The advent of Karl Marx and Marxism constitutes a revolutionary epoch in the history of humanity. Marxism provided a philosophical understanding of human history and a practical method to liberate human beings from the chains of exploitation and enable them to realise essential human worth. The comprehensive scope of Marxism, which encompasses not only the materialistic basis of production, but also other finer dimensions of life, makes it a wholesome and holistic method to understand -- and transform -- the social, economic and cultural aspects of human consciousness.

CPI-M senior leader D Raja on the relevance of Karl Marx 200 years later. Read the column here.