Overview
This lecture covers Tamil Nadu's significant role in India's freedom struggle, detailing key movements, organizations, leaders, and events from early resistance to independence.
Introduction & Early Resistance
- Tamil Nadu opposed colonization from the outset, exemplified by the 1806 Vellore Mutiny.
- Western education led to the rise of an educated middle class advocating for reform and social equality, including fighting caste discrimination.
Formation of Political Associations
- Madras Native Association (1852) focused on tax reduction and protested government support for missionary activities.
- It agitated against peasant torture, leading to the abolition of the Torture Act.
- Madras Mahajana Sabha (1884) became a hub for early nationalist leaders and advocated for civil service reforms, tax reduction, and reduced government expenditure.
Growth of the Press & Nationalist Thought
- Indian-owned newspapers like The Hindu (1878) and Swadeshi Mitran (1891) promoted nationalism.
- Other periodicals such as Indian Patriot and South Indian Mail spread nationalist ideas.
Moderate Phase & Indian National Congress (INC)
- Madras Mahajana Sabha contributed to forming INC (1885).
- Tamil Nadu delegates played an active role in early INC sessions.
- Moderates like V.S. Srinivasa Sastri used petitions, meetings, and memoranda to communicate grievances.
Swadeshi & Revolutionary Movements
- Partition of Bengal (1905) spurred the Swadeshi movement, advocating for Indian goods and national education.
- Leaders like V.O. Chidambaranar and Subramania Bharathi mobilized the public through vernacular language and patriotic literature.
- Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company and Tirunelveli uprising illustrated Tamil Nadu’s activism.
- Revolutionary activities intensified, with Pondicherry as a haven for activists and banned literature.
Home Rule & Non-Brahmin Movements
- Annie Besant led the Home Rule Movement (1916), advocating for self-government.
- The rise of educated non-Brahmins led to the South Indian Liberal Federation (Justice Party), demanding reservation and communal representation.
British Repression & Mass Movements
- Rowlatt Act (1919) spurred protests and the formation of Madras Satyagraha Sabha.
- Leaders like George Joseph organized labor unions and supported the Vaikom Satyagraha against caste restrictions.
Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience & Social Reform
- Tamil Nadu was very active in Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements, with leaders like Rajaji and E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar).
- Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha (1930) was led by Rajaji; women like Rukmani Lakshmipathy played key roles.
- Self-Respect Movement, led by Periyar, emphasized social equality and criticized caste-based discrimination.
Congress Ministries, Social Legislation & Quit India
- After the Government of India Act (1935), Congress formed ministries and enacted social reforms, such as temple entry and reservation.
- Quit India Movement (1942) saw widespread participation, underground activities, and repression in Tamil Nadu.
- Final phase included the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny and eventual independence with partition.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Swadeshi — Movement promoting Indian goods and boycotting foreign products.
- Madras Native Association — Early political association aiming to reduce taxes and oppose missionary influence.
- Madras Mahajana Sabha (MMS) — Political group focusing on public affairs and civil service reform.
- Rowlatt Act — Law allowing detention without trial, sparking widespread protests.
- Home Rule Movement — Campaign for self-government within the British Empire.
- Justice Party — Non-Brahmin political party advocating reservation and communal representation.
- Self-Respect Movement — Social movement led by Periyar seeking to abolish caste discrimination.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the scope and timeline of Tamil Nadu’s freedom movements.
- Memorize major organizations, leaders, and acts for exam preparation.
- Read the next unit for post-independence developments.