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SOCIAL SCIENCE Volume - II

A publication under Free Textbook Programme of Government of Tamil Nadu Department of School Education

Untouchability is Inhuman and a Crime

10th_History_Front Pages.indd 1 02-08-2019 15:59:06 Government of Tamil Nadu

First Edition - 2019 (Published under New Syllabus)

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II

10th_History_Front Pages.indd 2 02-08-2019 15:59:06 TableTable ofof ContentsContents

History

Unit 6 Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu 01

Unit 7 Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism 14

Unit 8 Nationalism: Gandhian Phase 34

Unit 9 Freedom Struggle in Tamil Nadu 55

Unit 10 Social Transformation in Tamil Nadu 69

Geography

Unit 6 Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu 85

Unit 7 Human Geography of Tamil Nadu 106

Civics

Unit 4 ’s Foreign Policy 130

Unit 5 India’s International Relations 140

Economics

Unit 3 Food Security and Nutrition 155

Unit 4 Government and Taxes 169

Unit 5 Industrial Clusters in Tamil Nadu 180

III

10th_History_Front Pages.indd 3 02-08-2019 15:59:06 HOW TO USE THE BOOK

Learning Objectives The scope of the lesson is presented

Introduction The subject to be discussed in the lesson is Introduced

QR Code Leads the students to animated audio, video aids for getting experiential learning

Do You Know? Provides additional information related to the subject in boxes to stir up the curiosity of students

Infographs Visual representations intended to make the complex simple and make the students grasp diffi cult concepts easily

Fun with History Activities for ‘learning by doing’ individually or in groups

Summary Describes the main points briefl y in bullets for recapitulation

Exercise For self-study and self evaluation

Glossary Key words and technical terms explained at the end of the lesson for clarity

Reference List of books and net sources for further reading

ICT Corner Using technology for learning activites, which enables the students to access digital sources relevant to their lessons.

Let's use the QR code in the text books! • Download DIKSHA app from the Google Play Store. • Tap the QR code icon to scan QR codes in the textbook. • Point the device and focus on the QR code. • On successful scan, content linked to the QR code gets listed. • Note: For ICT corner, Digi Links QR codes use any other QR scanner.

IV

10th_History_Front Pages.indd 4 02-08-2019 15:59:07 Unit - 6 Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu

Learning Objectives To acquaint ourselves with „„Palayakkarar system and the revolts of Palayakkarars against the British „„Velunachiyar, Puli Thevar, Kattabomman and Marudhu Brothers in the anti-British uprisings „„Vellore Revolt as a response to British pacification of

Introduction Palayakkarars (Poligar is how the British After defeating the French and their referred to them) Indian allies in the three Carnatic Wars, the in Tamil refers to began to consolidate the holder of a little and extend its power and influence. However, kingdom as a feudatory local kings and feudal chieftains resisted this. to a greater sovereign. The first resistance to East India Company’s Under this system, territorial aggrandisement was from Puli palayam was given Thevar of in the for valuable military Viswanatha Nayaka region. This was followed by other chieftains services rendered by any individual. in the Tamil country such as Velunachiyar, This type of Palayakkarars system was in Veerapandiya Kattabomman, the Marudhu practice during the rule of Prataba Rudhra brothers, and . Known of Warangal in the Kakatiya kingdom. as the Palayakkarars Wars, the culmination The system was put in place in Tamilnadu of which was Vellore Revolt of 1806, this by Viswanatha Nayaka, when he became early resistance to British rule in Tamilnadu the Nayak ruler of in 1529, with is dealt with in this lesson. the support of his minister Ariyanathar. Traditionally there were supposed to be 72 Resistance of Palayakkarars. 6.1 Regional Powers The Palayakkarars were free to collect against the British revenue, administer the territory, settle disputes and maintain law and order. Their (a) Palayams and Palayakkarars police duties were known as Padikaval The word “palayam” means a domain, or Arasu Kaval. On many occasions the a military camp, or a little kingdom. Palayakarars helped the Nayak rulers to

1

10th_History_Unit_6.indd 1 31-07-2019 16:47:13 restore the kingdom to them. The personal to Tirunelveli. relationship and an understanding between Madurai easily the King and the Palayakkarars made the fell into their system to last for about two hundred years hands. Thereafter from the Nayaks of Madurai, until the Colonel Heron takeover of these territories by the British. was urged to deal Eastern and Western Palayams with Puli Thevar as he continued to Among the 72 Palayakkarars, created Puli Thevar defy the authority by the Nayak rulers, there were two blocs, of the Company. Puli Thevar wielded much namely the prominent eastern and the influence over the western palyakkarars. For western Palayams. The eastern Palayams want of cannon and of supplies and pay to were Sattur, Nagalapuram, , and soldiers, Colonel Heron abandoned the plan Panchalamkurichi and the prominent western and retired to Madurai. Heron was recalled palayams were , Thalavankottai, and dismissed from service. Naduvakurichi, , Seithur. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the Confederacy and Alliance with Palayakkars dominated the politics of Tamil Enemies of the British country. They functioned as independent, Three Pathan officers, Nawab Chanda sovereign authorities within their respective Sahib’s agents, named Mianah, Mudimiah Palayams. and Nabikhan Kattak commanded the Revenue Collection Authority to Madurai and Tirunelveli regions. They the Company Rule supported the Tamil playakkarars against The Nawab of Arcot had borrowed money Arcot Nawab Mohamed Ali. Puli Thevar from the East India Company to meet the had established close relationships with expenses he had incurred during the Carnatic them. Puli Thevar also formed a confederacy Wars. When his debts exceeded his capacity to of the Palayakkars to fight the British. With pay, the power of collecting the land revenue the exception of the Palayakkarars of Sivagiri, dues from southern Palayakkarars was given all other Palayams supported him. to the East India Company. Claiming that Ettayapuram and Panchalamkurichi also their lands had been handed down to them did not join this confederacy. Further, over sixty generations, many Palayakkarars the English succeeded in getting the refused to pay taxes to the Company support of the rajas of Ramanathapuram officials. The Company branded the defiant and Pudukottai. Puli Thevar tried to get Palayakkarars as rebels and accused them of the support of Hyder Ali of Mysore and trying to disturb the peace and tranquillity the French. Hyder Ali could not help Puli of the country. This led to conflict between Thevar as he was already locked in a serious the East India Company and the Palaykkarars conflict with the Marathas. which are described below. Kalakadu Battle Palayakkarars’ Revolt 6.2 The Nawab sent an additional contingent 1755-1801 of sepoys to Mahfuzkhan and the reinforced (a) Revolt of Puli Thevar army proceeded to Tirunelveli. Besides the 1755–1767 1000 sepoys of the Company, Mahfuzkhan received 600 more sent by the Nawab. He also In March 1755 Mahfuzkhan (brother of had the support of cavalry and foot soldiers the Nawab of Arcot) was sent with a contingent from the Carnatic. Before Mahfuzkhan could of the Company army under Colonel Heron

Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu 2 

10th_History_Unit_6.indd 2 31-07-2019 16:47:13 station his troops near Kalakadu, 2000 Ondiveeran soldiers from Travancore joined the forces of Puli Thevar. In the battle at Kalakadu, Ondiveeran led one of the army units Mahfuzkhan's troops were routed. of Puli Thevar. Fighting by the side of Puli Thevar, he caused much damage to Yusuf Khan and Puli Thevar the Company’s army. According to oral tradition, in one battle, Ondiveeran’s hand The organized resistance of the was chopped off and Puli Thevar was palayakkarars under Puli Thevar gave an saddened. But Ondiveeran said it was a opportunity to the English to interfere directly reward for his penetration into enemy’s fort in the affairs of Tirunelveli. Aided by the causing many heads to roll. Raja of Travancore, from 1756 to 1763, the palyakkarars of Tirunelveli led by Puli Thevar (b) Velunachiyar (1730–1796) were in a constant state of rebellion against the Born in 1730 to the Raja Sellamuthu Nawab’s authority. Yusuf Khan (also known Sethupathy of Ramanathapuram, Velunachiyar as Khan Sahib or, before his conversion to was the only daughter of this royal family. Islam, Marudhanayagam) who had been The king had no male heir. The royal family sent by the Company was not prepared to brought up the princess Velunachiyar, attack Puli Thevar unless the big guns and training her in martial arts like valari, stick ammunition from arrived. fighting and to wield weapons. She was also As the English were at war with the French, adept in horse riding and archery, apart from as well as with Hyder Ali and Marathas, the her proficiency in English, French and Urdu. artillery arrived only in September 1760. Yusuf Khan began to batter the Nerkattumseval At the age of 16, fort and this attack continued for about two Velunachiyar was months. On 16 May 1761 Puli Thevar’s three married to Muthu major forts (Nerkattumseval, Vasudevanallur Vadugar, the Raja of and Panayur) came under the control of Sivagangai, and had Yusuf Khan. a daughter by name Vellachinachiar. In In the meantime, after taking 1772, the Nawab Pondicherry the English had eliminated the of Arcot and the French from the picture. As a result of this Company troops the unity of palyakkarars began to break under the command Velunachiyar up as French support was not forthcoming. of Lt. Col. Bon Jour stormed the Kalaiyar Kovil Travancore, Seithur, Uthumalai and Palace. In the ensuing battle Muthu Vadugar switched their loyalty to the opposite camp. was killed. Velunachiyar escaped with her Yusuf Khan who was negotiating with daughter and lived under the protection of the palayakkarars, without informing the Gopala Nayakar at Virupachi near Dindigul for Company administration, was charged with eight years. treachery and hanged in 1764. During her period in hiding, Velunachiyar organised an army and succeeded in securing Fall of Puli Thevar an alliance with not only Gopala Nayakar but After the death of Khan Sahib, Puli Hyder Ali as well. Dalavay (military chief) Thevar returned from exile and recaptured Thandavarayanar wrote a letter to Sultan Hyder Nerkattumseval in 1764. However, he was Ali on behalf of Velunachiyar asking for 5000 defeated by Captain Campbell in 1767. Puli infantry and 5000 cavalry to defeat the English. Thevar escaped and died in exile. Velunachiyar explained in detail in Urdu all the

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10th_History_Unit_6.indd 3 31-07-2019 16:47:13 problems she had with East India Company. Jagavira Pandya She conveyed her strong determination to fight Kattabomman. the English. Impressed by her courage, Hyder The Company’s Ali ordered his Commandant Syed in Dindigul administrators, fort to provide the required military assistance. James London and Colin Jackson, had Gopala Nayak, the Palayakkarar of considered him a Virupachi man of peaceful Kattabomman Gopala Nayak spearheaded the famous disposition. However, soon several events Dindigul League, which was formed with led to conflicts between Veerapandya Lakshmi Nayak of Manaparai and Poojai Kattabomman and the East India Company. Nayak of Devadanapatti. He drew inspiration The Nawab, under the provisions of a treaty from who sent a deputation to signed in 1781, had assigned the revenue of show his camaraderie. He led the resistance the Carnatic to the Company to be entirely against the British from and under their management and control during later joined Oomaidurai, Kattabomman’s the war with Mysore Sultan. One-sixth of brother. He put up a fierce fight at Aanamalai the revenue was to be allowed to meet the hills where the local peasants gave him full expenses of Nawab and his family. The support. But Gopala Nayak was overpowered Company had thus gained the right to by the British forces in 1801. collect taxes from Panchalamkurichi. The Company appointed its Collectors to collect Velunachiyar employed agents for taxes from all the palayams. The Collectors gathering intelligence to find where the British humiliated the palayakkarars and adopted had stored their ammunition. With military force to collect the taxes. This was the bone assistance from Gopala Nayakar and Hyder Ali of contention between the English and she recaptured Sivagangai. She was crowned as Kattabomman. Queen with the help of Marudhu brothers. She was the first female ruler or queen to resist the Confrontation with Jackson British colonial power in India. The land revenue Kuyili, a faithful arrear from Kattabomman friend of Velunachiyar, was 3310 pagodas in is said to have led the 1798. Collector Jackson, unit of women soldiers an arrogant English named after Udaiyaal. officer, wanted to send Udaiyaal was a shepherd an army to collect the girl who was killed for not revenue dues but the Madras Government divulging information on did not give him permission. On 18 Kuyili. Kuyili is said to Kuyili August 1798, he ordered Kattabomman have walked into the British arsenal (1780) to meet him in Ramanathapuram. But after setting herself on fire, thus destroying Kattbomman’s attempts to meet him in all the ammunition. between proved futile, as Jackson refused to give him audience both in Courtallam (c) Rebellion of Veerapandya and . At last, an interview was Kattabomman 1790-1799 granted and Kattabomman met Jackson in Veerapandya Kattabomman became Ramanathapurm on 19 September 1798. It the Palayakkarar of Panchalamkurichi at is said that Kattabomman had to stand for the age of thirty on the death of his father, three hours before the haughty Collector

Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu 4 

10th_History_Unit_6.indd 4 31-07-2019 16:47:13 Jackson. Sensing danger, Kattabomman of Aanamalai. Marudhu Pandiyar acted as tried to escape, along with his minister its leader. The Tiruchirappalli Proclamation Sivasubramanianar. suddenly had been made. Kattabomman was interested entered the fort with his men and helped in this confederacy. Collector Lushington the escape of Kattabomman. At the gate of prevented Kattabomman from meeting the the Ramanathapuram fort there was a clash, Marudhu Brothers. But Marudhu Brothers in which some people including Lieutenant and Kattabomman jointly decided on a Clarke were killed. Sivasubramanianar was confrontation with the English. Kattabomman taken prisoner. tried to influence Sivagiri Palayakkarars, who refused to join. Kattabomman advanced Appearance before Madras Council towards Sivagiri. But the Palayakkarars of On his return to Panchalamkurichi, Sivagiri was a tributary to the Company. Kattabomman represented to the Madras So the Company considered the expedition Council about how he was ill-treated by of Kattabomman as a challenge to their the collector Jackson. The Council asked authority. The Company ordered the army to Kattabomman to appear before a committee march on to Tirunelveli. with William Brown, William Oram and The Siege of Panchalamkurichi John Casamajor as members. Meanwhile, Governor Edward Clive, ordered the release of Sivasubramanianar and the suspension of the Collector Jackson. Kattabomman appeared before the Committee that sat on 15 December 1798 and reported on what transpired in Ramanathapuram. The Committee found Kattabomman was not guilty. Jackson was dismissed from service and a new Collector S.R. Lushington appointed. Kattabomman cleared almost all the revenue arrears leaving only a balance of Panchalamkurichi Fort 1080 pagodas. In May 1799, Lord Wellesley issued orders from Madras for the advance of forces from Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur and Madurai to Tirunelveli. Major Bannerman commanded the troops. The Travancore troops too joined the British. On 1 September 1799, an ultimatum was served on Kattabomman to surrender. Kattabomman’s “evasive Pagodas (coins) reply” prompted Bannerman to attack his fort. Bannerman moved his entire army to Kattabomman and the Panchalamkurichi on 5 September. They Confederacy of Palayakkarars cut off all the communications to the fort. In the meantime, Marudhu Pandiyar Bannerman deputed Ramalinganar to convey of Sivagangai formed the South Indian a message asking Kattabomman to surrender. Confederacy of rebels against the British, Kattabomman refused. Ramalinganar with the neighbouring palayakkars like gathered all the secrets of the Fort, and on Gopala Nayak of Dindigul and Yadul Nayak the basis of his report, Bannerman decided

Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu  5

10th_History_Unit_6.indd 5 31-07-2019 16:47:13 the strategy of the operation. In a clash at organised resistance against the British. After Kallarpatti, Sivasubramanianar was taken a the death of Kattabomman, they worked along prisoner. with his brother Oomathurai. They plundered the granaries of the Nawab and caused damage Execution of Kattabomman and destruction to Company troops. Kattabomman escaped to Pudukottai. The British put a prize on his head. Rebellion of Marudhu Brothers Betrayed by the rajas of Ettayapuram and (1800–1801) Pudukottai Kattabomman was finally Despite the suppression of Kattabomman’s captured. Sivasubramanianar was executed revolt in 1799, rebellion broke out again in at Nagalapuram on the 13 September. 1800. In the British records it is referred to as Bannerman made a mockery of a trial for the Second Palayakarar War. It was directed by Kattabomman in front of the palayakarars on a confederacy consisting of Marudhu Pandyan 16 October. During the trial Kattabomman of Sivagangai, Gopala Nayak of Dindugal, bravely admitted all the charges levelled Kerala Verma of Malabar and Krishnaappa against him. Kattabomman was hanged Nayak and Dhoondaji of Mysore. In April from a tamarind tree in the old fort of 1800 they meet at Virupachi and decided to Kayathar, close to Tirunelveli, in front organise an uprising against the Company. of the fellow Palayakkars. Thus ended The uprising, which broke out in Coimbatore the life of the celebrated Palayakkarars of in June 1800, soon spread to Ramanathapuram Panchalamkurichi. Many folk ballads on and Madurai. The Company got wind of it and Kattabomman helped keep his memory alive declared war on Krishnappa Nayak of Mysore, among the people. Kerala Varma of Malabar and others. The Palayakars of Coimbatore, Sathyamangalam (d) The Marudhu Brothers and Tarapuram were caught and hanged. In February 1801 the two brothers of Kattabomman, Oomathurai and Sevathaiah, escaped from the Palayamkottai prison to Kamudhi, from where Chinna Marudhu took them to Siruvayal his capital. The fort at Panchalamkurichi was reconstructed in record time. The British troops under Colin Macaulay retook the fort in April and the Marudhu brothers sought shelter in Sivagangai. The English demanded that the Marudhu Pandyars hand over the fugitives (Oomathurai and Sevathaiah). But they refused. Colonel Agnew and Colonel Innes marched on Sivagangai. Marudhu Brothers In June 1801 Marudhu Pandyars issued a Periya Marudhu or Vella Marudhu proclamation of Independence which is called (1748–1801) and his younger brother Chinna Tiruchirappalli Proclamation. Marudhu (1753-1801) were able generals of Muthu Vadugar of Sivagangai. After Muthu Proclamation of 1801 Vadugar's death in the Kalaiyar Kovil battle The Proclamation of 1801 was an Marudhu brothers assisted in restoring the early call to the Indians to unite against throne to Velunachiyar. In the last years of the British, cutting across region, caste, the eighteenth century Marudhu Brothers creed and religion. The proclamation was

Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu 6 

10th_History_Unit_6.indd 6 31-07-2019 16:47:13 pasted on the walls of the Nawab’s palace (e) Dheeran Chinnamalai in Tiruchirappalli fort and on the walls of (1756–1805) the Srirangam temple. Many palayakkars of Born as Tamil country rallied together to fight against Theerthagiri in 1756 the English. Chinna Marudhu collected in the Mandradiar nearly 20,000 men to challenge the English royal family of army. British reinforcements were rushed Palayakottai, from Bengal, Ceylon and Malaya. The rajas Dheeran was well of Pudukkottai, Ettayapuram and Thanjavur trained in silambu, stood by the British. Divide and rule policy archery, horse riding followed by the English spilt the forces of the and modern warfare. He was involved in palayakkarars soon. Dheeran Chinnamalai resolving family and Fall of Sivagangai land disputes in the Kongu region. As this region was under the control of the Mysore In May 1801, the English attacked the Sultan, tax was collected by Tipu’s Diwan rebels in Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli. The Mohammed Ali. Once, when the Diwan was rebels went to Piranmalai and Kalayarkoil. returning to Mysore with the tax money, They were again defeated by the forces of Theerthagiri blocked his way and confiscated the English. In the end the superior military all the tax money. He let Mohammed Ali strength and the able commanders of the go by instructing him to tell his Sultan that English Company prevailed. The rebellion “Chinnamalai”, who is between Sivamalai failed and Sivagangai was annexed in 1801. and Chennimalai, was the one who took away The Marudhu brothers were executed in the taxes. Thus he gained the name “Dheeran Fort of Tirupathur near Ramanathapuram Chinnamalai”. The offended Diwan sent a on 24 October 1801. Oomathurai and contingent to attack Chinnamalai and both Sevathaiah were captured and beheaded at the forces met and fought at the Noyyal river Panchalamkurichi on 16 November 1801. bed. Chinnamalai emerged victorious. Seventy-three rebels were exiled to Penang Trained by the French, Dheeran in Malaya. Though the palayakkarars fell mobilised the Kongu youth in thousands and to the English, their exploits and sacrifices fought the British together with Tipu. After inspired later generations. Thus the rebellion Tipu’s death Dheeran Chinnamalai built a of Marudhu brothers, which is called South fort and fought the British without leaving Indian Rebellion, is a landmark event in the the place. Hence the place is called Odanilai. . He launched guerrilla attacks and evaded capture. Finally the English captured him Carnatic Treaty, 1801 and his brothers and kept them in prison in . When they were asked to accept The suppression of the Palayakkarars the rule of the British, they refused. So they rebellions of 1799 and 1800–1801 resulted in were hanged at the top of the Sankagiri Fort the liquidation of all the local chieftains of on 31 July 1805. Tamilnadu. Under the terms of the Carnatic Treaty of 31 July 1801, the British assumed 6.3 Vellore Revolt 1806 direct control over Tamilagam and the Palayakarar system came to an end with the Before reducing all palayakkarars of south demolition of all forts and disbandment of Tamilnadu into submission the East India their army. Company had acquired the revenue districts

Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu  7

10th_History_Unit_6.indd 7 31-07-2019 16:47:13 of Salem, Dindigul at the conclusion of the war sons and the family members of Tipu being with Tipu in 1792. Coimbatore was annexed interned in Vellore Fort. The trigger for the at the end of the Anglo-Mysore War in 1799. revolt came in the form of a new military In the same year the Raja of Thanjavur whose regulation notified by the Commander-in- status had been reduced to that of a vassal in Chief Sir John Cradock. 1798 gave up his sovereign rights over that According to the new regulations, the Indian region to the English. After the suppression soldiers were asked not to wear caste marks or ear of resistance of Kattabomman (1799) and rings when in uniform. They were to be cleanly Marudhu Brothers (1801), the British charged shaven on the chin and maintain uniformity the Nawab of Arcot with disloyalty and forced a about how their moustache looked. The new treaty on him. According to this Treaty of 1801, turban added fuel to fire. The most objectionable the Nawab was to cede the districts of North addition was the leather cockade made of animal Arcot, South Arcot, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai skin. The sepoys gave enough forewarning by and Tirunelveli to the Company and transfer refusing to wear the new turban. Yet the Company all the administrative powers to it. administration did not take heed.

(a) Grievances of Indian Soldiers (b) Outbreak of the Revolt But the resistance did not die down. The On 10 July 1806, in the early hours, guns dispossessed little kings and feudal chieftains were booming and the Indian sepoys of the continued to deliberate on the future course 1st and 23rd regiments raised their standard of of action against the Company Government. revolt. Colonel Fancourt, who commanded The outcome was the Vellore Revolt of 1806. the garrison, was the first victim. Colonel The objective conditions for a last ditch fight MeKerras of the 23rd regiment was killed next. existed on the eve of the revolt. The sepoys Major Armstrong who was passing the Fort in the British Indian army nursed a strong heard the sound of firing. When he stopped sense of resentment over low salary and to enquire he was showered with bullets. poor prospects of promotion. The English About a dozen other officers were killed army officers’ scant respect for the social and within an hour or so. Among them Lt. Elly religious sentiments of the Indian sepoys also and Lt. Popham belonged to His Majesty’s angered them. The state of peasantry from battalion. which class the sepoys had been recruited also bothered them much. With new experiments Gillespie’s Brutality in land tenures causing unsettled conditions and famine breaking out in 1805 many of the Major Cootes, who was outside the sepoys’ families were in dire economic straits. Fort, informed Colonel Gillespie, the The most opportune situation come with the cavalry commandant in Arcot. Gillespie

Vellore Fort

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10th_History_Unit_6.indd 8 31-07-2019 16:47:13 9 Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu

10th_History_Unit_6.indd 9 31-07-2019 16:47:13 reached the fort along with a squadron of chief Sir John Cradock, the Adjutant General cavalry under the command of Captain Agnew and Governor William Bentinck were Young at 9.00 am. In the meantime, the held responsible for the revolt, removed rebels proclaimed Fateh Hyder, Tipu’s from their office, and recalled to England. eldest son, as their new ruler and hoisted The military regulations were treated as the tiger flag of Mysore sultans in the withdrawn. Fort. But the uprising was swiftly crushed (d) Estimate of Revolt by Col. Gillespie, who threw to winds all war ethics. In the course of suppression, The Vellore Revolt failed because according to an eyewitness account, eight there was no immediate help from outside. hundred soldiers were found dead in the Recent studies show that the organising fort alone. Six hundred soldiers were kept part of the revolt was done perfectly by in confinement in Tiruchirappalli and Subedars Sheik Adam and Sheik Hamid and nd Vellore awaiting Inquiry. Jamedar Sheik Hussain of the 2 battalion of 23rd regiment and two Subedars and the (c ) Consequences of Revolt Jamedar Sheik Kasim of the 1st battalion of Six of the rebels convicted by the Court the 1st regiment. Vellore Revolt had all the of Enquiry were blown from the guns; five forebodings of the Great Rebellion of 1857. were shot dead; eight hanged. Tipu’s sons The only difference was that there was no were ordered to be sent to Calcutta. The civil rebellion following the mutiny. The officers and men engaged in the suppression 1806 revolt was not confined to Vellore of the revolt were rewarded with prize money Fort. It had its echoes in Bellary, Walajabad, and promotion. Col. Gillespie was given , Bengaluru, Nandydurg, and 7,000 pagodas. However, the commander–in- Sankaridurg.

