The Vaikom struggle of 1924 held an important place in the history of social reforms in India. It was the pioneer of all the temple entry protests in India. It was the first step for the oppressed and downtrodden people to get equal rights. The struggle started on 30th March, 1924. The objective of the struggle was to end caste discrimination in a local temple, a century ago.
An advocate T.K. Madhavan, had to reach the court one day in connection with the hearing of a case. The court was a part of the palace. There were decorations around the palace for the celebration of the birthday of the king of Travancore. A large canopy was constructed for this purpose, enveloping the court premises. Certain rituals were going on for the event. Advocate Madhavan belonged to the Ilava community which was one of the scheduled castes. Hence he was denied access to the court through that passage. The leaders of the Ilava community decided to find out a solution for the problem and began a satyagraha.
T.K.Madhavan, Kerala Congress Committee President K.P. Kesava Menon and social activist George Joseph led the struggle. Within ten days of the agitation all the three leaders were arrested.
The Vaikom struggle started on 30.03.1924 and ended on 23.11.1925. The entire struggle went on for a total period of 603 days. Thanthai Periyar had visited Kerala, seven times for this specific protest. His first Vaikom visit was on 13th April 1924. He was in Kerala for totally 141 days for this struggle. During his participation in this struggle he had spent 74 days in prison cells and 67 days propagating outside the prison cells, all over Kerala, delivering inspiring speeches. He shouldered the administration of the Ashram constructed for the protesters. He participated in a number of discussion meets in connection with this struggle.
There was widespread protest demanding the grant of rights to every one of all the castes to move around freely on all the roads and streets in Vaikom. This protest was headed and led by Periyar. He led several route marches, rallies and processions too. His propaganda was like whirlwind all over Kerala. Periyar mobilised contributions from public for expenses related to the struggle. Crowd- funding done by his efforts enabled all the cadres continue the struggle. According to research scholars and historians, Periyar was the life- line of the entire Vaikom struggle.
Activists attempt to walk on Vaikom Temple Roads. Travancore Police arrest protestors, including KP Kesava Menon, Tk Madhavan, EV Ramaswami ( Periyar ) & K Kelappan
The Movement temporarily halted on Gandhiji's advice
N. Kumaran, who belonged to Ilava Community, had forwarded the resolution to fight for free movement rights for all castes
Memorandum submitted to the travancore Regent Maharani sethu Lakshmi Bai With approximately 25000 signatures for allowing entry to the temple for everyone
At last the government had to stoop before the people. The rebellions and voices of public protest succeeded. It was declared that people of all the castes and creed can freely use all the streets and roads for their routine life activities, except one approach road to the Mahadeva temple.
The secretary of the satyagraha Ashram was Kelappan. He organised a victory celebration on 29.11.1925 in Vaikom. Among the other states in the country, Periyar was the only invitee. The responsibility of organising the event was bestowed on Periyar. Periyar's wife Nagammaiar too participated in the celebration, besides Mannath Padmanabha Pillai and advocate T.K. Madhavan.
When the centenary celebration of Vaikom struggle started in Kerala on 30th March, 2023, the Chief Minister of Kerala, Thiru. Pinarayi Vijayan said- "Tamil Nadu and Kerala have become sibling- states Both the states equally share the pride of traditional rebellion for social justice, equality and human rights. Both the states have this humanist spirit in common." His words of commendation is a matter of Pride for Tamil Nadu- the land of Periyar.
Thanthai Periyar was the only one who went to jail twice in the Vaikom protest.
The days of Vaikom protest were 604.
Thanthai Periyar went to Kerala 7 times to participate in the Vaikom protest.
The number of days Thanthai Periyar was in Kerala during the Vaikom protest was 141
Periyar, who participated in the Vaikom protest, spent 74 days in jail.
The number of days Thanthai Periyar campaigned in Kerala during the Vaikom agitation was 67.
