The Moplah massacre [ Kerala, India]

[ Reported as seen ]

The Moplah Rebellion of 1921 marked a horrifying chapter in history known as the Moplah genocide. It was characterized by the brutal slaughter of Hindus by Muslim fanatics. While official figures suggest that over 10,000 Hindus were massacred, unofficial sources indicate that the actual number could be higher. On September 25, 1921, a rally organized by Chambrassery Imbichi Koithangal, a leader of the Khilafat movement, turned gruesome when 38 bound Hindus were mercilessly murdered. Three victims were shot, while the rest were beheaded and their bodies callously discarded into the Thuvoor well. This tragic incident remains a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed during the Moplah Rebellion.

Introduction
The Moplah genocide of Hindus and the preceding Khilafat movement, which are often overlooked in our history books, deserve closer examination. Regrettably, the true nature of the Khilafat movement has been whitewashed, presenting it as a united front of Hindus and Muslims fighting against British colonial rule. In reality, the movement was initiated by Indian Muslims to safeguard the authority of the Ottoman Sultan as the Caliph of Islam following the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Indian Muslims rallied behind this cause, and Mahatma Gandhi lent unwavering support to their endeavors.

Gandhi’s intention was to galvanize anti-British sentiment among Indian Muslims by aligning himself with the Khilafat movement. This support was seen as the first step towards non-cooperation with the British. However, by throwing his weight behind the movement, Gandhi inadvertently bolstered the rise of Islamism in India. The ethical basis of the Khilafat movement was dubious, prompting doubts even among Muslims themselves. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, in his book “Pakistan or Partition of India,” highlighted the questionable nature of the movement and the efforts made to dissuade Gandhi from getting involved (pages 146-147).

Dr. M.G.S. Narayanan, former Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research, noted Gandhi’s political naivety at the time. Gandhi’s belief that the impoverished and illiterate Muslim community in India would easily engage in a political struggle against the British was misguided. In an attempt to appease Muslims, he supported the cause of the Khilafat, which had already lost its significance after the British abolished it in Turkey at the end of World War I. Gandhi would later regret his decision to endorse the Khilafat, recognizing the damage it had caused. However, his belated realization came too late—the damage had been done. Instead of encouraging Muslims to embrace social reforms and modern education, the Khilafat movement validated conservative religious beliefs and stoked fears and suspicions about the outside world. It reinforced communalism among Muslims, fueling animosity towards Hindu “Kafirs” that had simmered since the days of Alauddin Khilji and Aurangzeb (Foreword to the book “Gandhi and Anarchy” by Chettur Sankaran Nair, page II).

The significance of critically examining the Khilafat movement and its consequences cannot be overstated. It sheds light on the complexities of India’s struggle for independence, the entanglement of religious and political motives, and the unintended repercussions of well-intentioned actions. By confronting this historical chapter honestly and acknowledging its impact, we can strive to understand the intricate dynamics that have shaped the social, political, and religious landscape of India today. Only through a comprehensive understanding of history can we work towards building a more inclusive and harmonious future, free from the distortions and oversights of the past.

Background
The Khilafat movement, at its core, served as a unifying force for Indian Muslims, both within and outside the country, against those they considered “Kafirs” or non-believers. Unfortunately, Mahatma Gandhi’s well-intentioned but naive support for the movement inadvertently gave legitimacy to the subsequent Moplah genocide of Hindus.

The Moplah Muslim community, residing in the Malabar region, had a history marred by sporadic outbreaks of violent animosity towards non-Muslims, often directed towards Hindus. However, the genocide that unfolded in August and September of 1921 was distinct in its motives. The Moplah Muslims believed that by eliminating Hindus, they could overthrow British rule and establish an Islamic State in the region. In their extremist ideology, Kafirs had no place in what they deemed the “land of the pure.”

The roots of the Moplah community’s hostility towards Hindus can be traced back over a century. Their actions were driven by a deep-seated religious fervor that sought to establish Islamic dominance and eradicate those they considered infidels. This historical backdrop sheds light on the underlying tensions that fueled the violence and brutality witnessed during the Moplah genocide.

While the Khilafat movement may have been initiated with the intention of supporting the authority of the Ottoman Sultan as the Caliph of Islam, its unintended consequence was the exacerbation of communal divisions within India. Gandhi’s support for the movement, driven by his belief in unity and non-violent resistance against British rule, had the unintended effect of validating and amplifying the extremist ideology of the Moplah community.