SUMMARY

„„The Palayakarar system is explained.

„„Prominent Palayakkarars of Tamil country and their resistance to the rule of East India Company are discussed.

„„The wars waged by Puli Thevar, Velunachiyar, Veerapandya Kattabomman, followed by Marudhu brothers of Sivagangai and Dheeran Chinnamalai against the British are elaborated.

„„The reasons for the Vellore Revolt and the ruthless manner in which it was suppressed by Gillespie are detailed.

Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu 10 

10th_History_Unit_6.indd 10 31-07-2019 16:47:13 GLOSSARY

dependent, a person who receives protege ꮿற쏍 ஆதரힿ쯍 இ쏁ப㞪வ쏍 support from a patron the act of elevating or raising one’s செல்ힾக்埈 வளர㞤்쯍, ஆக垿ர뮿பꯁ aggrandizement wealth, prestige and power செய்쯍

defiant resisting, disobedient ப辿ய ம쟁க埁믍 harmony, peace, free from tranquillity அமை鎿 disturbances treachery disloyalty, betrayal, breach of trust வ篍殿த்쯍

audacious daring, fearless பயமற், 鏁辿ퟁ뮿க்

ultimatum a final dominating demand இ쟁鎿 எச்쎿க்埈 payment or reward – something bounty க�ொடை given liberally an ornament, especially a knot of cockade த�ொபꮿயை அ辿செய뿁믍 埁ஞ்믍 ribbon worn on the hat cognizance notice, having knowledge of கவன믍

trounce crush, defeat த�ோற்羿

interned imprisoned 殿றைப㞪翁த்쯍

EXERCISE

3. Who had established close relationship I. Choose the with the three agents of Chanda Sahib? correct answer a) Velunachiyar b) Kattabomman 1. Who was the first c) Puli Thevar d) Oomai thurai Palayakkarars to resist the East 4. Where was Sivasubramanianar executed? India Company’s policy of territorial a) Kayathar b) Nagalapuram aggrandizement? c) Virupachi d) Panchalamkurichi a) Marudhu brothers 5. Who issued the Tiruchirappalli b) Puli Thevar proclamation of Independence? c) Velunachiyar a) Marudhu brothers d) Veerapandya Kattabomman b) Puli Thevar 2. Who had borrowed money from the East c) Veerapandya Kattabomman India Company to meet the expenses he d) Gopala Nayak had incurred during the Carnatic wars? 6. When did the Vellore Revolt breakout? a) Velunachiyar a) 24 May 1805 b) Puli Thevar b) 10 July 1805 c) Nawab of Arcot c) 10 July 1806 d) Raja of Travancore d) 10 September 1806

Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu  11

10th_History_Unit_6.indd 11 31-07-2019 16:47:14 7. Who was the Commander-in-Chief a) (i), (ii) and (iv) are correct responsible for the new military b) (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct regulations in Vellore fort? c) (iii) and (iv) are correct a) Col. Fancourt d) (i) and (iv) are correct b) Major Armstrong 2. i) Under Colonel Campbell, the English c) Sir John Cradock Army went along with Mahfuzkhan’s army. d) Colonel Agnew 8. Where were the sons of Tipu Sultan sent ii) AfterMuthu Vadugar’s death in Kalaiyar after the Vellore Revolt? Kovil battle, Marudhu Brothers assisted a) Calcutta b) Velunachiyar in restoring the throne to c) Delhi d) Mysore her. II. Fill in the blanks iii) Gopala Nayak spearheaded the famous Dindigul League. 1. The Palayakkarars system was put in place in Tamil Nadu by ______. iv) In May 1799 Cornwallis ordered the advance of Company armies to 2. Except the Palayakkarars of ______, Tirunelveli. all other western Palayakkarars supported Puli Thevar. a) (i) and (ii) are correct 3. Velunachiyar and her daughter were under b) (ii) and (iii) are correct the protection of ______for eight years. c) (ii), (iii) and (iv )are correct d) (i) and (iv) are correct 4. Bennerman deputed ______to convey his message, asking Kattabomman 3. Assertion (A): Puli Thevar tried to get the to surrender. support of Hyder Ali and 5. Kattabomman was hanged to death at the French. ______. Reason (R) : Hyder Ali could not help 6. The Rebellion of Marudhu Brothers was Puli Thevar as he was categorized in the British records as the already in a serious conflict ______. with the Marathas. 7. ______was declared the new Sultan a) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is by the rebels in Vellore Fort. not the correct explanation of (A) 8. ______suppressed the revolt in b) Both (A) and (R) are wrong Vellore Fort. c) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is III. Choose the correct statement the correct explanation of (A) d) (A) is wrong and (R) is correct 1. i) The Palayakkarars system was in practice in the Kakatiya Kingdom. 4. Assertion (A): Apart from the new military Regulations the ii) Puli Thevar recaptured Nerkattumseval most objectionable was the in 1764 after the death of Khan Sahib. addition of a leather cockade iii) Yusuf Khan who was negotiating with in the turban. the Palayakkarars, without informing the Reason (R): The leather cockade was Company administration was charged made of animal skin. with treachery and hanged in 1764. a) (A) is wrong and (R) is correct iv) Ondiveeran led one of the army units of b) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is Kattabomman. the correct explanation of (A)

Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu 12 

10th_History_Unit_6.indd 12 31-07-2019 16:47:14 c) Both (A) and (R) are wrong VII. Answer in detail d) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is 1. Attempt an essay of the heroic fight not the correct explanation of (A) Veerapandya Kattabomman conducted IV. Match the following against the East India Company. 2. Highlight the tragic fall of Sivagangai and 1. Theerthagiri - Vellore Revolt its outcome. 2. Gopala Nayak - Ramalinganar 3. Account for the outbreak of Vellore 3. Bannerman - Dindigul Revolt in 1806. 4. Subedar Sheik Adam - Vellore Fort VIII. Activities 5. Col. Fancourt - Odanilai 1. Teacher can ask the students to prepare V. Answer the questions briefly an album of patriotic leaders of early revolts against the British rule in Tamil 1. What were the duties of the Palayakkarars? Nadu. Using their imagination they can 2. Identify the Palayams based on the also draw pictures of different battles in division of east and west. which they attained martyrdom 3. Why was Heron dismissed from service? 2. Stage play visualising the conversation 4. What was the significance of the Battle of between Jackson and Kattabomman be Kalakadu? attempted by students with the help of 5. What was the bone of contention between teachers. the Company and Kottabomman? 3. A comparative study of Vellore Revolt and 6. Highlight the essence of the Tiruchirappalli 1857 Revolt by students be tried enabling Procalamation of 1801. them to find out to what extent Vellore 7. Point out the importance of the Treaty of Revolt had all the forebodings of the latter. 1801.

VI. Answer the questions given REFERENCE BOOKS under each caption 1. Burton Stein, Peasant State and Society in 1. Velunachiyar Medieval South India, New Delhi:Oxford a) Who was the military chief of University Press, 1980. Velunachiyar? 2. P.M. Lalitha, Palayakararss as Feudatories b) What were the martial arts in which Under the Nayaks of Madurai, : she was trained? Creative Enterprises, 2015. c) Whom did she marry? d) What was the name of her daughter? 3. K. Rajayyan, South Indian Rebellion, 1800–1801, Madurai, Ratna Publication, 2. Dheeran Chinnamalai 2000 (Reprint). a) When was Dheeran Chinnamalai born? b) How did he earn the title “Chinnamalai”? 4. K.A. Manikumar, Vellore Revolt 1806 c) Name the Diwan of Tipu Sultan? (Chennai: Allied Publishers, 2007). d) Why and where was he hanged to death?

Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu  13

10th_History_Unit_6.indd 13 31-07-2019 16:47:14 Unit - 7

Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

Learning Objectives

To acquaint ourselves with „„The nature of tribal and peasant revolts against the British „„Contributory factors for the outbreak of the Great Rebellion of 1857 and the subsequent changes in the British approach to governing India „„Factors leading to the formation of the and the perspectives of the early nationalists „„Divide and rule policy of the British behind the Partition of Bengal (1905) and the launch of in Bengal „„Background for the launch of Home Rule Movement

Introduction After Plassey, the British adopted a policy of territorial expansion. Soon the remaining On 23 June 1757 the Nawab of Bengal parts of the Indian subcontinent came under Siraj-ud-daulah was defeated by the East India their control. British brought systemic changes Company at the . The battle in land revenue administration, army, police, was orchestrated by , commander- judicial system and other institutions of in-chief of the East India Company, who governance. managed to get the clandestine support from Mir Jafar, the uncle of Siraj-ud-daulah and the The early Indian response to colonial chief of the Nawab’s army. Clive was helped by exploitation and the colonial political and the Jagat Seths (moneylenders from Bengal) economic domination consisted of two th who were aggrieved by Siraj-ud-daulah’s elements. The response in the late 18 and th policy. The Battle of Plassey was followed by early 19 century was restorative in nature. the plunder of Bengal. Between 1757 and 1760, Tribal uprisings and peasant rebellions made the company received ₹ 22.5 million from Mir an attempt to restore the old order. The second th Jafar, who became the new Nawab of Bengal. response appeared in the second half of the 19 The same money was later invested to propel century in the form of that the industrial revolution in Britain, which imagined India as a nation emphasising on a rapidly mechanised the British textile industry. consciousness of unity and national aspiration. On the other hand, India was led to the path In this lesson the story of resistance and a of de-industrialisation and forced to create varied range of response against the British rule a market for the products manufactured in in the Indian subcontinent from the early and Britain. The plunder of India by the East India mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth Company continued for another 190 years. century are outlined. In the process the nature

14

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 14 02-08-2019 16:03:52 of British rule, its policies and administrative d. Mass Insurrection – Usually leaderless and apparatus, which adversely affected almost all spontaneous uprising. the sections of the society are analysed. Changes in the Revenue System The East India Company restructured the Peasant and Tribal 7.1 Mughal revenue system across India in such a Resistance manner that it increased the financial burden on the peasants. There was no widespread While the urban elite of India was busy system of private ownership of the land in pre- responding to the western ideas and rationality British India. Similarly, zamindars and others by engaging in various socio-religious reform who were to collect revenue and remit it to movements, a far more aggressive response to the govt were never given the possession right the British rule emerged in rural India. The on land. So the changes introduced by the traditional elite and peasantry along with the British in land tenures, as we studied in Std. IX tribals revolted. They were not necessarily significantly altered the agrarian relations. seeking the removal of British but rather the restoration of the pre-colonial order. Subletting of Land The concept of private property rights The practice of letting out and subletting in land, rigorous collection of land revenue, of land complicated the agrarian relations. encroachment of tribal land by the non- The zamindar often sublet land to many tribal people, the interference of Christian subordinate lords who in return collected a missionaries in the socio-religious life of the fixed amount of revenue from the peasant. local people were a few of the many issues This increased the tax burden on the peasants. which added to the sense of resentment against the British. The tribal people, in (a) Peasant Uprising particular, started looking at them as invaders Peasant revolts began to erupt in the early and encroachers. The fundamental aspect of 19th century and continued till the very end various tribal and peasant revolts was that all of British rule in India. Many of these revolts of them tried to eliminate the most immediate were led by religious leaders, who treated the and visible cause of their misery. There were British rule as an invasion into the socio- nearly a hundred peasant uprisings during religious life of the people of India. British rule. They can be classified into the following categories: Farazi Movement a. Restorative rebellions – Agitation of this Farazi movement type relates to attempts to restore old order launched by Haji and old social relations. Shariatullah in 1818, b. Religious Movements – Such agitations in the parts of eastern were led by religious leaders who fought Bengal, advocated the participants to for the liberation of the local populace by abstain from un- restructuring society on certain religious Islamic activities. principles. This brought him into c. Social Banditry – The leaders of such direct conflict with movements were considered criminal by the Zamindars and Haji Shariatullah the British and the traditional elite but were subsequently with looked upon by their people as heroes or British, who favoured the Zamindars to champions of their cause. suppress the peasant uprising. After the death

15 Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 15 02-08-2019 16:03:52 of Shariatullah in 1839, the rebellion was led oppression, demonstrated in their actions by his son Dudu Mian who called upon the against the Zamindar houses, their grain peasants not to pay tax. It gained popularity stocks, the moneylenders, and the merchants. on a simple doctrine that land and all wealth At times the British state machinery, which should be equally enjoyed by the common folk. came forward to protect these local agents Dudu Mian laid emphasis on the egalitarian of oppression, was also attacked. These nature of religion and declared that “Land characteristics were reflected in the peasant belongs to God”, and collecting rent or levying movements of the 20th century too. taxes on it was therefore against divine law. Large numbers of peasants were mobilised (b) Tribal Uprising through a network of village organisations. Under colonial rule, for the first time in There were violent clashes throughout 1840s Indian history, government claimed a direct and 1850s with the zamindars and planters. proprietary right over forests. The British rule After the death of Dudu Mian in 1862, the was and its encouragement of commercialisation of revived in the 1870s by Noah Mian. forest led to the disintegration of the traditional tribal system. It encouraged the incursion of Wahhabi Rebellion in Barasat tribal areas by the non-tribal people such as The Wahhabi moneylenders, traders, land-grabbers, and rebellion was an anti- contractors. This led to the widespread loss of imperial and anti- adivasi land and their displacement from their landlord movement. traditional habitats. It originated in and Tribal resistance was therefore, a response around 1827, in the against those who either introduced changes in Barasat region of the peaceful tribal life or took undue advantage Bengal. It was led by of the innocence of the tribal people. an Islamic preacher Titu Mir Titu Mir who was ‘Tribes’ who are they? deeply influenced by the Wahhabi teachings. He became an influential figure among the The modern usage of word tribe in predominately Muslim peasantry oppressed India restricts the definition to distinguish under the coercive zamindari system. However, them (tribes) from the rest of the Indian the fact that the majority of zamindars were society, a stratified system based on caste. Hindus, gave this movement an anti-Hindu Often the term is misused to refer to complexion. isolated groups. Tribes in India were and are very much part of the Indian society. On 6 November 1831 the first major They in fact have acted for long as part attack was launched in the town of Purnea. of Indian peasantry subsisting through Titu Mir immediately declared freedom from shifting cultivation. British rule. Soon there was retaliation from the British and a large number of troops were (i) Kol Revolt sent to Narkelberia. Titu Mir along with his One major tribal revolt, the Kol uprising 50 soldiers were killed in the struggle. of 1831-32, took place in Chota and In the end, the peasant rebellion Singbhum region of Jharkhand and Orisa, clearly showed an awareness of the power under the leadership of Bindrai and Singhrai. structure in rural society and a strong will The Raja of Chhota Nagpur had leased out to to restructure authority. The rebels were moneylenders the job of revenue collection. quite familiar with the political source of The usury and forcible eviction of tribals from

Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism 16

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 16 02-08-2019 16:03:52 their land led to the resentment of Kols. The initial protest and resistance kols was in the form of plunder, arson and attacks on the properties of outsiders. This was followed by the killing of moneylenders and merchants. The tribal leaders adopted varied methods to spread their message such as the beating of drums and the circulation of arrows accompanied by a warning to all outsiders to Sidhu Kanu leave. In 1855, two Santhal brothers Sidhu and Kols organised an insurrection in Kanu proclaimed that they had received a divine 1831-32, which was directed against message from the God, asking them to lead the government officers and moneylenders. rebellion. On June 30, 1855 they announced The Kol rebels took control of the king’s that God has ordered them “to slaughter all palace. They even succeeded in forming an the mahajans and daroga, to banish the traders independent government there. The British and zamindars and all rich Bengalis from their suppressed the rebellion with great violence. country…. And to fight all who resisted them, for the bullets of their enemies would be turned (ii) Santhal Hool (Insurrection) into water”. Two Darogas (chief police officers) Santhals, scattered in various parts of were killed by the santhal crowd. eastern India, when forced to move out of By July 1855 the rebellion has taken the their homeland during the process of creation form of open insurrection against the mahajans, of zamins under Permanent Settlement, the zamindars and the British officials. They cleared the forest area around the Rajmahal marched with bows, poisoned arrows, axes and Hills. They were oppressed by the local police swords taking over the Rajmahal and Bhagalpur and the European officers engaged in the by proclaiming that the Company rule was railway construction. Pushed out of their about to end. In response villages were raided familiar habitat, the Santhals were forced to and properties destroyed by the British. Nearly rely on the moneylenders for their subsistence. 15 to 25 thousand rebels were murdered before Soon they were trapped in a vicious circle of the insurrection was finally suppressed. These debt and extortion. Besides this, Santhals events compelled the British government to also felt neglected under the corrupt British restructure their policies towards the tribal administration and their inability to render people. In 1855 an act was passed to regulate justice to their legitimate grievances. the territories occupied by the Santhals. The Act formed the territory into a separate division Outbreak called Santhal Pargana division. Around 1854 activities of social banditry led by a person named Bir Singh was reported from different places. These were directed against mahajans and traders. Following this Bir Singh was summoned to the zamindari court, where he was beaten up and humiliated. Bir Singh along with his friends retaliated by committing further dacoities on the mahajans and merchants. The repressive measures only angered the Santhals. Santhal Rebellion

17 Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 17 02-08-2019 16:03:52 (c) Munda Rebellion arrested in February 1900 who later died in jail. Birsa Munda became a folk hero who One of the prominent tribal rebellions is to this day celebrated in many folk songs. of this period occurred in Ranchi, known The Munda rebellion prompted the British as Ulugulan rebellion (Great Tumult).The to formulate a policy on Tribal land. The Munda people were familiar with the co- Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908) restricted operative or collective farming known as the entry of non-tribal people into the tribal Khuntkatti (joint holding) land system. It land. was totally eroded by the introduction of private ownership of land and the intrusion The Great Rebellion of merchants and moneylenders. The Munda 7.2 people were also forcefully recruited as of 1857 indentured labourers to work on plantations. In 1857, British rule witnessed the The corrupt police, lack of access to justice biggest challenge to its existence. Initially, and the disillusionment with Christian it began as a mutiny of missionaries aggravated the miseries of sepoys but later expanded to the other parts Munda people. In the 1890s tribal chiefs of India involving a large number of civilians, offered resistance against the alienation of especially peasants. The events of 1857–58 tribal people from their land and imposition are significant for the following reasons: of bethbegari or forced labour. 1. This was the first major revolt of armed forces accompanied by civilian rebellion. 2. The revolt witnessed unprecedented violence, perpetrated by both sides. 3. The revolt ended the role of the East India Company and the governance of the Indian subcontinent was taken over by the British Crown. (a) Causes Birsa Munda The movement received an impetus 1. Annexation Policy of British when Birsa Munda declared himself as the India messenger of God. Birsa claimed that he In the 1840s and 1850s, more territories had a prophecy and promised supernatural were annexed through two major policies: solutions to the problem of Munda people and the establishment of Birsaite Raj. The Munda The Doctrine of Paramountcy. British leaders utilised the cult of Birsa Munda to claimed themselves as paramount, exercising recruit more people to their cause. A series supreme authority. New territories were of night meetings were held and a revolt was annexed on the grounds that the native rulers planned. On the Christmas day of 1889, they were corrupt and inept. resorted to violence. Buildings were burnt The Doctrine of Lapse. If a native ruler down and arrows were shot at Christian failed to produce a biological male heir to the missionaries and Munda Christian converts. throne, the territory was to ‘lapse’ into British Soon police stations and government officials India upon the death of the ruler. Satara, were attacked. Similar attacks were carried Sambalpur, parts of the Punjab, Jhansi and out over the next few months. Finally the Nagpur were annexed by the British through resistance was crushed and Birsa Munda was the Doctrine of Lapse.

Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism 18

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 18 02-08-2019 16:03:52 2. Insensitivity to Indian Cultural with others were court-martialled and Sentiments hanged. This only fuelled the anger and in the following days there were increasing There was always a suspicion among the incidents of disobedience. Burning and arson people regarding British intentions. In 1806 were reported from the army cantonments in the sepoys at Vellore mutinied against the Ambala, , and Meerut. new dress code, which prohibited Indians from wearing religious marks on their Bahadur Shah Proclaimed as foreheads and having whiskers on their chin, Emperor of Hindustan while proposing to replace their turbans with a round hat. It was feared that the dress code On 11 may 1857 a band of sepoys from was part of their effort to convert soldiers to Meerut marched to Christianity. the Red Fort in Delhi. The sepoys were Similarly, in 1824, the sepoys at followed by an equally Barrackpur near Calcutta refused to go to exuberant crowd Burma by sea, since crossing the sea meant who gathered to ask the loss of their caste. the Mughal Emperor The sepoys were also upset with Bahadur Shah II to Bahadur Shah II discrimination in salary and promotion. become their leader. Indian sepoys were paid much less than their After much hesitation he accepted the offer European counterparts. They felt humiliated and was proclaimed as the Shahenshah-e- and racially abused by their seniors. Hindustan (the Emperor of Hindustan). Soon the rebels captured the north-western (b) The Revolt province and Awadh. As the news of the The precursor to the fall of Delhi reached the Ganges valley, revolt was the circulation of cantonment after cantonment mutinied rumors about the cartridges till, by the beginning of June, British rule in of the new Enfield rifle. North India, except in Punjab and Bengal, There was strong suspicion had disappeared. that the new cartridges Civil Rebellion had been greased with cow and pig fat. The cartridge had to be bitten off before loading The mutiny was equally supported by (pork is forbidden to the Muslims and the an aggrieved rural society of north India. cow is sacred to a large section of Hindus). Sepoys working in the British army were in fact peasants in uniform. They were equally affected by the restructuring of the revenue administration. The sepoy revolt and the subsequent civil rebellion in various parts of India had a deep-rooted connection with rural mass. The first civil rebellion broke out in parts of the North-Western provinces and Revolt at Meerut Oudh. These were the two regions from which the sepoys were predominately recruited. A On 29 March a sepoy named Mangal large number of Zamindars and Taluqdars Pandey assaulted his European officer. His were also attracted to the rebellions as they had fellow soldiers refused to arrest him when lost their various privileges under the British ordered to do so. Mangal Pandey along government. The talukdar–peasant collective

19 Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 19 02-08-2019 16:03:53 Centres of Great Rebellion in 1857 N EW S

Ambala Meerut Delhi Bareilly Agra Lucknow Gwalior Kanpur Jhansi Banaras

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Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism 20

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 20 02-08-2019 16:03:53 was a common effort to recover what they had lost. Similarly, artisans and handicrafts persons were equally affected by the dethroning of rulers of many Indian states, who were a major source of patronage. The dumping of British manufactures had ruined the Indian handicrafts and thrown thousands of weavers out of employment. Collective anger against the British took the form of a people’s revolt. Nana Sahib Kanpur Massacre

Another such significant leader was Rani Lakshmi Bai, who assumed the leadership in Jhansi. In her case Dalhousie, the Governor General of Bengal had refused her request to adopt a son as her successor after her husband died and the kingdom was annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse. Rani Lakshmi Bai battled the mighty British Army until she The Great Rebellion of 1857 was defeated. Bahadur Shah Jafar, , Khan Prominent Fighters against the Bahadur, Rani Lakshmi Bai and many others British were rebels against their will, compelled by The mutiny provided a platform to the bravery of the sepoys who had defied the aggrieved kings, nawabs, queens, and British authority. zamindars to express the anti-British anger. Nana Sahib, the adopted son of the last (c) Suppression of Rebellion Peshwa Baji Rao II, provided leadership in he By the beginning of June 1857, the Kanpur region. He had been denied pension Delhi, Meerut, Rohilkhand, Agra, Allahabad by the Company. Similarly, Begum Hazrat and Banaras divisions of the army had been Mahal in Lucknow and Khan Bahadur in restored to British control and placed under Bareilly took the command of their respective martial law. The British officers were given territories, which were once ruled either by the power to judge and take the life of Indians them or by their ancestors. without due process of law. William Howard Russell, the The siege of Kanpur was an important correspondent of the London Times, who was episode in the rebellion of 1857. The in India in 1858, met an officer who was a besieged Company forces and civilians in part of the column that under Colonel Neill’s Kanpur were unprepared for an extended orders marched from Allahabad to Kanpur. siege and surrendered to rebel forces under The officer reported that ‘in two days, 42 men Nana Sahib, in return for a safe passage were hanged on the roadside, and a batch of to Allahabad. The boats in which they 12 men was executed because their faces were were proceeding were burned and most turned the wrong way when they were met of the men were killed, including British on the march.’ Even boys who had playfully Commander of Kanpur Major General flaunted rebel colours and beaten a tom-tom Hugh Wheeler. were not spared. Every Indian who appeared

