The upcoming year of 2024 marks an important milestone in the history of India, as it is the centenary of a significant event: the Vaikom Satyagraha. The Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have already inaugurated the centenary celebrations. In this article, we will explore the background, leaders, factors leading to the Satyagraha, and its significant aftermath.
The Background of Vaikom Satyagraha
Travancore, a former princely state, was governed by a ruthless militaristic regime that adhered strongly to rigid social norms and customs. Lower castes like Ezhavas and Pulayas were subjected to discriminatory practices; apart from being barred from entering temples, they were also prohibited from even walking on roads surrounding temples.
Leaders of the Movement
The cause of the oppressed communities was first presented as a resolution by Madhavan at the Kakinada meeting of the All India Congress Committee in 1923. This was later picked up by the Congress Untouchability Committee led by leaders such as Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, and K. Kelappan, who became the pioneers of the Vaikom Satyagraha movement.
Factors Leading to Satyagraha
The excessive oppression led many lower-caste individuals to convert to Christianity, promoted by Christian missionaries supported by the East India Company. Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal introduced progressive reforms such as free primary education for all classes, even the lower ones. However, capitalism and traditional hierarchies created discrepancies in the society, thus igniting the initiation of the Vaikom Satyagraha.
The Commencement of Satyagraha
On March 30, 1924, Satyagrahis defied prohibitionary orders and walked towards the forbidden roads surrounding the Vaikom Mahadeva temple. When stopped by the police, they staged a protest by sitting on the road, leading to their eventual arrest. Following this, volunteers from different communities would daily defy the ban, leading to the arrests of movement leaders within a week.
Women Participation in Satyagraha
Women such as Nagammai, Periyar’s wife, and Kannammal, his sister, contributed significantly to the fight for freedom from caste oppression.
Gandhi’s Role and the Agreement
Gandhi’s arrival in March 1925 marked a significant phase in the Satyagraha. After holding discussions with various caste leaders and meeting the Maharani Regent, an agreement to end the protest was reached in November 1925. The Vaikom Satyagraha ended with the release of all prisoners and granting of access to roads for all castes.
Historic Temple Entry Proclamation
In 1936, in an unprecedented move, the Maharaja of Travancore signed the historic Temple Entry Proclamation which removed the age-old ban on temple entry for the lower castes.
Significance of Vaikom Satyagraha
The Vaikom Satyagraha played a crucial role in foregrounding social reform amidst the rising nationalist sentiment across the country. It was the first time that Gandhian methods of nonviolent protest were introduced to Travancore. Despite lasting over 600 days and facing numerous challenges such as police crackdowns and natural disasters, the Satyagraha saw unity across caste lines, which remained unbroken till the end.
The social reform movement, which was initially ignored by the Indian National Congress until 1917, gained momentum with the rise of Gandhi and activism within the lower caste communities. This led to an increased focus on social reform and made it a central point in the agendas of Congress and Gandhi.
