Role of Tamil Nadu in the Freedom Struggle | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


35
MODERATES, EXTREMISTS AND GANDHIAN PERIOD
T amilnadu played a vital role in the Indian freedom movement.  Many
leaders have shed their life for the cause of our freedom. Because of
their sacrifice we got liberation and freedom from the British rule.
 Rise of Nationalism: The nineteenth century witnessed the socio-
religious reform movements.  The rise of nationalism took its deep
root in T amilnadu. During that period, Swami V ivekananda stayed at
Chennai and delivered his patriotic speeches.  It kindled the spirit of
the people to a greater extent.  Raja of Ramnad helped Swami
Vivekananda for his voyage to Chicago.  His speech at Chicago was
very famous.  He loved and encouraged the youth of T amilnadu.  The
press, particularly The Hindu, Swadesamitran and Desabakthan played
a significant role in  awakening  the people.  Means of transport like
railways helped the Nationalists to carry their ideas even to the remote
places of T amilnadu.
In order to rise the prestige of Tamil people the Madras Native
Association was founded in 1852.  The grievances of the people were
submitted to the British Government.  Madras Mahajana Sabha was
Page 2


35
MODERATES, EXTREMISTS AND GANDHIAN PERIOD
T amilnadu played a vital role in the Indian freedom movement.  Many
leaders have shed their life for the cause of our freedom. Because of
their sacrifice we got liberation and freedom from the British rule.
 Rise of Nationalism: The nineteenth century witnessed the socio-
religious reform movements.  The rise of nationalism took its deep
root in T amilnadu. During that period, Swami V ivekananda stayed at
Chennai and delivered his patriotic speeches.  It kindled the spirit of
the people to a greater extent.  Raja of Ramnad helped Swami
Vivekananda for his voyage to Chicago.  His speech at Chicago was
very famous.  He loved and encouraged the youth of T amilnadu.  The
press, particularly The Hindu, Swadesamitran and Desabakthan played
a significant role in  awakening  the people.  Means of transport like
railways helped the Nationalists to carry their ideas even to the remote
places of T amilnadu.
In order to rise the prestige of Tamil people the Madras Native
Association was founded in 1852.  The grievances of the people were
submitted to the British Government.  Madras Mahajana Sabha was
36
established in 1884.  G.Subramaniya Iyer, P .Anandacharlu, Rangaiya
Naidu played a significant part in the association to redress the miseries
of the people.
Rise  of Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress
was founded by A.O.Hume in 1885.  With the formation of Indian
National Congress in 1885, the freedom movement gained momentum
in T amilnadu.  The first conference of the congress was held at Bombay
under the presidentship of  W .C.Banerji. C.Vijayaraghavachariyar of
Salem, a close associate of A.O. Hume, was one of the members of
the committee which drafted the constitution of Indian National
Congress.  G.Subramaniya Iyer of Chennai participated and moved a
resolution in the congress.  In the beginning, the role of the Indian
National Congress was not to oppose the British government, but to
submit their grievances in a peaceful way.   The sessions of Indian
National Congress were convened at Madras in 1887, 1895 and 1898.
C.V ijayaraghavachariyar took a prominent role in framing the rules of
the congress during these years.
During the early phase of the congress,
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai led the people
of T amilnadu in the Independent struggle.
He started the Swadeshi Steam
Navigation Company at Tuticorin.  He
vehemently opposed the British
imperialism   T o honour his service and
sacrifice  he was given the title
Kappalottiya T amizhan.
Surat Congress: The Indian National
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai
Congress was held at Surat in the year 1907.  In this session ,Congress
got split into extremists and moderates.  The extremists were led by
Balagangadhar Tilak.
Swaraj is my birth right’ is the famous slogan of Balagangadhar Tilak.
Rise of Extremism: Balagangadhar Tilak was supported by
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya Siva.  They were called
the Lieutenant’s of Tilak and they chanted the Mantra ‘Vande
Mataram’.  In Tuticorin, V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya
Siva protested against the British administration.  In 1908 the mill
workers of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin struck work, Ashe the Sub
Collector of Tirunelveli, fired into the crowd.  The leaders who
supported the workers were arrested and imprisoned at Coimbatore
and Salem respectively .
Extremist activities: Ashe was murdered in 1911 at Maniachi
Railway station  by V anchi Iyer, one of the patriots of Tamilnadu.
Then, he shot himself dead.  The writings of Bharathi, the national
poet kindled the patriotic spirit of the people of T amilnadu.  V .V .S.Iyer
started a Gurukulam at Cheranmadevi to give training to the extremists.
Home rule movement: It was started by Dr.Annie Besant in 1916.
