ROLE OF TAMILNADU IN FREEDOM STRUGGLE (1).pptx

Role of Tamilnadu in National Moveme

1. ROLE OF TAMILNADU IN FREEDOM STRUGGLE

2. V.O.C ANNIE BESANT RAJAJI BHARATHI KAMARAJ E.V.R Tirupur Kumaran

3. Indian National Movement For the first time, most of the regions in India were united politically and administratively under a single power (the British rule). It introduced a uniform system of law and government. The introduction of railways, telegraphs and postal services and the construction of roads and canals facilitated communication among the people. All these brought Indians nearer to each other and provided the facility to organise the national movement against the British. Though the caste system did not allow bring together.

4. The Indian Press, both English and vernacular, had also aroused the national consciousness . The press both the English and the vernacular played a significant role all over the country. They enkindled the spirit of the nationalists; brought the leaders together; enlightened the masses by their powerful writings and brought out the oppressive nature and the exploitative tendencies of the British colonialists. Tamil Nadu is no exemption to this of course the role of the press and works of journalists who were nationalists in the National Movement have to be articulated sufficiently. As one reads the history of the freedom struggle in India he/she is impressed to learn the significant role played by the press.

5. The role of both English and vernacular press was commendable particularly in disseminating information on freedom struggle to the people, educating them on the political developments, initiating debates and discussions on the political issues, mobilizing the masses for the cause of independence etc., Richard Johnson a printer in the service of the government of Madras was considered as the founder of the first newspaper in Tamil Nadu. He started the Madras Courier on 12 October 1785, a weekly newspaper.

6. The Madras Times was founded as a bi-weekly in 1835- 1921.FOUNDED BY JOHN GOLDINGHAM. The Madras Times flourished throughout the second half of the 19th century. Gantz and Sons also acquired The Spectator , the first major newspaper in South India . The paper was converted to a daily in 1860. In 1844 Gazulu Lakshmanarasu Chetty , a Telugu merchant, launched The Crecent , a newspaper, to defend the rights and privileges of the Hindu community and supported the Madras Native Association.

7. It was in 1878 that the 23-year –old Subramania Aiyar and a fellow schoolmaster and friend, M. Veeraghavachariar , together with four law students, had started The Hindu . The Indian Express to be started in 1932 by a Ayurvedic doctor, Varadarajulu Naidu, who has been described as the ‘ Tilak of South India’ and who had founded Tamil Nadu, an outspoken Tamil weekly that had grown into a daily by 1927.

8. IN TAMILNADU During the later part of the 19 th century and the first half of the 20 th century, India opinion was getting hardened against British rule here. The formation of INC in the year 1885 when Lord Dufferin was the viceroy, the Indian National Congress was founded and it met for the first time in Bombay. Tamils who took an active part in the early activities of the Congress were C. Vijayaraghavachariar of Salem, Kasturiranga Iyengar and Gopalacharlu .

9. The desire for independence by Tamil people The part played by Tamil land in the freedom struggle movement was unique the wave that started for independence in Northern part of India-spread over to the South and inspired many a Tamil, of which V.O. Chidambaram Pillai , Subramonia Siva and V.V.S. Iyyar were prominent.

10. The Coming of Bebin Chandra Pal in Tamilnadu Bebin Chandra Pal who was released from prison in 1907 held continuous meeting for days at Marina Beach (Chennai). His extremist principles awakened the Tamils and they began to campaign against the government. Such restlessness sprang in several parts of the land.

11. V.O.C V.O.C was born to Ulakantha Pillai , a rich advocate having exemplary character and Paramaie Ammaiyar on 5 th day of September, 1872 at Ottapidaram in Tirunelveli district. In commemoration of the name of his father’s brother he was named “ Chidambaram.”

12. HIS POLITICAL CAREER (1905- 1908 ) Involving himself completely in politics, he revolted against the English and tried to implement the principles of extremism uttering the code word (slogan) ‘ Va ndemadaram ”. (I praise the mother India) He insisted the people the necessity of boycotting goods as to reduce the supremacy of the English. Many people kept him in collecting shares towards the building of this shipping company.

13. With this capital V.O.C got two ships from a French Company, bought one and got another for lease . These two ships were put to navigation between Tuticorin to Colombo in 1909. The encouragement of the people of this enterprise though high in the beginning – reduced gradually. So V.O.C was called “ Kappalottiya Tamilan ”.

