17-12-2024
06:30 PM
Prelims: History of India & Indian National Movement.
Mains: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
The Vaikom Satyagraha was the first among the temple entry movements, launched on March 30, 1924, in the temple town of Vaikom in the princely state of Travancore. This significant non-violent Vaikom Satyagraha agitation aimed to secure the right of lower-caste individuals to access the Vaikom Temple and its surrounding roads.
In addition, the Vaikom Satyagraha was led by prominent leaders like K. Kelappan (also called Kerala Gandhi), with support from T.K. Madhavan and Mahatma Gandhi. Through its efforts movement sought to challenge deeply entrenched caste hierarchies and garnered widespread attention across India
The Vaikom Satyagraha emerged during a period when lower castes, including the Avarnas (those considered ‘untouchables’), were prohibited from entering the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple or any Brahmanical place of worship in Kerala.
The Vaikom Satyagraha began with three Satyagrahis marching toward the temple, where a signboard restricted lower castes from accessing the roads. After declaring their castes—Pulayan, Ezhava, and Nair—they were denied access, arrested, and replaced by more Satyagrahis, leading to a cycle of arrests that intensified the movement.
The Vaikom Satyagraha, an early temple entry movement, witnessed widespread participation and gained support from national organizations such as the Indian National Congress.
When the Vaikom Movement was at its peak, Gandhi believed that the upper castes needed to be on his side. He then suggested that a procession consisting exclusively of Savarnas march to Thiruvananthapuram to show their support.
Women played a pivotal role in the Vaikom Satyagraha, marking their first significant involvement in socio-political activism. Many, initially seen as wives of leaders, became influential figures and led India's women's movement for decades. The following women leaders empowered women nationwide to join the struggle.
The Vaikom Satyagraha, which concluded on November 23, 1925, effectively raised awareness about untouchability and generated public opposition to the practice. With Gandhi mediating a compromise, the authorities agreed to concessions. As a result, all roads around the Vaikom temple, except two leading to the eastern gopuram, were opened to all castes without discrimination.
Q1. Who is the main leader of Vaikom Satyagraha?
Ans. T.K. Madhavan was the main leader of the Vaikom Satyagraha, a pivotal movement in India's fight against untouchability.
Q2. Who are the pioneers of Vaikom Satyagraha?
Ans. The pioneers of the Vaikom Satyagraha were T.K. Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, and K. Kelappan (also known as Kerala Gandhi).
Q3. Who is known as Vaikom Veerar?
Ans. E. V. Ramasamy, popularly known as Periyar or Vaikom Veerar, played a crucial role in the Vaikom Satyagraha by rallying volunteers and attracting public support with his powerful speeches.
Q4. What was the aim of Vaikom Satyagraha?
Ans. The primary aim of the Vaikom Satyagraha was to secure temple entry rights for marginalized and lower castes, who were traditionally barred from accessing sacred spaces.
Q5. What was the conclusion of Vaikom Satyagraha?
Ans. The Vaikom Satyagraha concluded with a compromise that permitted lower caste Hindus to access the newly built roads surrounding three sides of the Vaikom Temple.
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