She induced the people through her patriotic ideas.  She delivered her
37
speeches at Marina and Luz in Chennai.  Her
writings and speeches helped the freedom
fighters to achieve their goals. S.Subramaniya
Iyer, Thiru V. Kalyana Sundaranar and
Dr.V aradarajulu Naidu and E.V .Ramasamy
Naicker helped her to promote the Home Rule
ideas.
C.Vijayaraghavachariyar, Thiru V.Kalyana Sundaranar,
V aradharajulu Naidu, E.V .Ramasamy Naickear, S.Srinivasa Iyangar,
Sathyamurthy and K.Kamaraj were the leaders of the moderates.
They played a vital role in the freedom movement of T amilnadu.
 Dr.Annie Besant
 Dr . Annie Besant started ‘Common Wheel’
and ‘New India’ newspapers .
The period from 1920-47 is called the era of Gandhiji in the history of
Indian National Movement.
Page 3


35
MODERATES, EXTREMISTS AND GANDHIAN PERIOD
T amilnadu played a vital role in the Indian freedom movement.  Many
leaders have shed their life for the cause of our freedom. Because of
their sacrifice we got liberation and freedom from the British rule.
 Rise of Nationalism: The nineteenth century witnessed the socio-
religious reform movements.  The rise of nationalism took its deep
root in T amilnadu. During that period, Swami V ivekananda stayed at
Chennai and delivered his patriotic speeches.  It kindled the spirit of
the people to a greater extent.  Raja of Ramnad helped Swami
Vivekananda for his voyage to Chicago.  His speech at Chicago was
very famous.  He loved and encouraged the youth of T amilnadu.  The
press, particularly The Hindu, Swadesamitran and Desabakthan played
a significant role in  awakening  the people.  Means of transport like
railways helped the Nationalists to carry their ideas even to the remote
places of T amilnadu.
In order to rise the prestige of Tamil people the Madras Native
Association was founded in 1852.  The grievances of the people were
submitted to the British Government.  Madras Mahajana Sabha was
36
established in 1884.  G.Subramaniya Iyer, P .Anandacharlu, Rangaiya
Naidu played a significant part in the association to redress the miseries
of the people.
Rise  of Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress
was founded by A.O.Hume in 1885.  With the formation of Indian
National Congress in 1885, the freedom movement gained momentum
in T amilnadu.  The first conference of the congress was held at Bombay
under the presidentship of  W .C.Banerji. C.Vijayaraghavachariyar of
Salem, a close associate of A.O. Hume, was one of the members of
the committee which drafted the constitution of Indian National
Congress.  G.Subramaniya Iyer of Chennai participated and moved a
resolution in the congress.  In the beginning, the role of the Indian
National Congress was not to oppose the British government, but to
submit their grievances in a peaceful way.   The sessions of Indian
National Congress were convened at Madras in 1887, 1895 and 1898.
C.V ijayaraghavachariyar took a prominent role in framing the rules of
the congress during these years.
During the early phase of the congress,
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai led the people
of T amilnadu in the Independent struggle.
He started the Swadeshi Steam
Navigation Company at Tuticorin.  He
vehemently opposed the British
imperialism   T o honour his service and
sacrifice  he was given the title
Kappalottiya T amizhan.
Surat Congress: The Indian National
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai
Congress was held at Surat in the year 1907.  In this session ,Congress
got split into extremists and moderates.  The extremists were led by
Balagangadhar Tilak.
Swaraj is my birth right’ is the famous slogan of Balagangadhar Tilak.
Rise of Extremism: Balagangadhar Tilak was supported by
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya Siva.  They were called
the Lieutenant’s of Tilak and they chanted the Mantra ‘Vande
Mataram’.  In Tuticorin, V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya
Siva protested against the British administration.  In 1908 the mill
workers of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin struck work, Ashe the Sub
Collector of Tirunelveli, fired into the crowd.  The leaders who
supported the workers were arrested and imprisoned at Coimbatore
and Salem respectively .
Extremist activities: Ashe was murdered in 1911 at Maniachi
Railway station  by V anchi Iyer, one of the patriots of Tamilnadu.
Then, he shot himself dead.  The writings of Bharathi, the national
poet kindled the patriotic spirit of the people of T amilnadu.  V .V .S.Iyer
started a Gurukulam at Cheranmadevi to give training to the extremists.
Home rule movement: It was started by Dr.Annie Besant in 1916.
She induced the people through her patriotic ideas.  She delivered her
37
speeches at Marina and Luz in Chennai.  Her
writings and speeches helped the freedom
fighters to achieve their goals. S.Subramaniya
Iyer, Thiru V. Kalyana Sundaranar and
Dr.V aradarajulu Naidu and E.V .Ramasamy
Naicker helped her to promote the Home Rule
ideas.
C.Vijayaraghavachariyar, Thiru V.Kalyana Sundaranar,
V aradharajulu Naidu, E.V .Ramasamy Naickear, S.Srinivasa Iyangar,
Sathyamurthy and K.Kamaraj were the leaders of the moderates.
