INTRODUCTION

            Sachivottama Sir C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar, K.C.S.I, K.C.I.E, LLD is commonly known to then people as Sir C.P. He  was an intellectual giant of the 20th century. He was one of the foremost of modern Indians, great as a scholar, lawyer, politician and administrator. The brightest feather in Sir C.P’s cap as the father of industrialization of modern Travancore was the establishment of industries. The Diwan embarked on a scheme of large scale industrialization. His Grace Dr. Benedict Mar Gregorius, Archbishop of Trivandrum, described Dr. Ramaswami Aiyar as “a great benefactor of Kerala, a brilliant son of India and versatile genius of the world. He strove for excellence and perfection in whatever he did”.

            It is says that, C.P. was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His academic and legal career was brilliant. C.P worked along with Anniebesant and he participated in Congress. All India Home Rule League (AIHRL), Young Men’s Indian Association (YMIA), etc. In November 1931 Sri Chithira Tirunal formally took over the direct reins administration as Maharaja, thus terminating the period of Regency. In the same month Sir C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar was appointed as Legal and Constitutional Advisor to the Maharaja and in 1936 he became the Diwan of Travancore. He decorated many high posts like, Vice-Chancellor of Travancore University, Annamalai University and Banaras Hindu University and he was the head of many committee and commissions. His economic contribution to the Modern Travancore was excellent.

            T.J. Nossiter admits, “C.P.’s economic achievements were legendary. The period of the ascendancy of Sir C.P in the government and politics of Travancore was one of striking development in all sectors of the State economy. Travancore tnessed almost an economic miracle. The Diwan set in motion a vigorous programe of industrialization which eventuallybrought about the transformation of what was basically an agricultural economy in to a progressive industrial  one. A number of new industrial ventures were started with the active involvement of the state administration1. In fact, this was done in complete disregard of the negative policy being pursued by the British colonial masters in respect of industrialization in the country asa whole. Schemes of power generation, reorganization of transport and communication services, conservation of mineral resources, improvement of agricultural, relief of rural indebtedness, promotion of labour welfare and encouragement of banking activities were implemented. All these measures helped to give Travancore a prominent place among the Indian State.”

            Thirty-nine industrial units were registered during the first half of this century. Fertilizers and Chemicals, Travancore in Alwaye was the first fertilizer factory in India producing nitrogenous fertilizer. It employed a unique process of wood gasification not found else where. Other important units commissioned during their period included the Rare Earths Division of Indian Rare Earths in the Central Sectors, Travancore Sugars and Chemicals Ltd. Kerala Ceramics Ltd, Forest Industries Ltd. etc. which are now in the State sector and the Travancore. Rayons Ltd., Aluminium Industries Ltd. Travacore Cements Ltd. Indian Aluminium Co. Ltd. etc. in the private sector.     

Introduction    Life&Achievements   IndustrialContributions    

Conclusion       FootNotes    End Notes  Bibliography