India’s first motor vehicle accident led to the death of a Kerala prince in 1914

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, a renowned poet and the architect of modern Malayalam language, met a tragic fate in 1914, allegedly becoming the first person in India to die in a motor vehicle accident. Known for his literary brilliance and often called 'Kerala Kalidasan,' Kerala Varma’s sudden death marked a turning point in India's history of road safety.

The tale begins in the early 1900s when motor vehicles were a novelty in India. Until then, horse-drawn carts, bullock carts, and phaeton carts were the primary modes of transport. By 1910–1912, motor vehicles started being registered in Travancore, and driving licenses were issued to people. The sight of the first cars, imported by the Sree Moolam Thirunal Maharaja, amazed the people.

In September 1914, Keralavarma Valiya Koithampuran decided to visit the Vaikom temple, accompanied by his nephew A R Rajarajavarma, known as 'Kerala Panini',  another literary figure in Malayalam literature. As the car passed through the roads, people watched in awe, impressed by the unfamiliar sight of a motor vehicle raising dust and emitting smoke.

The fatal accident

After their visit to the Vaikom temple, the duo reached Haripad Palace in Alappuzha on 18 September 1914. On September 20, they began their journey back to Thiruvananthapuram. As they neared Kuttitheruvu near Kayamkulam, a dog suddenly ran across their path, causing the car to overturn. Kerala Varma suffered severe injuries, and on 22 September 1914, he passed away, making it the first recorded death in India due to a motor vehicle accident.

Kerala Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran’s untimely death shocked the state. The poet Kumaranasan, in a tribute published in Vivekodayam, mourned the loss of Koithampuran. Ironically, Kumaranasan himself passed away in a boat accident a decade later, in 1924. 

The first motor vehicle to operate in Thiruvananthapuram was introduced by Arumana Sree Narayanan Thampi, son of the late Visakha Thirunal Maharaja. Thampi’s buses ran on coal and initially served routes between Thiruvandiram-Nagercoil and Thiruvandiram-Kollam. Sree Narayanan Thampi also introduced petrol buses in the region later. Despite facing challenges in road repairs, Thampi personally funded improvements to an extent to keep his buses running.

Evolution of transport in Travancore

As private individuals started owning buses, they mainly ran the services for profit. The government eventually took notice, and during the reign of Sree Chitthira Thirunal Maharaja, a Transport Reorganisation Committee was formed. The committee, led by Dewan Sir C P Ramaswami Iyer , brought in E G Salter, an expert, to oversee the state’s transport system.

By 20 February 1938, the Travancore State Transport Department was officially established, and new transport regulations were introduced. By that year, Travancore had 7,891 registered motor vehicles, 179 taxis, and 4,268 licensed drivers.

Rising road accidents in modern times

In the present day, road accidents have become a leading cause of death. The causes are numerous: poorly constructed roads, lack of timely maintenance, and the negligence of drivers. According to recent statistics, in 2023 alone, there were 40,891 accidents resulting in 4,080 deaths. By October 2024, there were already 31,168 accidents, claiming the lives of 3,168 people. Thousands more are currently being treated for injuries sustained in accidents.