Archive · 25 Jul 2026
August 17: A Novel by S Hareesh
August 17 is a novel by S Hareesh that imagines what would have happened if Travancore, a region in present-day Kerala, had remained independent instead of joining India in 1947.
The story is told through the eyes of a spy working for the Travancore government, who infiltrates the freedom fighters' movement.
The novel features real-life characters like Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, a famous writer and freedom fighter, and explores the political tensions and struggles for democracy in Travancore.
The story highlights the conflicts between those who wanted Travancore to remain independent and those who fought for it to join India.
The novel also includes historical events and figures, providing a rich backdrop to the narrative.
S Hareesh's novel August 17 explores an alternative history where Travancore remains independent in 1947.
The story is narrated by a spy working for the Travancore government, who infiltrates the freedom fighters' movement.
Real-life characters like Vaikom Muhammad Basheer and CP Ramaswamy Iyer play significant roles in the novel.
The novel depicts the political struggles and conflicts between pro-independence and pro-union factions in Travancore.
The story includes historical events and figures, providing a rich backdrop to the narrative.
- Who
- S Hareesh, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, CP Ramaswamy Iyer, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel
- What
- A novel exploring an alternative history where Travancore remains independent in 1947.
- When
- Late 1930s to mid-1947
- Where
- Travancore, present-day Kerala
- Why
- To imagine the consequences of Travancore's independence and the political struggles involved.
Pro-Independence Travancore
Pro-Union Travancore
Political Ideology
Pro-Independence Travancore
Advocates for Travancore's independence and sovereignty, aligning with the Travancore Diwan's vision.
Pro-Union Travancore
Supports Travancore's accession to India, promoting democracy and freedom of press.
Freedom Struggle
Pro-Independence Travancore
Views the freedom fighters as conspirators aiming to bring Travancore under a Christian government.
Pro-Union Travancore
Sees the freedom fighters as heroes fighting for democratic rights and freedoms.
- Author
- S Hareesh
- Translator
- Jayasree Kalathil
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Pages
- 432
- Price
- Rs 599
- Original Language
- Malayalam
- Setting
- 1947, Travancore (present-day Kerala)