They played a vital role in the freedom movement of T amilnadu.
 Dr.Annie Besant
 Dr . Annie Besant started ‘Common Wheel’
and ‘New India’ newspapers .
The period from 1920-47 is called the era of Gandhiji in the history of
Indian National Movement.
36
established in 1884.  G.Subramaniya Iyer, P .Anandacharlu, Rangaiya
Naidu played a significant part in the association to redress the miseries
of the people.
Rise  of Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress
was founded by A.O.Hume in 1885.  With the formation of Indian
National Congress in 1885, the freedom movement gained momentum
in T amilnadu.  The first conference of the congress was held at Bombay
under the presidentship of  W .C.Banerji. C.Vijayaraghavachariyar of
Salem, a close associate of A.O. Hume, was one of the members of
the committee which drafted the constitution of Indian National
Congress.  G.Subramaniya Iyer of Chennai participated and moved a
resolution in the congress.  In the beginning, the role of the Indian
National Congress was not to oppose the British government, but to
submit their grievances in a peaceful way.   The sessions of Indian
National Congress were convened at Madras in 1887, 1895 and 1898.
C.V ijayaraghavachariyar took a prominent role in framing the rules of
the congress during these years.
During the early phase of the congress,
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai led the people
of T amilnadu in the Independent struggle.
He started the Swadeshi Steam
Navigation Company at Tuticorin.  He
vehemently opposed the British
imperialism   T o honour his service and
sacrifice  he was given the title
Kappalottiya T amizhan.
Surat Congress: The Indian National
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai
Congress was held at Surat in the year 1907.  In this session ,Congress
got split into extremists and moderates.  The extremists were led by
Balagangadhar Tilak.
Swaraj is my birth right’ is the famous slogan of Balagangadhar Tilak.
Rise of Extremism: Balagangadhar Tilak was supported by
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya Siva.  They were called
the Lieutenant’s of Tilak and they chanted the Mantra ‘Vande
Mataram’.  In Tuticorin, V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya
Siva protested against the British administration.  In 1908 the mill
workers of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin struck work, Ashe the Sub
Collector of Tirunelveli, fired into the crowd.  The leaders who
supported the workers were arrested and imprisoned at Coimbatore
and Salem respectively .
Extremist activities: Ashe was murdered in 1911 at Maniachi
Railway station  by V anchi Iyer, one of the patriots of Tamilnadu.
Then, he shot himself dead.  The writings of Bharathi, the national
poet kindled the patriotic spirit of the people of T amilnadu.  V .V .S.Iyer
started a Gurukulam at Cheranmadevi to give training to the extremists.
Home rule movement: It was started by Dr.Annie Besant in 1916.
She induced the people through her patriotic ideas.  She delivered her
37
speeches at Marina and Luz in Chennai.  Her
writings and speeches helped the freedom
fighters to achieve their goals. S.Subramaniya
Iyer, Thiru V. Kalyana Sundaranar and
Dr.V aradarajulu Naidu and E.V .Ramasamy
Naicker helped her to promote the Home Rule
ideas.
C.Vijayaraghavachariyar, Thiru V.Kalyana Sundaranar,
V aradharajulu Naidu, E.V .Ramasamy Naickear, S.Srinivasa Iyangar,
Sathyamurthy and K.Kamaraj were the leaders of the moderates.
They played a vital role in the freedom movement of T amilnadu.
 Dr.Annie Besant
 Dr . Annie Besant started ‘Common Wheel’
and ‘New India’ newspapers .
The period from 1920-47 is called the era of Gandhiji in the history of
Indian National Movement.
Page 4


35
MODERATES, EXTREMISTS AND GANDHIAN PERIOD
T amilnadu played a vital role in the Indian freedom movement.  Many
leaders have shed their life for the cause of our freedom. Because of
their sacrifice we got liberation and freedom from the British rule.
 Rise of Nationalism: The nineteenth century witnessed the socio-
religious reform movements.  The rise of nationalism took its deep
root in T amilnadu. During that period, Swami V ivekananda stayed at
Chennai and delivered his patriotic speeches.  It kindled the spirit of
the people to a greater extent.  Raja of Ramnad helped Swami
Vivekananda for his voyage to Chicago.  His speech at Chicago was
very famous.  He loved and encouraged the youth of T amilnadu.  The
press, particularly The Hindu, Swadesamitran and Desabakthan played
a significant role in  awakening  the people.  Means of transport like
railways helped the Nationalists to carry their ideas even to the remote
places of T amilnadu.
In order to rise the prestige of Tamil people the Madras Native
Association was founded in 1852.  The grievances of the people were
submitted to the British Government.  Madras Mahajana Sabha was
36
established in 1884.  G.Subramaniya Iyer, P .Anandacharlu, Rangaiya
Naidu played a significant part in the association to redress the miseries
of the people.