21 Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 21 02-08-2019 16:03:53 Hanging the rebels in Blowing mutinous sepoys a public place from the guns

in sight was shot or hung on the trees that e) India Becomes a Crown Colony lined the road; villages were burnt....’ The British were shocked by the events of 1857. The British Parliament adopted the (d) Causes of Failure Indian Government Act, in November 1858, There is hardly any evidence to prove and India was pronounced as one of the many that the rebellion of 1857 was organised and crown colonies to be directly governed by the planned. It was spontaneous. However, soon Parliament. The responsibility was given to after the siege of Delhi, there was an attempt a member of the cabinet, designated as the to seek the support of the neighboring states. Secretary of State for India. The transfer of Besides a few Indian states, there was a general power from the East India Company to the lack of enthusiasm among the Indian princes British Crown also meant that there was to participate in the rebellion. The Indian a regular parliamentary review of Indian princes and zamindars either remained loyal affairs. or were fearful of British power. Many a time Changes in the Administration they acted as a fifth column. Those involved in the rebellion were left with either little or British rule and its policies underwent a no sources of arms and ammunition. The major overhaul after 1857. British followed a emerging English-educated middle class too cautious approach to the issue of social reform. did not support the rebellion. Queen Victoria proclaimed to the Indian people that the British would not interfere One of the important reasons for the in traditional institutions and religious failure of the rebellion was the absence of a matters. It was promised that Indians would central authority. There was no common be absorbed in government services. Two agenda that united the individuals and the significant changes were made to the structure aspirations of the Indian princes and the of the Indian army. The number of Indians was various other feudal elements fighting against significantly reduced. Indians were restrained the British. from holding important ranks and position. In the end, the rebellion was brutally The British took control of the artillery and suppressed by the British army. The rebel shifted their recruiting effort to regions and leaders were defeated due to the lack of communities that remained loyal during 1857. weapons, organisation, discipline, and For instance, the British turned away from betrayal by their aides. Delhi was captured Rajputs, Brahmins and North Indian Muslims by the British troops in late 1857. Bahadur and looked towards non-Hindu groups like Shah was captured and transported to the Gorkhas, Sikhs,and Pathans. British also Burma. exploited the caste, religious, linguistic and

Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism 22

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 22 02-08-2019 16:03:53 Queen Victoria Queen Victoria’s Proclamation

regional differences in the Indian society The Indigo Revolt began in 1859. The through what came to be known as “Divide rebellion began as a strike, as the peasants of and Rule” policy. a village in Bengal’s Nadia district refused to grow any more indigo. The movement quickly Peasant Revolts under spread to the other indigo-growing districts 7.3 Crown of Bengal. The revolt then turned violent. The peasants, both Hindu and Muslim, (a) Indigo Revolt 1859-60 participated in the revolt, and women— armed with pots and pans—fought alongside Before synthetic dyes were created, natural the men. Indian journalists in Calcutta wrote indigo dye was highly valued by cloth makers articles about the brutality of the planters. around the world. Many Europeans sought The 1860 playNil Darpan (“Mirror of the to make their fortunes by becoming indigo Indigo”) by Dina Bandhu Mitra, did much planters in India. They employed peasants to to draw attention in India and Europe to the grow the indigo, which was processed into plight of the indigo growers. dye at the planters factories. The dye was then exported to Europe. By the early 19th century, India supplied the vast majority of the indigo to Britain. The system was oppressive. The peasants were forced to grow the crop. The British planter gave the cultivator a cash advance to help pay for the rent of the land and other costs. This advance needed to be repaid with interest. The planters forced the peasant grow indigo, rather than food crops. At the end of the season, the planters paid the cultivators low prices for their indigo. Moreover, the small Indigo Factory amount the peasant earned was not enough to pay back the cash advance with interest. So The indigo industry quickly declined they fell into debt. However, the peasants again in Bengal. By the end of the 19th century, would be forced to enter into another contract the demand for natural indigo dye began to to grow indigo. The peasants were never able decline worldwide, as man-made blue dyes to clear their debts. Debts were often passed came into use. from father to son.

23 Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 23 02-08-2019 16:03:53 (b) Deccan Riots 1875 and various democratic aspirations. They articulated modern notions of citizenship, the After the transfer of power to the Crown, idea of the state, civil society, human rights, deindustrialisation forced workers out of equality before the law, liberty, the distinction the land. Heavy taxation ruined agriculture. between public and private, sovereignty, Famine deaths increased. The first recorded democracy and so on. The flourishing of print incident of rioting against the moneylenders media both in the vernacular and in English in the Deccan was in May 1875, in Supa a played a significant role in circulating such village near Poona. Similar cases of riots ideas. were reported from close to 30 villages in Poona and Ahmadnagar. The rioting was Even though they were numerically small directed mostly at the Gujarat moneylenders. they had a national character and capacity Under British rule peasants were forced to to establish contacts on an all India scale. pay revenue directly to the government. They were working as lawyers, journalists, Also, under a new law moneylenders were government employees, teachers or doctors. allowed to attach the mortgaged land of the They took the initiative to float political defaulters and auction it off. This resulted outfits, such as Madras Native Association in a transfer of lands from the cultivators to (1852) East India Association (1866), Madras the non-cultivating classes. Trapped in the Mahajana Sabha (1884), Poona Sarvajanik vicious cycle of debt and unable to pay the Sabha (1870), The Bombay Presidency outstanding amount the peasant was forced Association (1885) and many others. to abandon cultivation. The British directed their policies to trample on the aspirations of Indians, who were According to Anthropologist Kathlene exposed to English education and Western Gough British rule brought ... disruption ideas and therefore had strong belief in modern and suffering among the peasantry which values and institutions. However, the national was more prolonged and widespread than consciousness in the late 19thcentury was had occurred in Mughal times. Ranajit also rooted in a glorification and celebration Guha writes, ‘agrarian disturbances in many of Indian past, in which various religious forms and on scales ranging from local riots and cultural symbols were used to kindle the to war-like campaigns spread over many patriotic zeal among the people. districts were endemic throughout the first three quarters of British rule until the very (b) Economic Critique of end of the nineteenth century.’ Colonialism One of the most significant The Foundation contributions of early Indian nationalists 7.4 of Indian National was the formulation of an economic critique Congress (1870 – 1885) of colonialism. India was economically subjugated and transformed into a supplier (a) Rise of Nationalism of raw material to the British industries. The second half of the 19th century saw the Simultaneously it became a market to dump emergence of national political consciousness English manufactures and for the investment among a new social class of English educated of British capital. So the colonial economy Indians. The Indian intelligentsia played was a continuous transfer of resources from a critical role in generating a national India to Britain without any favourable consciousness by exposing a large number returns back to India. This is called "the drain of people to the idea of nation, nationalism of wealth".

Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism 24

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 24 02-08-2019 16:03:53 , Justice Ranade, and These show the vast gap between the Romesh Chandra Dutt, played a significant interests of the upper sections of Indian role in making this criticism about colonial society and the large mass of common people. economy. They clearly understood that the Question of Poverty prosperity of the British lay in the economic and According to the early Congress leaders political subjugation of India. They concluded the economic exploitation of India was the that colonialism was the main obstacle to the primary reason for the abysmal and the growing Indian’s economic development. poverty of India. Therefore, early Indian (c) Objectives and Methods nationalists advocated industrialisation. The formation of the Indian National Congress Militant Nationalism in 1885 was intended The methods of moderate leaders failed to establish an all India to yield any substantive change in the British organisation. It was the attitude towards the moderate demands of culmination of attempts by early Indian nationalists. They were criticised groups of educated Indians by a group of leaders known as “extremists”. politically active in three Instead of prayers and petitions, these presidencies: Bombay, A.O. Hume militants were more focused on self-help Madras, and Calcutta. A.O. Hume lent his and the use of religious symbols to bridge services to facilitate the formation of the the gap between the elite and the masses. Congress. Womash Chandra Banarjee was the The partition of Bengal gave a fillip to those first President (1885) Indian National Congress. who were advocating militant direct action The first session of the Indian National programmes to fight the exploitative British Congress was held on 28 December 1885. policies. The early objectives were to develop and consolidate sentiments of national unity; 7.5 Partition of Bengal but also professed loyalty to Britain. The In 1899, Lord Curzon techniques included appeals, petitions and was appointed the delegations to Britain, all done within a Viceroy of India. Instead constitutional framework. Some of the key of engaging with the demands were the following: nationalist intelligentsia ¾¾creation of legislative councils at for handling the problem provincial and central level of famine and plague, ¾¾increasing the number of elected members Curzon resorted to repressive measures in the legislative council Lord Curzon ¾¾separating judicial and executive to undermine the idea functions of local self-government, autonomy of ¾¾reducing military expenditure higher educational institutions and gag the ¾¾reduction of Home Charges press. Partition of Bengal in 1905 was the ¾¾extension of trial by jury most unpopular of all. The partition led to ¾¾holding civil services exams in India as widespread protests all across India, starting well as in England. a new phase of the Indian national movement. ¾¾police reforms The idea of partition was devised to ¾¾reconsideration of forest laws suppress the political activities against ¾¾promotion of Indian industries and an the British rule in Bengal by creating a end to unfair tariffs and excise duties. Hindu-Muslim divide.

25 Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 25 02-08-2019 16:03:53 (a) Hindu–Muslim Divide (c) Boycott and Swadeshi It was openly stated that the objective Movement in Bengal of partition was to curtail Bengali influence (1905–1911) and weaken the nationalist movement. By Boycott and placing Bengal under two administrative swadeshi were units Curzon reduced the Bengali - speaking always interlinked people to a linguistic minority in a divided to each other and Bengal. Curzon assured Muslims that in the part of the wider new province of East Bengal Muslims would plan to make India Swadeshi Movement enjoy a unity, which they never enjoyed since self-sufficient. Four the days of the Mughals. major trends can be discerned during the Instead of dividing the Bengali people Swadeshi Movement in Bengal. along the religious line partition united them. 1. The Moderate Trend – Faith in British rule The growth of regional language newspapers and their sense of justice and democratic played a role in building a sense of proud practice. The moderate leaders were not Bengali identity. ready to wrest power from British in one single movement and therefore Boycott (b) Anti- Partition Movement and Swadeshi Movement was of limited The leaders of both the groups - extremist significance to them. and moderate - were critical of partition. 2. Constructive Swadeshi – Rejected the self- Initially, the objective of the anti-partition defeating modest approach of moderates campaign was limited to changing the and focused on self-help through swadeshi public opinion in England. So they protested industries, national schools, arbitration through prayers, press campaigns, petitions, courts and constructive programmes in the and public meetings. However, despite villages. It remained non-political in nature. widespread protest, partition of Bengal was announced on 19 July 1905. 3. Militant Nationalism – A section of Indian nationalists who had little patience for the With the failure to annul the partition non-political constructive programmes. moderate leaders were forced to rethink They ridiculed the idea of self-help and their strategy and look for new techniques were more focused on a relentless boycott of protest. The boycott of British goods was of foreign goods. one such method. However, the agenda of Swadeshi Movement was still restricted to 4. Revolutionary terrorism – A far more secure an annulment of partition and the radical response to the British rule in India moderates were very much against utilising was to fight British with violent methods. the campaign to start a full-fledged passive British officials who were anti-swadeshi or resistance. The militant nationalists, on the repressive towards the native population were other hand, were in favour of extending the targeted. It also marked the shift from the movement beyond Bengal and to initiate a mass-based movement to individual action. full-scale mass struggle. Constructive Swadeshi The day Bengal was officially partitioned – 16 Oct 1905 – was declared as a day of The constructive programmes largely mourning. Thousands of people took bath stressed upon self-help. It focused on building in the Ganga and marched on the streets of alternative institutions of self-governance Calcutta singing Bande Mataram. that would operate free of British control.

Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism 26

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 26 02-08-2019 16:03:53 It also laid emphasis on the need of self- during the Swadeshi period and were referred strengthening of the people which would help to as Lal-Bal-Pal triumvirate. Punjab, Bengal, in creating a worthy citizen for the political and Maharashtra emerged as the hotbed of agitation. Swadeshi shops sprang all over militant nationalism during the Swadeshi the place selling textiles, handlooms, soaps, Movement. In South India Tuticorin became earthenware, match and leather goods. the most important location of Swadeshi Passive Resistance activity with the launch of a Swadeshi Steam Navigation company by V.O. Chidambaranar. From 1906 the Swadeshi Movement took a turn where the repeal of partition was no or Political Independence longer on the agenda. For many leaders, the One of the common goals of the extremist movement was to be utilized for propagating leaders was to achieve Swaraj or Self Rule. the idea of the political independence or However, the leaders differed on the meaning Swaraj across India. Under this new direction, of Swaraj. For Tilak Swaraj was the attainment the swadeshi programme included four of complete autonomy and total freedom points: boycott of foreign goods, boycott of from foreign rule. Unlike the moderates who government schools and colleges, courts, were critical of the reckless revolutionaries, titles and government services, development militant nationalists were sympathetic of Swadeshi industries, national schools, towards the extremists. However, the political recourse to armed struggle if British repression murders and individual acts of terrorism were went beyond the limits of endurance. not approved by the militant leaders. The method of passive resistance had no The British brutally crushed the Swadeshi practical utility in a situation where there is Movement by jailing prominent leaders for a ruthless and mighty administration on the long spells of imprisonment. Revolutionaries side and on the other the militarily weaker were hanged to death. The press was crushed. people. Resistance in such a situation can be provided through relentless non-cooperation Home Rule Movement and disobedience. 7.6 (1916–1918) (d) Militant Nationalism The Indian national movement was revived and also radicalised during the Home Rule Movement (1916-1918), led by Lokamanya Tilak and . World War I and Indian’s participation in it was the background for the Home Rule League. When Britain declared war against Germany in 1914, the moderate and liberal leadership extended their support to the British cause. It was hoped that, in return, the British government would give self-government after the war. Indian troops were sent to several theatres of World War. But the British administration Lal-Bal-Pal remained non-committal to such goals. What was seen as a British betrayal to the Indian of Punjab, Bala Gangadhar cause of self-government led to a fresh call Tilak of Maharashtra and Bipin Chandra for a mass movement to pressurise the British Pal of Bengal were three prominent leaders government.

27 Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 27 02-08-2019 16:03:53 (a) Towards Charting a Common ¾¾To obtain the status of dominion, a political Path position accorded later to Australia, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand. The 1916 Annual Session of Congress began with two significant developments. ¾¾To use non-violent constitutional One, moderate leaders methods to achieve their goals. and Gokhale, two main voices of opposition (c) Lucknow Pact (1916) against the militant faction, had died in 1915. The rising popularity of Annie Besant was the The Home Rule Movement and the other factor which compelled the moderates subsequent reunion of moderate and the to put up a common front against the colonial militant nationalists opened the possibility government. In the Lucknow session of Indian of fresh talks with the Muslims. Under the National Congress (1916), it was decided to Lucknow Pact (1916), the Congress and the admit the militant faction into the party. Muslim League agreed that there should be self-government in India as soon as possible. Tilak set up the first Home Rule League in In return, the Congress leadership accepted April 1916. In September 1916, after repeated the concept of separate electorate for Muslims. demands of her impatient followers, Annie Besant decided to start the Home Rule League without the support of Congress. Both the leagues worked independently. The Home Rule Leagues were utilised to carry extensive propaganda through, press, speeches, public meetings, lectures, discussions and touring in favour of self-government. They succeeded in enrolling young people in large numbers and extending the movement to the rural areas. The Home Rule Movement in India borrowed much of its principles from the Irish Home Rule Movement. Signatories of Lucknow Pact (d) British Response (b) Objectives of the Home Rule Movement The response of the government of British India to the Home Rule Movement ¾¾ To attain self-government within the was not consistent. Initially it stated that British Empire by using constitutional there should be reform to accommodate means. more Indians in local administrative bodies. As the demand for Swaraj was raised by Tilak I mean by self-government that and Annie Besant that gained popularity, the the country shall have a government by British used the same old ploy to isolate the councils, elected by the people, elected with leaders by repressing their activities. the power of the purse and the government is responsible to the house…. India should In 1919 the British government demand self-government not based on announced the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms loyalty to the British government or as a which promised gradual progress of India reward for her services in the war but as towards self-government. This caused deep a right based on the principle of national disappointment to Indian nationalists. In a self-determination. further blow the government enacted what was called the which provided — Annie Besant (in September 1915) for arbitrary arrest and strict punishment.

Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism 28

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 28 02-08-2019 16:03:53 SUMMARY „„The latter half of nineteenth century British India was replete with revolts of peasants and tribals against colonial political and economic domination. „„The great rebellion of 1857 was the culmination of various anti-British tendencies led by the depossessed feudal chieftains with an agenda to restore the Pre-colonial order. „„Even though the leaders of the Revolt lacked vision and were guided by local ambitions, it was a progressive act in terms of their effort to resist and challenge a despotic alien government. „„The Indian National Movement, building public opinion against the exploitative and oppressive British rule, inspired the younger generation to become part of the future militant anti-colonial struggles. „„The Swadeshi Movement helped to enhance the participation of masses in nationalist politics. „„The Home Rule Movement helped to unite the Congress party after the . „„ The British mainly responded to the political activities of the nationalists in two ways. One was repression; other was reconciliation. „„The British utilised individual ambitions and personal rivalries to drive wedge between different social and religious groups to weaken the anti-colonial front.

GLOSSARY

ꎿனைத㞤தை ꎿறைவேற் orchestrated organized to achieve a desired effect ப�ோடப்ட் 鎿ட்믍

clandestine secret இரக殿ய

restorative re-establishing 므ட垿ன்

埀폍埍埁த㞤கை埍埁 ힿ翁த쯍, உ쿍 subletting property leased by one lessee to another 埁த㞤கை埍埁 ힿ翁த쯍

egalitarian equal rights for all people அனைத鏁 மக்쿁埍埁믍 சமமான

coercive forcible வ쯁க்ட்டயமாக

the practice of taking something from an தா埍埁த쯍 믂ல믍 பண믍, ப�ொ쏁쿍 extortion unwilling person by physical force ப잿த㞤쯍

disgruntled dissatisfied, frustrated ꎿறைힿல்லா, 鎿쏁ப鎿யற்

abysmal extremely bad, deep and bottomless 뮿க ம�ோசமான, ப翁பாதாளமான

29 Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 29 02-08-2019 16:03:53 EXERCISE

I. Choose the 7. Who set up the first Home Rule League in correct answer April 1916? a) Annie Basant 1. Which one of the following was launched b) by Haji Shariatullah in 1818 in East Bengal? c) Lala Lajpat Rai a) Wahhabi Rebellion d) Tilak b) Farazi Movement c) Tribal uprising 8. Who drew the attention of the British to d) Kol Revolt the suffering of Indigo cultivation through his play Nil darpan? 2. Who declared that “Land belongs to God” a) Dina Bandhu Mitra and collecting rent or tax on it was against b) Romesh Chandra Dutt divine law? c) Dadabhai Naoroji a) Titu Mir d) Birsa Munda b) Sidhu c) Dudu Mian II. Fill in the blanks d) Shariatullah 1. In 1757, Robert Clive was financially 3. Who were driven out of their homeland supported by ______, the during the process of creation of Zamins moneylenders of Bengal. under Permanent Settlement? a) Santhals b) Titu Mir 2. ______was an anti–imperial and anti-landlord movement which originated c) Munda d) Kol in and around 1827. 4. Find out the militant nationalist from the following. 3. The major tribal revolt which took place a) Dadabhai Naoroji in Chotanagpur region was ______. b) Justice Govind Ranade c) Bipin Chandra pal 4. The ______Act, restricted the entry d) Romesh Chandra of non-tribal people into the tribal land. 5. When did the Partition of Bengal come 5. Around 1854 activities of social banditry into effect? were led by ______. a) 19 June 1905 b) 18 July 1906 6. The British Commander of Kanpur killed c) 19 August 1907 by the rebels during the 1857 Rebellion d) 16 October 1905 was ______.

6. What was the context in which the 7. Chota Nagpur Act was passed in the year Chotanagpur Tenancy Act was passed? ______. a) Kol Revolt b) Indigo Revolt 8. W.C. Bannerjee was elected the president c) Munda Rebellion of Indian National Congress in the year d) Deccan Riots ______.

Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism 30

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 30 02-08-2019 16:03:54 III. Choose the correct statement (iii) One of the goals of the moderate Congress leaders was to achieve Swaraj 1. (i) The Company received ₹ 22.5 million or self-rule. from Mir Jafar and invested it to propel the industrial revolution in Britain. (iv) The objective of Partition of Bengal (ii) Kols organized an insurrection in was to curtail the Bengali influence and 1831-1832, which was directed against weaken the nationalist movement. government officers and moneylenders. a) (i) and (iii) are correct b) (i), (iii), and (iv) are correct (iii) In 1855, two Santhal brothers, Sidhu c) (ii) and (iii) are correct and Kanu, led the Santhal Rebellion. d) (iii) and (iv) are correct (iv) In 1879, an Act was passed to regulate 4. Assersion (A): Under colonial rule, for the the territories occupied by the Santhals. first time in Indian history, government a) (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct claimed a direct proprietary right over b) (ii) and (iii) are correct forests. c) (iii) and (iv) are correct Reason (R): Planters used intimidation and d) (i) and (iv) are correct violence to compel farmers to grow indigo. 2. (i) Dudu Mian laid emphasis on the a) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but R is egalitarian nature of Islam and declared not the correct explanation of A that “Land belongs to God” b) Both (A) and (R) are wrong (ii) According to the Doctrine of Lapse, c) Both (A) and (R) are correct and R is new territories under the corrupt Indian the correct explanation of A rulers were to be annexed. d) (A) is wrong and (R) is correct (iii) The British officials after the suppression of 1857 Revolt were given power to 5. Assersion (A): The Revolt of 1857 was judge and take the lives of Indians brutally suppressed by the British army. without due process of law. Reason (R): The failure of the rebellion was (iv) One of the causes of the failure of the due to the absence of Central authority. Revolt of 1857 was many of the Indian a) Both (A) and (R) are wrong princes and zamindars remained loyal b) (A) is wrong and (R) is correct to the British. a) (ii), (iii) and (iv) are correct c) Both (A) and (R) are correct and R is b) (i), (ii) and (iv) are correct the correct explanation of A c) (i), (iii) and (iv) are correct d) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but R is d) (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct not the correct explanation of A 3. (i) One of the most significant IV. Match the following contributions of the early Indian Nationalists was the formulation of an 1. Wahhabi Rebellion - Lucknow economic critique of colonialism. 2. Munda Rebellion - P eshwa Baji (ii) The early Congress leaders stated that Rao II the religious exploitation in India was 3. Begum Hazarat Mahal - Titu Mir the primary reason for the growing 4. Kunwar Singh - Ranchi poverty. 5. Nana Sahib -

31 Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 31 02-08-2019 16:03:54 V. Answer the following c) Where was the first session of Indian questions briefly National Congress held? d) How did the British respond to the 1. How are the peasant uprisings in British Swadeshi Movement? India classified? 2. Write about the Kanpur Massacre of 1857. VII. Answer in detail 3. Name the territories annexed by the 1. Discuss the causes and consequences of British under the Doctrine of Lapse. the Revolt of 1857? 4. What do you mean by drain of wealth? 2. How did the people of Bengal respond to 5. Explain the concept of constructive the Partition of Bengal (1905)? swadeshi? 3. Attempt a narrative account of how Tilak 6. Highlight the objectives of Home Rule and Annie Besant by launching Home Movement. Rule Movement sustained the Indian 7. Summarise the essence of Lucknow Pact. freedom struggle after 1916? VI. Answer all the questions VIII. Activity under each caption 1. Identify the Acts passed in British India from 1858 to 1919, with a brief note on 1. Deccan Riots each. a) When and where did the first recorded incident of rioting against the 2. Mark the important centres of 1857 Revolt on an outline map. moneylenders in the Deccan appear? b) What was the right given to 3. Prepare an album with pictures of moneylenders under a new law of the frontline leaders of all the anti-colonial struggles launched against the British. British? c) What did it result in? d) Against whom was the violence directed in the Deccan riots. 2. The Revolt of 1857 a) Who assaulted his officer, an incident REFERENCE BOOKS that led to the outbreak of 1857 Revolt? b) Who was proclaimed the Sahhensha- 1. Bipan Chandra, India’s Struggle for e-Hindustan in Delhi? Independence (New Delhi: Penguin, 2000) c) Who was the correspondent of London 2. Sekhar Bandyopadhyay, From Plassey to Times who reported on the brutality of Partition and After (New Delhi: Orient the 1857 revolt? Longman, 2004) d) What did the Queen’s proclamation say 3. Sumit Sarkar, Modern India (1885-1947) on matters relating to religion? (New Delhi: Pearson, 2014). 3. Indian National Congress a) What were the techniques adopted by the Congress to get its grievances redressed ? b) What do you know of Lal-Bal-Pal triumvirate?

Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism 32

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 32 02-08-2019 16:03:54 ICT CORNER Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

Through this activity you will visualize the Great Rebellion of 1857

Step-1 Open the Browser and type the URL given below (or) Scan the QR Code. Step-2 Type ‘Rebellion of 1857’ into search box Step-3 Scroll down and click explore the picture collections

Step-1 Step-2

Step-3

* Pictures are indicatives only. * If browser requires, allow Flash Player or Java Script to load the page

33 Anti-Colonial Movements and the Birth of Nationalism

10th_History_Unit_7.indd 33 02-08-2019 16:03:55 Unit - 8

Nationalism: Gandhian Phase

Learning Objectives

To acquaint ourselves with „„ Gandhian phase of India’s struggle for independence „„ ’s policy of and tried and tested for mobilisation of the masses in India „„ Non-violent struggles in Champaran and against the Rowlatt Act „„ The Non-Cooperation Movement and its fallout „„ Emergence of radicals and revolutionaries and their part in the freedom movement „„ Launch of Movement „„ Issue of separate electorate and the signing of „„ First Congress Ministries in the provinces and circumstances leading to the launch of „„ Communalism leading to partition of sub-continent into India and Pakistan

Introduction violent methods to mobilise the masses and mount pressure on the British. In this lesson arrived in India in 1915 we shall see how Gandhi transformed the from South Africa after fighting for the civil Indian National Movement. rights of the Indians there for about twenty years. He brought with him a new impulse Gandhi and Mass to Indian politics. He introduced satyagraha, 8.1 Nationalism which he had perfected in South Africa, that could be practiced by men and women, young (a) Evolution of Gandhi and old. As a person dedicated to the cause Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born of the poorest of the poor, he instantly gained on 2 October 1869 into a well to do family in the goodwill of the masses. Before Gandhi, Porbandar, Gujarat. His father Kaba Gandhi the constitutionalists appealed to the British was the Diwan of Porbandar and later became sense of justice and fair play. The militants the Diwan of . His mother Putlibai, a confronted the repression of the colonial state devout Vaishanavite, influenced the young violently. Gandhi, in contrast, adopted non-

34

10th_History_Unit_8.indd 34 7/30/2019 7:48:07 PM Gandhi. After passing the matriculation outdoors after 9 p.m. without a permit. He examination, Gandhi sailed to England in launched a struggle against such unjust laws. 1888 to study law. After becoming a barrister Gandhi was introduced to the works in June 1891 Gandhi returned to India as a of Tolstoy and John Ruskin. He was deeply firm believer in British sense of justice and influenced by Tolstoy’s The Kingdom of fair play. His experiences in London had not prepared him for the racial discrimination he God is Within You, Ruskin’s would encounter in South Africa. and Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience. Gandhi’s ideas were formed due to a blend of Indian and Western thought. Despite being deeply influenced by Western thinkers he was highly critical of Western civilisation and industrialisation. Inspired by Ruskin Gandhi established the Phoenix Settlement (1905) and the (1910). Equality, community living and dignity of labour were inculcated in these settlements. They were training grounds for the satyagrahis.

Satyagraha as a Strategy in South Africa Gandhi developed satyagraha (devotion Gandhi in South Africa to the truth, truth-force) as a strategy, in On returning to India, Gandhi’s attempt which campaigners went on peaceful marches to practice in Bombay failed. It was during and presented themselves for arrest in protest this time that a Gujarati firm in South Africa, against unjust laws. He experimented with sought the services of Gandhi for assistance it for fighting the issues of immigration in a law-suit. Gandhi accepted the offer and and racial discrimination. Meetings were left for South Africa in April 1893. Gandhi held and registration offices of immigrants faced racial discrimination for the first time were picketed. Even when the police let in South Africa. On his journey from Durban loose violence no resistance was offered by to Pretoria, at the railway station, he was physically thrown out of the the satyagrahis. Gandhi and other leaders first class compartment. Indians were treated were arrested. Indians, mostly indentured only as coolies. But Gandhi was determined labourers turned hawkers continued the to fight. struggle despite police brutality. Finally, by the Smuts-Gandhi Agreement the poll tax on Gandhi called a meeting of the Indians indentured labourers was abolished. Gandhi’s in the Transvaal and exhorted them to form an association to seek redress of their stay in South Africa was a learning experience grievances. He continued to hold such for him. It was there that Gandhi realised meetings, petitioned to the authorities about that people of different religions, regions, the injustices which were in violation of their linguistic groups could be welded into one to own laws. Indians in the Transvaal had to pay fight against exploitation. After the outbreak a poll tax of £ 3, could not own land except in of the First World War, Gandhi returned to areas marked for them, and could not move India.

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 35 7/30/2019 7:48:07 PM Gandhi’s Early from Champaran who suffered hardships 8.2 in India of the system, prevailed on Gandhi to visit Champaran. On reaching Chamaparan, Gandhi Gandhi regarded Gopal Krishna was asked by the police to leave immediately. Gokhale, whom he had met on previous visits When he refused he was summoned for trial. to India, as his political guru. On his advice, The news spread like wild fire and thousands Gandhi travelled the length and breadth of swarmed the place in support of Gandhi. Gandhi the country before plunging into politics. This pleaded guilty of disobeying the order, and the enabled him to understand the conditions case had to be finally withdrawn. According to of the people. It is on one of these journeys Gandhi, “The country thus had its first object- through Tamil Nadu that Gandhi decided to lesson in Civil Disobedience”. He was assisted discard his following robes and wear a simple by Brajkishore Prasad, a lawyer by profession, dhoti. Gandhi before returning to India and , who became the first visited England where he enlisted for the President of independent India. The Lieutenant War to offer ambulance services. Considering Governor eventually formed a committee with himself a responsible citizen of the Empire he Gandhi as a member which recommended believed it was his duty to support England the abolition of the tinkathia system, thereby in its difficult times and even campaigned ending the oppression of the peasants by the for the recruitment of Indians in the army. Indigo Planters. However, his views changed over the years. The success of , (a) Champaran Satyagraha followed by his fruitful intervention in mill strike (1918) and the Kheda Satyagraha (1918) helped Gandhi establish himself as a leader of mass struggle. Unlike earlier leaders, Gandhi demonstrated his ability to mobilise the common people across the country.

(b) Rowlatt Satyagraha and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre In the aftermath of the First World War, Champaran Satyagraha people expected liberal political reforms from the British. The Government of India Act In Champaran in Bihar the tinkathia system 1919, however, caused disappointment, as it was practiced. Under this exploitative system the did not transfer real power to the Indians. peasants were forced by the European planters Besides, the government began to enforce the to cultivate indigo on three-twentieths of their permanent extension of war time restrictions. land holdings. Towards the end of nineteenth The Rowlatt Act was enacted which provided century German synthetic dyes had forced for excessive police powers, arrest without indigo out of the market. The European planters warrant and detention without trial. Gandhi of Champaran, while realising the necessity of called it a ‘Black Act’ and in protest called for relieving the cultivators of the obligation of a nation-wide satyagraha on 6 April 1919. It cultivating indigo, wanted to turn the situation was to be a non-violent struggle with to their advantage. They enhanced the rent and and prayer, and it was the earliest anti- collected illegal dues as a price for the release colonial struggle spread across the country. of cultivators from the obligation. Resistance The anti-Rowlatt protest was intense in erupted. Rajkumar Shukla, an agriculturist Punjab, especially in Amritsar and .

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 36 7/30/2019 7:48:07 PM Gandhi was arrested and prevented from The brutality enraged Indians. Rabindranath visiting Punjab. On 9 April two prominent Tagore returned his knighthood. Gandhi local leaders Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. surrendered his Kaiser-i-Hind medal. Satyapal were arrested in Amritsar leading to protests in which a few Europeans were (c) killed. Martial law was declared. The First World War came to an end in 1918. The Caliph of Turkey, who was considered the General Dyer’s Brutality head of Muslims of the world, was given a harsh On 13 April 1919 a treatment. A movement was started his support public meeting was arranged called the Khilafat Movement. Led by the Ali at Jallianwala Bagh in brothers, Maulana Mohamed Ali and Maulana Amritsar. As it happened Shaukat Ali, it aimed to restore the prestige to be Baisaki day (spring and power of the Caliphate. Gandhi supported harvest festival of Sikhs) the the movement and saw in it an opportunity to villagers had assembled there in thousands. unite Hindus and Muslims. He presided over the General Reginald Dyer, on hearing of the All India Khilafat Conference held at Delhi in assemblage, surrounded the place with his November 1919. Gandhi supported Shaukat Ali’s troops and an armoured vehicle. The only proposal of three national slogans, Allaho Akbar, entrance to the park that was surrounded Bande Mataram and Hindu-Musslamanki Jai. on all sides by high walls was blocked, and The Khilafat Committee meeting in Allahabad on firing took place without any warning. The 9 June 1920 adopted Gandhi’s non-violent non- firing lasted for ten minutes till the troops cooperation programme. Non-Cooperation was ran out of ammunition. According to official to begin on 1 August 1920. estimates 379 were killed and more than thousand injured. Unofficial estimates put the toll at more than a thousand. After the incident martial law was declared and many people in the Punjab especially Amritsar were flogged and forced to crawl on the streets.

Ali Brothers  Non-Cooperation 8.3 Movement and Its Fallout The Indian National Congress approved the non-cooperation movement in a special session held in Calcutta on September 1920. It was subsequently passed in the Nagpur Session held on December 1920, Chaired by Salem C.Vijayaraghavachariar. The programme of non-cooperation included: 1. Surrender of all titles of honours and honorary offices. Bullet marks on the wall and 2. Non-participation in government functions. the well in the ground, Jallianwala Bagh

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 37 7/30/2019 7:48:28 PM 3. Suspension of practice by lawyers, and viz. non-violent non-cooperation but because settlement of court disputes by private of lack of sufficiently trained volunteers and arbitration. leaders. Soon after the Khilafat Movement 4. Boycott of government schools by children also came to an end as the office of the Caliph and parents. (Caliphate) was abolished in Turkey. 5. Boycott of the legislature created under the (b) Swarajists 1919 Act. 6. Non-participation in government parties and other official functions. 7. Refusal to accept any civil or military post. 8. Boycott of foreign goods and spreading the doctrine of Swadeshi. (a) No-Tax Campaign and Programmes such as no-tax campaigns C.R. Das caught the imagination of the kisans (peasants). Gandhi announced a no-tax campaign in Meanwhile Congress was divided Bardoli in February 1922. These movements into two groups viz. pro-changers and no- greatly enhanced Gandhi’s reputation as a changers. Some of the Congressmen led national leader, especially the peasants. Gandhi by Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das wanted to made a nation-wide tour. Wherever he visited contest the elections and enter the legislature. there was a bonfire of foreign cloth. Thousands They argued that the national interest could left government jobs, students gave up their be promoted by working in the Legislative studies in large numbers and the lawyers gave Councils under Dyarchy and wrecking the up thriving practices. Boycott of British goods colonial government within. They were and institutions were effective. The boycott called the pro-changers. Staunch followers of the Prince of Wales’ visit to India was of Gandhi like , C. Rajaji successful. During this boycott trade unions and others, known as no-changers, wanted and workers participated actively. However, to continue non-cooperation with the Gandhi suddenly withdrew the movement government. Despite the opposition C.R. Das because of the Chauri Chaura incident. and Motilal Nehru formed the on 1 January 1923, which was later approved On 5 February 1922 a procession of the nationalists in Chauri Chaura, a village near by a special session of the Congress. Swaraj Gorakhpur in present-day Uttar Pradesh Party members were elected in large numbers provoked by the police turned violent. The to the Imperial Legislative Assembly and the police finding themselves outnumbered shut various Provincial Legislative Councils. They themselves inside the police station. The mob effectively used the legislature as a platform burnt the police station 22 policemen lost for propagation of nationalist ideas. In Bengal, their lives. Gandhi immediately withdrew they refused to take charge of transferred the movement. This was done much against subjects, as they did not want to cooperate the wishes of many congressmen including with the government. They exposed the true young leaders like and nature of the colonial government. However, who thought the the Swaraj Party began to decline after the movement was gaining momentum. Gandhi death of its leader C.R. Das in 1925. Some was arrested and was released only in 1924. of the Swaraj Party members began to accept Gandhi believed that the movement failed not government offices. Swaraj Party withdrew because of any defect in the means employed, from the legislatures in 1926.

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 38 7/30/2019 7:48:28 PM Dyarchy, a system of dual government that time believed Swaraj was possible only introduced under the Government of with Hindu-Muslim unity, failed to stem the India Act 1919, divided the powers of the communal riots. provincial government into Reserved and (d) Boycott of Transferred subjects. The Reserved Subjects On 8 November 1927, the British comprising finance, defence, the police, Government announced the appointment of justice, land revenue, and irrigation were the Indian Statutory Commission. Composed of in the hands of the British. The Transferred seven members headed by Sir John Simon it came Subjects that included local self-government, to be widely known as the Simon Commission. education, public health, public works, It was an all-white commission with no Indian agriculture, forests and fisheries were left member. Indians were angered that they had been under the control of Indian ministers. The denied the right to decide their own constitution. system ended with the introduction of All sections of India including the Congress provincial autonomy in 1935. and the Muslim League decided to boycott the commission. Wherever the Commission went (c) Constructive Programme there were protests, and black flag marches with of Gandhi the slogan ‘Go Back Simon’. The protesters were After the Chauri Chaura incident, Gandhi brutally assaulted by the police. In one such felt that the volunteers and the people had to assault in Lahore, Lal Lajpat Rai was seriously be trained for a non-violent struggle. As a injured and died a few days later. part of this effort he focused on promoting , Hindu-Muslim unity and the abolition of untouchability. He exhorted the Congressmen, “Go throughout your districts and spread the message of Khaddar, the message of Hindu-Muslim unity, the message of anti-untouchability and take up in hand the youth of the country and make them the real soldiers of Swaraj.” He made it compulsory for all Congress members to wear khaddar. The "Go back Simon" Demonstration All India Spinner’s Association was formed. (e) Gandhi believed that without attaining these objectives Swaraj could never be attained. The Simon boycott united the different political parties in India. An all party conference Despite the cooperation of the Hindus was held in 1928 with the objective to frame a and Muslims during the Khilafat Movement constitution for India as an alternative to the and the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Simon Commission proposals. A committee unity was fragile. The 1920s saw a series under the leadership of Motilal Nehru was of communal riots between the Hindus formed to outline the principles on the basis of and the Muslims. Hindu Mahasabha was which the constitution was to be drafted. The gaining in popularity under Madan Mohan committee’s report, known as the Nehru Report, Malaviya and the Muslim League under recommended, the Ali Brothers. Gandhi undertook a 21- day a fast in between 1924 to appeal to the „„ Dominion status for India. hearts of the Hindus and Muslims involved „„ Elections of the Central Legislature and in communal politics. Serious efforts by the Provincial Legislatures on the basis of Gandhi and , who at joint and mixed electorates.

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 39 7/30/2019 7:48:28 PM „„ Reservation of seats for Muslims in the „„ Reduction of expenditure on army Central Legislature and in provinces and civil services by 50% where they are in a minority and for the „„ Introduction of total prohibition Hindus in North-West Frontier Province „„ where they were in a minority. Release of all political prisoners „„ „„ Provision of fundamental rights, and Reduction of land revenue by 50% universal adult franchise. „„ Abolition of tax. Jinnah proposed an amendment to the reservation of seats in the Central Legislature. He demanded that one-third of the seats be reserved for Muslims. Tej Bahadur Sapru Gandhiji’s Dandi March supported him and pleaded that Jinnah When the Viceroy did not respond to it would make no big difference. However, it was the charter of demands, Gandhi launched the defeated in the All Party Conference. Later he Civil Disobedience Movement. The inclusion proposed a resolution which came to be known of abolition of was a brilliant tactical as Jinnah’s Fourteen Points. However, it was also decision. Salt was an issue which affected rejected. Jinnah who was hailed as Ambassador every section of the society. It transformed of Hindu–Muslim Unity thereafter changed his Civil Disobedience Movement into a mass stand and began to espouse the cause of a separate movement drawing all sections of the nation for Muslims. population including women to the streets. At The Struggle for Poorna the break of dawn on 12 March 1930 Gandhi Swaraj and Launch set out from with 78 of its 8.4 inmates. The procession became larger and of Civil Disobedience larger when hundreds joined them along the Movement march. At the age of 61 Gandhi covered a Meanwhile some congressmen were not distance of 241 miles in 24 days to reach Dandi satisfied with dominion status and wanted at sunset on 5 April 1930. The next morning, to demand complete independence. In the he took a lump of salt breaking the salt law. Congress session held in Lahore in December Salt Satyagraha in Provinces 1929 with Jawaharlal Nehru as the President, Poorna Swaraj was declared as the goal. It was also decided to boycott the Round Table Conference and launch a Civil Disobedience Movement. 26 January 1930 was declared as and a pledge was taken all over the country to attain Poorna Swaraj non-violently through civil disobedience including non-payment of taxes. The Indian National Congress authorised Gandhi to Rajaji making salt in Vedaranyam launch the movement. In Tamil Nadu, C. Rajaji led a similar salt (a) Salt Satyagraha Movement march from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyam. A charter of demands presented to the Salt marches took place in Kerala, Andhra Viceroy Lord Irwin with an ultimatum to and Bengal. In the North West Frontier comply by 31 January 1930 included: Province Khan led

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 40 7/30/2019 7:48:28 PM the movement. He organized the Khudai picketing of liquor shops, non-payment Khidmatgar, also known as the Red Shirts. of taxes, breaking of forest laws etc. Government crushed the movement with were adopted. Women, peasants, tribals, brutal force, causing in many casualties. The students, even children and all sections soldiers of the Garhwali regiment refused to participated in the nation-wide struggle. It fire on unarmed satyagrahis. was the biggest mass movement India had ever witnessed. More than 90,000 people Gandhi was arrested at midnight and were arrested. sent to Yeravada Jail. Jawaharlal Nehru, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and other leaders (b) Round Table Conferences were swiftly arrested. Soon other forms of In the midst of the movement the First protests such as boycott of foreign cloth, Round Table Conference was held at London in November 1930. Ramsay Macdonald, the The British enacted the first forest act British Prime Minister, proposed a federal in 1865. This act restricted the access of the government with provincial autonomy. There forest dwellers to the forest areas to collect was a deadlock over the question of separate firewood, cattle fodder and other minor electorates for the minorities. The Congress forest produce such as honey, seeds, nuts, did not attend it as its leaders were in jail. medicinal herbs. The Indian Forest Act of The Conference closed without any decision 1878 claimed that original ownership of on the question. It was clear that without forests was with the state. Waste lands and Congress participation the discussions fallow lands were included as forest. Sifting were of no value. Gandhi was released cultivation practiced by, the tribal people, unconditionally. was prohibited. Alienation of forests (c) Gandhi-Irwin Pact from local control was stiffly resisted by the aggrieved adivasis (tribals) and the nationalists. The most striking evidence of continuing struggles of the tribal groups was the one waged by in Rampa. Raju made Adivasi areas in the Eastern Ghats (the forest area along the Visakapatnam and Godavari district) his Gandhi Irwin home. The Adivasis who were organized by Alluri Sitarama Raju lived in abject Lord Irwin held talks with Gandhi which poverty. They were also harassed by police, resulted in the Gandhi–Irwin Pact on 5 March forest and revenue officials in ‘Manyam’ 1931. The British agreed to the demand of (forest area). Raju’s efforts at fighting immediate release of all political prisoners not involved in violence, return of confiscated land corrupt officials to protect the interests and lenient treatment of government employees of Rampa tribals prompted the British to who had resigned. It also permitted the people target his life. A special Malabar Police of coastal villages to make salt for consumption team was sent to quell the uprisings (1922- and non-violent picketing. The Congress agreed 24) of Rampa Adivasis. Alluri Sitarama to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement Raju attained martyrdom for the cause of and attend the conference. Gandhi attended the forest dwellers. Second Round Table Conference which began

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 41 7/30/2019 7:48:28 PM on 7 September 1931. Gandhi refused to accept (e) Communal Award and separate electorates for minorities. As a result, Poona Pact the second conference ended without any result. On 16 August 1932, Ramsay MacDonald, announced the Communal Award. It provided separate electorates to the minorities, viz. Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians and women and the “depressed classes”. Gandhi strongly opposed the inclusion of depressed classes in the list of minorities. Gandhi argued that it would not only divide the Hindus but also make the campaign against untouchability meaningless, as they would be considered distinct from the Hindus. However, he supported reservation of seats. B.R. Ambedkar, the leader of the depressed Second Round Table Conference - London classes, strongly argued for the separate electorate, (d) Renewal of Civil Disobedience as it, according to him, would give them political Movement. representation and power. On 20 September 1932, Gandhi went on a fast unto death against On returning to India, Gandhi revived the separate electorates for the depressed classes. the Civil Disobedience Movement. This time , Rajendra Prasad and the government was prepared to meet the others held talks with Ambedkar and M.C. Rajah resistance. Martial law was enforced and Gandhi the leaders of the depressed classes. After intense was arrested on 4 January 1932. Soon all the negotiations an agreement was arrived between Congress leaders were arrested too. Protests Gandhi and Ambedkar. Known as the Poona and picketing by the people were suppressed Pact, its main terms were: with force. Nearly 80,000 people were arrested within four months. The nationalist press was „„ The principle of separate electorates was completely gagged. Despite Government’s abandoned. Instead, the principle of joint repressive measures it is worth mentioning here electorate was accepted with reservation that the movement continued till April 1934. of seats for the depressed classes. „„ In the meantime, the Third Round Table Reserved seats for the depressed classes Conference was held from 17 November to were increased from 71 to 148. In the 24 December 1932. The Congress did not Central Legislature 18 percent of the participate in the conference as it had revived seats were reserved. the Civil Disobedience Movement. (f) Campaign Against Untouchability Gandhi devoted the next few years towards abolition of untouchability. His engagement with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar made a big impact on his ideas about the caste Call for Civil Disobedience system. He shifted his base to the Satyagraha Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 42 7/30/2019 7:48:28 PM Ashram at Wardha. He undertook an all- Communist Conference India tour called the Harijan Tour. He started was held at Kanpur in the to work for the 1925. Singaravelar gave removal of discriminations. He worked to the Presidential Address. promote education, cleanliness and hygiene It led to the founding of and giving up of liquor among the depressed the Communist Party of class. He also undertook two fasts in 1933 India in Indian soil. The for this cause. An important part of the Communists organised S.A. Dange campaign was the Temple Entry Movement. workers’ and peasants’ 8 January 1933 was observed as ‘Temple organisations in different parts of India. A Entry Day’. His campaign earned the ire of number of strikes were organised in the 1920s. the orthodox Hindus and an attempt was Their efforts eventually led to the establishment made on his life by obscurantists upper caste of the All India Workers’ and Peasants’ Party in Hindus. But this did not deter his mission. 1928. The progress in this direction was halted The work among the depressed classes and with the Meerut Conspiracy Case in 1929. the tribals took the message of nationalism Muzaffar Ahamed, S.A. Dange, S.V. Ghate, to the grassroots. G. Adhikari, P.C. Joshi, S.S.Mirajkar, Shaukat Usmani, Philip Stratt and twenty-three Beginnings of Socialist others were arrested for organising a railway 8.5 Movements strike. They were charged with conspiring to overthrow the British government of India. Inspired by the Russian Revolution of 1917 the (b) Revolutionary Activities Communist Party of India The youths who were disillusioned with (CPI) was founded at the sudden withdrawal of the Non Cooperation Tashkent, Uzbekistan in Movement by Gandhi took to violence. In October 1920. M.N. Roy, 1924 Hindustan Republican Army (HRA) was Abani Mukherjee, and formed in Kanpur to overthrow the colonial M.P.T. Acharya were some M.N. Roy rule by an armed rebellion. In 1925 Ram of its founding members.The Prasad Bismil, and others British government in India made vigorous held up a train carrying government money efforts to suppress the communist movement and looted in Kakori, a village near Lucknow. by foisting a series of cases in the 1920s. In They were arrested and tried in the Kakori a further attempt to eliminate the threat of Conspiracy Case. Four of them were sentenced communism M.N. Roy, S.A. Dange, Muzaffar to death while the others were sentenced to Ahmed, M. Singaravelar among others were imprisonment. arrested and tried in the Kanpur Conspiracy Case of 1924. The charge on them was “to deprive the King Emperor of his sovereignty of British India, by complete separation of India from imperialistic Britain.”

(a) Foundation of Communist Party

The communists used it as a platform Rajguru Sukhdev to propagate their views and to expose the ‘true colour of British rule in India’. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and their In an attempt to form a party an All India comrades reorganized the HRA in Punjab.

