Of rural proletarian struggles

This study, set in rural Kerala, examines the nature of capitalist development and its impact on the position of propertyless labourers in agrarian society. It defines the 'proletariat' in rural areas, the historical process of proletarianization, and the development of a proletarian consciousness leading to collective action.

The notion of historical conjuncture is applied to explain the development of a proletarian consciousness in this part of India, which is absent in many other parts of the country.

Analyses of case studies are used to bring out the historical context and the dynamics of organization of groups of rural proletarians. These are the toddy tappers, beedi workers and agricultural labourers. An important conclusion is that the organization of rural workers is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for securing economic benefits and improving their conditions of work and life. The criticality of the role of labour in the organization of production and the production process is shown to be crucial in determining the effectiveness of organization.

Viewed in an all-India context, the author argues that the Kerala experience is not unique but embedded in the overall historical experience of the Indian economy and society although the result of this experience has been different for rural proletarians in Kerala. Keeping in mind the numerous contemporary attempts at mobilization and organization in different parts of India, the author points to three important differences with the Kerala situation, namely, historical timing, the nature of capitalist penetration in rural areas, and the nature of social change among the labouring poor in rural Kerala with increasing literacy and a vibrant popular education forming a conspicuous element.

K. P. Kannan is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Development Studios Trivandrum, Kerala.