14. He established ‘ Swadeshi Dharma Sanga Weaving Association’ at Tuticorin . To safeguards the traders and workers of Tuticorin , he encouraged the establishment of “trade guilds” and “Workers Association”. The ‘ Swadesavimana Sangam ’ founded at Tirunelveli in 1908 was the result of his effort. The above said organisations served as the soldiers against the English atrocities. In 1907 V.O.C took part a Conference which was held at Surat . In that conference eloquent speech of V.O.C attracted the whole mass.

15. THE ARREST OF V.O.C The leaders of Tamil to celebrate the release of Bepin Chandrapal from prison on the 19 th day of March 1907. They made all the arrangements for this when he visited Madras 1907. In that procession on that day, thousands of people participated.

16. Induced by the eagerness of independence some of them plunged themselves in unlawful activities. To control the situation, police opened fire: four were killed and several wounded. Many leaders including V.O.C were arrested for provoking the people.

17. HIS IMPRISONMENT (1908 -1912) The imprisonment of V.O.C was six years. He was tortured inhumanly in the prisons at Coimbatore and Kannanoor . He was given maize fooding as food and he was compelled to do the work of a bullock in a native oil mill: hence called “ Chekkilutha Chemmal ”

18. BHARATHIYAR (1882-1921) Bharathiyar Father- Chinnaswami Iyyar Mother- Lakshmi Ammal Born at – Ettayapuram in Tirunelveli 11 th, 1882. He received a title “ Bharathi ’ from the king of Ettayapuram at the age of 11. He appointed court poet in the year 1902 by king of Ettayapuram .

19. But Bharathi left that post the very next year and started his career as a teacher and wrote poems in newspapers. In 1904 he had became the sub-editor of a daily called “ Swadesamitran ” and the editor in charge of a monthly magazine named “ Chakravarthini ”. He took active part in the struggle for independence together with V.O.C in 1905. He became the editor of “India” in 1907 and also took responsibility to publish as English paper called “ Balabharatham ”.

20. He took part together with V.O.C in the Congress conference held at Surat in 1907. He also followed the extremist principles of Tilak . He opposed the suppressive measures of the English vehemently. He had criticized the principles of the English. When the restrictions of the government exceeded the boundaries he migrated to pondicherry . There again he published the daily India. This paper awakened the people with independent quest. So the government banned this daily and Bharathi to stop it.

21. Bharathiyar shifted his residence from Pondicherry to Tamilnadu . Bharathiyar suffered poverty between 1918 and 1920. But his sufferings only enchanced his interest towards independence and literature. Again he became editor of Swadesamitran . He died 11 th September,1921.But he is remembered as “ Amarakavi Bharathiyar ”.

22. VACHINATHAN Born in 1886 at Senkottai . Father – Regubathi Ayyar Mother – Rukmani . His natural name- Sankaran . He became the member of the “ Bharatha Matha ” extremist Oraganisation which constantly acted against the English Governmet .

23. He showed deep interest in gathering new members in the Bharatha Matha organisation . At that sametime great martyers like V.O.C Subramonia Siva and like leaders were arrested and imprioned . Hearing the atrocities suffered by the people in prison Vachinathan wanted to eliminate Governor Ash who was responsible for the prison sufferings. The plot to murder Ash was drawn. All the particulars about him were collected. It was decided to kill Ash secretely by a group of Bharathamatha Organisation consisted of Madaswamy pillai , Arumugam Pillai , Neelakanda Vachinathan took up the responsibility of killing Ash.

24. On the 17 June 1911 Saturday Ash began his travel in a first class compartment from Tirunelveli junction. When the train had reached Maniachi , Vachinathan got into the compartment with a hidden revolver. The three bullet shots by Vachinathan -ended the life of Ash. Exalted highly with the satisfaction that he had finished his duty successfully. He was very much supported Varnaashrama Dharma. Vachinathan shot himself to death, before he was taken under custody.

25. SUBRAMANIA SIVA Father – Rajam Ayyar Mother – Nagammal He was born in 14 th October 1884 at Vattalakudu in Madurai district. He plunged deeply into politics together with V.O.C.