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 43 7/30/2019 7:48:29 PM Influenced by socialist ideas they renamed it as Hindustan Socialist Republican Association in 1928. Sanders, a British police officer, responsible for the lathi charge that led to Lala Lajpat Rai’s death was assassinated. Bhagat Singh along with B.K. Dutt threw a smoke bomb inside the Jayaprakash Acharya Central Legislative Assembly in 1929. It was Minoo Narayan Narendra Dev Masani not intended to hurt anyone. They threw pamphlets and shouted ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ In this context, the Communist Party, and ‘Long Live the Proletariat’. He along fighting for the cause of peasants and industrial with Rajguru was arrested and sentenced to workers hit by loss of income and wage death. Bhagat Singh’s daring and courage reduction, and problems of unemployment fired the imagination of the youth across gained influence and was therefore banned India, and he became popular across India. in 1934. The Congress, as a movement During the Gandhi–Irwin negotiations with a wide spectrum of political leanings, there was wide-spread demand to include ranging from the extreme Left to the extreme the case of Bhagat Singh and Rajguru. The Right, welded together by the goal of Swaraj, Viceroy was not willing to commute the emerged as a powerful organisation. There death sentence. was a constant struggle between the right In April 1930, the and left in the Congress during the 1930s. In Chittagong Armoury 1934 the Congress Socialist Party was formed Raid was carried out by , Acharya Narendra by and Dev and Minoo Masani. They believed that his associates. They nationalism was the path to socialism and captured the armories that they would work within the Congress. in Chittagong and They worked to make Congress pro-peasant Surya Sen proclaimed a provisional and pro-worker. revolutionary government. They survived for ‘Real Swaraj will come not by acquisition three years raiding government institutions. of authority by a few, but by the acquisition In 1933 Surya Sen was caught and hanged of the capacity by all to resist authority, when after a year. a bu s e d .’ - M. K. Gandhi (c) Left Movement in the 1930s By the 1930s the Communist Party of India First Congress Ministries had gained strength in view of the economic 8.6 under Government of crisis caused by world-wide Great Depression. India Act, 1935 Britain transmitted the effects of Depression to its colonies. The effects of Depression The Government of India Act 1935 was were reflected in decline in trade returns and one of the important positive outcomes of fall in agricultural prices. The governmental the Civil Disobedience Movement. The key measures included forcible collection of land features of the Act were provincial autonomy revenue which in real terms had increased and dyarchy at the centre. The Act provided two-fold due to a 50% fall in agricultural for an all India Federation with 11 provinces, prices, the withdrawal of money in circulation, 6 Chief commissioner’s provinces and all retrenchment of staff and expenditure on those Princely states which wished to join the developmental works. federation. The Act also provided autonomy

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 44 7/30/2019 7:48:29 PM to the provinces. All the subjects were entered the War on behalf of the Allies transferred to the control of Indian ministers. without consulting the Congress ministries. Dyarchy that was in operation in provinces The Congress ministries resigned in protest. was now extended to the central government. Jinnah who had returned from London with The franchise, based on property, was the determination of demanding separate extended though only about ten percent of state for Muslims, revived the Muslim League the population enjoyed the right to vote. By in 1934. He was one of the staunchest critics this Act Burma was separated from India. of the Congress Ministries. He declared the day when the Congress Ministries resigned (a) Congress Ministries and as the ‘Day of Deliverance’. By 1940 he was their Work demanding a separate state for the Muslims The Government of India Act 1935 was arguing that in an independent India the implemented with the announcement of Muslims would lose all political power to the elections in 1937. The Congress immensely Hindus. benefitted because of the Civil Disobedience Movement. The Congress called off its (c ) National Movement during the programme of boycott of legislature and Second World War, 1939–45 contested elections. It emerged victorious In 1939 Subhas Chandra Bose became in seven out of the eleven provinces. It the President of the Congress by defeating formed ministries in 8 provinces – Madras, Pattabhi Sitaramayya, the candidate of Bombay, Central Provinces, Orissa, Bihar, Gandhi. When Gandhi refused to cooperate, United Provinces, North West Frontier Subhas Chandra Bose resigned his post and Province. In Assam it formed a coalition started the Forward Bloc. The Communists government with Assam Valley Muslim initially opposed the War, calling it an Party led by Sir Muhammad Sadullah. The imperialist war. However, with the Nazi Congress Ministries functioned as a popular attack on the Soviet Union, they called it the government and responded to the needs ‘People’s War’ and offered cooperation to the of the people. The salaries of ministers British. As a result, in 1942, the ban on the were reduced from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 500 Communist Party of India was lifted. per month. Earlier action taken against nationalists were rescinded. They repealed the Acts which vested emergency powers in the government, lifted the ban imposed on political organisations except the Communist Party, and removed the restrictions on the nationalist press. Police powers were curbed and reporting by the CID on political speeches discontinued. Legislative measures were adopted for reducing indebtedness of the peasantry and improving the working Pattabhi Sitaramayya Subhas Chandra Bose conditions of the industrial labour. Temple entry legislation was passed. Special attention Hindu Communalism, was paid to education and public health. 8.7 Muslim Communalism (b) Resignation of Congress and Indian Nationalism Ministries The Muslim League dubbed the Congress In 1939 the Second World War broke as a Hindu organisation and claimed that it out. The colonial government of India alone was the representative of the Muslims

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 45 7/30/2019 7:48:29 PM of India. Similarly, Mahasabha (b) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) On 22 March took a pronounced anti-Muslim stance. 1942, the British Both Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League government sent claimed that the interests of the Hindus and a mission under Muslim were different and hostile to each Cabinet Minister Sir other. The British policy of divide and rule, Strafford Cripps as through measures such as Partition of Bengal, the Japanese knocked Communal Award, had encouraged the on the doors of India. vested interests out to exploit the religious The negotiations differences. In 1933, Rahmat Ali a student of between the Cripps Cambridge University conceived the idea of Mission and the Pakistan, comprising the provinces of Punjab, Congress failed Cripps and Gandhi Kashmir, North West Frontier Province, Sind as Britain was not and Baluchistan. Muhammad Iqbal, who willing to transfer effective power immediately. was advocating Hindu-Muslim unity later The Cripps Mission offered: changed his stance and began to campaign for the formation of a separate state for Muslims. 1. Grant of Dominion Status after the War Indian Nationalism represented by Gandhi, 2. Indian Princes could sign a separate Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and others opposed agreement with the British implying the the idea of partitioning the country. acceptance for the demand of Pakistan. 3. British control of defence during the War.  Developments Both the Congress and the Muslim 8.8 leading to Quit India League rejected the proposal. Gandhi called Movement the proposals as a post-dated cheque on a crashing bank. (a) Individual Satyagraha In August 1940 Viceroy (c ) "Do or Die" Call by Gandhi Linlithgow made an offer in return for Congress’ support for the war effort. However, the offer of dominion status in an unspecified future was not acceptable to the Quit India Movement; Congress. However, it did "Do or Die" - a call by Gandhi not want to hamper the The outcome of the Cripps Mission Vinobha Bhave British during its struggle caused considerable disappointment. Popular against the fascist forces discontent was intensified by war time shortages of Germany and Italy. Hence Gandhi declared and steep rise in prices. The All India Congress limited satyagraha which would be offered by Committee that met at Bombay on 8 August a few individuals. The objective was to convey 1942 passed the famous Quit India Resolution to the world that though India was opposed demanding an immediate end to British rule in to Nazism it did not enter the War voluntarily. India. Gandhi gave a call to do or die. Gandhi Vinobha Bhave was the first to offer satyagraha said, ‘We shall either free India or die in the on 17 October 1940. The satyagraha continued attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation till the end of the year. During this period more of our slavery.” A non-violent mass struggle than 25,000 people were arrested.

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10th_History_Unit_8.indd 46 7/30/2019 7:48:29 PM under Gandhi was to be launched. But early more than 60,000 jailed. Significantly it also next morning on 9 August 1942 Gandhi and the demonstrated the weakening of the colonial entire Congress leadership was arrested. hegemony over the state apparatus. Many officials including policemen helped the (d) Role of Socialists nationalists. Railway engine drivers and With Gandhi and pilots transported bombs and other materials other prominent leaders for the protestors. of the Congress in jail, (f) Subhas Chandra Bose and INA the Socialists provided the leadership for the movement. Jayaprakash Narayan and Ramanand Misra escaped from prison and organised an underground movement. Aruna Asaf Ali Women activists like Aruna Asaf Ali played a heroic role. established Congress Radio underground which successfully functioned till November 1942. British used all its might to suppress the revolt. Thousands Subhas Chandra Bose’s INA were killed with machine guns and in some Subhas Chandra Bose who had left the cases airplanes were used to throw bombs. Congress was now under house arrest. He Collective fines were imposed and collected wanted to strike British hard by joining its with utmost rigour. Gandhi commenced a enemies. In March 1941, he made a dramatic twenty-one day fast in February 1943 which escape from his house in disguise and reached nearly threatened his life. Finally, the British Afghanistan. Initially he wanted to get the government relented. Gandhi was released support of Soviet Union. After the Soviet Union from jail in 1944. joined the Allied Powers which included Great Britain, he went to Germany. In February 1943, (e) People’s Response he made his way to Japan on a submarine and As news spread to different parts of India, took control of the . The a spontaneous protest broke out everywhere. Indian National Army Captain Lakshmi Sahgal The people protested in whatever form that headed it (Azad Hindu Faug) had earlier been they could, such as hartals, strikes, picketing. organized by Gen. Mohan Singh with Indian The government suppressed it with brute prisoners of war with the support of Japanese force. People attacked government buildings, in Malaya and Burma. Bose reorganised it railway stations, telephone and telegraph into three brigades: Gandhi Brigade, Nehru lines and all that stood as symbols of British Brigade and a women’s brigade named after authority. This was particularly widespread . Subhas Chandra Bose formed in Madras. Parallel governments were the Provisional Government of Free India in established in Satara, Orissa, Bihar, United Singapore. He gave the slogan ‘Dilli Chalo’. Provinces and Bengal. INA was deployed as part of the Japanese forces. However, the defeat of Japan stopped Though the movement was suppressed, the advance of INA. The airplane carrying it demonstrated the depth of nationalism Subhas Chandra Bose crashed bringing to an and the readiness of the people to sacrifice end his crusade for freedom. for it. Nearly 7000 people were killed and

47 Nationalism: Gandhian Phase

10th_History_Unit_8.indd 47 7/30/2019 7:48:29 PM The British government and Muslims in the Viceroy’s Executive arrested the INA officers Council. All portfolios, except war portfolio, and put them on trial in the was to be held by Indian ministers. However, Red Fort. The trial became in the Shimla Conference, the Congress and a platform for nationalist the Muslim League could not come to an propaganda. The Congress agreement. Jinnah demanded that all the set up a defence committee Muslim members should be from the Muslim comprising Nehru, Tej Bahadur Sapru, League and they should have a veto on all Bhulabhai Desai and Asaf Ali. Though the INA important matters. In the provincial elections officers were convicted they were released due held in early 1946 the Congress won most of to public pressure. The INA exploits and the the general seats and the Muslim League won subsequent trials inspired the Indians. most of the seats reserved for the Muslims thus bolstering its claim. 8.9 Towards Freedom (c) Cabinet Mission (a) Royal Indian Navy Revolt

Cabinet Mission Royal Indian Navy Revolt In Britain, the Labour Party had won The Royal Indian Navy ratings revolted at a landslide victory and Clement Atlee Bombay in February 1946. It soon spread to other became the Prime Minister. He declared stations involving more than 20,000 ratings. that he wanted to transfer power at Similar strikes occurred in the Indian Air Force the earliest. He sent a Cabinet Mission and the Indian Signal Corps at Jabalpur. Thus comprising Pethick Lawrence, Sir Strafford the British hegemonic control ceased even in the Cripps and A.V. Alexander. Rejecting armed forces. Despite the victory in the War, it the demand for Pakistan, it provided for left the British completely weakened. British a Federal government with control over surrender in South-East Asia to the Japanese was defence, communications and foreign a big blow to imperial prestige. All the political affairs. The provinces were divided into leaders were released and the ban on Congress three groups viz. Non-Muslim Majority was lifted. Provinces, Muslim Majority Provinces in the Northwest and the Muslim Majority (b) Negotiating Independence: Provinces in the Northeast. A Constituent Assembly was to be elected and an interim The Wavell Plan was announced on government set up with representation for 14 June 1945. It provided for an interim all the communities. The Congress and the government, with an equal number of Hindus Muslim League accepted the plan. However, both interpreted it differently. The Congress

Nationalism: Gandhian Phase 48

10th_History_Unit_8.indd 48 7/30/2019 7:48:29 PM Indian National Movement (1900 - 1947)

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49 Nationalism: Gandhian Phase

10th_History_Unit_8.indd 49 7/30/2019 7:48:29 PM wanted the division of the provinces to be (f) Independence and Partition temporary while the Muslim League wanted The Mountbatten Plan was given effect it to be a permanent arrangement. by the enactment of the Indian Independence (d)  Call by Act on 18 July 1947 by the British Parliament. The Act abolished the sovereignty of the Muslim League British Parliament over India. India was Difference arose between Congress and partitioned into two dominions – India and Muslim League when the former nominated Pakistan. On 15 August 1947 India won a Muslim member. The League argued it was independence. to be the sole representative of the Muslims and withdrew its approval. Jinnah declared 16 August 1946 as the ‘Direct Action Day’. Hartals and demonstrations took place which soon turned into Hindu-Muslim conflict. It spread to other districts of Bengal. The district of Noakhali was the worst affected. Gandhi left for the worst affected regions and toured them on barefoot bringing the communal violence under control and spreading the message of peace and non- violence.

(e) Mountbatten Plan The interim government headed by Arrival of refugees in the wake of Partition Jawaharlal Nehru was formed in September 1946. After some hesitation the Muslim League SUMMARY joined it in October 1946. Its representative Liaqat Ali Khan was made the Finance Member. „„ Gandhiji’s experiments with truth, In February 1947, Clement Atlee declared that ahimsa and satyagraha in South Africa power would be transferred by June 1948. Lord and his evolution as a mass leader are Mountbatten was sent as Viceroy to India with explained. the specific task of transfer of power. On 3 June „„ His call for Non-Cooperation, 1947 the Mountbatten Plan was announced. It Civil Disobedience and Quit India proposed: Movements and the fallout of these „„ Power would be transferred on the mass struggles in the form of legislation basis of dominion status to India and such as Government of India Act, 1919 Pakistan. and Government of India Act, 1935 and Independence Act, 1947 are detailed. „„ Princely states would have to join either „„ Role played by Socialists and India or Pakistan. Communists and Revolutionaries „„ Boundary commission was to be set up represented by Bhagat Singh, Subhas under Radcliffe Brown and the award would Chandra Bose and outcome of their be announced after the transfer of power. activities are highlighted. „„ „„ Punjab and Bengal Legislative Assemblies Use of religion for political mobilisation would vote on whether they should be by Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League leading to partition is discussed. partitioned.

Nationalism: Gandhian Phase 50

10th_History_Unit_8.indd 50 7/30/2019 7:48:29 PM GLOSSARY

passive political resistance advocated by satyagraha அறப்போ쏍, ச鏍鎿யா垿ரக믍 Mahatma Gandhi constitutionalist adherent of constitutional methods அர殿ய쯍 சட㞟 ힿ鎿களைப ꮿன்쟍쟁பவ쏍 unjust or differential treatment of different ஜா鎿, க�ொள்க ப�ோன்வ쟍잿ன discrimination categories of people, especially on grounds of caste, creed, etc அ羿ப்பட뾿쯍 வே쟁பா翁 காட翁垿ற native labourers emigrating under coolie 埂쮿யாள Indentured labour system an indiscriminate and brutal slaughter massacre ப翁க�ொலை of many people failure or refusal to cooperate, non-cooperation ஒ鏍鏁ழையாமை especially as a form of protest strongly encourage or urge to do exhort வ쟍ꯁ쟁鏍鏁, நற்சய쯁க்கퟁ something allegiance to one’s own ethnic, communalism religious or caste group rather than to வ埁பꯁவாத믍 wider society dominion self-governing territory தன்னா殿뿁쎿மை뿁டைய 埁羿யேற் நா翁 all the people in a country or area who are electorate வாக்கா쏍 த�ொ埁鎿 entitled to vote in an election ultimatum a final demand or statement of terms கடை殿 அ잿ힿபꯁ, இ쟁鎿 எச்쎿க்க alienation Isolation தꞿமைப்翁த쯍 discussion aimed at reaching an negotiation ஒப்ந்믍 பே毁த쯍, பேச毁வார்த் agreement a secret plan by a group to do conspiracy 埂ட翁ச்鎿 செய்쯍, ச鎿鏍鎿ட㞟믍 something unlawful or harmful provincial self-government in the provinces மாகாண 毁யாட殿 Autonomy

3. Which among the following was declared EXERCISE as ‘Independence Day’? a) 26th January 1930 I. Choose the correct b) 26th December 1929 answer c) 16th June 1946 1. Who was arrested during d) 15th January 1947 the anti-Rowlatt protests in Amritsar? 4. When was the first Forest Act enacted? a) Motilal Nehru a) 1858 b) 1911 c) 1865 d) 1936 b) Saifuddin Kitchlew c) Mohamed Ali 5. On 8 January 1933 which day was observed d) ______. 2. In which session of the Indian National a) Temple Entry Day Congress was Non-Cooperation approved? b) Day of Deliverance a) Bombay b) Madras c) Direct Action Day c) Lucknow d) Nagpur d) Independence Day

51 Nationalism: Gandhian Phase

10th_History_Unit_8.indd 51 7/30/2019 7:48:29 PM 6. Which Act introduced Provincial III. Choose the correct statement Autonomy? 1. (i) The Communist Party of India was a) 1858 Act founded in Tashkent in 1920. b) Indian Councils Act, 1909 (ii) M. Singaravelar was tried in the Kanpur c) Government of India Act, 1919 Conspiracy Case. (iii) The Congress Socialist Party was formed d) Government of India Act, 1935 by Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya 7. Who defeated Pattabhi Sitaramaya, Narendra Dev and Mino Masani. Gandhi’s candidate, and became the (iv) The Socialists did not participate in the President of the Congress in1939? Quit India Movement. a) Rajendra Prasad a) (i) and (ii) are correct b) Jawaharlal Nehru b) (ii) and (iii) are correct c) (iv) is correct c) Subhas Chandra Bose d) (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct d) Maulana 2. (i) Hindustan Republican Army was 8. Where was Gandhi when India attained formed in Kanpur in 1924. th independence on 15 August 1947? (ii)  was tried in the a) New Dehi b) Ahmedabad Case. c) Wardha d) Noakhali (iii) Hindustan Socialist Republican Association was formed by Surya Sen. II. Fill in the blanks (iv)  was carried out by B.K. Dutt. 1. Gandhi was thrown out of the first class compartment in ______station. a) (i) and (ii) are correct b) (i) and (iii) are correct 2. Gandhi regarded ______as his political guru. c) (iii) is correct d) (iii) and (iv) are correct 3. Khilafat Movement was led by ______. 3. Assertion: The Congress attended the 4. Government of India Act 1919 introduced First Round Table Conference. ______in the provinces. Reason: Gandhi-Irwin Pact enabled the 5. The Civil Disobedience Movement in Congress to attend the Second Round Table North West Frontier Province was led by Conference. ______. a) Both A and R are correct but R is not 6. Ramsay Macdonald announced the correct explanation ______which provided separate b) A is correct but R is wrong electorates to the minorities and the c) A is wrong but R is correct depressed classes. d) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation 7. ______established Congress Radio 4. Assertion: The Congress Ministries underground during the Quit India resigned in 1939. Movement. Reason: The Colonial government of India 8. ______coined the term ‘Paksitan’. entered the war without consulting the elected Congress ministries.

Nationalism: Gandhian Phase 52

10th_History_Unit_8.indd 52 7/30/2019 7:48:29 PM a) Both A and R are correct but R is not d) What is the contribution of Gandhi the correct explanation towards abolition of untouchability? b) A is correct but R is wrong 3. Subhas Chandra Bose and INA c) Both A and R are wrong a) How did Subhas Chandra Bose reach d) Both A and R are correct and R is the Japan? correct explanation b) Who headed the women wing of Indian IV. Match the Following National Army? 1. Rowlatt Act - Surrender of titles c) How did Subhas Chandra Bose 2. Non Cooperation - Dyarchy reorganize the INA? Movement d) Name the slogan provided by Subhas 3. Government of - M.N. Roy Chandra Bose. India Act, 1919 4. Communist Party - Direct Action VII. Answer in detail. of India Day 1. Examine the factors that led to the 5. 16th August 1946 - Black Act transformation of Gandhi into a mass leader. V. Answer the following briefly 2. Critically examine the Civil Disobedience 1. D escribe the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Movement as the typical example of 2. W rite a note on the Khilafat Movement. Gandhian movement. 3. Why did Gandhi withdraw the Non 3. Discuss the reasons behind the partition Cooperation Movement? of India. 4. What was the conflict between the VIII. Activity Swarajists and no-changers? 5. Why was Simon Commission boycotted? 1. Students can be asked to mark the important places of Gandhian Movement 6. What is Poorna Swaraj? in a map and write a sentence or two about 7. Write a note on Bhagat Singh. what happened there. 8. What are the terms of the Poona Pact? 2. Students can be divided into groups and VI. Answer all the questions asked to debate the views of Gandhi, given under each caption Jinnah, B.R. Ambedkar, Revolutionaries 1. Gandhi and Mass nationalism and Communists. a) Which incident is considered a turning point in the life of Gandhi? REFERENCE BOOKS b) Name the works that influenced Gandhi? 1. Bipan Chandra, History of Modern India, c) How did Gandhi use satyagraha as a Orient BlackSwan, 2016. strategy in South Africa? 2. Bipan Chandra, Amales Tripathi and d) What do you know about the Barun De, Freedom Struggle, NBT,1993. Champaran Satyagraha? 3. Bipan Chandra, et al., India’s Struggle for 2. Constructive Programme of Gandhi Independence, Penguin Books, 1989. 4. Sumit Sarkar, Modern India, 1885–1947, a) What is constructive programme? Pearson, 2014. b) What did Gandhi exhort the 5. Sekhar Bandyopadhyay, From Plassey to Congressmen to do? Partition, Orient BlackSwan, 2013. c) How did Gandhi try to bring about 6. B.R. Nanda, Mahatma Gandhi: A Hindu-Muslim unity? Biography, Oxford University Press, 1958.

53 Nationalism: Gandhian Phase

10th_History_Unit_8.indd 53 7/30/2019 7:48:30 PM ICT CORNER Nationalism Gandhian Phase

Through this activity you will learn about Highlights in the life of Mahatma Gandhi.

