ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION OF PRINCELY TRAVANCORE UNDER C.P. RAMASWAMI AIYAR (1935-1945)

Abstract

Travancore, a princely state, occupied the south-west portion of the Indian peninsula. By the second half of the 20th century, Travancore served as a model for other princely states with the level of economic progress it achieved. In 1936 C.P.Ramaswami Aiyar was appointed as the Dewan of Travancore. Before assuming charge as Dewan, he acted as the legal and constitutional adviser in the state. After appointment as Dewan, C.P. introduced reforms in field of hydro-electric projects, industries, agriculture and other economic sectors. This schemes helped in the industrialisation of the state. The state achieved considerable economic progress as a result of these schemes. C.P. faced many obstacles in introducing various schemes in the state. But the Ruler of Travancore was far-sighted and he supported C.P., in introducing reforms. This research article discusses the schemes introduced by C.P in Travancore and the opposition he faced in the state. Many of his schemes succeeded in the state, and as a result the state was able to achieve great economic stability in the years followed. He had played an important role in many public activities. KEYWORDS: Industrialisation :policies: agriculture: development: Economy.