Gandhi, perhaps politically inexperienced at the time, underestimated the potential consequences of his actions. By endorsing the Khilafat movement and aligning himself with its religious motivations, he inadvertently bolstered the radical sentiments within the Moplah community. His support lent credence to their belief that the eradication of Hindus was not only justified but necessary for the establishment of an Islamic State.

The events that unfolded during the Moplah genocide were harrowing, with widespread violence, massacres, and forced conversions targeting Hindus. The atrocities committed during this period stand as a grim reminder of the dangers of religious extremism and communal hatred. The misguided notion that the establishment of a religious state can justify the annihilation of an entire community is a testament to the destructive power of such ideologies.

It is crucial to understand and acknowledge this dark chapter in history, for it sheds light on the complex dynamics between religion, politics, and the consequences of ill-informed actions. By critically examining the background and events leading up to the Moplah genocide, we can strive to learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards building a society that upholds the principles of peace, tolerance, and inclusivity. It is only through a comprehensive understanding of history that we can foster unity and ensure that such acts of violence and intolerance are not repeated in the future.

The genocide

The Moplah genocide during the Moplah Rebellion of 1921 is a horrifying chapter in history, characterized by the brutal slaughter of Hindus by Muslim fanatics. The widely accepted official figures state that over 10,000 Hindus were massacred, but unofficial accounts suggest that the actual number is likely much higher.

One particularly gruesome incident took place on September 25, 1921, on a desolate hillside between Thuvoor and Karuvayakandi in North Kerala. Chambrassery Imbichi Koithangal, one of the leaders of the Khilafat movement, organized a rally attended by more than 4,000 of his followers. During this gathering, more than 40 Hindus were apprehended and brought before him with their hands bound. Tragically, 38 of them were brutally murdered. While three victims were shot, the rest were mercilessly beheaded and their bodies were callously discarded into the Thuvoor well.

The precise events surrounding the massacre at the Thuvoor well, where 38 Hindus were slaughtered, have been documented in various accounts. According to Diwan Bahadur C. Gopalan, the Deputy Collector of Calicut, Malabar, who chronicled the Moplah Rebellion in his book “The Moplah Rebellion, 1921,” a detailed description of the tragic incident emerges. On page 56 of his book, Gopalan provides an account of the fateful day:

“A well, situated midway between Tuvur and Karuvarakundu on the slope of a barren hillock, became the site for a large gathering of approximately 4,000 followers of Chembrasseri Tangal from nearby areas. Under the shade of a small tree, the Tangal presided over the meeting. More than 40 Hindus were captured by the rebels and presented to the Tangal with their hands tied behind their backs. They were accused of assisting the military against the rebels, resulting in a death sentence for 38 of them. Three victims were allegedly shot, while the rest were taken individually to the well. Standing by a small tree at the edge, the executioner wielded his sword, severing their necks before casting their bodies into the well.”

Gopalan further describes the horrifying conditions within the well:

“Many of the victims thrown into the well were not yet dead, but escape was impossible. The well’s sides were hewn from solid laterite rock and lacked steps. It is said that even on the third day after the massacre, cries could still be heard from the well. These unfortunate individuals met a particularly gruesome fate. At the time of the massacre, it was the rainy season, and there was some water in the well, which has since dried up. Visitors can witness the chilling sight of the well’s bottom, now filled entirely with human bones. Pundit Rishi Ram, an Arya Samaj missionary who stood beside me, counted 30 skulls.”

Gopalan’s account highlights one particularly striking skull:

“One skull stands out, neatly divided into two halves. It is said to belong to an elderly man named Kumara Panikkar, whose head was slowly severed into two halves using a saw.”

Gopalan’s book provides a limited but poignant record of the tragic events that unfolded during the Moplah Rebellion. It serves as a stark reminder of the heinous crimes committed during this period, shedding light on the magnitude of suffering endured by innocent Hindus at the hands of Muslim extremists.

Aftermath
The aftermath of the Moplah genocide of Hindus is a subject that has been clouded by a lack of official and comprehensive accounts. Many historical narratives surrounding these events have been diluted or distorted by left-leaning historians, who often present the uprising as an agrarian revolt or a struggle between laborers and landowners. They argue that the Moplah genocide was a consequence of the predominantly Muslim laborers rising up against the predominantly Hindu landowners. This perspective has even been reiterated by figures like Shashi Tharoor during his book launch. However, authentic accounts of the Moplah massacre paint a vastly different picture, revealing incidents of forced conversions, brutalities inflicted upon Hindu men, women, and children, and religious fanaticism, all of which were reportedly supported by leaders from the Indian National Congress, most notably Mahatma Gandhi.