Step-1 Open the Browser and type the URL given below (or) Scan the QR Code. Step-2 Click on ‘Chronology/Time line’ and Select ‘Family tree of Mahatma Gandhi’ Step-3 Click on ‘Glimpses of Gandhi’ in the Left side menu and click on ‘Next or Previous’ to see events in life of Gandhi

Step-1 Step-2

Step-3

* Pictures are indicatives only. * If browser requires, allow Flash Player or Java Script to load the page

Nationalism: Gandhian Phase 54

10th_History_Unit_8.indd 54 7/30/2019 7:48:31 PM Unit - 9

Freedom Struggle in Tamil Nadu

Learning Objectives

To acquaint ourselves with: „„Anti-colonial struggles in Tamil Nadu „„Contribution of Christian missionaries to the development of education and amelioration of the depressed classes „„Challenge of the Justicites to the Congress in Tamil Nadu „„Militant mass movement of the Congress in Tamil Nadu

Introduction Early Nationalist 9.1 Stirrings in Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu showed the lead in resisting colonial rule. As early as the late eighteenth By the middle of the nineteenth century century the Palayakarars, resisted the a group of educated middle class emerged in English attempts to establish their political Madras and began to show interest in public hegemony in Tamil Nadu. Even after the affairs. As in other parts of India, they formed political associations, such as the Madras defeat of the Palayakarars, an uprising was Native Association and the Madras Mahajana organised by Indian sepoys and officers in Sabha to articulate their grievances. Vellore Fort in 1806 that had its echoes in several cantonments in south India. Thanks (a) Madras Native Association to the introduction of Western education and eventual emergence of educated Indian The Madras Native Association (MNA) was the earliest organisation to be founded in middle class, the struggle against the British south India to articulate larger public rather took the constitutional path. The freedom than sectarian interests. It was started by struggle in Tamil Nadu was unique, because Gazulu Lakshminarasu, Srinivasanar and their from the beginning it was not only a struggle associates in 1852. It consisted primarily of for independence from the English rule but merchants. The objective was to promote the also a struggle for independence from social interests of its members and their focus was on disability imposed by the obnoxious caste reduction in taxation. It also protested against system. In this lesson we shall study the role the support of the government to Christian played by nationalists wedded to diverse missionary activities. It drew the attention of ideologies in Tamil Nadu. the government to the condition and needs

55

10th_History_Unit_9.indd 55 02-08-2019 15:56:41 of the people. One of the (c) Madras Mahajana Sabha important contributions Madras Mahajana Sabha (MMS) was of the MNA was its the earliest organisation in south India with agitation against torture clear nationalist objectives. It was the training of the peasants by revenue ground for the first generation of nationalist officials. These efforts led leaders. On 16 May 1884 MMS was started to the establishment of the by M. Veeraraghavachari, P. Anandacharlu, Torture Commission and Gazalu P. Rangaiah and few others. P. Rangaiah became the eventual abolition of the Lakshminarasu its first president. P. Anandacharlu played Torture Act, which justified an active role as its secretary. The members the collection of land revenue through met periodically, debated public issues in torture. However, by 1862, the Madras Native closed meetings, conducted hall meetings and Association had ceased to exist. communicated their views to the government. (b) Beginnings of the The objective of MMS was to create a consensus Nationalist Press: The Hindu among people of different parts of the and Swadesamitran Presidency on various issues of public interest and to present it to the government. Its demands included conduct of simultaneous civil services examinations in England and India, abolition of the Council of India in London, reduction of taxes and reduction of civil and military expenditure. Many of its demands were adopted later by the Indian National Congress founded in 1885. T. Muthuswami G. Subramaniam (d) Moderate Phase The appointment of T. Muthuswami as Provincial associations such as the Madras the first Indian Judge of the Madras High Mahajana Sabha led to the formation of an Court in 1877 created a furore in Madras all-India organisation, the Indian National Presidency. The entire press in Madras Congress Leaders from different parts of India criticized the appointment of an Indian as a attended several meetings before the formation Judge. The press opposed his appointment of the Congress. One such meeting was held and the educated youth realized that the in December 1884 in Theosophical Society. It press was entirely owned by Europeans. The was attended by Dadabhai Naoroji, K.T. Telang, need for a newspaper to express the Indian and other prominent perspective was keenly felt. G. Subramaniam, leaders apart from G. Subramaniam, Rangaiah M. Veeraraghavachari and four other friends and Anandacharlu from Madras. together started a newspaper The Hindu in 1878. It soon became the vehicle of nationalist propaganda. G. Subramaniam also started a Tamil nationalist periodical Swadesamitran in 1891 which became a daily in 1899. The founding of The Hindu and Swadesamitran provided encouragement to the starting of other native newspapers such as Indian Patriot, South Indian Mail, Madras Standard, Desabhimani, Vijaya, Suryodayam and India. Dadabhai Naoroji Gokhale

Freedom Struggle in Tamil Nadu 56 

10th_History_Unit_9.indd 56 02-08-2019 15:56:41 Prominent Nationalists of Tamil Nadu in the Moderate phase The early nationalists believed in constitutional methods. Their activities consisted of conducting hall meetings and deliberating the problems of the country in English. V.S. Srinivasa Sastri P.S. Sivasamy G.A. Natesan These views were communicated to the government in a language couched in a liberal discourse in the form of petitions, prayers, memoranda, and as evidence in various government commissions of enquiry. When, at the time of Partition of Bengal, Tilak and other leaders adopted popular methods such as mass public meetings, and used vernacular languages to address the larger public, the early nationalists came to be known as moderates. The distinguished Tamil Moderates from Madras: V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, P.S. Sivasamy, V. Krishnasamy, T.R. Venkatramanar, G.A. Natesan, T.M. Madhava Rao, and S. Subramaniar. The primary contribution of moderates lies in exposing the liberal claims of the British: they exposed how the British exploited India and their hypocrisy in following democratic principles in England and imposing an unrepresentative government in the colonies.

The first session of the Indian National 9.2 Swadeshi Movement Congress was held in 1885 at Bombay. Out of The partition of Bengal (1905) led to a total of 72 delegates 22 members were from the Swadeshi Movement and changed the Madras. G. Subramaniam through his course of the struggle for freedom. In various writings advanced the cause of nationalism. parts of India, especially Bengal, Punjab and He ranks with Naoroji and Gokhale for his Maharashtra popular leaders emerged. They contribution to the understanding of the implemented the programme of the Calcutta economic exploitation of India by the British. Congress which called upon the nation to The second session promote Swadeshi enterprise, boycott foreign of the Indian National goods and promote national education. The Congress was held in Swadeshi movement made a deep impact in Calcutta in 1886, with Tamil Nadu. The Congress carried on a vigorous Dadabhai Naoroji in the campaign for boycott of foreign goods. Chair. The third session was held at Makkis (a) Response in Tamilnadu Garden, now known as V.O. Chidambaranar, V. Chakkaraiyar, the Thousand lights, in Madras in 1887 with and Surendranath Badruddin Tyabji as president. Out of the 607 Arya were some of the prominent leaders all India delegates of 362 were from Madras in Tamilnadu. Public meetings attended by Presidency. thousands of people were organised in various parts of Tamilnadu. Tamil Nadu was then part of the Madras Tamil was used on the Presidency which included large parts of the public platform for the present-day states of (Coastal first time to mobilise districts and Rayalaseema), Karnataka the people. Subaramania (Bengaluru, Bellary, South Canara), Kerala Bharati’s patriotic songs (Malabar) and even Odisha (Ganjam). were especially important V.O. Chidambaranar

Freedom Struggle in Tamil Nadu  57

10th_History_Unit_9.indd 57 02-08-2019 15:56:41 in stirring patriotic emotions. Many journals of four people in police firing. V.O.C. was treated were started to propagate Swadeshi ideals. harshly in prison and was made to pull the heavy Swadesamitran and India were prominent oil press. Others to be arrested included G. journals. The extremist leader Bipin Chandra Subramaniam and Ethiraj Surendranath Arya. Pal toured Madras and delivered lectures To avoid imprisonment Subramania Bharati which inspired the youth. Students and youth moved to Pondicherry which was under French participated widely in the Swadeshi Movement. rule. Bharati’s example was followed by many other nationalists such as Aurobindo Ghosh and Swadeshi Steam Navigation V. V. Subramanianar. The brutal crackdown on Company Swadeshi leaders virtually brought the Swadeshi One of the most Movement to a close in Tamil Nadu. enterprising acts in pursuance (b) Revolutionary Activities in of swadeshi was the launching of Tamil Nadu the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company at As elsewhere the Swadeshi movement by V.O. Chidambaranar. He inspired the youth. Left leaderless, they turned purchased two ships Gallia to the revolutionary path. Pondicherry provided and Lavo and plied them between Thoothukudi a safe haven for the revolutionaries. Many of and Colombo. However, due to cutthroat these revolutionaries in Tamil Nadu were competition from the European company introduced and trained in revolutionary and the blatantly partisan role played by the activities at in London and in Paris. government, V.O.C’s efforts ended in failure. M.P.T. Acharya, V.V. Subramanianar and T.S.S. Rajan were prominent among them. Tirunelveli Uprising Revolutionary literature was distributed by them in Madras through Pondicherry. Radical papers such as India, Vijaya and Suryodayam came out of Pondicherry. Such revolutionary papers and Bharati’s poems were banned as seditious literature. These activities in Pondicherry intensified with the arrival of Aurobindo Ghosh and V.V. Subramanianar in 1910. These activities continued till the outbreak Bipin Chandra Pal Bharati of the First World War. V.O.C joined with Subramania Siva in organising the mill workers in Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli. In 1908, he led a strike in the European-owned Coral Mills. It coincided with the release of Bipin Chandra Pal. V.O.C and Subramania Siva, who organised a public meeting to celebrate the release of Bipin, were arrested. The two leaders were charged with sedition V.V. Subramanianar Aurobindo Gosh and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment. Initially V.O.C. was given a draconian sentence Ashe Murder of two life imprisonments. The news of the In 1904 Nilakanta Brahmachari and arrest sparked riots in Tirunelveli leading to others started Bharata Matha Society, a secret the burning down of the police station, court society. The objective was to kill British officials building and municipal office. It led to the death and thereby kindle patriotic fervour among

Freedom Struggle in Tamil Nadu 58 

10th_History_Unit_9.indd 58 02-08-2019 15:56:41 the people. Vanchinathan of Senkottai, was the working classes by forming trade unions. influenced by this organisation. On 17 June 1911 Not only did they succeed in improving their he shot dead Robert W.D’E. Ashe, Collector of working conditions, they made them part of the Tirunelveli in Maniyachi Junction. After this he struggle for freedom. However, with the rise of shot himself. Divorced from the people these Gandhi as a national leader Annie Besant and young revolutionaries, despite their patriotism, the Home Rule Leagues were eclipsed. failed to inspire and mobilize the people. Non-Brahmin (c) Annie Besant and the Home 9.3 Movement and the Rule Movement Challenge to Congress While the extremists and revolutionaries were suppressed with an iron hand, the In the meanwhile, there was rapid growth in education in the . There moderates hoped for some constitutional was an increase in the number of educated non- reforms. However, they were disappointed with Brahmins. Intense political and social activity the Minto-Morley reforms as it did not provide discussed above politicised the educated for responsible government. Despite this the non-Brahmins. They raised the issue of caste Congress extended support to the British war discrimination and unequal opportunities in effort in the hope of getting more reforms. government employment and representation Thus when the national movement was in in elected bodies, which were dominated by its ebb, Annie Besant, an Irish lady and leader of Brahmins. Further, the Congress was also the Theosophical Society, proposed the Home overwhelmingly composed of Brahmins. Rule Movement on the model of Irish Home Rule League. She started Home Rule League (a) The South Indian Liberal in 1916 and carried forward the demand for Federation home rule all over India. G.S. Arundale, B.P. The non-Brahmins organised themselves Wadia and C.P. Ramaswamy assisted her in into political organisations to protect their this campaign. They demanded home rule with interests. In 1912 the Madras Dravidian only a nominal allegiance to British Crown. Association was founded. C. Natesanar played She started the newspapers New India and an active role as its secretary. In June 1916 he Commonweal to carry forward her agenda. She established the Dravidian Association Hostel for remarked, “Better bullock carts and freedom non-Brahmin students. He also played a key role than a train deluxe with subjection”. Under the in bridging the differences between two leading Press Act of 1910 Annie Besant was asked to pay non-Brahmin leaders of the time, Dr. T.M. Nair hefty amount as security. She wrote two books, and P. Thyagarayar. Both of them were earlier How India wrought for Freedom and India: A part of the Congress and were disillusioned Nation and a pamphlet on self-government. by how non-Brahmins were sidelined in the organisation. On 20 November 1916 a meeting Students joined the movement in large of about thirty non-Brahmins was held under numbers who were trained in Home Rule the leadership of P. Thyagarayar, Dr. T.M. Nair classes. They were formed into boy scouts and and C. Natesanar at Victoria Public Hall in volunteer troops. Annie Besant and her co- Chennai. The South Indian Liberal Federation workers were interned and prohibited from (SILF) was founded to promote the interests of making public speeches or involve in any the non-Brahmins. They also launched three political activity. Annie Besant was elected newspapers: Justice in English, Dravidian in the President of the Congress session of 1917. Tamil and Andhra Prakasika in Telugu. Soon Members of the Home Rule Movement such the SILF began to be popularly known as Justice as B.P. Wadia played a key role in organising

Freedom Struggle in Tamil Nadu  59

10th_History_Unit_9.indd 59 02-08-2019 15:56:41 Party after its English daily. The Justice Party later became the Public Service Commission, also held several conferences throughout the enactment of Hindu Religious Endowment Presidency to set up branches. Act and Madras State Aid to Industries Act, Demand for Reservation abolition of devadasi system, allotment of poromboke lands (waste government lands) to The Non-Brahmin Manifesto was released the poor for housing and extension of primary outlining its objectives viz., reservation of education to the depressed classes through fee jobs for non-Brahmins in government service, concessions, scholarships and mid-day meals. and seats in representative bodies. It opposed the Home Rule Movement as a movement of (b) Government’s Repressive Brahmins and feared that Home Rule might Measures: Rowlatt Act give them more power. It also criticised Given the important contribution of the Congress as a party of the Brahmins. India (especially the soldiers who fought in Montagu’s announcement of political reforms far-off lands in the cause of Empire) in World in the Parliament in 1917 intensified political War I Indians expected more reforms from discussions in Tamil Nadu. The Justice Party Britain. However, a draconian Anarchical and demanded communal representation (i.e. Revolutionary Crimes Act, popularly known representation for various communities in as the Rowlatt Act, after the name of Sir Sidney society). The Madras Government was also Rowlatt, who headed the committee that supportive of the Justice Party as the latter recommended it was passed in 1919. Under the believed that English rule was conducive for Act anyone could be imprisoned on charges of the development of the non-Brahmins. The terrorism without due judicial process. Indians Act of 1919 provided reservation of seats were aghast at this. Gandhi gave voice to the to non-Brahmins, a move criticised by the anger of the people and adopted the Satyagraha Congress but welcomed by the Justice Party. method that he had used in South Africa. Justice Ministry Rowlatt Satyagraha On 18 March 1919 Gandhi addressed a meeting on Marina Beach. On 6 April 1919 hartal was organised to protest against the “Black Act”. Protest demonstrations were held at several parts of Tamil Nadu. Processions A Subbarayalu Raja of Panagal from many areas of the S. Satyamurty The Congress boycotted the elections city converged in the of 1920. The Justice Party won 63 of 98 Marina beach where there was a large gathering. elected seats in the Legislative Council. They devoted the whole day to fasting and A. Subburayalu of the Justice Party became the prayer in the Marina beach. Madras Satyagraha first chief minister. After the 1923 elections, Sabha was formed. Rajaji, Kasturirangar, Raja of Panagal of the Justice Party formed the S. Satyamurty and George Joseph addressed the ministry. The Justice Party introduced various meeting. A separate meeting of workers was measures for the benefit of non-Brahmins. addressed by V. Kalyanasundaram (Thiru. V. Ka) They were reservation of appointments in B.P. Wadia and V.O.C. An important aspect of the local bodies and education institutions, movement was that the working classes, students establishment of Staff Selection Board which and women took part in large numbers.

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10th_History_Unit_9.indd 60 02-08-2019 15:56:41 George Joseph branch of the Muslim League. As a result, the George Joseph, a Hindus and the Muslims barrister and eloquent cooperated closely during speaker, played a leading the course of the movement role in organising and in Tamil Nadu. A Congress publicising the cause of volunteer corps was set up Yakub Hasan Home Rule League in to distribute pamphlets, Madurai. Though born carry flags during processions and to maintain in Chengannur (Alappuzha district, Kerala order in the meetings. They also played an State), he chose to settle down in Madurai important part in picketing of liquor shops. and practice as a people’s lawyer. In the course of his long public life, he led the Vaikkom (a) No Tax Campaigns and Satyagraha in Kerala, as he viewed it as an Temperance Movement issue of civil rights for all citizens of India. As part of the non-cooperation movement, He championed the cause of the “Criminal in many places, cultivators refused to pay taxes. Tribes” of Tamilnadu. He was fondly called A no-tax campaign took place in Thanjavur. “Rosaappu Durai” by the people of Madurai Councils, schools and courts were boycotted. for the services he rendered to the affected Foreign goods were boycotted. There were communities. He helped the Harvey Mill a number of workers’ strikes all over region, workers of Madurai to set up Madurai Labour many of them led by nationalist leaders. One Union (1918). The Union's initial struggles of the important aspects of the movement in resulted in higher wages and reduced work Tamil Nadu was the temperance movement or hours for the mill workers. movement against liquor. Toddy shops were picketed. Demonstrations and hartals were (c) Khilafat Movement organised in all parts of the Presidency. There Following the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre were also agitations by communities against the General Dyer who was responsible for it was Criminal Tribes Act. In November 1921 it was not only acquitted of all charges but rewarded. decided to organise civil disobedience. Rajaji, After the First World War the Caliph of Turkey Subramania Sastri and EVR were arrested. The was humiliated and deprived of all powers. visit of Prince of Wales on 13 January 1922 was To restore the Caliph the Khilafat Movement boycotted. In the police repression two were was started. Muslims who had largely kept killed and many injured. The Non-Cooperation from the nationalist movement now joined it Movement was withdrawn in 1922 after the in huge numbers. In Tamil Nadu Khilafat Day Chauri Chaura incident in which 22 policemen was observed on 17 April 1920, with a meeting were killed. presided over by Maulana Shaukat Ali. Another such conference was held at . Vaniyambadi (b) E.V.R. and the Constructive was as the epicenter of Khilafat agitation. Programme Non-Cooperation E.V.R. played an important role in Tamil 9.4 Movement Nadu during this period. He campaigned vigorously for the promotion and sale of khadi. Tamil Nadu was active during the In his opposition to consumption of liquor he Non-cooperation Movement. C. Rajaji and cut down an entire coconut grove owned by him. E.V. Ramaswamy (EVR, later known as Periyar) He also played a key role in the satyagraha for provided the leadership. Rajaji worked closely temple entry in Vaikom, then under Travancore. with Yakub Hasan, founder of the Madras It was a time when the depressed classes were

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10th_History_Unit_9.indd 61 02-08-2019 15:56:41 not even permitted to walk on the streets around (c) Swarajists–Justicites Rivalry the temple or come within a certain distance Following the withdrawal of the Non- of the upper castes. After the major leaders of Cooperation Movement, the Congress was Kerala were arrested, EVR went to Vaikom and divided between ‘no-changers’ who wanted to galvanised the movement. He was arrested and continue the boycott of the councils and ‘pro- sentenced to one-month imprisonment. He changers who wanted to contest the elections refused to leave Vaikom even after his release. for the councils. Rajaji along with other staunch He was arrested again for making inspiring Gandhian followers opposed the council entry. speeches and was sentenced to six months Along with Kasturirangar and M.A. Ansari, rigorous imprisonment. When he returned to Rajaji advocated the boycott of the councils. Erode after his release he was arrested for his Opposition to this led to the formation of speeches to promote khadi. In June 1925, the the Swaraj Party within the Congress by ban on the roads around the temple in Vaikom and Motilal Nehru. In Tamil was lifted. For his contribution against caste Nadu the Swarajists were led by S. Srinivasanar discrimination and temple entry agitation in and S. Satyamurti. Vaikom, Periyar was hailed as ‘Vaikom Hero’. (d) Subbarayan Ministry Cheranmadevi Gurukulam Controversy In the elections held in 1926, the Swarajists won However, by this time E.V.R. had become the majority of the elected increasingly dissatisfied with the Congress. seats. However, it did not He felt it was promoting the interests of accept office in accordance the Brahmins alone. The Cheranmadevi with the Congress policy. Gurukulam controversy and opposition Instead they supported an to communal representation within the independent, P. Subbarayan P. Subbarayan Congress led E.V.R. to leave the Congress. to form the ministry. The To further the cause of national education, a gurukulam was established in Cheranmadevi by Agitation for Removal of Neill Statue (1927) V.V. Subramanianar. It received funds from the James Neill of the Madras Fusiliers Congress. However, students were discriminated (infantry men with firearms) was brutal on the basis of caste. Brahmin and Non-Brahmin in wreaking vengeance at Kanpur students were made to dine separately and the (‘the Cawnpur massacre’, as it was called) food served too was different. The issue was in which many English women and children brought to the notice of E.V.R. who questioned were killed in the Great Rebellion of 1857. the practice and severely criticised it along with Neill was later killed by an Indian sepoy. another leader, Dr P. Varadarajulu. A statue was erected for him at Mount Road, Madras. Nationalists saw this as an insult to In the Kanchipuram Conference of Indian sentiments, and organised a series of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee held demonstrations in Madras. Protesters came on 21 November 1925, he raised the issue from all over the Madras Presidency and of representation for non-Brahmins in the were led by S. N. Somayajulu of Tirunelveli. legislature. His efforts to achieve this since 1920 Many were arrested and sentenced to prison. had met with failure. When the resolution was Gandhi, who visited Madras during the same defeated, he left the Conference along with time, gave his support to the agitation. The other non-Brahmin leaders who met separately. statue was finally moved to Madras Museum Soon E.V.R. left the Congress and started the when Congress Ministry, led by C. Rajaji, Self Respect Movement. formed the government in 1937.

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10th_History_Unit_9.indd 62 02-08-2019 15:56:41 Swarajists did not contest the 1930 elections on 12 March 1930. The Civil Disobedience leading to an easy victory for the Justice Party. Movement was a mass movement with the The Justice Party remained in office till 1937. participation of students, shopkeepers, workers, women, etc. Demonstrations, (e) Simon Commission Boycott hartals, staging of swadeshi dramas and songs In 1927 a statutory commission was were the order the day in both rural and constituted under Sir John Simon to review urban areas. Tamil Nadu was in the forefront the Act of 1919 and to suggest reforms. of the Civil Disobedience Movement. In However, to the great disappointment of the city of Madras, shops were picketed and Indians, it was an all-white commission foreign goods boycotted. Rajaji organised and with not a single Indian member. So the led a salt satyagraha march to Vedaranyam. Congress boycotted the Simon Commission. The march started from Tiruchirappalli on In Madras, the Simon Boycott Propaganda 13 April 1930 and reached Vedaranyam in Committee was set up with S. Satyamurti Thanjavur district on 28 April. A special song as the president. There was widespread was composed for the march by Namakkal campaign among the students, shopkeepers, V. Ramalinganar with the lines, “A War is lawyers and commuters in train to boycott. ahead sans sword, sans bloodshed…Join The arrival of Simon Commission in Madras this march.” Despite a brutal crackdown by on 18 February 1929 was greeted with the police, the marching satyagrahis were demonstrations and hartals. Black flags were provided a warm reception along the route. waved against the Commission. The police On reaching Vedaranyam 12 volunteers used force to suppress the protest. under the leadership of Rajaji broke the salt law by picking up salt. Rajaji was arrested. Civil Disobedience T.S.S. Rajan, Rukmani Lakshmipathi, 9.5 Movement Sardar Vedarathnam, C. Swaminathar and K. Santhanam were among the prominent (a) Towards Poorna Swaraj leaders who participated in the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha. In the 1920s, Congress with Gandhi in leadership, was transforming into a broad- based movement in Tamil Nadu. The Madras session of the Indian National Congress in 1927 declared complete independence as its goal. It appointed a committee under Motilal Nehru to frame the constitutional reforms in opposition to the Simon Commission. In the 1929 Lahore session of the Congress, Poorna Swaraj (complete independence) was adopted as the goal and on 26 January 1930 the national flag was hoisted by Jawaharlal Nehru on the banks of river Ravi as the declaration of Vedaranyam Memorial independence. (c) Widespread Agitations (b) Salt March to Vedaranyam in Tamil Districts When the Viceroy did not accept the The satyagrahis under the leadership of demands put forward by Gandhi, he launched T. Prakasam and K. Nageswara Rao set up a the Civil Disobedience Movement by setting camp at Udayavanam near Madras. However, out on a Salt Satyagraha with a march to Dandi the police arrested them. It led to a hartal in

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10th_History_Unit_9.indd 63 02-08-2019 15:56:41 Madras. The clashes with Justice Party was trounced. Congress victory in the police in Tiruvallikeni the elections clearly indicated its popularity which lasted for three with the people. hours on 27 April 1930 Rajaji formed the first left three dead. Volunteers Congress Ministry. He who attempted to offersalt introduced prohibition Satyagraha in on an experimental basis were arrested. Similar Rukmani in Salem. To compensate attempts at Uvari, Anjengo, Lakshmipathi for the loss of revenue he Veppalodai, Thoothukudi introduced a sales tax. and Tharuvaikulam were stopped. Mill On the social question, C. Rajaji workers struck work across the province. he opened temples to Woman participated enthusiastically. Rukmani the ‘untouchables’. Efforts of T. Prakasam Lakshmipathi was the first woman to pay penalty led to the appointment of a committee to for violation of salt laws. Police used brutal enquire into the condition of the tenants in force to suppress the movement. Bhashyam, the Zamindari areas. However, excepting popularly known as Arya, hoisted the national debt conciliation boards to reduce rural flag atop Fort St. George on 26 January 1932. indebtedness, no other measure was adopted. Satyamurti actively picketed shops selling When the British involved India in the Second foreign clothes, organised processions and World War without consulting the elected distributed pamphlets. N.M.R.Subbaraman Congress ministries, the latter resigned. and K. Kamaraj also played an important role.

