Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the renovated Periyar Memorial at Vaikom, Kottayam, on 12 December 2024, to mark the centenary of the Vaikom Satyagraha for caste equality and social justice.

Vaikom Satyagraha

• The Vaikom Satyagraha, held between 1924 and 1925 in the princely state of Travancore, challenged the caste-based restrictions that prevented lower-caste individuals from using roads around the Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple.
• This non-violent movement was a precursor to modern social reform in Kerala and became a key part of Gandhian resistance against social injustices.

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Campaign Against Untouchability

• Caste Restrictions: In Kerala, as in the rest of India, the caste system enforced strict social hierarchies. Low-caste Hindus were not allowed to enter temples or even walk on the roads leading to temples.
  • Impact: These systemic restrictions imposed significant limitations on their social freedoms and access to public spaces.
• T.K. Madhavan’s Report on Discrimination: In 1923, at the Kakinada session of the Congress Party, T.K. Madhavan presented a report detailing the severe discrimination faced by the ‘depressed castes’ in Kerala. This session marked the beginning of organized movements against untouchability.
• Formation of the Anti-Untouchability Committee: Following the Congress session, a committee was formed to address untouchability in Kerala. The committee, which included members from different castes, aimed to fight for the rights of the lower castes. 
  • Chairman and Members: The committee was chaired by K. Kelappan and comprised notable leaders such as T.K. Madhavan, Velayudha Menon, K. Neelakantan Namboothiri, and T.R. Krishnaswami Iyer.
• Launch of Keralaparvatanam: In February 1924, the committee decided to launch the ‘Keralaparvatanam,’ a movement to secure the right for all Hindus, irrespective of caste, to access temples and public roads.

Gandhi’s Role in the Movement

Although Mahatma Gandhi did not lead or participate directly in the Vaikom Satyagraha, he played a crucial role in guiding the movement and shaping its outcomes through his consultations and proposals.

Gandhi’s Visit to Vaikom

• Gandhi visited Vaikom once during the 20-month-long struggle, in March 1925. His involvement was limited but symbolic, as his visit marked a turning point for the movement.
• Gandhi’s arrival, originally scheduled for 4 p.m., was delayed until 6 p.m. due to boats sent for his reception at the Ernakulam jetty—a gesture he refused, insisting on starting only when the ostentatious display was withdrawn. 
• Gandhi, adhering to his principle of silence, did not address the public upon his arrival. He was escorted quietly to the Satyagraha Ashram in Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu’s car.

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Consultations and Proposals

• Over the next 10 days, Gandhi engaged in discussions with various stakeholders in the movement, including Sri Narayana Guru, the Maharani Regent, the Diwan, the police commissioner, and representatives from the Ezhava and Pulaya communities, as well as the orthodox Brahmins who opposed the movement. 
• These consultations culminated in three key proposals put forward by Gandhi:
  • A Referendum: Gandhi proposed a referendum to be held among all adults in the Vaikom or larger Travancore region to determine the resolution of the conflict.
  • Mediation: Gandhi suggested that a scholar from each side present arguments, and the Diwan would pronounce a verdict. He proposed nominating Madan Mohan Malaviya as the representative of the satyagrahis.
  • Scriptural Text: Gandhi asked the orthodox Brahmins to produce scriptural evidence justifying the caste-based restrictions on temple and road access.
• Gandhi committed that the satyagrahis would accept the final decision, regardless of its outcome, but left the orthodox Brahmins free to reject it.
• This proposal, although seemingly illogical, was aimed at exposing the unjust stance of the orthodox Brahmins.

Orthodox Brahmins’ Response and Gandhi’s Actions

• In response to Gandhi’s proposals, the orthodox Brahmins produced the Sankara Smriti to justify their position. 
• However, Gandhi expressed doubts about the authenticity of the text and promised to consult experts. Vallathol Narayana Menon later confirmed that the text was unreliable.
• Gandhi also met with the Maharani Regent on March 12, 1925, at her Varkala camp. While Maharani expressed support for opening all public roads, she emphasized her need to consider public opinion as the head of state. 
• Gandhi recognized her position as a thoughtful stance in favor of justice.
• Through these interactions, Gandhi’s approach provided the movement with both a moral and strategic direction, even though he did not directly lead the protests.
• These actions highlighted Gandhi’s role in steering the movement through his principle of non-violence and his efforts to mediate between conflicting parties for a peaceful resolution. 
• His involvement, while indirect, proved pivotal in bringing attention to the issue of untouchability and caste discrimination, shaping the future trajectory of social reforms in Kerala.

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Conclusion

The Vaikom Satyagraha remains one of the most important movements in India’s fight against untouchability and caste discrimination.

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