One of the key aspects that emerges from these accounts is the forcible conversion of Hindus. The Moplah extremists, driven by their religious fervor, targeted Hindus and coerced them into embracing Islam. This systematic campaign of conversion aimed to erase Hinduism and establish a dominant Islamic presence in the region. The stories of those who endured this traumatic experience serve as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during this period.

The Moplah genocide also witnessed unimaginable brutality against Hindu individuals, regardless of age or gender. Reports indicate that Hindu men were mercilessly slaughtered, while women and children were subjected to unspeakable acts of violence and sexual assault. These acts of savagery were perpetrated with a religious zeal and an intent to instill fear and dominance over the Hindu community.

The role of Congress leaders, particularly Mahatma Gandhi, in the Moplah genocide aftermath has been a subject of debate and criticism. Gandhi’s support for the Khilafat movement inadvertently bolstered the extremist ideology that fueled the Moplah uprising. His belief that aligning with the movement would strengthen the anti-British sentiment among Indian Muslims had unforeseen consequences. The support and sympathy extended by Congress leaders to the Moplah extremists provided them with a sense of legitimacy and emboldened their actions.

While it is essential to acknowledge that not all Congress leaders endorsed or actively supported the violence, their failure to condemn the Moplah genocide and take decisive action to protect the lives and rights of Hindus is a matter of great concern. The collective silence and the absence of strong opposition from political leaders allowed the violence to escalate and the atrocities to continue.

The aftermath of the Moplah genocide is a reminder of the importance of truth and historical accuracy. It is imperative that the events of this dark chapter be fully examined and documented without distortion or bias. Only through a thorough understanding of the past can we confront the realities of religious fanaticism and communal violence. It is crucial to learn from history and ensure that such atrocities are not repeated in the future.

Efforts should be made to uncover and preserve authentic accounts of the Moplah genocide, giving voice to the victims and ensuring that their stories are not forgotten. It is through this process of remembrance and reconciliation that we can strive for a society built on inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all religious and ethnic communities. The aftermath of the Moplah genocide serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of religious extremism and the responsibility we bear to prevent its recurrence.

Conclusion
The Moplah genocide of Hindus and its aftermath leave us with a chilling reminder of the horrors that can arise from religious fanaticism and the consequences of political support or silence in the face of such violence. Despite attempts by some historians to downplay or distort the events, it is crucial to acknowledge the authentic accounts that exist, which paint a starkly different picture of the Moplah massacre.

The aftermath of the genocide reveals a systematic campaign of forced conversions, brutalities against Hindu individuals, and the perpetration of unspeakable acts of violence and sexual assault. The Moplah extremists aimed to eradicate Hinduism and establish an Islamic dominance in the region. These atrocities, driven by religious zeal, have scarred the collective memory of the affected communities and continue to serve as a testament to the darkest depths of human cruelty.

Furthermore, the role played by Congress leaders, particularly Mahatma Gandhi, in the aftermath of the Moplah genocide remains a subject of debate and criticism. While Gandhi’s intentions may have been to foster unity and anti-British sentiment, his support for the Khilafat movement inadvertently emboldened the extremist ideology that fueled the violence. The failure of Congress leaders to condemn the genocide and take decisive action to protect the lives and rights of Hindus is a stain on their legacy, and it underscores the need for accountability and reflection within the political sphere.

The aftermath of the Moplah genocide serves as a stark reminder of the importance of historical truth and accuracy. It is vital to preserve and uncover authentic accounts of the events, giving voice to the victims and ensuring that their stories are not forgotten. Only through a comprehensive understanding of the past can we confront the realities of religious extremism and communal violence, working towards a society built on inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all communities.

As we reflect on the Moplah genocide and its aftermath, it is our responsibility to learn from history and strive to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities. By promoting education, empathy, and dialogue, we can foster an environment where religious differences are respected and conflicts are resolved through peaceful means. It is through these efforts that we can honor the memory of the victims, preserve the truth, and build a more harmonious and just future.

CITATIONS AND SOURCES

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malabar_rebellion

25th September 1921: A day when 38 Hindus were slaughtered and thrown in a well by Muslim mob demanding a Caliphate in Malabar

Truth of Moplah Massacre: 10,000 Hindus were killed for not converting to Islam