Martyrdom of Tirupur Kumaran A temple entry programme with “harijans” in Madurai Meenakshiamman On 11 January 1932 temple was organised (9 July 1939) by a procession carrying Vaidyanathar, L.N. Gopalsamy, President national flags and singing and Secretary of Madurai Harijana Sevak patriotic songs was Sangh respectively. The Temple Entry brutally beaten by the Authorisation and Indemnity Act, 1939 for police in Tirupur. O.K.S.R. the removal of the civil and social disabilities Kumaraswamy, popularly against the “depressed classes” was passed. Tirupur Kumaran, fell dead holding the national Tirupur Kumaran (e) Anti-Hindi Agitation flag aloft. He is hailed as One of the controversial measures of Rajaji Kodikatha Kumaran. Thus, civil disobedience was the introduction of Hindi as a compulsory movement was one of the largest mass subject in schools. This was considered to be movements in Tamil Nadu with participation a form of Aryan and North Indian imposition of people from all sections of the society. detrimental to and culture, and therefore caused much public resentment. (d) First Congress Ministry E.V.R. led a massive campaign against it. The Government of India Act of 1935 He organised an anti-Hindi Conference at introduced Provincial Autonomy. The Council Salem. It formulated a definite programme of Ministers, responsible to the legislature, of action. The Scheduled Castes Federation administered the provincial subjects. However, and the Muslim League extended its support the Governor was empowered to disregard the to the anti-Hindi agitation. Natarajan and advice of the elected government. In the 1937 Thalamuthu, two of the enthusiastic agitators election the Congress emerged victorious. The died in prison. A rally was organised from

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10th_History_Unit_9.indd 64 02-08-2019 15:56:41 Tiruchirappalli to Madras. More than 1200 there were many instances of violence such as protestors including E.V.R. were arrested. setting fire to post offices, cutting of telegraph After the resignation of the Congress Ministry, lines and disrupting railway traffic. the Governor of Madras who took over the Undying Mass Movement reigns of administration removed Hindi as All sections of the society participated compulsory subject. in the movement. There were a large 9.6 Quit India Struggle number of workers strike such as strikes in Failure of the Cripps Buckingham and Carnatic Mills, Madras Port Mission, war time Trust, Madras Corporation and the Electric shortages and price rise Tramway. Telegraph and telephone lines were created much discontent cut and public building burnt at Vellore and among the people. On 8 Panapakkam. Students of various colleges August 1942 the Quit India took active part in the protests. The airport resolution was passed and in Sulur was attacked and trains derailed in Gandhi gave the slogan Coimbatore. Congress volunteers clashed ‘Do or Die’. The entire K. Kamaraj with the military in Madurai. There were Congress leadership was arrested overnight. police firings at , Karaikudi and K. Kamaraj while returning from Bombay Devakottai. Many young men and women also noticed that at every railway station the police joined the INA. The Quit India Movement waited with a list of local leaders and arrested was suppressed with brutal force. them as they got down. Kamaraj gave the police The , the the slip and got down at Arakkonam itself. negotiations initiated by the newly formed He then worked underground and organised Labour Party Government in England people during the Quit India Movement. Rajaji resulting in India’s independence but sadly and Satyamurti were arrested together when with partition of the country into India and they went about distributing pamphlets. The Pakistan has formed part of the Lesson in movement was widespread in Tamilnadu and Unit VIII.

SUMMARY

„„Contributions of Madras Native Association, Madras Mahajana Sabha and the nationalist press to the growth of nationalism in Tamil Nadu are discussed. „„Swadeshi phase of the Indian National Movement in Tamil Nadu, with focus on role played by V.O.C., Subramania Siva, Subramania Bharathi, is detailed. „„Non-Brahmin Movement throwing up challenges to nationalist politics during Dyarchy is highlighted. „„Non-cooperation Movement, E.V.R.’s differences with the Congress,the birth of Swaraj Party at the national level and the Self-Respect Movement in the Tamil region are examined. „„Tamil Nadu’s participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement organised to protest the disappointment over Simon Commission and the Round Table Conferences are dealt with. „„ The elections under Government of India Act, 1935 and the formation of first Congress Ministry in Madras under Rajaji are outlined. „„Resignation of Congress Ministries following the outbreak of World War II, Quit India Movement and Tamil participation in it are described.

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10th_History_Unit_9.indd 65 02-08-2019 15:56:42 GLOSSARY leadership or dominance, especially by hegemony மேலா鎿க㞕믍 one state or social group over others obnoxious extremely unpleasant ힿ쏁ம㞪த㞤காத, வெ쟁க㞕ப㞪翁垿ற biased information used to promote propaganda க쏁த鏁ப பரபꯁரை, ꮿரச்சர믍 political cause

consensus a general agreement க쏁த鏁 ஒ쏁மைப்ப翁, 믁폁 இசைퟁ insincerity/two-facedness, dishonesty, lip hypocrisy பாசா柍埁, ப�ோ쮿மை service 鎿ர翍翁, ப�ோ쏁க்கனப படைகளை mobilize prepare and organize ஆயத㞤மாக埁 inciting or causing people to rebel against seditious ஆ翍殿க埁 எ鎿ரான the authority of a state or monarch a protest meeting or march against demonstration ப�ொ鏁 ஆர்ப்பா ꎿக폍ச殿 something picket a blockade of a workplace or other venue ம잿ய쯍 unjust or differential treatment of discrimination different categories of people, especially வே쟁பா翁 கா翍翁垿ற on the grounds of caste, creed, etc. boycott refuse to cooperate with or participate in ꯁறக㞕辿

brutal savagely violent க�ொ翁மை뮿க㞕, இரக㞕மற்

having devotion to and vigorous support patriotic நா翍翁ப㞪ற쟁 for one’s own country action of subduing someone or repression அடக埁믁றை something with force assignment of electoral seats especially reservation ஒ鏁க埀翁 for some community

revolution forcible overthrow of a government ꯁர翍殿, 鎿翀ர ஆ翍殿மாற்믍

EXERCISE

2. Where was the third session of the Indian I. Choose the National Congress held? correct answer a) Marina b) Mylapore c) Fort St. George d) Thousand Lights 1. Who was the first President of the Madras Mahajana Sabha? 3. Who said “Better bullock carts and a) T.M. Nair freedom than a train de luxe with b) P. Rangaiah subjection”? c) G. Subramaniam a) Annie Besant b) M. Veeraraghavachari d) G.A. Natesan c) B.P. Wadia d) G.S. Arundale

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10th_History_Unit_9.indd 66 02-08-2019 15:56:42 4. Which among the following was SILF’s (iii) The Madras Mahajana Sabha demanded official organ in English? conduct of civil services examinations a) Dravidian b) Andhra Prakasika only in India c) Justice d) New India (iv) V.S. Srinivasanar was an extremist. 5. Who among the following were Swarajists? a) (i) and (ii) are correct a) S. Satyamurti b) Kasturirangar b) (iii) is correct c) P. Subbarayan d) Periyar EVR c) (iv) is correct 6. Who set up the satyagraha camp in d) All are correct Udyavanam near Madras? 2. (i) EVR did not participate in the Non- a) Kamaraj b) Rajaji Cooperation Movement. c) K. Santhanam d) T. Prakasam (ii) Rajaji worked closely with Yakub 7. Where was the anti-Hindi Conference Hasan of the Muslim League. held? (iii) Workers did not participate in the Non- a) Erode b) Madras c) Salem d) Madurai Cooperation Movement. 8. Where did the congress volunteers clash (iv) Toddy shops were not picketed in Tamil with the military during Quit India Nadu. Movement? a) Erode b) Madras c) Salem d) Madurai a) (i) and (ii) are correct b) (i) and (iii) are correct II. Fill in the blanks c) (ii) is correct 1. ______was appointed the first d) (i), (iii) and (iv) are correct Indian Judge of the Madras High Court. 3. Assertion (A): The Justice Party opposed 2. The economic exploitation of India was the Home Rule Movement. exposed by ______through his Reason (R): The Justice Party feared that writings. Home Rule would give the Brahmins more 3. Nilakanta Brahmachari started the secret power. society named ______. a) Both A and R are correct but R is not the 4. The starting of trade unions in Madras correct explanation was pioneered by ______. b) A is correct but R is wrong 5. The Dravidian Association Hostel for c) Both A and R are wrong non-Brahmin students was established by d) Both A and R are correct and R is the ______. correct explanation 6. ______formed the first Congress 4. Assertion (A): EVR raised the issue Ministry in Madras. of representation for non-Brahmins in 7. ______was the founder of the legislature. Madras branch of the Muslim League. Reason (R): During the first Congress 8. ______hoisted the national flag Ministry, Rajaji abolished sales tax. atop Fort St. George on 26 January 1932. a) Both A and R are correct but R is not the III. Choose the correct statement correct explanation 1. (i) Madras Native Association was b) A is correct but R is wrong founded in 1852. c) Both A and R are wrong (ii) Tamil nationalist periodical d) Both A and R are correct and R is the Swadesamitran was started in 1891. correct explanation

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10th_History_Unit_9.indd 67 02-08-2019 15:56:42 IV. Match the Following 3. Non Brahmin Movement a) Why was the South Indian Liberal 1. MNA - Anti-Hindi agitation Federation formed? 2. EVR Periyar - Removal of Neill b) What is the Non-Brahmin Manifesto? Statue c) Why did EVR join the Non-Brahmin 3. S.N. Somayajulu - Salt Satyagraha Movement? 4. Vedaranyam - Torture Commission d) What do you know about anti-Hindi 5. Thalamuthu - Vaikom Hero agitation? V. Answer the questions briefly VII. Answer in detail 1. List out the contribution of the moderates. 1. Discuss the response to Swadeshi 2. Write a note on the Tirunelveli Uprising. Movement in Tamil Nadu. 3. What is the contribution of Annie Besant 2. Examine the origin and growth of Non- to India's freedom struggle? Brahmin Movement in Tamil Nadu. 4. Mention the various measures introduced 3. Describe the role of Tamil Nadu in the by the Justice Ministry. Civil Disobedience Movement. 5. Write briefly on EVR’s contribution to the constructive programme? VIII. Activity 6. What is Cheranmadevi Gurukulam 1. Students can be asked to write a sentence controversy? or two about the important places of 7. Why was anti-Hindi agitation popular? freedom struggle in Tamil Nadu. 8. Outline the key incidents during the Quit 2. Role Play: Students can be divided into India Movement in Tamil Nadu. groups and asked to debate the views of the VI. Answer the questions given Moderates, Extremists, Revolutionaries, Annie Besant’s supporters, Justice Party, under each caption and British Government. 1. Early Nationalist Movement in Tamil Nadu a) What were the objectives of Madras Native Association? REFERENCE BOOKS b) What led to the emergence of nationalist 1. K. Rajayyan, Tamil Nadu: A Real History, press in Tamil Nadu? Ratna Publications, Trivandrum, 2005. c) What were the demands of Madras 2. Saroja Sundararajan, March to Freedom Mahajana Sabha? in Madras Presidency, 1916–1947, Lalitha d) Who were the early nationalist leaders in Publications, Madras, 1989. Tamil Nadu? 3. N. Rajendran, National Movement in Tamil 2. Revolutionary Movement in Tamil Nadu Nadu, 1905–1914: Agitational Politics and a) List a few revolutionaries in Tamil Nadu. State Coercion, Oxford University Press, b) Why did Subramania Bharati moved to Madras, 1994. Pondicherry? 4. A.R. Venkatachalapathy, Tamil Characters: c) Name a few of the revolutionary literature? Personalities, Politics, Culture, Pan d) What did Vanchinathan do? Macmillan, 2018.

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10th_History_Unit_9.indd 68 02-08-2019 15:56:42 Unit - 10 Social Transformation in Tamil Nadu

Learning Objectives

To acquaint ourselves with „„ To acquire knowledge about the social transformation of modern Tamil Nadu „„ To know the different social reform movements in Tamil Nadu „„ To understand the ideas of the social reformers

Introduction to counter the cultural hegemony of Europe. It resulted in the social and religious reform Europeans established their political power movements in modern India. This particular over Indian subcontinent in the latter half of the historical development is also identified as the eighteenth century. While they were concerned Indian renaissance. with annexing India, by the beginning of Renaissance is an ideological and cultural the nineteenth century they were reordering phenomenon. It is closely tied to modernity, Indian society. New revenue settlements were rationalism and the progressive movement of made. Influenced by British Utilitarian ideas the society. Critical thinking is at its root. A new and evangelicals they also tried to impose their philosophical tradition centring around human cultural superiority over the Indian people. rationality and equality is its characteristic. The Indigenous traditions were treated as primitive. basic inspiration of renaissance is humanism Indian society was portrayed as conservative and questioning the fundamentalist religious where human beings were discriminated on the practices that denied humans their dignity. basis of caste, gender, language and creed. This ideology of humanism stimulated creative This caused a reaction among the Indians. energy in all spheres of social life and knowledge During the nineteenth century, educated such as language, literature, philosophy, music, Indians from different parts of the country painting, architecture, etc. began to feel the humiliation and responded by seeking their socio-cultural identity from their 10.1 Tamil Renaissance past. However, they understood some merits in the colonial arguments and were ready to The cultural hegemony of colonialism reform. Raja Rammohan Roy was among the and the rise of humanism brought several pioneers in this process. Roy and many like him changes in the socio-cultural life of the came to be known as social reformers. They Indian subcontinent. Modern Tamil Nadu too were preparing a social and cultural sphere experienced such a historical transition. Tamil

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 69 7/30/2019 9:34:38 PM language and culture played a significant role in a student of Meenakshisundaranar, took their identity construction. The introduction of efforts to publish the classical texts such as printing press, linguistic research on Dravidian Civakachinthamani (1887), Paththupattu languages, etc... underpinned the process of (1889), Chilapathikaram (1892), Purananuru Tamil renaissance. Although religious literature (1894), Purapporul-Venpa-Malai (1895), was taken up predominantly for publication Manimekalai (1898), Ainkurunuru (1903) and in the early years after the advent of printing Pathitrupathu(1904). This provided the Tamil technology, things began to change gradually. people with a revelation about their heritage. Works that can be described as secular were Therefore, the rediscovery of ancient classics and taken up for publishing. their publication is considered the foundation of Tamil renaissance. Advent of the Printing Technology The publication of these ancient literary texts created an awareness among the Tamil Tamil was the first non- people about their historical tradition, language, European language that literature and religion. Modern founded went into print. As early their social and cultural identity on the ancient as in 1578, Tamil book, Tamil classics, collectively called the Sangam ThambiranVanakkam, was literature. Linguists, historians and Tamil published from Goa. In scholars recognised the uniqueness of Tamil 1709, a full-fledged printing culture, which had a separate and independent press had been established Ziegenbalg cultural existence before the coming of the thanks to Ziegenbalg in Tranquebar. Thirukkural Aryans into the Tamil land. was one of the earliest Tamil literary texts to be published in 1812. This led the resurgence of In 1816, F.W. Ellis interest among Tamil scholars in publishing the (1777–1819) who founded more ancient Tamil classics around that period. the College of Fort St George, formulated the theory that the south Indian languages belonged to a separate family which was unrelated to the Indo-Aryan family of languages. Robert Caldwell Robert Caldwell (1814–1891) expanded this argument in a book titled, A Comparative Grammar of the Dravidian or South Indian Family of Languages, in 1856. He established the C.W. Damotharanar U.V. Swaminathar close affinity between the Dravidian languages in contrast with Sanskrit and also established In the nineteenth century, Tamil scholars the antiquity of Tamil. like C.W. Damotharanar (1832–1901), and U.V. Swaminathar (1855–1942) spent their Tamil intellectuals of lifetime in the rediscovery of the Tamil classics. this period identified the C. W. Damotharanar collected and edited fundamental differences different palm-leaf manuscripts of the Tamil between Tamil/Dravidian/ grammar and literature. His editions included Egalitarian and Sanskrit/ such texts as Tolkappiyam, Viracholiyam, Aryan/Brahmanism. They Iraiyanar-Akapporul, IlakkanaVilakkam, argued that Tamil was a language of Dravidian Kaliththokai and Culamani. U.V. Swaminathar, P. Sundaranar

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 70 7/30/2019 9:34:38 PM people, who are non-Brahmin and their V.G. Suryanarayana Sastri social life was casteless, gender-sensitised and (Parithimar Kalaignar) egalitarian. Tamil renaissance contributed V.G. Suryanarayana to the origin and growth of Dravidian Sastri (1870-1903), consciousness in the Tamil country. These born near Madurai, was ideas are exemplified in the Tamil invocation professor of Tamil at the song in the play, Manonmaniam written by P. Madras Christian College. Sundaranar (1855–1897). He was one of the earliest scholars to identify the influence of Sanskrit on Tamil, and adopted Parithimar Kalignar a pure Tamil name for himself: Parithimar Kalignar. He was the first to argue that Tamil is a classical language, and demanded that the University of Madras should not call Tamil a vernacular language. Influenced by Western Thiru. Vi. Ka Bharatidasan literary models, he introduced the sonnet form Tamil renaissance questioned the in Tamil. He also wrote novels and plays, and a cultural hegemony of Brahminism. These number of essays on science. Tragically, he died developments were reflected in art, literature, at the young age of only 33. religion, etc. Ramalinga Adigal (1823–1874), popularly known as Vallalar, questioned Maraimalai the existing Hindu religious orthodoxy. Adigal (1876–1950) is Abraham Pandithar (1859–1919) gave considered the father of prominence to Tamil music and published Tamil linguistic purism books on the history of Tamil music. C.W. and the founder of Tani Damotharanar, U.V. Swaminathar, Thiru Vi. Tamil Iyakkam (Pure Kaliyanasundaram (1883–1953), Parithimar Tamil Movement). He Kalaignar (1870-1903), Maraimalai Adigal wrote commentaries (1876–1950), Subramania Bharathi (1882– on the Sangam texts, Maraimalai Adigal 1921), S. Vaiyapuri (1891–1956), and the Pattinappalai and poet Bharatidasan (1891–1964), in their own Mullaipattu. As a young man, he worked in a ways and through their writings, contributed journal, Siddhanta Deepika. Later he served as a to the revival of Tamil literature. Meanwhile, Tamil teacher in the Madras Christian College M. Singaravelar (1860–1946) an early pioneer for many years. He was inclined towards non- in Buddhist revival, promoted communism Brahmin movement. His teachers such as P. and socialism to counter the colonial power. Sundaranar and Somasundara Nayagar were Pandithar Iyotheethassar (1845–1914) and key influences in his life. Periyar E.V. Ramasamy (1879–1973) held high the radical philosophy to defend the rights of Tani Tamil Iyakkam the socially underprivileged and marginalised (Pure Tamil Movement) section of the people. In addition, the Maraimalai Adigal promoted the use of pure twentieth century Tamil language movements Tamil words and removal of the Sanskrit such as Tani Tamil Iyakkam and Tamil Isai influence from the Tamil language. The Iyakkam, made a significant cultural impact in movement made a great impact on Tamil creating a pure Tamil free from the influence culture especially in language and literature. of Sanskrit. The beginnings of the movement are usually

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 71 7/30/2019 9:34:38 PM dated to 1916 even though the process of Association to support identifying influence of foreign words in Tamil Dravidian uplift. The and eliminating them can be dated much organisation focused earlier to the late nineteenth century. His on educating and daughter Neelambikai, played an important supporting non- role in its foundation. He changed his own Brahmin graduates name Vedachalam and took on the pure Tamil and conducting regular name of Maraimalai Adigal. His journal meetings to share their Jnanasagaram was renamed Arivukkadal and grievances. Meanwhile, his institution, Samarasa Sanmarga Sangam, Natesanar founded a Dr. C. Natesanar was re-christened as Potu Nilaik Kalakam. The hostel, the Dravidian movement was critical of Hindi, Sanskrit and Home, at Triplicane (Madras) in July 1916 to the Brahminical hegemony in Tamil society. address the lack of hostels for the non-Brahmin Neelambikai compiled a dictionary that students which hindered their educational provided pure Tamil equivalents to Sanskrit development. In addition, the home had a words that had crept into Tamil vocabulary. literary society for the benefit of non-Brahmin This movement paved the way for later social students. movements that countered Brahminical and the Sanskrit tradition in Tamil society. South Indian Liberal 10.3 Federation (Justice Party) Rise of the Dravidian 10.2 Movement In India, Brahmins enjoyed a high social status, based on their birth, and held great social privileges. In Madras Presidency, Brahmins dominated all the fields of society, especially politics, education and job opportunities in the government. The 1911 census showed that Brahmins were slightly over 3 per cent Sir Pitti Theyagarayar T.M. Nair of Madras Presidency’s population, and non- Brahmins 90 per cent. Yet in the ten years As World War I was in progress the British from 1901 to 1911 Madras University turned government was considering the introduction out 4,074 Brahmin graduates compared with of representative institutions for Indians after only 1,035 non-Brahmin graduates. Numbers the War. Fearing that such political reforms for other groups, based on how the population would further strengthen the political power came to be classified then, included Indian of Brahmins, educated non-Brahmins decided Christian 306, Mohammedan 69 and European to organise themselves politically. On 20 and Eurasian 225. November 1916 around 30 prominent non- In this context, the Dravidian movement Brahmin leaders including Dr. C. Natesanar, emerged as a defence of the non-Brahmins Sir Pitti Theyagarayar, T.M. Nair and Alamelu against the Brahmin dominance. An Mangai Thayarammal came together to organisation called The Madras Non-Brahmin form the South Indian Liberation Federation Association was founded in 1909 to help the (SILF). In the meantime, at a meeting held in non-Brahmin students. In 1912 C. Natesanar, the Victoria Public Hall the Non-Brahmin a medical doctor, founded the Madras United Manifesto was released in December 1916. League, later renamed as Madras Dravidian The manifesto articulated the voice of the

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 72 7/30/2019 9:34:38 PM non-Brahmin communities and surveyed the the use of public wells general condition of the non-Brahmins in and tanks. The Justice Madras Presidency. Party government The association started publishing three ordered that public newspapers: Dravidian in Tamil, Justice in schools accommodate English and Andhra Prakasika in Telugu, to the children of the propagate the ideals of the Party. Depressed Classes. Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar The Non-Brahmin Manifesto pointed out Hostels were that though “Not less than 40 out of the 411/2 established for the students belonging to this millions” of the Madras Presidency were non- social group in 1923. In the meantime, the Madras Brahmins, “in what passes for the politics in legislature under the Justice Party government Madras they have not taken the part to which was the first to approve participation of women they are entitled”. Arguing that a government in the electoral politics in 1921. This resolution conducted on “true British principles of justice created space for woman and thus facilitated and equality of opportunity” was in the best Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar to become the first interests of India, it declared, that “we are deeply woman legislator in India in 1926. devoted and loyally attached to British rule”. The Justice Party worked towards legislating provisions for communal representation – The first election, under the Montagu- Chelmsford Reforms, was held in 1920 after reservations for various communities. Two the introduction of the Dyarchy form of Communal Government Orders (16 September government in the provinces. The Justice Party 1921 and 15 August 1922) were passed to won the election and formed the first-ever Indian ensure equitable distribution in appointments cabinet in Madras. A. Subbarayalu became among various castes and communities as a the Chief Minister of the Madras Presidency part of achieving social justice. The Justice and the party formed the government during Party rule established the Staff Selection 1920–1923 and 1923–1926. In the context of Board in 1924 for the selection of government Congress Party boycotting the legislature, the officials and encouraged all the communities Justice Party continued to remain in office till to share the administrative powers. In 1929, 1937 elections were held. In the 1937 elections the Government of British India adopted the the Indian National Congress contested the pattern and established the Public Service elections for the first time and trounced the Commission. Justice Party. Programmes and Activities The Justice Party further concentrated on reforms in religious institutions. Tamil Nadu has The Justice Party is the fountain head of the a large number of temples and these commanded non-Brahmin Movement in the country. The huge resources. In general, the resources were Justice Party government widened education and employment opportunities for the majority monopolised and exploited by the dominant of the population and created space for them caste in the society and led to mismanagement in the political sphere. Tamil Nadu’s legacy of of public resources. The Justice Party introduced social justice owes its existence to the formative the Hindu Religious Endowment (HRE) Act in years of Justice Party in power. 1926 and enabled any individual, irrespective of The Justicites removed the legal hindrances their caste affiliation, to become a member of restricting inter-caste marriages and broke the the temple committee and govern the resources barriers that prevented Depressed Classes from of the religious institutions.