Rise  of Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress
was founded by A.O.Hume in 1885.  With the formation of Indian
National Congress in 1885, the freedom movement gained momentum
in T amilnadu.  The first conference of the congress was held at Bombay
under the presidentship of  W .C.Banerji. C.Vijayaraghavachariyar of
Salem, a close associate of A.O. Hume, was one of the members of
the committee which drafted the constitution of Indian National
Congress.  G.Subramaniya Iyer of Chennai participated and moved a
resolution in the congress.  In the beginning, the role of the Indian
National Congress was not to oppose the British government, but to
submit their grievances in a peaceful way.   The sessions of Indian
National Congress were convened at Madras in 1887, 1895 and 1898.
C.V ijayaraghavachariyar took a prominent role in framing the rules of
the congress during these years.
During the early phase of the congress,
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai led the people
of T amilnadu in the Independent struggle.
He started the Swadeshi Steam
Navigation Company at Tuticorin.  He
vehemently opposed the British
imperialism   T o honour his service and
sacrifice  he was given the title
Kappalottiya T amizhan.
Surat Congress: The Indian National
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai
Congress was held at Surat in the year 1907.  In this session ,Congress
got split into extremists and moderates.  The extremists were led by
Balagangadhar Tilak.
Swaraj is my birth right’ is the famous slogan of Balagangadhar Tilak.
Rise of Extremism: Balagangadhar Tilak was supported by
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya Siva.  They were called
the Lieutenant’s of Tilak and they chanted the Mantra ‘Vande
Mataram’.  In Tuticorin, V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya
Siva protested against the British administration.  In 1908 the mill
workers of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin struck work, Ashe the Sub
Collector of Tirunelveli, fired into the crowd.  The leaders who
supported the workers were arrested and imprisoned at Coimbatore
and Salem respectively .
Extremist activities: Ashe was murdered in 1911 at Maniachi
Railway station  by V anchi Iyer, one of the patriots of Tamilnadu.
Then, he shot himself dead.  The writings of Bharathi, the national
poet kindled the patriotic spirit of the people of T amilnadu.  V .V .S.Iyer
started a Gurukulam at Cheranmadevi to give training to the extremists.
Home rule movement: It was started by Dr.Annie Besant in 1916.
She induced the people through her patriotic ideas.  She delivered her
37
speeches at Marina and Luz in Chennai.  Her
writings and speeches helped the freedom
fighters to achieve their goals. S.Subramaniya
Iyer, Thiru V. Kalyana Sundaranar and
Dr.V aradarajulu Naidu and E.V .Ramasamy
Naicker helped her to promote the Home Rule
ideas.
C.Vijayaraghavachariyar, Thiru V.Kalyana Sundaranar,
V aradharajulu Naidu, E.V .Ramasamy Naickear, S.Srinivasa Iyangar,
Sathyamurthy and K.Kamaraj were the leaders of the moderates.
They played a vital role in the freedom movement of T amilnadu.
 Dr.Annie Besant
 Dr . Annie Besant started ‘Common Wheel’
and ‘New India’ newspapers .
The period from 1920-47 is called the era of Gandhiji in the history of
Indian National Movement.
36
established in 1884.  G.Subramaniya Iyer, P .Anandacharlu, Rangaiya
Naidu played a significant part in the association to redress the miseries
of the people.
Rise  of Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress
was founded by A.O.Hume in 1885.  With the formation of Indian
National Congress in 1885, the freedom movement gained momentum
in T amilnadu.  The first conference of the congress was held at Bombay
under the presidentship of  W .C.Banerji. C.Vijayaraghavachariyar of
Salem, a close associate of A.O. Hume, was one of the members of
the committee which drafted the constitution of Indian National
Congress.  G.Subramaniya Iyer of Chennai participated and moved a
resolution in the congress.  In the beginning, the role of the Indian
National Congress was not to oppose the British government, but to
submit their grievances in a peaceful way.   The sessions of Indian
National Congress were convened at Madras in 1887, 1895 and 1898.
C.V ijayaraghavachariyar took a prominent role in framing the rules of
the congress during these years.
During the early phase of the congress,
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai led the people
of T amilnadu in the Independent struggle.
He started the Swadeshi Steam
Navigation Company at Tuticorin.  He
vehemently opposed the British
imperialism   T o honour his service and
sacrifice  he was given the title
Kappalottiya T amizhan.
Surat Congress: The Indian National
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai
Congress was held at Surat in the year 1907.  In this session ,Congress
got split into extremists and moderates.  The extremists were led by
Balagangadhar Tilak.
Swaraj is my birth right’ is the famous slogan of Balagangadhar Tilak.