26. He had revolted against the English in 1908 he was arrested and sent to prison for ten years. He compelled to wear woollen cloths in prison and he was affected with leprosy. Through these news papers he made known to the people the defects and suppressive attitude of English Government. He gathered the youngsters to revolt against the government and to conduct strike in factories. He started an Ashram known to be “Sri Bharatha Ashram’’ at Karaikudi in 1921 with a view to develop a sense of sacrifice among the people. The he joined Gandhiji in his non-cooperation movement and suffered two years imprisonment. After his release from prison he died in the year 1925.

27. ANNIE BESANT Annie Besant was a Irish lady. She established “Home Rule Movement”. Though it was established in 1915, it was legalised and introduced in Madras in 1916.

28. She started two newspapers The Commonweal and New India kindled the people about the spirit of Nationalism. To restrict the working of this newspaper the Governor of Madras Pentland ordered Annie Besant to remit Rs.20000 as security deposit in June 1916. Deeply upset by the growth of the Home Rule Movement the State Government requested the central government to take drastic steps against this movement. Pentland passed an order to increase the security deposit of the news paper “New India” to rupees 40000 in 1917. Annie Besant and members of this organisation were arrested imprisoned. Later Annie Besant was released.

29. RAJAJI Rajaji was elected as the leader of Tamilnadu congress. He worked together with Gandhiji .

30. Rajaji who became the leader of the Madras state congress tried his level best to bring about non co-operation movement (1921-23), started by Gandhiji . Rajaji , E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker , V.O.C and Satyamurthi tried whole heartedly for the success of this non-cooperation movement. To give more strength to this movement, the leaders instructed the people to adopt Satyagraha and to boycott foreign good. Courts schools administrative councils and labour organisation . In support of this movements, students boycotted schools and colleges and indulged themselves in strikes.They forced the closusren of shops against the rules. With the destruction of government properties in certain places, there prevailed riots throughout tamilnadu.

31. Failure of Non-Cooperation Movement Difference between Congress and Justice Party. In Tamilland leaders like Rajaji , E.V.R and Ramanathan were arrested. This led to the weakening of this movement in Tamilland . The supramacy of the English in politics and the domination of Brahmin in the society deprived the majority of the people in society. Especially the justice party severely criticized the high handedness of the Brahmins.

32. SALT SATYAGRAHA 1930 In Tamilnadu was concerned leaders like Kamaraj and Rajaji and other number of disciples took part in Civil Disobedience movement. Rajaji started from Tiruchi district to Vedaranyam and launched the struggle on March 13, 1930. Thousands took part in it. They prepared salt by violating the rules. These patriots were arrested by the government. People were involved in unlawful activities, Such revolts took place in many places like Vellore, Kudiyatham and Tripur .

33. Police used lathy charge to disperse the crowd. As a result of this merciless attack of the government, Tirpur Kumaran and Sundaram died on 1932. Kumaran respected and honoured the national flag. It is said that at the last movement of his breath Thirupur Kumaran held national flag in his hand and uttered Vandey Madaram . Hence history mentioned him as “ Kodikaatha Kumaran ”.

34. QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT (1942) This resolution passed in the year 1942 in regarding this resolution demanding complete freedom to India. This resolution was passed in the Congress Committee partaken by Gandhiji in 1942 to have a large struggle. The leaders like Gandhiji were arrested. In tamilnand leaders like Kamaraj and Prakasam gathered people towards the victory of this movement. In Madras, extremism strengthened day-by-day city was paralysed .

35. This movement was spread in Coimbatore also. Factories were closed. The liquor shops were closed in Coimbatore. Government office were picketed. Police station were destroyed. The similar activities took place in North Arcot , South Arcot and Chingelpet . The movement got momentum in Madurai, Ramnad , Salem, Tirunelveli .

36. DRAVIDIAN MOVEMENT JUSTICE PARTY AND SELF-RESPECT MOVEMENT Political supremacy of Brahmins Lived in Agraharams and Chadurvedimangalams. Enjoyed political and social privileges. To get rid of the social evils that existed among the unprivileged socalled untouchables;Nadars,Kuravars,Paravar etc. and to reduce supremacy of Brahmins in Tamilnadu several organisation especially “South Indian Liberal Federation” (S.I.L.F) were started in Tamilnadu.

