Source-This post on Vaikom Satyagraha is based on the article “Remembering Vaikom satyagraha, a 100 years later” published in “The Indian Express” on 31st March 2024.
Why in the News?
This article talks about Vaikom Satyagraha, which began on March 30, 1924. Lasting for over 600 days, it was the first of many temple entry movements in India.
About Vaikom Satyagraha
1. First anti-caste movement:
a. The Vaikom Satyagraha in Travancore, now part of Kerala, is recognized as the first anti-caste movement.
b. This campaign aimed to challenge the caste system by opposing restrictions that barred students from depressed classes and untouchables from entering the temple.
2. Origin– The movement began and centered around Vaikom, which was part of the princely state of Travancore, near the Mahadev temple in the Kottayam district of Kerala during 1924-1925.
| Background of Vaikom Satyagraha 1. During the AICC (All India Congress Committee) meeting in Kakinada in 1923, T. K. Madhavan, alongside Sardar Panikkar and KP Kesava Menon, presented a petition to the Travancore legislative council. 2. The petition advocated for granting the right to temple entry and worship of gods to all members of society, regardless of caste, creed, or community. |
3. Beginning of the Movement– It was launched on 30th March 1924.
4. Prominent Satyagrahis– Kunjappy, Venniyll Govinda Panicker, and Bahuleyan
5. Support to the movement:
a. ‘Periyar’ E.V. Ramasamy was asked to lead the campaign.
b. Sikhs from Punjab, known as Akalis, supported by opening a community kitchen (langar) for the volunteers.
c. Chattampi Swamikal and Sree Narayana Guru supported the movement.
d. Mahatma Gandhi arrived at Vaikom in March 1925 to negotiate a compromise and resolve the issue definitively.
Significance of Vaikom Satyagraha
1. The movement set the stage for the significant Temple Entry Proclamation (1936) by the Maharaja of Travancore, which abolished the longstanding prohibition on marginalized castes entering temples in Travancore.
2. The Vaikom Satyagraha was a testing ground for the Gandhian principles of Satyagraha. It was tested and proved as the most effective means for the first time.
3. This movement were helped in establishing equal rights and curbing discrimination against Scheduled Castes in Indian Society.
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