Rise of Extremism: Balagangadhar Tilak was supported by
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya Siva.  They were called
the Lieutenant’s of Tilak and they chanted the Mantra ‘Vande
Mataram’.  In Tuticorin, V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya
Siva protested against the British administration.  In 1908 the mill
workers of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin struck work, Ashe the Sub
Collector of Tirunelveli, fired into the crowd.  The leaders who
supported the workers were arrested and imprisoned at Coimbatore
and Salem respectively .
Extremist activities: Ashe was murdered in 1911 at Maniachi
Railway station  by V anchi Iyer, one of the patriots of Tamilnadu.
Then, he shot himself dead.  The writings of Bharathi, the national
poet kindled the patriotic spirit of the people of T amilnadu.  V .V .S.Iyer
started a Gurukulam at Cheranmadevi to give training to the extremists.
Home rule movement: It was started by Dr.Annie Besant in 1916.
She induced the people through her patriotic ideas.  She delivered her
37
speeches at Marina and Luz in Chennai.  Her
writings and speeches helped the freedom
fighters to achieve their goals. S.Subramaniya
Iyer, Thiru V. Kalyana Sundaranar and
Dr.V aradarajulu Naidu and E.V .Ramasamy
Naicker helped her to promote the Home Rule
ideas.
C.Vijayaraghavachariyar, Thiru V.Kalyana Sundaranar,
V aradharajulu Naidu, E.V .Ramasamy Naickear, S.Srinivasa Iyangar,
Sathyamurthy and K.Kamaraj were the leaders of the moderates.
They played a vital role in the freedom movement of T amilnadu.
 Dr.Annie Besant
 Dr . Annie Besant started ‘Common Wheel’
and ‘New India’ newspapers .
The period from 1920-47 is called the era of Gandhiji in the history of
Indian National Movement.
Non Co-operation Movement: The people of Tamilnadu were
angry with the British Government because of the Rowlatt Act and
Jallianwala Bagh tragedy which occurred in 1919.  Gandhiji moved
the Non Co-operation resolution at Nagpur Congress session.  It
was presided by C.Vijayaraghava Chariyar, eminent Nationalist of
T amilnadu.  Rajaji acted as the Lieutenent of Gandhiji.  He along with
Sathyamurthy and E.V .Ramaswamy Naicker led the non co-operation
movement.
Events of the non co-operation movement: Rajaji was arrested
and imprisoned in V ellore jail.  Agitations occurred in different places.
The leaders and the people boycotted the courts and the government
offices.  When the Prince of Wales visited Madras in 1921,his visit
was boycotted by the congress leaders like Rajaji and Periyar.
Agitations infront of toddy and arrack shops were held in various
places of T amilnadu.
Boycott of Simmon commission: Under the leadership of
Sathyamurthy Simon commission was boycotted because there was
no Indian member in it.  In 1927, the congress volunteers organised a
Satyagraha for the removal of the Statue of Colonel Neill (a tyrant of
the 1857 Rebellion) errected at Madras.  Many were arrested. Y et
Dandi. Simulataneously , in T amilnadu Rajaji violated  the salt laws at
Vedaranyam .  From Trichi nearly 100 patriots headed by Rajaji
marched to V edaranyam.  Leaders like Sardar V edharatanam Pillai,
T .S.S.Rajan, Srimathi Ruckmani Lakshmipathy took part in this salt
satyagraha.  It created awareness among the people against the British
Government.
Many people like Rajaji, K.Kamaraj were arrested when they
disobeyed the British government .  “No T ax Campaign” was also
conducted in many parts of Tamilnadu.  At Tirupur on 11
th
 January
As per the directions of Gandhiji individual satyagraha was followed
by the leaders of T amilnadu.  Many young leaders like Adikeasava
Naicker, Salem Adi Narayana chettiar, Guruswamy naidu,
K.Kamaraj, Omandoor Ramasamy Reddiar, Baktavatsalam,
C.Subramaniyam and R.V enkatraman participated in the freedom
movement.
Quit India movement: The resolution of  Quit India movement
was passed at Bombay congress session in 1942.  On the advice of
Gandhiji many leaders like K.Kamaraj participated in the movement.
Leaders like Muthuranga Mudaliar, Baktavatsalam and
R.Venkataraman were arrested.  Disturbances spread all over
T amilnadu in support of the freedom movement. Salt Satyagraha by Rajaji
38
39
the statue was broken.
The statue was removed
and kept in the museum in
1937 when Rajaji became
the premier of  Madras.
Civil Disobedience
Movement
Salt Satyagraha: on
March 1930, Gandhiji
violated the salt laws at
1932 the police attacked a procession carrying
National flags and singing national songs .  As a
result of the lathi charge, Tirupur Kumaran, a
freedom fighter sacrificed his life.  He demonstrated
his patriotism by firmly holding the congress flag
and shouting V ande Mataram against the British.
