The Struggle for Independence in Tamil Nadu: From British Ruled to Self-Governance

From 1858, when the British Crown assumed direct rule in India, to the strive for self-governance, Tamil Nadu has been a significant participant in the larger Indian independence movement. This article delves into the political and social journey of Tamil Nadu in its quest for freedom from British rule and its establishment as a self-governing region.

The Early Years of British Rule in India (1858-1882)

In 1858, the British Crown assumed direct rule in India. Initially, the government was autocratic, often disregarding the opinions and needs of Indian people in their own governance. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that the British Raj began to gradually allow Indian participation in local governance.

The Viceroy, Lord Ripon, played a pivotal role in increasing Indian involvement. In 1882, he passed a resolution that enhanced the representation of Indian people in local governments. Further legislation, such as the Indian Councils Act of 1892, continued to pave the way for greater democracy in the region. However, much work was still needed to achieve true self-governance.

Famine Relief and Social Reforms (1876-1877 1920s)

The severe famine that hit the Madras Presidency in 1876–1877 resulted in significant loss of lives. The British administration's failure to respond promptly and adequately to the famine's consequences was heavily criticized. As a result, the government established a Famine Commission in 1880 to define the principles of disaster relief.

During the 1920s, social reform movements began to gain momentum in Tamil Nadu. Dr. T. M. Nair and Rao Bahadur Thygaraya Chetty released the Non-Brahmin Manifesto in 1916, sowing the seeds for the Dravidian movements. This incited a series of significant reforms, including the introduction of affirmative action for socially backward groups.

The Early Struggle for Independence (1904-1938)

The desire for independence began to grow more pronounced in Tamil Nadu, leading to the participation of various notable leaders in the struggle. One such leader was Tiruppur Kumaran, born in 1904 in a small village near Erode. Tragically, he lost his life during a protest march against the British. Additionally, other revolutionary figures such as Aurobindo, Subramania Bharati, and V. O. Chidambaram Pillai were influential in this movement.

Aurobindo and Bharati, two prominent figures in the Tamil independence struggle, played a significant role in the Indian National Army (INA) led by Subhas Chandra Bose. Lakshmi Sahgal, a prominent leader from Tamil Nadu, led the Rani of Jhansi Regiment within the INA. These actions marked a significant departure from the purely local movements of the early 20th century.

Steps Towards Self-Governance (1935-1938)

Further steps towards eventual self-rule were taken in 1935 when the British government passed the All-India Federation Act. This measure led to the holding of fresh local elections, with Tamil Nadu capturing power under the Congress party. In 1938, E. V. Ramasami and C. N. Annadurai launched an agitation against the Congress ministry's decision to introduce the teaching of Hindi in schools, further asserting Tamil Nadu's desire for cultural and linguistic autonomy.

Conclusion

From the autocratic rule of the British Crown to the early struggles for independence and the eventual steps towards self-governance, Tamil Nadu's journey stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. This article underscores the historical events and key figures that played crucial roles in this significant transformation.