37. Attempts were made to organise to bring all the disunited non-bramins to a common platform to fight against injustice. It was pioneered by Dr.C.Natesamudaliyar. For this purpose, he started an organisation called “ Madras Dravidian Association' in 1912. He acted as the secretar of that organisatio for a long time. He stressed the necessity of regular hostels for the non-bramin students so they might have quality education. Hence he started a hostel in 1919 known to be “Dravidian Society Hostel”.

38. More over, Dr.Natesa Mudaliyar tried to bring about co-operation among the leaders who cared for the uplift of the backward people. Particularly he tried to bring together two stalwarts: Dr.Nair and P.Thyagaraja Chettiyar who had deep interest in Madras state politics and social changes. Dr.Nair expressed the necessy of the co-operation of all non-brahmins forgetting their differences of opinion. As a result of this P.Thyagaraja Chettiyar organised South India Liberal Federation with Thirty non-brahmins at the Victoria hall in Madras on November 26,1916. The aim of the organisation was to promte the political interest of non-brahmin caste Hindus.

39. This organisation passed innumerable resoultion for the benefit of the backward people. The most significant of them was to create political awarness among the ordinary people. This organisation resolved to publish three dailies,Dravidian in Tamil,Andhra praksika in Telugu and Jutice in English. Under the registration 'South India People's Society limited.' T.M.Nair served as the editor of the political newspaper “Justice”. The Justice issue of the English daily edited by Dr.Nair was published by February 1917. This news paper became very popular among the people. South Indian Liberal Federation was renamed after this newspaper as Justice party. This party worked hard and demanded for the freedom,qual jutice and equal opportunities for all the non-brahmins.

40. The reason for the advent of th e Justice Party The political influence of the Brahmins The activities and growth of Jutice Party Meston Proclamation The electoral roll started in 1918 for the election to be conducted in 1920. The roll to be prepared on the basis of castes and communities. But it was rejected by the electoral committee. Rejected by V.S.S.Srinivasa Sastri and S.N.Banerji Justice party not to accept the recommendations of the committee.

41. The committee meeting held in London all the parties sent their representatives. The unexpected death of T.M.Nair made K.V.Reddy the leader of the representatives. He explained the racial conflict found in Tamilland and requested the committee to prepare the electoral on the basis of caste and community. After hearing the requests of all representatives Lord Wellington offord 50% of seats to Justice party. But the party demanded 75% of the seats on the basis of population. Finally the meston electoral committee submitted its report to the ggovernement. More representations were given to backward people and more people were given voting rights as per the above report. The Justice party accepted this report and made prepartions for the ensuing election. However, the report gave satisfaction to the Justice party and it explained this report as the “Meston Award”.

42. The Justic party in the administration The election took place in 1920. As this report dissatisfied the congress party, they did not compete in the election. With the view to remove the supremacy of the Brahns and obtain necessary concessions from the government the Justice party decided to give co-operation to the English and contested in the election. Granting victory in 63 seats out of 98 seats, the Jutice party formed the government. Lord Wellington appointed Subbarayalu Reddiyar as the Chief Minister of Taminadu in December 1920.

43. Obtaining great support of the people during their three years of administration, the Justice party contested again in 1923 election. The party got 48 seats out of 98 seats. The party came to power for the second time in Tamilnadu with T.N.Sivagnanam pillai as Chief Minister, who as a retired R.D.O served as the president of the Tirunelveli destrict board. But in 1926 election the Justice party met with the utter failure. This happened due to the internal conflict of the party and the withdrawal of the support of Adhidravidas and Muslims.

44. Contribution of the Indian Christians to the Freedom Struggle A few leaders from the Christian community took a leading role in the freedom movement.

45. Organizations and parties founded by the Christians for the struggle A few organizations were established on behalf of the Christians to fight against the yoke of the foreign rule. Swadeshi Prachara Sabha was started by V. Charkarai in Madras. It is to be noted that Kanata Indian Christian Civil League founded in 1925, Nationalist Christian Party and National Missionary Society of India and National Church in Madras along with the Congress movement either organized demonstrations, or participated in all struggles at the national level.

46. Motivated by the National Movement, JP Rodriquez a Catholic leader from Tamil Nadu, galvanized the youth groups in his locality ( Tuticorin , in Southern Tamil Nadu) and he succeeded with the assistance of Valerian Fernando a catholic from the same locality. Having formed “National Christian Volunteers Army” to fight against the British imperialism, vibrant and zealous Rodriquez and Valerian went even to Sri Lanka to recruit youth for the army.