It was a deed of patriotism, heroism and symbol
of dedication.
Tirupur Kumaran is popularly known as Kodikatha Kumaran
Tirupur Kumaran
Page 5


35
MODERATES, EXTREMISTS AND GANDHIAN PERIOD
T amilnadu played a vital role in the Indian freedom movement.  Many
leaders have shed their life for the cause of our freedom. Because of
their sacrifice we got liberation and freedom from the British rule.
 Rise of Nationalism: The nineteenth century witnessed the socio-
religious reform movements.  The rise of nationalism took its deep
root in T amilnadu. During that period, Swami V ivekananda stayed at
Chennai and delivered his patriotic speeches.  It kindled the spirit of
the people to a greater extent.  Raja of Ramnad helped Swami
Vivekananda for his voyage to Chicago.  His speech at Chicago was
very famous.  He loved and encouraged the youth of T amilnadu.  The
press, particularly The Hindu, Swadesamitran and Desabakthan played
a significant role in  awakening  the people.  Means of transport like
railways helped the Nationalists to carry their ideas even to the remote
places of T amilnadu.
In order to rise the prestige of Tamil people the Madras Native
Association was founded in 1852.  The grievances of the people were
submitted to the British Government.  Madras Mahajana Sabha was
36
established in 1884.  G.Subramaniya Iyer, P .Anandacharlu, Rangaiya
Naidu played a significant part in the association to redress the miseries
of the people.
Rise  of Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress
was founded by A.O.Hume in 1885.  With the formation of Indian
National Congress in 1885, the freedom movement gained momentum
in T amilnadu.  The first conference of the congress was held at Bombay
under the presidentship of  W .C.Banerji. C.Vijayaraghavachariyar of
Salem, a close associate of A.O. Hume, was one of the members of
the committee which drafted the constitution of Indian National
Congress.  G.Subramaniya Iyer of Chennai participated and moved a
resolution in the congress.  In the beginning, the role of the Indian
National Congress was not to oppose the British government, but to
submit their grievances in a peaceful way.   The sessions of Indian
National Congress were convened at Madras in 1887, 1895 and 1898.
C.V ijayaraghavachariyar took a prominent role in framing the rules of
the congress during these years.
During the early phase of the congress,
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai led the people
of T amilnadu in the Independent struggle.
He started the Swadeshi Steam
Navigation Company at Tuticorin.  He
vehemently opposed the British
imperialism   T o honour his service and
sacrifice  he was given the title
Kappalottiya T amizhan.
Surat Congress: The Indian National
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai
Congress was held at Surat in the year 1907.  In this session ,Congress
got split into extremists and moderates.  The extremists were led by
Balagangadhar Tilak.
Swaraj is my birth right’ is the famous slogan of Balagangadhar Tilak.
Rise of Extremism: Balagangadhar Tilak was supported by
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya Siva.  They were called
the Lieutenant’s of Tilak and they chanted the Mantra ‘Vande
Mataram’.  In Tuticorin, V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya
Siva protested against the British administration.  In 1908 the mill
workers of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin struck work, Ashe the Sub
Collector of Tirunelveli, fired into the crowd.  The leaders who
supported the workers were arrested and imprisoned at Coimbatore
and Salem respectively .
Extremist activities: Ashe was murdered in 1911 at Maniachi
Railway station  by V anchi Iyer, one of the patriots of Tamilnadu.
Then, he shot himself dead.  The writings of Bharathi, the national
poet kindled the patriotic spirit of the people of T amilnadu.  V .V .S.Iyer
started a Gurukulam at Cheranmadevi to give training to the extremists.
Home rule movement: It was started by Dr.Annie Besant in 1916.
She induced the people through her patriotic ideas.  She delivered her
37
speeches at Marina and Luz in Chennai.  Her
writings and speeches helped the freedom
fighters to achieve their goals. S.Subramaniya
Iyer, Thiru V. Kalyana Sundaranar and
Dr.V aradarajulu Naidu and E.V .Ramasamy
Naicker helped her to promote the Home Rule
ideas.
C.Vijayaraghavachariyar, Thiru V.Kalyana Sundaranar,
V aradharajulu Naidu, E.V .Ramasamy Naickear, S.Srinivasa Iyangar,
Sathyamurthy and K.Kamaraj were the leaders of the moderates.
They played a vital role in the freedom movement of T amilnadu.
 Dr.Annie Besant
 Dr . Annie Besant started ‘Common Wheel’
and ‘New India’ newspapers .
The period from 1920-47 is called the era of Gandhiji in the history of
Indian National Movement.
36
established in 1884.  G.Subramaniya Iyer, P .Anandacharlu, Rangaiya
Naidu played a significant part in the association to redress the miseries
of the people.
