Leprosy and the fish Diet

Jonathan Whitchinson*, a doctor who is of the opinion that the spread of leprosy is due to the consu...

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June 07, 1909

Education in Travancore

The Government of Travancore has constituted a committee with the intention of improving the standar...

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April 06, 1910

The Strength of the Treasury

The welfare of a country depends on how full its treasury is. People will have issues to be addresse...

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February 27, 1907

Government printing press

There is no doubt that the numerous articles found in English newspapers such as the "Western Star"...

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June 12, 1907

We have seen that people in many places in India are alarmed over the exile of Mr. Lala Lajpat Rai....

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About the Collection

The Svadesabhimani was a weekly Malayalam language newspaper founded by the noted writer and journalist Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi (1873-1932), who was the owner and publisher and its managing editor. This digital collection contains the original Malayalam and their English translations.

Throughout its existence, it was funded through the personal funds of Vakkom Moulavi, who imported a modern press from Britain. The newspaper began publication in Anjengo, a small village in the princely state of Travancore, on 19 January 1905. Chirayinkeezhu C.P Govinda Pillai was the first editor for one year, after which Sri. K. Ramakrishna Pillai became the editor. The newspaper ceased publication on 26 September 1910, when it was banned by a Royal Proclamation, the editor Ramakrishna Pillai was exiled and the press was confiscated.

The Svadesabhimani served to inform the public in Travancore, as well as in the Malayalam speaking regions, about local, national and international issues. It stood apart from other Malayalam newspapers of the time in exposing corruption in the government, analysing and critiquing government policies, discussing important issues of social and religious reform and bringing news of the national anti-colonial movement and international developments. It is considered a trailblazer in Malayalam journalism, contributing to the development of a new political consciousness in the state.