47. THROUGH THE PRESS George Joseph a Christian leader from Madras presidency served on the editorial board for the journal Satyagrahi which was started on 14 th April 1919 in Chennai. When he went to Allahabad he was asked to be the editor of journal Independent which was published by Motilal Nehru in 1921. He was arrested for participating in the non-co-operation movement and sent to jail at Nainidal . It was he who took up the responsibility of editing Young India after Rajaji in 1923. As a talented writer who could put forth arguments powerfully, George Joseph kept up the standard of the publication and thus reaching out to intellectuals and youth especially students.

48. Another eminent intellectual who contributed much to the freedom struggle at the national level is Joseph Cornelius Kumarappa (JC Kumarappa ). Gandhiji had developed close links and keenly noted his articulation of thoughts especially through his economic policies. Much of these were incorporated by Gandhiji in his formulations. ( Gandhiji himself refers JC Kumarappa often in his own writings) When Gandhi came to know about Joseph Cornelius Kumarappa’s intellectual calibre , clarity on issues, erudition, scholarship and lucid style formulation of policies above all his sincere commitment towards the noble cause for the motherland his eyes fixed on J C Kumarapa as the editor for the journal Young India.

49. JP Rodriquez started a journal “ Suthanthira Veeran ” (Soldier for Freedom) in Tamil to conscientize and the youth and attract them towards the movement. It was popular for a few years among the Tamils in south. Along with JP Rodriquez, Valerian Fernando went to Sri Lanka to mobilize the youth for the “National Christian Volunteers Army”. Pandit Nehru paid tribute to his valour and patriotism. In 1941 he was arrested and imposed rigorous imprisonment for his participation in individual satyagraha . His famous saying was, “ I will fight for the liberation of my motherland till the last drop of blood in my body”.

50. In the Indian National Army A few more names can be mentioned here as that of Abraham of Ariyalur , S. A, Adaikalam of Aranthangi , Amirtham of Tiruchirappalli , Antony of Nagapattinam , Arulanandam of Manamadurai , Antony Doss of Madras and others who served as sepoys in INA.

51. E.V.R SELF RESPECT MOVEMENT With the fall of Justice party, once again the supremacy of the Brahmins flourished. Just to protect the tamil people and tamil language E.V.R started a movement by which the supremacy of the Brahmins must be subdued and awakening must be created among the illiterate Dravidians who lived in the land like slaves. Their awakening must be towards self-respect through socio-religious awareness.

52. Self Respect Movement 1925 After leaving the congress party,E.V.R did not start a new movement immediately then E.V.R having great popularity among the people was invited by the leaders of the Justice party to join them. Being a sincere patriot E.V.R expected congress party to change its attitude for the welfare of the society. Acting quite contrary to this expectations congress merged into a political movement. Having lost the confidence he had in the Congress party. E.V.R started a new movement in 1925 , known to be 'Self -respect Movement”.

53. Constituted for the uplift of the common people self-respect movement had become a freedom movement. The main aim of this movement was to create self confidence and advanced thinking among the people. To achieve this goal, this movement insisted on the renaissance of Tamil language and opposition to Brahmin Supremacy. E.V.R expected socio-political awareness among the downtrodden people through this movement. As it had attracted the common people very much,it spread slowly and steadly throughout Tamil land within a short period.

54. The doctrines of Self Respect Movement The doctrines of this movement found expression in the speeches of E.V.R to the people between 1926 and 1973. This movement insisted self respect, opposed the supremacy of Brahmins and instigated people against it. The self -respect of E.V.R based on some aims and principles was registered legally in 1925. The principal aim of this movement was to create awakening among the illiterate rightless people who were under the clutches of highcastes. The movement was very particular about bringing in the life of people self-respect through self-thinking and relief from slavery.

55. The unnecessary ritulas and superstitions, followed by the Hindu religion were severely opposed by this movement. Opposing the existing defective social system, this movement requested the governement to give equal rights to all the people. Trying to remove the low status in society, this movement insisted on equal right to women like that of men. It wanted to bring about changes in the marriagae system and severely criticised and opposed child marriage. Moreover, it encouraged love marriage, intercast marriage and re-marriage of widows. This movement also demanded the government to register these marriage in the registrar's office under the civil law.