Rise  of Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress
was founded by A.O.Hume in 1885.  With the formation of Indian
National Congress in 1885, the freedom movement gained momentum
in T amilnadu.  The first conference of the congress was held at Bombay
under the presidentship of  W .C.Banerji. C.Vijayaraghavachariyar of
Salem, a close associate of A.O. Hume, was one of the members of
the committee which drafted the constitution of Indian National
Congress.  G.Subramaniya Iyer of Chennai participated and moved a
resolution in the congress.  In the beginning, the role of the Indian
National Congress was not to oppose the British government, but to
submit their grievances in a peaceful way.   The sessions of Indian
National Congress were convened at Madras in 1887, 1895 and 1898.
C.V ijayaraghavachariyar took a prominent role in framing the rules of
the congress during these years.
During the early phase of the congress,
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai led the people
of T amilnadu in the Independent struggle.
He started the Swadeshi Steam
Navigation Company at Tuticorin.  He
vehemently opposed the British
imperialism   T o honour his service and
sacrifice  he was given the title
Kappalottiya T amizhan.
Surat Congress: The Indian National
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai
Congress was held at Surat in the year 1907.  In this session ,Congress
got split into extremists and moderates.  The extremists were led by
Balagangadhar Tilak.
Swaraj is my birth right’ is the famous slogan of Balagangadhar Tilak.
Rise of Extremism: Balagangadhar Tilak was supported by
V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya Siva.  They were called
the Lieutenant’s of Tilak and they chanted the Mantra ‘Vande
Mataram’.  In Tuticorin, V .O.Chidambaram Pillai and Subramaniya
Siva protested against the British administration.  In 1908 the mill
workers of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin struck work, Ashe the Sub
Collector of Tirunelveli, fired into the crowd.  The leaders who
supported the workers were arrested and imprisoned at Coimbatore
and Salem respectively .
Extremist activities: Ashe was murdered in 1911 at Maniachi
Railway station  by V anchi Iyer, one of the patriots of Tamilnadu.
Then, he shot himself dead.  The writings of Bharathi, the national
poet kindled the patriotic spirit of the people of T amilnadu.  V .V .S.Iyer
started a Gurukulam at Cheranmadevi to give training to the extremists.
Home rule movement: It was started by Dr.Annie Besant in 1916.
She induced the people through her patriotic ideas.  She delivered her
37
speeches at Marina and Luz in Chennai.  Her
writings and speeches helped the freedom
fighters to achieve their goals. S.Subramaniya
Iyer, Thiru V. Kalyana Sundaranar and
Dr.V aradarajulu Naidu and E.V .Ramasamy
Naicker helped her to promote the Home Rule
ideas.
C.Vijayaraghavachariyar, Thiru V.Kalyana Sundaranar,
V aradharajulu Naidu, E.V .Ramasamy Naickear, S.Srinivasa Iyangar,
Sathyamurthy and K.Kamaraj were the leaders of the moderates.
They played a vital role in the freedom movement of T amilnadu.
 Dr.Annie Besant
 Dr . Annie Besant started ‘Common Wheel’
and ‘New India’ newspapers .
The period from 1920-47 is called the era of Gandhiji in the history of
Indian National Movement.
Non Co-operation Movement: The people of Tamilnadu were
angry with the British Government because of the Rowlatt Act and
Jallianwala Bagh tragedy which occurred in 1919.  Gandhiji moved
the Non Co-operation resolution at Nagpur Congress session.  It
was presided by C.Vijayaraghava Chariyar, eminent Nationalist of
T amilnadu.  Rajaji acted as the Lieutenent of Gandhiji.  He along with
Sathyamurthy and E.V .Ramaswamy Naicker led the non co-operation
movement.
Events of the non co-operation movement: Rajaji was arrested
and imprisoned in V ellore jail.  Agitations occurred in different places.
The leaders and the people boycotted the courts and the government
offices.  When the Prince of Wales visited Madras in 1921,his visit
was boycotted by the congress leaders like Rajaji and Periyar.
Agitations infront of toddy and arrack shops were held in various
places of T amilnadu.
Boycott of Simmon commission: Under the leadership of
Sathyamurthy Simon commission was boycotted because there was
no Indian member in it.  In 1927, the congress volunteers organised a
Satyagraha for the removal of the Statue of Colonel Neill (a tyrant of
the 1857 Rebellion) errected at Madras.  Many were arrested. Y et
Dandi. Simulataneously , in T amilnadu Rajaji violated  the salt laws at
Vedaranyam .  From Trichi nearly 100 patriots headed by Rajaji
marched to V edaranyam.  Leaders like Sardar V edharatanam Pillai,
T .S.S.Rajan, Srimathi Ruckmani Lakshmipathy took part in this salt
satyagraha.  It created awareness among the people against the British
Government.
