Vokkaligara Sangha: Pursuing Justice and Empowering the Community

The Vokkaligara Sangha & Justice Movement is a social and political movement in India, primarily representing the community, an influential group in the state of Karnataka. This movement seeks social justice, political representation, and empowerment, often advocating for their rights and interests within the framework of Indian democracy. It plays a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Karnataka, with its influence extending to various aspects of the state’s governance and policies.

It was an association formed by community leaders in the erstwhile state of Mysore in 1905. 

Vokkaligara Sangha: Agriculture to Advocacy for Equality

• Etymology: The name ” Vokkaliga” is derived from “Vokku,” which means to thresh grains from crops.
• Sub-sects: The community consists of various sub-sects, including Gangadikaras, Namadhari, Morasu, Kunchitigas, Nonabas, among others.
• Historical Significance: Historically, the Vokkaligara Sangha, being an agro-martial community, ruled several principalities in present-day Bangalore, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Tumkur, and Ramanagara districts of Karnataka. 
  • However, they lost political power to the Adil Shahi of Bijapur and Hyder Ali, leading them to focus on agriculture for their livelihood.
• Anti-Brahmin Movement: Faced with social and educational backwardness and discrimination by higher caste groups, leaders initiated an Anti-Brahmin movement to address these issues.

Vokkaligara Sangha: Fostering Leadership and Education Since 1906

• Establishment: The Vokkaligara Sangha was founded on April 1, 1906, in Bangalore.
• Leadership: T. Byanna served as the Vokkaligara Sangha’s first president, with the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, and Diwan V.P. Madhava Rao as its patron and vice-patron, respectively. All contributing to the Vokkaliga community’s social and political initiatives.
• Media and Education: The Vokkaligara Sangha played a significant role in disseminating information to the community by publishing newspapers and literary materials, including the newspaper edited by B. Puttaiah, the General Secretary of the Vokkaligara Sangha. 
  • The organization also established hostels and educational institutions for Vokkaligara sangha’s students.

The Journey of Vokkaligara Sangha for Social and Educational Progress

• Initiation: The Vokkaligara Sangha-led Justice Movement was initiated in the Madras Presidency during the late 1910s by figures such as C.N. Mudaliar, T.M. Nair, and P. Tyagaraja.
• Objectives: Its primary goal was to advocate for employment opportunities and legislative representation for non-Brahmins. 
  • This movement gained prominence through the publication of the English newspaper ‘Justice,’ which eventually led to the formation of the Justice Party. 
  • In 1917, the Madras Presidency Association was established, focusing on securing separate representation for lower castes within the legislature.

Vokkaligara Sangha: Movement for Equality and Respect

• Origins: The Self-Respect Movement was initiated in Tamil Nadu in 1925 by S. Ramanathan and E.V. Ramaswamy, becoming a significant influence in the region.
• Objectives: This movement, also known as the Dravidian Movement, aimed to promote equal rights for marginalized castes, particularly focusing on women’s rights.
  •  It sought to instill a sense of “self-respect” in Vokkaliga individuals from lower castes, aiming to eliminate caste-based discrimination and dismantle the prevailing Hindu social structure.
• Prominent Leaders: Key figures in the movement included Ramanathan, Periyar Ramaswamy, Annai Meenambal, and Veeramal.

Vokkaliga Movements: Towards Equality, Transformation, and Welfare

• Equality and Civil Rights: Both movements shared the goal of creating a society where lower castes enjoyed the same fundamental civil rights as higher castes.
• Equal Opportunities: They aimed to ensure equal opportunities for growth and development for all individuals, striving to eliminate untouchability and establish a just and harmonious society.
• Vokkaliga Social Transformation: An essential objective was to bring about social transformation that would foster friendship and a sense of belonging among all Vokkaliga members of society.
• Social Welfare: Efforts were made to provide shelter for the destitute, orphans, and widows, as well as to establish schools and colleges.
• Dissuading Caste Practices: The movements aimed to discourage the construction of additional temples, mutts, or Vedic schools and dissuade people from using their caste names as part of their identities, advocating for a society free from the constraints of caste, religion, and deity.

Parsi Reform: Vokkaligara-Led Transformation and Advocacy

• Establishment: Founded in 1851, with Furdunji Naoroji as its President and S.S. Bangalee as its Secretary.
• Initial Focus: Initially, Furdunji Naoroji, with Vokkaliga influence, defended the Parsi community from external pressures, particularly Christian missionary activities. Later, the focus shifted towards internal reform.
• Prominent Figures: Furdunji Naoroji played a significant role in advocating for Zoroastrianism through the Fam-i-Famished journal and authored “Tarika Farthest” in 1850. 
  • S.S. Bengalee published the journals “Jagat Mitra” and “Jagat Premi” in 1850 and 1851, respectively.

Parsi Renewal: Vokkaliga-Led Reforms in Religion and Society

• Objective: The movement aimed to “regenerate Parsi social conditions and restore Zoroastrian religion to its original purity.”
• Medium of Dissemination: The reform message was disseminated through the newspaper “Rast Goftar,” meaning Truth-Teller.
• Religious Reforms: Reforms were introduced to Parsi religious rituals and practices, along with a redefinition of the Parsi creed.
• Social Reforms: Vokkaliga-led efforts were made to improve the status of Parsi women, including the abolition of the purdah system, raising the marriage age, and promoting education.

Conclusion

The Vokkaliga community’s historical journey, marked by the Vokkaligara Sangha and Justice Movement, signifies a steadfast pursuit of justice and socio-political empowerment. The Vokkaligara Sangha has been a catalyst for positive change, fostering unity and advocating for the rights of the community. Through their enduring efforts, they have left an indelible mark on Karnataka’s social and political landscape, embodying resilience and a collective vision for a more equitable future.

Also Read: Keshub Chandra Sen: Life, Ideology and Contributions

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