56. Spreading of the Doctrines The doctrines of the self respect movement were spread among the people through public meetings and dramas held by E.V.R. For this purpose he toured the country frequently. News papers were published to add to its effect. His public meetings at Madurai,Chengalpattu and Virudhunagar were of great historical importance. In these meetings, resoultions were passed against untochability,caste system and capitalism. Awakened by the inspiring doctrines of E.V.R countless Hindus, Christians and Muslims participated in the public meetings and conferences held by him.

57. Many books containing advanced thinking were ublished by him. So many organisations were constituted by this movement against caste atrocities and religious supertitious. Among them 'Superstitution Eradication Conference' held at Salem in 197 1 was of great importance. In the procession in connection with the conference the idols of gods were carried and cowdung and chappals were thrown on them. Though he was arrested several time for such activities, he opposed and fought against social maladies courageously and with iron determination.

58. Moovalur Ramamirtham

59. Moovalur Ramamirtham Moovalur Ramamirtham (Tamil: மூவலூர் ராமாமிர்தம்) (1883–1962) was a Tamil social reformer, author, and political activist of the Dravidian Movement, who worked for the abolition of the Devadasi system in the Madras Presidency

60. She was born in Thiruvarur, and was brought up at moovalur a village near mayiladhuthurai. Hence she was called commonly known as moovalur ramamirtham ammaiyar. She was the author of the 1936 novel Dasigalin Mosavalai alladhu madhi pettra minor (lit. Devadasis' web of deceit or the minor grown wise) which exposed the plight of the devadasis. Originally a supporter of the nationalist Indian National Congress, she became a member of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy's Self-Respect Movement after Periyar left the Congress in 1925. In 1930, she supported Muthulakshmi Reddi's failed attempt to abolish the Devadasi system in the Presidency through legislation.

61. She took part in the Anti-Hindi agitations of 1937-40 and in November 1938, was jailed for six weeks for participating in the agitations. The public awareness created by her novel and her continuous campaign to abolish the devadasi system, were instrumental in the passage of the Madras Devadasi (Prevention of Dedication) Act or the Devadasi Abolition Bill, which outlawed the practice in 1947.

62. In 1949, she parted ways with Periyar, when he married Maniammai, a woman much younger than he was. She became a supporter of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a new party started by Periyar's protégé C. N. Annadurai. She remained a DMK supporter till her death in 1962. In her memory, the Government of Tamil Nadu has instituted the "Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammal Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme" - a social welfare scheme to provide financial assistance to poor women. She was married to Suyambu Pillai an accomplished musician. She had two sons and a daughter.

63. Unfortunately the first husband, son and the daughter died at very early age. This shock converted her to atheism. She lost faith and belief in god and became a follower of Periyar. Her surviving son Chellappa was settled in mayuram. Married to Rajapadmavathy he had two sons (Selvaraj and Mohan) and two daughters (Vimala and Mallika); settled in Chennai.

64. Annai Meenambal Shivaraj

65. Annai Meenambal Shivaraj (Tamil: அன்னை மீனாம்பாள் சிவராஜ்) (26 December 1904 – 30 November 1992) was the first Scheduled Caste women president of the South India Scheduled Castes Federation (SCF). She presided over the SCF Women's Conference held at Madras, in 1944, which was attended by B. R. Ambedkar. She also presided over the All India SCF Women's Conference held at Bombay, on 6 May 1945.

66. She was also one of the radical feminist leaders of the Self-Respect Movement. It was Annai Meenambal who gave E.V.R Ramasamy the title he has now come to be known by – “Periyar” (The Great One) in the conference in Madras Periyar on hearing this title is said to have laughed and accepted it as a sister's gift. In 1937, Meenambal Sivaraj presided over the Tinnelveli District Third Adi Dravida Conference.

67. RAJAJI Early Days Rajagopalachariyar, popularly known as Rajaji was born in village Thorappalli near osur in Salem district as the third son of Nallaan Chakkaravarthi Iyyangar and Chinkarammal on 10th December, 1878. After becoming a law graduate in 1898, he began his career as an advocate in Salme by 1900. He became popular in his profession.

