Mariyadas is a personality who appeared in the mountains. He was born in a tea estate in Lion and lived with his parents and siblings who were laborers. He has been working as an ideal leftist till date due to the strength of his education and the experience of socio-political trade union interaction, which he has received to seek change after experiencing class oppression in his youth.
R. Sivalingam was born in Hatton Highlands College in Pasarai and is notable among the intellectuals who are active in the upland concern till date.
His articles make it clear here and there how the views of the hill people were by successive rulers before and after independence. Hitherto, it is seen that upland historians have gone beyond a linear approach in the records and embraced reality.
At the end of the book, he has listed 53 English books that he has used as a reference, and in each article, he is adept at explaining the historical background of the Highlands to ordinary readers.
Since the main topics of this book were written in the most contemporary period, i.e. 2022 and 2023, it can be recommended as one of the modernized books among hill historical books because it carries relevant features covering nationalism, education, health, housing, suffering, production, politics, literature, and national customs.
His essay ‘Left-Wing Movement and Highlands (1930-2023)’ can be said to be a successful attempt to present a broad time frame in a concentrated manner to the younger generation. In the article discussing about the Highland nationality, it is noteworthy that the Highland nationality has been emphasized in connection with the nationalities found in the history of the world. Presenting many visionary aspects based on his scholarly experience, this treasury of Mariadas can be a great handbook in future for those concerned with mountains.
H. H. edited and published on behalf of Kalaolili Muthiah Pillai Foundation to compile and publish eighteen articles according to the period suitable for those who have a penchant for deep reading. Wickramasinghe and those who patronized him are grateful to the hills.
