INDIA: A recently launched book, Musaliar King, authored by esteemed historian Dr. Abbas Panakkal, presents an in-depth and educational exploration of Malabar’s resistance against colonial rule.
This meticulously researched work challenges conventional historical narratives and serves as a vital academic resource for students, historians, and researchers seeking a nuanced understanding of India’s colonial past.
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By delving into primary sources and historical records, Dr. Panakkal offers fresh insights into Malabar’s fight for justice, the socio-political dynamics of the time, and longstanding misrepresentations in mainstream discourse.
Book Launch Event
The book’s launch event at the India International Centre (IIC) featured an enlightening discussion chaired by Ambassador KP Fabian, former Indian Ambassador and Professor at Symbiosis University.
Ambassador Fabian praised the book’s academic rigor and evidence-based approach in exposing imperialist distortions of historical events. He also highlighted its valuable account of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Calicut in August 1920, alongside Maulana Shaukat Ali.
The panel discussion brought together distinguished scholars, including Prof. Syed Iqbal Hasnain (Former Vice Chancellor of Calicut University), Prof. Sayyid Juffri (Former Head of History Department, Delhi University), Prof. Saleena Basheer (Dean of Law Department, Hamdard University), and Prof. Pallavi Raghavan (Ashoka University). These experts engaged in an academic dialogue on the book’s contributions to historiography and post-colonial studies.
Historical Significance and Academic Contributions
Beyond its historical significance, Musaliar King serves as an educational tool, shedding light on how colonial powers manipulated narratives to marginalize local communities, exploit natural resources, and perpetuate socio-economic inequalities.
The book critically re-examines the term “Moplah” and its colonial usage to stigmatize a community, drawing parallels between Malabar’s historical exploitation and global colonial resource extraction, including comparisons to the Amazon rainforest.
Furthermore, it highlights the often-overlooked role of women in anti-colonial resistance, enriching discourse on gender and history.
Future Prospects and Global Recognition
Recognized by scholars worldwide, Musaliar King is an invaluable addition to academic literature on colonial resistance and historiographical analysis.
With growing interest in its themes, an American-based film producer has expressed the possibility of adapting the book into a feature film, offering an opportunity for broader dissemination of this critical historical narrative.
Dr. Abbas Panakkal is a historian and researcher specializing in decolonial studies, with a focus on challenging conventional narratives and bringing underrepresented histories to light. His work has been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of colonial resistance through an educational lens.
With its educational depth and historical revelations, Musaliar King is an essential read for students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of colonialism and resistance movements.
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