Many people like Rajaji, K.Kamaraj were arrested when they
disobeyed the British government .  “No T ax Campaign” was also
conducted in many parts of Tamilnadu.  At Tirupur on 11
th
 January
As per the directions of Gandhiji individual satyagraha was followed
by the leaders of T amilnadu.  Many young leaders like Adikeasava
Naicker, Salem Adi Narayana chettiar, Guruswamy naidu,
K.Kamaraj, Omandoor Ramasamy Reddiar, Baktavatsalam,
C.Subramaniyam and R.V enkatraman participated in the freedom
movement.
Quit India movement: The resolution of  Quit India movement
was passed at Bombay congress session in 1942.  On the advice of
Gandhiji many leaders like K.Kamaraj participated in the movement.
Leaders like Muthuranga Mudaliar, Baktavatsalam and
R.Venkataraman were arrested.  Disturbances spread all over
T amilnadu in support of the freedom movement. Salt Satyagraha by Rajaji
38
39
the statue was broken.
The statue was removed
and kept in the museum in
1937 when Rajaji became
the premier of  Madras.
Civil Disobedience
Movement
Salt Satyagraha: on
March 1930, Gandhiji
violated the salt laws at
1932 the police attacked a procession carrying
National flags and singing national songs .  As a
result of the lathi charge, Tirupur Kumaran, a
freedom fighter sacrificed his life.  He demonstrated
his patriotism by firmly holding the congress flag
and shouting V ande Mataram against the British.
It was a deed of patriotism, heroism and symbol
of dedication.
Tirupur Kumaran is popularly known as Kodikatha Kumaran
Tirupur Kumaran
Non Co-operation Movement: The people of Tamilnadu were
angry with the British Government because of the Rowlatt Act and
Jallianwala Bagh tragedy which occurred in 1919.  Gandhiji moved
the Non Co-operation resolution at Nagpur Congress session.  It
was presided by C.Vijayaraghava Chariyar, eminent Nationalist of
T amilnadu.  Rajaji acted as the Lieutenent of Gandhiji.  He along with
Sathyamurthy and E.V .Ramaswamy Naicker led the non co-operation
movement.
Events of the non co-operation movement: Rajaji was arrested
and imprisoned in V ellore jail.  Agitations occurred in different places.
The leaders and the people boycotted the courts and the government
offices.  When the Prince of Wales visited Madras in 1921,his visit
was boycotted by the congress leaders like Rajaji and Periyar.
Agitations infront of toddy and arrack shops were held in various
places of T amilnadu.
Boycott of Simmon commission: Under the leadership of
Sathyamurthy Simon commission was boycotted because there was
no Indian member in it.  In 1927, the congress volunteers organised a
Satyagraha for the removal of the Statue of Colonel Neill (a tyrant of
the 1857 Rebellion) errected at Madras.  Many were arrested. Y et
Dandi. Simulataneously , in T amilnadu Rajaji violated  the salt laws at
Vedaranyam .  From Trichi nearly 100 patriots headed by Rajaji
marched to V edaranyam.  Leaders like Sardar V edharatanam Pillai,
T .S.S.Rajan, Srimathi Ruckmani Lakshmipathy took part in this salt
satyagraha.  It created awareness among the people against the British
Government.
Many people like Rajaji, K.Kamaraj were arrested when they
disobeyed the British government .  “No T ax Campaign” was also
conducted in many parts of Tamilnadu.  At Tirupur on 11
th
 January
As per the directions of Gandhiji individual satyagraha was followed
by the leaders of T amilnadu.  Many young leaders like Adikeasava
Naicker, Salem Adi Narayana chettiar, Guruswamy naidu,
K.Kamaraj, Omandoor Ramasamy Reddiar, Baktavatsalam,
C.Subramaniyam and R.V enkatraman participated in the freedom
movement.
Quit India movement: The resolution of  Quit India movement
was passed at Bombay congress session in 1942.  On the advice of
Gandhiji many leaders like K.Kamaraj participated in the movement.
Leaders like Muthuranga Mudaliar, Baktavatsalam and
R.Venkataraman were arrested.  Disturbances spread all over
T amilnadu in support of the freedom movement. Salt Satyagraha by Rajaji
38
39
the statue was broken.
The statue was removed
and kept in the museum in
1937 when Rajaji became
the premier of  Madras.
Civil Disobedience
Movement
Salt Satyagraha: on
March 1930, Gandhiji
violated the salt laws at
1932 the police attacked a procession carrying
National flags and singing national songs .  As a
result of the lathi charge, Tirupur Kumaran, a
freedom fighter sacrificed his life.  He demonstrated
his patriotism by firmly holding the congress flag
and shouting V ande Mataram against the British.
It was a deed of patriotism, heroism and symbol
of dedication.
Tirupur Kumaran is popularly known as Kodikatha Kumaran
Tirupur Kumaran