jamal masjid was constructed in 629 AD and is the first Muslim mosque constructed in India. It had unique and queer architecture and a century year old lamp which show the close amenity between the religions at Kodungallur. Kodungallur still enjoys religious amenity.
Today, Muziris stands in isolation, with big gated houses, with their occupants away in America, Emirates and other far countries. Kodungallur is a native place of the famous P Bhaskar who gave many songs including “Nallikerathindanattil annikku nadi edigandi mannundu” (In the land of Coconut, I have a small land), Prof M N Vijayan, Kamal, Cinema Director, Kodungallur Kunju Kuttan thampuran, an erudite Sanskrit Scholar, Bahadhur, late cine artist, etc.
Bibliography:

# Pliny’s Natural History
# Travancore Manual
# History of the Tamils from the earliest times to 600 AD- P T
Srinivasa Iyengar
# History of Kerala – A Sridhara Menon
# Trade in early India (Oxford University Press)
# Cochin Saga- Sir Robert Bristow
# History of Kerala- Wikipedia
# Vestige of the Grand Past & Saga of Cochin (A V Ramanathan)
# Viswa Vijnana Kosh (Ed: P T Bhaskara Panikker)
# Annual Reports of Coir Board
#Coir Export Statistical Output (Coir Board)(2007)
#Coconut Export Manual (CDB, Govt of India, 2010]

Coconut Export Manual

Shipment and documentation forms an important layer of Exports. What are the basic requirements required. How do you fill in the Bill of Lading the description of your product, and correct the Correct eight digit code which is mandatory, as the 4 digit and 6 digit codes are expressions of tariff vocabulary used by both Customs and Central Excise, even though ITC(HS) CODES are approved by the World Customs Organizations at Brussels, which meets often to approve the new codes in the 6 digit level. Any proposal emnating from ny country is put to vote.

The eight digit Codes are often called as Harmonized Code of Nomenclature. In the ITC(HS) Codes published by the Director Gneral of Foreign Trade, you have two Schedules; Schedule 1 refer to 'imports' and Schedule II to 'Exports'. If your product is prohibited for Import/Export, then you have to get a temporary permit from GDFT, and some times he partially waives the ban. Unless written orders are obtained from DGFT, the shipments will not be allowed by the Port authorities.

Toady, there is hardly any break bulk cargo. All the Cargo meant for shipment are despatched through Containers. Normally, often the 20 foot TUF and 40' TUF are used for consigning merchandise. The freight for a container whether it is volume laden or value laden, is one and the same. That is why, exporters say, unit value realization is low, when volume dominate the product exports; if it is value based, then the unit value realization will be high.

Stuffing is done indoors and within the factories only. The Exporter gives a self declaration about the product. Some items come under the Central Excise levy, and some other items come under the Customs levy. Self declarations are accepted. However, Customs make random checks on some of the Containers and if any discrepancy is noticed, imposes penality as the Case may be.

There are benefits given by Customs like Duty Drawback. Certain goods are exported under Export Obligation(for goods already improted under EPCG, advance licence, etc). DEPB, other fiscal benefits of FTP need to be applied to the DGFT after realization of the BILLS. These procedures are noted in the FTP and HBP, Vol I, II, III respectively.

Coconut Development Board has brought out a compilation, on Coconut Export procedures. That will give a broadside on the various Export formalities, concessions, benefits, policy, procedure of Coconut export/import formalities.

Bundhs and hartals are unconstitutional?

The Kerala High Court had banned bundhs which were observed by different political parties and different organizations to air their defiance to some act or situation, or some issue affecting their lives in social, economic, political, or in their religious beliefs or rights. This deterrent act of the Court came in the wake of innumerable difficulties faced by the Common man against the tyranny of a few, who foisted a bundh on citizens. This was a weapon that should be sparingly used, as in a democratic country like India, “Freedom of Expression” was a paramount virtue and a fundamental right. The Principle of natural justice is to be applied with the Rule of Law and not in isolation.

