Consider the following statements regarding the Nivartana (Abstention) Movement in Travancore during the 1930s: 1. It was a joint political agitation launched by Christian, Muslim, and Ezhava communities demanding proportionate representation in the legislative bodies. 2. The movement resorted to a systematic boycott of the state legislature elections to paralyze the constitutional reforms introduced by the government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Both statements are correct as the Nivartana Movement united major disenfranchised communities (Christians, Muslims, and Ezhavas, collectively termed Samyuktha Rashtriya Sabha) to boycott the 1932 legislative council elections in protest against inadequate franchise rules. This agitation forced the Travancore administration to broaden democratic representation and franchise rights. It represents a vital milestone in the constitutional struggle for responsible government in the princely state.