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 73 7/30/2019 9:34:38 PM 10.4 Self-Respect Movement Periyar E.V.R. (Suyamariyathai Iyakkam) Periyar E.V. Ramasamy (1879– The Self-Respect movement, while 1973) was the founder critiquing the then prevailing social, political of the Self-Respect and economic relations, introduced a Movement. He was programme of non-Brahmin uplift in Tamil the son of a wealthy Nadu. The movement was concerned with the businessman in Erode, marginalised sections of the society and criticised Venkatappa and Brahminism and the cultural hegemony of the Chinna Thayammal. Brahmin. It advocated a casteless society devoid Though possessing Periyar E.V.R of rituals and differences based on birth. The little formal education, he engaged in critical movement declared rationality and self-respect discussions with scholars, who used to be as the birthright of all human beings and patronised by his devout father. As a young held these as more important than self-rule. man, he once ran away from home and spent The movement declared illiteracy as a source many months in and other religious for women’s subordination and promoted centres. The firsthand experience of orthodox compulsory elementary education for all. It Hindu religion led to his disillusionment with campaigned for the empowerment of women religion. On his return, he took care of his and questioned the superstitious beliefs in the family business for some years. His selfless society. public service and forthrightness made him The movement demanded women’s a popular personality. He held different emancipation, deplored superstitions, and official positions of Erode that included emphasised rationality. The movement also the Chairmanship of Municipal Council advocated self-respect marriage. Race was (1918–1919). central to self-respect concept, which argued In the context of the rise of the non- that the non-Brahmin Dravidian people had Brahmin Justice Party after 1917, the been systematically subjugated by Aryan- Congress inducted non-Brahmin leaders Brahmins over the course of their long such as Periyar and P. Varadarajulu, at the history. initiative of C. Rajaji. Periyar resigned all the The Self-Respect Movement championed government positions to support the Non- not only the cause of the non-Brahmin Cooperation Movement (1920–1922). He Hindus, but also that of the Muslims. The gave up his profitable business and became Self-Respect Movement extolled the lofty an active member of the Congress. He principles of Islam such as equality and promoted khadi and sold it on the streets of brotherhood. They exhorted the Muslims to Tamil Nadu. He cut down 500 coconut trees admit into their fold the depressed sections in his farm to support the campaign for of the Hindu society, in order that they might prohibition. He held the positions of Secretary enjoy the equality and brotherhood of Islam. and President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Muslim elite considered the Tamil Muslims Committee. as Dravidians. Yet Periyar did not hesitate to As president of the attack certain customs like wearing of purdah Tamil Nadu Congress by Muslim women. He wanted the Dravidian Committee, Periyar proposed Muslims to follow Mustapha Kemal Pasha of a resolution regarding the Turkey and Amanullah of Afghanistan who rights of “Untouchables” to initiated reforms in Islamic society. temple entry. In the name of

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 74 7/30/2019 9:34:38 PM Arasu was the official newspaper of the Self- Respect Movement. It brought out the multiple voices and ideas of Non-Brahmins, women and religious minorities. Usually, Periyar wrote a column and expressed his opinion on social issues in each of its issues. He frequently wrote columns under the pseudonym of Chitraputtiran. Thanthai Periyar Memorial (Vaikom, Kerala) Over the years, Periyar visited many “caste dharma” the “lower caste” people were countries and interacted with intellectuals all denied access to the temples and the streets over. He visited Singapore and Malaya (1929– surrounding the temple. In Vaikom (a town 1930, 1954), Egypt, U.S.S.R. (modern Russia), in the then Princely State of Travancore and in Greece, Turkey, Germany, England, Spain, present day Kerala), people protested against France and Portugal (1931–32), and Burma this practice. In the initial stages George (1954 to attend the 2500th birth Anniversary Joseph of Madurai played big role. After the of the Buddha). His experience of travelling local leaders were arrested Periyar led the in the Soviet Union and Europe carried movement and was imprisoned. People hailed Periyar towards socialist ideals. Periyar had him as Vaikom Virar (Hero of Vaikom). In a close relationship with Singaravelar who is the meantime, he was disturbed by the caste- considered the first communist of south India based discrimination in the dining hall at the and a pioneer of Buddhism. In 1936, Periyar Cheranmadevi Gurukulam (school), which got Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Annihilation of was run by V.V.Subramaniam (a Congress Caste translated into Tamil immediately after leader) with the financial support of the it was written. He also supported Ambedkar’s Tamil Nadu Congress Committee. Periyar demand for separate electorates for scheduled was disappointed when, despite his objections castes. and protests against this discrimination, the In 1937, in opposition to the Rajaji’s Congress continued to support the iniquitous practice in the Gurukulam. government’s move to introduce compulsory Hindi in schools, he launched a popular Periyar was keen on the introduction of movement to oppose it. The anti-Hindi agitation reservation in representative bodies such as the (1937–39) had a big impact on Tamilnadu’s legislative council for non-Brahmins. He wanted politics. Periyar was imprisoned for his role in to pass the resolution in the annual conference the movement. When he was still in jail, Periyar of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee in was elected the president of the Justice Party. 1925 at its Kanchipuram session but in vain. Thereafter the Justice Party merged with the The Congress’s inability in addressing these Self-Respect Movement. It was rechristened as concerns made him quit the Congress in 1925. Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) in 1944. Following his disillusionment, Periyar started the Self-Respect movement in 1925. Rajaji, the Chief Minister of Madras State (1952–54), introduced a vocational education Periyar understood the relevance of programme that encouraged imparting school mass communication in spreading rationalist children with training in tune with their thought. He started a number of newspapers father’s occupation. Periyar criticised it as Kula and journals such as Kudi Arasu (Democracy) Kalvi Thittam (caste-based education scheme) (1925), Revolt (1928), Puratchi (Revolution) and opposed it tooth and nail. His campaigns (1933), Paguththarivu (Rationalism) (1934), against it led to the resignation of Rajaji. K. and Viduthalai (Liberation) (1935). Kudi Kamaraj became Chief Minister of the Madras

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 75 7/30/2019 9:34:38 PM State. Periyar died at the age of ninety four by “valkaithunai,”(companion) a word for (1973). His mortal remains were buried at marriage taken from the Tirukkural. Peiyar’s Periyar Thidal, Madras. most important work on this subject is Why the Woman is Enslaved? Periyar’s Anti-Hindi Stance Periyar believed that property rights for Periyar emphasised that the caste system in women would provide them a social status south India is linked with the arrival of Brahmins and protection. He welcomed equal rights for from the North. Ancient Tamil society, he said, males and females in property, guardianship had a different stratification based on tinais and adoption. He was a strong champion of (regions), determined by natural surroundings birth control and contraception, and said and the means of livelihood or occupation of that motherhood was a burden to women. the people. Anti-north Indian campaigns had In 1989, Government of Tamil Nadu made Periyar to take an anti-Hindi stand. fulfilled the dream of radical reformers by the introduction of the Hindu Succession Periyar on Religion Tamil Nadu Amendment Act of 1989, which ensured the equal rights to ancestral property Periyar’s experiences taught him that it for women in inheritance. This Act became a was necessary to eradicate religion in order to trendsetter and led to similar legislation at the impart progress and justice. Periyar advocated national level. atheism to deconstruct the established practices of faith, culture and custom. Periyar Rettaimalai Srinivasan wanted religion to be replaced by rationalism. ‘Religion means you accept superstitious Rettaimalai Srinivasan beliefs’, he asserted. Periyar spent his entire (1859–1945), popularly life campaigning against superstitions through known as Grandpa Thinkers or Rationalists Forums he had (Thatha), was born in formed. Periyar objected to the hereditary 1859 at Kanchipuram. He priesthood in temples. He argued that eligible fought for social justice, individuals, who have a proper religious equality and civil rights knowledge, should become priests rather of the marginalised in than being based on caste. He encouraged the the caste order. He was Rettaimalai people to boycott the Brahmin priests and honoured with such titles Srinivasan their Vedic rituals. He advocated inter-caste as Rao Sahib (1926), and Self-Respect Marriages devoid of any such Rao Bahadur (1930) and Divan Bahadur rituals. (1936) for his selfless social services. His autobiography, Jeeviya Saritha Surukkam (A Periyar, a Feminist Brief Autobiography), published in 1939, is one of the earliest autobiographies. Periyar was critical of patriarchy. He Rettaimalai Srinivasan who had condemned child-marriage and the devadasi experienced the horrors of untouchability system (institution of temple girls). Right from worked for the progress of the deprived castes. 1929, when the Self-respect Conferences began He founded the Adi Dravida Mahajana Sabha to voice its concern over the plight of women, in 1893. He served as president of the Scheduled Periyar had been emphasising women’s right Castes’ Federation and the Madras Provincial to divorce and property. Periyar objected to Depressed Classes’ Federation. He constantly terms like “giving in marriage”. This, he said, engaged in discussions with leaders of the treats woman as a thing. He wants it substituted Indian National Congress and the Justice Party

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 76 7/30/2019 9:34:38 PM on questions involving the depressed castes. Labour Movements in 10.5 Rettaimalai Srinivasan met Gandhi in South Tamil Nadu Africa and was closely associated with him. He became a member of the Madras Legislative Council in 1923 and influenced the Justice Party to take affirmative action to safeguard the interests of the depressed and deprived sections of the society. A close associate of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, he participated in the first and second Round Table Conferences held in London (1930 and 1931) and voiced the opinions of the marginalised sections of the society. He was a signatory to the Labour Statue in Marina Beach Poona Pact of 1932. The First World War (1914–18) provided stimulus to industrial growth in M.C. Rajah India. These industries, catering to war time needs, had employed a huge number of Mylai Chinnathambi workers. At the end of the War there were Raja (1883–1943), retrenchments across the industries, as the popularly known as war time requirements receded. Combined M.C. Rajah, was one of with high prices, this gave a momentum to the the prominent leaders labour movement. The nationalists realising from the “depressed the value of organised labour power began class”. Rajah started to support the cause of labour. B.P. Wadia, his career as a teacher M. Singaravelar, Thiru. Vi. Kalyanasundaram M.C. Rajah and wrote different and others initiated the formation of labour textbooks for schools and colleges. He was unions in the Madras Presidency. In 1918, one of the founding members of the South India’s first organised trade union, the Indian Liberal Federation (Justice Party). He Madras Labour Union, was formed. became the first elected Legislative Council Member (1920–26) from the depressed The first All India Trade Union classes in Madras province. He functioned Conference (AITUC) was held on 31 October as the Deputy Leader of Justice Party in the 1920 in Bombay. The delegates discussed Madras Legislative Council. several resolutions. These included a demand for protection from police interference Later, he left the Justice Party. M.C. Rajah in labour disputes, the maintenance of demanded abolition of untouchability and an unemployment register, restriction on organised a number of political meetings and exporting foodstuffs, compensation for conferences for the “untouchable castes” to injuries, and health insurance. In addition, the have access to public wells and pathways to delegates demanded that Indian workers be burial grounds. In addition, he advocated the given some representation in the government, use of such as terms, Adi-Dravida and Adi- just as employers had representatives on Andhra. In 1928, he founded the All India legislative councils. Depressed Classes Association and was its M. Singaravelar (1860–1946), was a long time leader. Rajah had earlier called for pioneer in the labour movement activities separate electorate; but after the Poona Pact, in the Madras presidency. He was born in he supported the idea of joint electorates. Madras and graduated from the Presidency

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 77 7/30/2019 9:34:39 PM College, University of The implementation of Hindi as a Madras. He advocated compulsory language in Tamil Nadu, at various Buddhism in his early points of time, was seen as a threat to Tamil life. He knew many language and culture. C. Rajaji, the Premier languages, including of Madras Presidency, introduced Hindi as a Tamil, English, Urdu, compulsory subject in schools. This created a stiff Hindi, German, French opposition in Madras province. Periyar declared and Russian and wrote that the introduction of Hindi over Tamil would about the ideas of Karl deny the Dravidians of their job opportunities. Singaravelar Marx, Charles Darwin, Maraimalai Adigal pointed out that the Tamil Herbert Spencer and Albert Einstein in Tamil. language would suffer with the introduction of He organised the first ever celebration of May Hindi. The anti-Hindi campaigners considered Day in 1923. He was one of the early leaders of it an ideological battle against Brahminism the Communist Party of India. He published and the hegemony of Sanskrit over Tamil. a Tamil newspaper, Thozhilalan (Worker) to They saw Sanskrit as a vehicle for propagation address the problems of the working class. He of Brahmanical ideology, there by preserving was closely associated with Periyar and the Self- the caste hierarchies and gender inequalities. Respect Movement. The agitation was marked by massive protest meetings, demonstrations, and hunger strikes. Language Agitation Tens of thousands of people took part in 10.6 before Indian the agitation. Independence 10.7 Women’s Movements In general, language is a dominant There were several streams of women’s symbol of identity and it is associated with movements and organisations established culture and sentiments of any society. Tamil in the early twentieth century to address the regained its prominence in the latter half of question of women empowerment in Madras the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Presidency. Women’s India Association (WIA) Maraimalai Adigal’s Pure Tamil Movement, and All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) the language reforms of Periyar and Tamil are the important among them in Tamil Nadu. Isai Movement helped to galvanise the WIA was started in 1917 by Annie Besant, Tamil language. Tamil renaissance that led Dorothy Jinarajadasa and Margaret Cousins the Dravidian consciousness made a great at Adyar, Madras. The Association published intervention in the development of modern pamphlets and bulletins in different languages Tamil language and its art forms. Agamic to detail the problems of personal hygiene, temples did not permit rituals in Tamil. marriage laws, voting rights, child care and Tamil songs had a marginal place in musical women’s role in the public. In the meantime, concerts. Abraham Pandithar systematically WIA formed the All India Women’s Conference studied the history of Tamil music and (AIWC) in 1927 to address the problem of attempted to reconstruct the ancient Tamil women’s education and recommended that the musical system. He founded the Tanjore government implement various policies for the Sangitha Vidya Mahajana Sangam in 1912 uplift of women. and it became the kernel of the Tamil Isai Movement (Tamil Music Movement). The Women’s liberation was one of the important movement gave importance to the singing of objectives of the Self-Respect Movement. Self- Tamil compositions in music concerts. The respecters led by Periyar E.V.R. worked for first Tamil Isai Conference was held in 1943, gender equality and gender sensitisation of the to discuss the status of Tamil music. society. The movement provided a space for

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 78 7/30/2019 9:34:39 PM women to share their ideas. There was a custom of dedicating young There were several women girls to the Hindu temples as a servant of God, activists in the movement. known as devadasi. Though intended as a Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar, service to god it soon got corrupted leading Nagammai, Kannamma, to extensive immorality and abuse of the Nilavathi, Muvalur women. Dr. Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar, was in Ramamirtham, Rukmani the forefront of the campaign pressing for a Ammal, Alarmelmangai legislation to abolish this devadasi system. The Thayammal, Nilambikai, and Muvalur Madras Devadasis (Prevention of Dedication) Sivakami Chidambaranar Ramamirtham Act 1947 was enacted by the government. are prominent among them.

In 1930, Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar introduced in the Madras Legislative Council a Bill on the “prevention of the dedication of women to Hindu temples in the Presidency of Madras”. The Bill, which later became the Devadasi Abolition Act, declared the “pottukattu ceremony” in the precincts of Hindu temples or any other place of worship unlawful, gave legal sanction to devadasis to contract marriage, and prescribed a minimum punishment of five years’ imprisonment for those found guilty of aiding and abetting the devadasi system. The Bill had to wait for over 15 years to become an Act.

SUMMARY

„„ Nineteenth century India encountered a process of introspection among Indian intellectuals due to the colonial intervention and the rise of rationalism. This led to the Indian renaissance. „„ In Tamil Nadu, the proliferation of the printing press acted as a catalyst for the publication and spread of secular ancient Tamil literature. „„ Tamil scholars in the nineteenth century worked hard to publish Tamil classics. These triggered an intellectual revolution and it was popularly known as Tamil renaissance. „„ The transformation not only revived Tamil language and literature. It challenged the prevailing caste hierarchy and influenced the rise of Dravidian consciousness and established Tamil as a language of the Dravidian family. „„ The Justice Party established in 1916 voiced the problems of non-Brahmin in the Madras Presidency. The party introduced significant reforms such as communal representation, women’s franchise rights, and Hindu Religious Endowment Board. „„ Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, the pioneer of the Self-Respect Movement, critiqued fundamentalism and promoted rationalism among people for the better construction of human society. He reformed Tamil society, gave special attention to the women empowerment and did an extensive language reform for the betterment of Tamil language and culture. „„ Concurrently, Thatha Rettaimalai Srinivasan worked for the development of depressed castes, and the labour movement addressed the problems of the working classes. „„ Meanwhile, Tamil Pure Movement and Tamil Music Movement promoted and preserved Tamil language. „„ Ultimately, the rational ideas of Tamil Nadu became a model for constructive developments of the modern Indian state.

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 79 7/30/2019 9:34:39 PM GLOSSARY Christian groups that believe that the teaching of the evangelical Bible and persuading others to join them is extremely 毁ힿசேஷர㞕쿍, நற்ச뿍鎿யாளர important leadership or dominance, especially by one country or hegemony social group over others மேலா鎿க㞕믍 resurgence renewal, revival எ폁母殿 linguists a person skilled in languages ம�ொ펿뾿யலாளர㞕쿍 exemplified be a typical example of ꎿ쏂ꮿக㞕ப㞪翁믍 a person, group concept treated as insignificant or marginalised sidelined ஒ鏁க㞕ப㞪ட㞟 irked irritated, annoyed எ쎿ச்쯂ட翁믍 expose the falseness or hollowness of (a myth, idea or debunking belief) ஒ펿鏍鏁க㞕ட翁믍 trounced defeat heavily in a contest ப翁த�ோ쯍ힿ뿁ற母 செய்쯍 critiquing evaluate in a detailed and analytical way ힿமர殿ப㞪鏁 iniquitous grossly unfair and morally wrong அꏀ鎿யான pseudonym a fictitious name, especially one used by an author ꯁனைபெயர rechristened give a new name to பெய쎿டப㞪ட翁 A society or institution organised according to the patriarchy principles or practices of male domination ஆணா鎿க㞕母 ச믁தாய믍 masculinity possession of the qualities traditionally associated with men ஆண்ம

5. ______founded Adi Dravida EXERCISE Mahajana Sabha in 1893. a) Rettaimalai Srinivasan I. Choose the correct answer b) B. R. Ambedkar 1. ______was the pioneer of social c) Rajaji Reformers in India. d) M. C. Rajah a) C.W. Damotharanar 6. India’s first organised trade union, the Madras Labour Union was formed b) Periyar in______. c) Raja Rammohan Roy a) 1918 b) 1917 c) 1916 d) 1914 d) Maraimalai Adigal 7. ______was established by the Justice 2. ______established Party Government for the selection of a full-fledged printing press in 1709, at Government officials. Tranquebar. a) Staff Selection Board a) Caldwell b) F.W. Ellis b) Public Service Commission c) Ziegenbalg d) Meenakshisundaram c) Provincial Staff Recruitment Board 3. ______was the official newspaper of d) Staff Selection Commission the Self Respect Movement. 8. ______was the first elected a) KudiArasu b) Puratchi Legislative Council Member from the c) Viduthalai d) Paguththarivu depressed class in Madras Province. 4. Periyar wanted religion to be replaced by a) M. C. Rajah ______b) Rettaimalai Srinivasan a) Nationalism b) Iconoclasm c) T.M. Nair c) Rationalism d) Spiritualism d) P. Varadarajulu

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 80 7/30/2019 9:34:39 PM II. Fill in the blanks a) (iii) and (iv) are correct b) (ii), (iii) and (iv) are correct 1. ______was the first non-European language that went into print. c) (i), (ii) and (iv) are correct d) (ii) and (iii) are correct 2. The College of Fort St. George was founded by ______. 3. Assertion (A): The Justice Party continued to remain in government from 1920-1937 in 3. ______is considered the father of Madras Presidency. Tamil linguistic purism. Reason (R): The Congress Party boycotted 4. ______was the first to approve the Madras Legislature during this period of participation of women in the electoral politics. Dyarchy. a) Both A and R are correct 5. The name Suriyanarayana Sastri changed in b) A is correct, but R is not the correct Tamil as ______explanation 6. ______gave prominence to Tamil c) Both A and R are wrong music. d) R is correct, but it has no relevance 7. The first Woman Legislator in India was to A ______. 4. Assertion (A): As World War I was III Choose the correct statement in progress, the British Government was considering the introduction of 1. (i) Thirukkural was one of the earliest Tamil representative institutions for Indians after literary texts to be published in 1812. the war. (ii) Maraimalai Adigal collected and Reason (R): In 1920, Dyarchy as a form edited different palm leaf manuscripts of Government was introduced in the of the Tamil grammars and literature. provinces. (iii) Robert Caldwell established the a) A is correct, but R is not the correct close affinity between the Dravidian reason languages in contrast with Sanskrit and b) Both A and R are wrong also established the antiquity of Tamil. c) Both A and R are right (iv) Thiru.Vi. Kalyanasundaram was an early d) A is wrong and R has no relevance to A pioneer in Trade union movement. a) (i) and (ii) are correct IV. Match the following b) (i) and (iii) are correct 1. Dravidian Home - Maraimalai Adigal d) (iv) is correct 2. Thozhilalan - Rettaimalai e) (ii) and (iii) are correct Srinivasan 2. (i) Margret Cousin was one of the founders 3. Tani Tamil Iyakkam - Singaravelar of Women’s India Association. (ii) Periyar spent his entire life 4. Jeeviya Saritha campaigning against superstitions Surukkam - Natesanar through Thinkers or Rationalists V. Answer briefly Forums he had formed. 1. Write a note on Tamil Renaissance. (iii) Singaravelar was a staunch supporter 2. Highlight the contribution of Caldwell for of the Hindu Mahasabha the cause of South Indian languages. (iv) Periyar emphasised that the caste 3. List out the personalities who contributed system in South India is linked with the to the revival of Tamil literature through arrival of Brahmins from the North. their writings.

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 81 7/30/2019 9:34:39 PM 4. Discuss the importance of Hindu VII. Answer in detail Religious Endowment Act passed by the 1. Attempt an essay on the foundation and Justicite ministry ? development of Tamil Renaissance in the 5. What do you know of the Cheranmahadevi 19th Century. Gurukulam incident? 2. Describe the background for the formation 6. Name the newspapers published by the South Indian Liberal Foundation. of the Justice Party and point out its 7. Estimate Periyar as a feminist contribution to the cause of social justice. 8. Explain the proceedings of All India Trade 3. Estimate Periyar E.V.R’s decisive Union Congress Conference held in 1920. contribution to the social transformation VI. Answer the questions given of Tamil Nadu. under each caption VIII. Students Activity 1. Periyar E.V.R 1. Students can be taught to distinguish a) When did Periyar found Dravidar between Labour Movement and Trade Kazhagam? Union Movement. Project work on the b) What were the Newspapers and Journals activities of local trade union organisations run by Periyar? may be done by students. c) Why was Periyar known as Vaikom hero? 2. Students can compile the activities of the d) Which was the most important work of local writers’ associations or women’s Periyar? collectives. 2. Labour Movement in Tamilnadu a) Highlight the factors that caused the REFERENCE BOOKS birth of Trade Union Movement in 1. K. Nambi Arooran, Tamil Renaissance Madras. and Dravidian Nationalism 1905–1944. b) Identify the three prominent persons Madurai: Koodal Publishers, 1980. associated with the Madras Labour Union. 2. V. Geetha and S.V. Rajadurai, Towards a c) Where was the first conference of All Non-Brahmin Millennium: From Iyothee India Trade Union Congress held? Thass to Periyar. Calcutta: Samya, 1998. d) Who organised the first ever celebration 3. Robert Hardgrave The Dravidian of May Day in Madras and which year? Movement. Bombay: Popular Prakashan, 3. Maraimalai Adigal 1965. a) Name the Sangam texts for which 4. Eugene F. Irschick, Politics and Social Maraimalai Adigal wrote commentaries. Conflict in South India. Berkeley: b) Name the Journal where he worked as University of California Press, 1969. a young man. 5. Periyar. E.V. Ramasami, Women Enslaved. c) Why did he oppose imposition of Hindi? New Delhi: Critical Quest, 2009. d) Who were the key influences in Maraimalai Adigal’s life? 6. Thoughts of Periyar E.V.R.: Speeches and Writings of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy. V. Anaimuthu. Comp. Chennai: Periyar E.V. Ramasamy–Nagammai Education and Research Trust, 1974.

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10th_History_Unit_10.indd 82 7/30/2019 9:34:39 PM TIME LINE 1 unit = 10 years Important Events of Indian National Movement (1900-1947)

1900

1905 - Partition of Bengal / Swadeshi Movement 1906 - Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company was Started

1910

1916 - Home Rule League / Lucknow Pact 1917 - Champaran Satyagraha 1918 - Kheda Satyagraha 1919 - Rowlatt Act / Jalianwalah Bagh Massacre 1920 1920 - Khilafat Movement / Non-Cooperation Movement 1922 - Chauri Chaura incident 1923 - The formation of Swaraj Party

1927 - The appointment of the Simon Commission 1928 - Motilal Nehru Report 1929 - The Lahore Congress Session 1930 1930 - Salt Satyagraha / First Round Table Conference 1931 - Gandhi-Irwin Pact / Second Round Table Conference 1932 - Communal Award / Poona Pact / Third Round Table Conference

1935 - The Government of India Act

1937 - First Congress Ministry in Provinces

1940 1940 - August Offer / Individual Satyagraha

1942 - Cripps Mission / Quit India Movement

1945 - Wavell Plan / Simla Conference 1946 - RIN Revolt / Cabinet Mission / Interim Government 1947 - Mountbatten Plan / India won Independence

1950

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