The political parties had called the step draconian and challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court. Supreme Court upheld the judgment of the High Court and observed that Freedom of Speech, movement and Expression, did not mean when one’s exercise of this right should collide with the same Rights of the others. In the wake of the Judgment, they began to call for ‘hartals’ (which is a synonym for bundh). However, they termed call for hartals (changed bundh to hartal) which was total more due to fear even though they were not supportive of the reason for the ‘hartal’. The Governments, who are supposed to uphold the Rule of Law, and protect the citizens and allow their free movement without let or hindrance, if they themselves became the Law breakers, then who will respect the Law? People who make Laws should respect the very same Law, if they expect the people to obey the same, in letter and spirit.

Recently, based on a judgment of the Kerala High Court banning roadside meetings, the Government in power in Kerala and some of the important leaders of the Party held open roadside meetings and condemned the judgment and criticized the judges who had held roadside meetings illegal as it breached the Principle of Natural Justice. The Government contended that the Court should have heard the State before passing such a ban order. The Chief Minister in a report said that they were only commenting on the Judgment, which was fair, and decedent and was not aimed at criticizing judiciary. The CM also recalled that in a democracy, the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary, held equal powers under the Constitution, and worked for the welfare of the people. The Kerala Government, he was quoted as saying, had the high regard for judiciary and the judiciary should reciprocate the same attitude.

The first bench of the Kerala High Court told the Advocate General that it was disturbed by the remarks made by the various leaders of the Ruling party against the judgment of the Court banning wayside rallies and meetings. The bench recalled that hartal or bundh by whatever name it was called was banned by the High Court and the Supreme Court had put its stamp of approval. So any hartal called by anybody was violative and did not have legal sanctity, and therefore, illegal. An illegal act committed by anybody how so ever high, cannot be legally tenable. Further, leaders bemoaning the judiciary and their comments receiving wide publicity are a cause of concern, the bench noted. A Judge of the Supreme Court (K K Mathew Memorial Law Lecture series on the ‘Role of Judiciary in Democratic India’) came down heavily on people who used intolerant language and attributed bias against the Judiciary was tantamount to degrading the Constitution pillars. “Judgments were not above criticism and any judgment could be subject to constructive criticism at an academic and intellectual level. Judges who passed judgments cannot be subjected to unfair criticism, abuse and ridicule just because one did not agree with the judgment. The Constitution provides for revision of judgments and the aggrieved parties should take recourse to such avenues, felt the Judge of the Supreme Court in the course of his address.

The Chief Minister, Kerala is said to have stated that when Indira Gandhi was unseated by a Judge of theAllahad High Court on the basis of election petition by late Shri Raj Narain, the then Government declared internal emergency. According to the Chief Minister, Shri V R Krishna Iyer, the Judge who unseated her was attacked by Rajiv Gandhi’s (later corrected t as Sanjiv Gandhi’s) goons. It was Justice Jagan Mohan Sinha, of the Allahabad High Court who delivered the judgment on the election petition Raj Narain Vs Indira Gandhi. The matter went on appeal to the Supreme Court which was on a vacation. Shri V R Krishna Iyer, who was the vacation judge in the Supreme Court, heard the arguments of Nani Palkhiwala and Shanti Bushan and stayed the judgment of the Allahabad High Court with the condition that she shall not vote, shall not sign the Lok Sabha attendance register and she would not be entitled to any sitting fees. There was no attack on Justice V R Krishna Iyer’s residence as indicated by the CM. As a matter of fact, if Justice V R Krishna Iyer had not stayed the Allahabad High Court judgment, Ms Gandhi had no other option but to resign and the Emergency proclamation would not have come about..

Coming back to the Court’s judgment, the Court had upheld the movement of any citizen against collective mob blocking the free movement of that individual by holding a street rally. Your freedom and my freedom end at the tip of our noses. To block one’s freedom in the name of natural justice is against the fundamental principle of Law. If a person breaks the Law, he is prosecuted by the State. If the State breaks the Law, there is only the Law of the Jungle.

It is suggested that the three reservoirs of the Constitution exercise maximum restraint, and work in tandem so as to preserve, protect Indian democracy.