Uncovering History: My Exchange With Historian Ramachandra Guha
In the process of reconstructing my great-grandfather Venkatraman's life as a freedom fighter, I often found myself turning to archives, manuscripts, and memories. But some questions required guidance from those who have spent their lives studying India’s past. This led me to write to historian Ramachandra Guha, seeking help in deciphering a handwritten letter from Jawaharlal Nehru to the Red Star Society of Kayalpattinam. What follows is our correspondence—an important step in my journey to preserve and understand my ancestor’s legacy.
Gowtham Rajan M R
Fri, 4 Jul 2025 at 5:34 pm
To: Ramachandra Guha
My great-grandfather, Mr. R. Venkatrama Mudaliar, was a freedom fighter and the Karnam (hereditary village accountant) of Kayalpattinam.
With the onset of the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1932, he resigned from his post and actively participated in toddy shop picketing, for which he was arrested. He later took part in the Individual Satyagraha as well.
During the Quit India Movement, a significant incident occurred in Kulasekarapattinam. The nationalists of Tiruchendur Taluk, Tamil Nadu, assassinated Mr. Wilfred Loane, the Assistant Inspector of Salt. In response, the Malabar Special Police were deployed to apprehend those involved. Following the investigation, 26 individuals were convicted—2 of whom were sentenced to death. At Gandhiji’s request, Rajaji intervened and had their death sentences commuted. This came to be known as the Kulasekarapattinam Conspiracy Case.
During the investigation, many nationalists were unjustly arrested and harassed. My great-grandfather was one among them. Although he was not involved in the conspiracy, he was detained simply due to his nationalist affiliations.
These are the details I have gathered so far about my great-grandfather’s contributions to the freedom struggle.
We possess only one photograph of him, in which he appears to wear a star-shaped badge on his lapel. I have not been able to identify what it signifies.
Interestingly, I recently came across a local souvenir released by the local body of Kayalpattnam, that mentions an organization called the Red Star Society, which was involved in both nationalist and religious activities. I am currently investigating whether my great-grandfather was affiliated with this society.
In that same souvenir, I found a photograph of a handwritten letter from Pandit Nehru addressed to the Red Star Society. I attempted to decipher it using AI tools, but I couldn’t trust the results.
I kindly request your help in deciphering the full content of Panditji’s letter. I have attached the image of the letter herewith.
Thank you very much for your time and assistance.
Ramachandra Guha
Sun, 6 Jul 2025 at 7:52 am
To: Gowtham Rajan M R
Thanks for your most interesting mail.
The critical line in Nehru’s mail is:
“But I may tell you that I think that religion as practiced in India has been and is a tremendous obstacle to progress. Instead of unity it has added to disunity.”
Gowtham Rajan M R
Sun, 6 Jul 2025 at 8:02 am
To: Ramachandra Guha
Thank you so much sir.
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