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.Government records speak volumes about all the activities of Periyar during the Vaikom struggle. Various statements by the police department and newspaper reports prove the relentless efforts of Periyar. Commending all the noble services of Periyar in Vaikom and honouring his success and achievement he was hailed by all as 'Vaikom-warrior'.
In the Vaikom struggle, along with Periyar, his wife Nagammaiar and his sister Kannammal also took an active part and played an equally vital role. By the sparks ignited by the thunderous speeches of Periyar, the struggle gained amazing momentum. It grew vigorous and got public support in abundance. Fearing that Periyar's speeches would disturb the peace of the city and provoke violence, he was prohibited from entering Kottayam district. Later, the prohibition was extended and he was not allowed to enter Quilon district too. It was only Periyar who had courted arrest twice during Vaikom struggle. He was imprisoned for the first time at Arivukkuthi Prison and in the Trivandrum Prison cell when he was arrested for the second time.
When Periyar was in the convict box of the court during the Vaikom struggle, he thundered that he had lost faith in judiciary, that he had no hope of justice from the court and that the hearing by the court was sheer hood-wink. The court sentenced him with rigorous imprisonment and lodged in a cell. As a prisoner in Trivandrum prison cell, Periyar had to wear the formal garments of a convict of criminal offence. His feet were chained. He had to wear the formal cap of an ordinary prisoner. A wooden piece was hung on his neck displaying the number of the prisoner. He was made to work hard like prisoners imprisoned on murder and robbery charges. He was never treated with respect which a political
During the Vaikom struggle Periyar had a close association with eminent Keralite leaders like K.P. Kesava Menon, T.K. Madhavan and barrister George Joseph. Neelakantan Namboodiri was another prominent local leader associated with them. State Assembly member N. Kumaran, who belonged to Ilava Community, had forwarded the resolution to fight for free movement rights for all castes. This resolution adopted on 24th October, 1924 was considered for discussion only after a long time on 7th February, 1925 and voice votes were invited. There were 22 votes against granting rights of free movement on streets and roads. Only 21 voice votes were in favour. By the difference of just one vote, justice crumbled. However, Periyar, Gandhi and other leaders of Kerala continued their fight and created a sensational uprise among people. They believed that the government and judiciary should have to ultimately stoop, if people were made to extend full support to establish equality. They were confident of achieving success by the voice of the people. When Gandhi visited Vaikom, Periyar had a talk with him. Bringing the struggle to an end was seriously discussed by both of them.