Vaikom Satyagraha

Why in the News?

Recently, India celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Vaikom Satyagraha, a significant movement in Indian history that confronted untouchability and caste-based oppression.

About Vaikom Satyagraha

• It was a historic non-violent temple entry protest that began in Vaikom, a town in the princely state of Travancore (Kerala region), on March 30, 1924. 
  • It was in a response to the discriminatory exclusion of "lower caste" Hindus from accessing the Vaikom Mahadeva temple.
  • Despite rise in the educational and economic status the lower caste community especially Ezhavas faced the social discrimination which eventually led to the agitation. 
• Satyagrahis went in groups of three to enter the temple but were stopped and arrested by the police.
  • Dressed in khadi and wearing khadi caps, Govinda Panikkar (Nair), Bahuleyan (Ezhava) and Kunjappu (Pulaya), defied the prohibitionary orders.
  • The movement gained popularity throughout India and received support from various regions.
    • The Akalis of Punjab provided food to the Satyagrahis. 
    • Christian and Muslim leaders also supported the movement
• The Vaikom Satyagraha was officially withdrawn on November 30, 1925 after consultations between Gandhi and W.H. Pitt, the then police commissioner of Travancore.

Outcome of Vaikom Satyagraha

• Legal Reforms & initiatives: 
  • The Satyagraha's pressure led to the Temple Entry Proclamation in 1936, a landmark legal victory granting access to lower-caste individuals into temples.
  • It also led to initiatives like the establishment of the Travancore Public Service Commission to ensure fairness in government roles.
• Political Awakening: It catalysed political awareness and activism among marginalized communities. 
• National Impact: The movement's resonance extended beyond Kerala, inspiring similar protests and campaigns across India against caste-based discrimination.
• Rift between Mahatma Gandhi and Periyar: The Vaikom Satyagraha brought open the rift between Gandhiji and Periyar. 
  • While Gandhiji saw it as Hindu reformist movement, Periyar called it a fight against caste-based atrocities. 
  • Periyar was not happy with the partial success attained (only 3 out 4 roads leading to the temple were open for all the castes), and he eventually quit Congress months later. 

Other Anti-Caste Movements