68. Within a short period by his participation in several organisations he achieved a name for himself. When he had involved himself completely in the freedom struggle he was forced to forego his profession which fetched him high income. He represented tamilnadu in the congress conference held at Calcutta in 1906. He met Mahakavi Bharathiyar, who was a great patriot of freedom struggle with his inspiring songs,at Puducheery in 1910. He was the chairman of Salem municipality between the period 1917-1919. Having attracted by extremist principles of Tilak, he became an extremist in the begining. Then attracted by the non-violent principles of Gandhiji he offered his whole hearted support to non-cooperation movement in 1920.

69. The election of 1937 and his chief-ministership Throughly dissatisfied by the activities of Justice party, people elected congress party with a majority in the legislative assembly election in 1937. Becoming the chief minister of Tamilnadu, on behalf of the congress party, Rajaji brought about several reforms towards the welfare of the people.

70. Welfare committee for the peasants When congress party came to power in T amilnadu majority of the lands were owned by landlords. Having high socio political influence, these landlords used landless peasants to cultivate this land. The condition of the peasants were miserable as they were treated as slaves and given very small remuneration. To reorganise the life of these miserable peasants who lived in the manor land of landlords, Rajaji constitiuted a committee. The committee under T.Prakasam, the finance minister visited the manor land, studied the condition of the pesants and submitted a report to the government.

71. Just at this movement , the second world war broke out. As India was involved in the war without concurnance of India leaders, Rajaji's ministry resigned in 1939, as per the decision of the headquarters. Hence Rajaji was unable to pass any act towards the welfare of the peasants on the basis of the report submitted to the government.

72. Steps against untouchability Though Rajaji belonged to Brahmin community, he vehemently protested the caste difference. The removal of untouchability was not only patronised but also executed by him. He a dmitted his son in the college where low caste students were studying. When he was the chairman of Salem municipality, he engaged a scheduled caste to open the water supply scheme. He appointed low caste people to work in the college hostels.

73. Further more, he invited some members of the downtrodden people to his house and gave them samabanthi feast. Encouraging the inter-caste marriage, he gave his daughter in marriage to Devadhas Gandhi who belonged to Gujarat Paniya caste. Low caste people were deprived of entry into temple till Rajaji came to power. But Rajaji gave entry to the low castes of Tamil land just as it has taken place at Cochin and Tranvancore.

74. Riot against Hindi Assuming the power in Tamilnadu, he made Hindi compulsory in schools because he felt learning Hindi was good to all people. This was opposed by D.K. under the leadership of E.V.R. Thousands of students and common people participated in this struggle and opposed the government of Rajaji. Predicting Hindi as the language of Brahmins, the members D.K held procession and conferences against Hindi. The conference at Salem was significant among them. Severe steps including firing were taken to suppress the riot, two died of firing. Thousand and two hundred people including E.V.R were arrested. Still the struggle continued till the resignation of Rajaji's ministry on 29th October, 1939. Governor James Hope who took up the administration of Tamilnadu not only released all the prisoners of the struggle and thus established peace in Tamilndu.

75. Becoming the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu again In the assembly election held in 1952, congress could not get majority on its own. Desiring to form the ministry with the help of some independent members, the congress sought the help of Rajaji and offered him the Chief Ministership. Rajaji gracefully accepted the invitation of Kamaraj and Kumaraswamiraja and became the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu for the second time. Inspite of the internal and external opposition to his Ministry several reforms were implemented by Rajaji's Ministry.

76. New Educational Policy Aspiring to bring about changes in the field of education. Rajaji introduced shift system in the educational institutions in were expected to learn some work in the after-noon. Those who learned their lessons in the after noon session were expected to do some work in the fore noon. Rajaji anticipated the learning of traditional works by the students from their parents, thereby abolition of unemployment problem. Not realising the real effect of this system, a storm of opposition arouse in Tamil land against the new edcational policy. The opposition party vehemently criticised this scheme as “Caste oriented” educational scheme. This opposition threw Rajaji out of power.

77. Rajaji Resignation Rajaji progressive thinking created internal conflict in the party. Kamaraj too protested the reforms of Rajaji. This led to the diffrence of opinion between Rajaji and Kamaraj and hence Rajaji resigned his chief ministership on April 13, 1954. The very next day Kamaraj assumed power as the chief minister of Tamilnadu.