Flood that became a lore: Kerala evokes memories of massive losses in 1924

The destruction of Kerala's biodiversity had played a role in 1924 as well

Historians claim, in 1924, the hills came down to the valleys in Munnar, Kerala. After the floods this year, the situation is not too different.

The deluge came even as the state was dealing with the ailing health and eventual death of the reformist maharaja of Travancore, Mulam Thirunal. The next in line was Sree Chithira Thirunal. He was only 11 at the time. The kingdom’s administration moved into the hands of his aunt, Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, who ruled as regent, assisted by Dewan T Raghavaiah. The calamity they faced was dire.

In his book on the Travancore kingdom, Ivory