How Nuclear Fission Almost Blew Kerala Away from India

On June 3rd, Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, revealed that India will be divided into two -- India and Pakistan. Eight days later the State of Travancore, which occupied 7662 square miles in present-day Kerala announced that it would stay independent. The Dewan of Travancore, Sir CP Ramaswamy Iyar, argued that, like Belgium or Thailand, Travancore can exist independently of the two dominions. His ambitions were powered by the extensive Monazite reserve of India. Monazite is a reddish-brown phosphate mineral that contains rare-earth elements, primarily cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and thorium, often with small amounts of uranium. In the atomic age with all countries, especially the US, looking for sources of nuclear fuel, this was a credible bargaining chip. Homi J. Bhabha, the father of Indian Nuclear Science, also believed in the potential that Monazite held. He believed that this could be utilised for producing nuclear power to meet energy needs of the country. Decades later, Monazite has not lived up to its promise. The Rearview is a podcast where the hosts guide you on a scenic route through the history of science. Filled with fascinating anecdotes, deep archival dives, and a closer look at the quirky minds behind groundbreaking ideas. Hosts: Jacob Koshy and Sobhana K Nair Edited and produced by Jude Francis Weston