💥Mains Ready By December. Smash Mains & Smash PYQ Admissions Open
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS1

  • Insights from History: Coalition Governments in Colonial India

    Why in the news?

    • Prime Minister recently suggested a link between the Congress manifesto and the Muslim League (which is responsible for the Partition of India), prompting a political debate.
    • In rebuttal, critics reminded of a coalition governments formed by Hindu Mahasabha in Bengal, Sindh, and North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) in the 1940s with the Muslim League.

    Provincial Elections of 1937:

    [A] Indian National Congress

    • Congress performed admirably in the 1937 provincial elections, held under the mandate of the Government of India Act of 1935.
    • It won 711 of a total 1,585 provincial assembly seats, with absolute majorities in 5 of the 11 provinces (Madras, Bihar, Orissa, Central Provinces, and United Provinces) and a near-majority in Bombay (86 out of 175).
    • Congress ministries were formed in all of these provinces.
    • Sometime later, the Congress also formed governments in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Assam.

    [B] Non-Congress Parties

    • Non-Congress governments were formed in the remaining 3 provinces — Sindh, Punjab, and Bengal.
    • In Sindh, a coalition led by the Sind United Party formed the government; in Punjab, Sikandar Hayat Khan’s Unionist Party won a majority.
    • And in Bengal, Fazlul Huq’s Krishak Praja Party (KPP) formed a coalition government with the Muslim League— even though the Congress was the single largest party with 54 seats.

    [C] Religion based Parties

    • Notably, the Muslim League, which claimed to be the sole representative of Indian Muslims, performed abysmally in the elections.
    • The League won just 106 out of the 482 seats allotted to Muslims under separate electorates, and it failed to win even a single seat in the NWFP.
    • The Hindu Mahasabha, which had entered electoral politics in the 1930s under V D Savarkar’s leadership, too fared miserable.

    Ideological Alignment and Political Alliances

    • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar noted ideological similarities between the Hindu Mahasabha and the Muslim League, both advocating for the two-nation theory.
    • This ideological convergence paved the way for short-lived political alliances, particularly during the turmoil following Congress’s resignation from provincial ministries in 1939.

    Reasons for such Alliance

    • Opposition to Quit India Movement:  When Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement in 1942, the Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha refrained from participating, opting to support the British war effort.
    • Support for British War Efforts: Savarkar, in a letter, instructed Mahasabha members to remain loyal to their positions and not join the movement, while Syama Prasad Mookerjee pledged support to suppress any internal disturbances.
    • Increased Push for Partition: Jinnah, meanwhile, intensified his campaign for Pakistan, capitalizing on the absence of Congress leaders and positioning himself as the sole spokesman for Muslims.

    Muslim League: 

    • The All India Muslim League was formed in 1906 in Dhaka, Bengal Presidency, British India.
    • It was established in response to the perceived marginalization and political underrepresentation of Muslims in the Indian National Congress.
    • The founding members of the Muslim League included prominent Muslim leaders such as Nawab Salimullah Khan of Dhaka, Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk, Aga Khan III, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who later emerged as its most influential leader.
    • The primary objective of the Muslim League was to safeguard the political rights and interests of Muslims in India.
    • It advocated for separate electorates for Muslims, reservations in government jobs and legislative bodies, and other measures to protect Muslim identity and interests.

    Hindu Mahasabha:

    •  The Hindu Mahasabha was founded in 1915 in Amritsar, Punjab, by Madan Mohan Malaviya and others.
    • It aimed to unite Hindus under one political umbrella and promote Hindu nationalism.
    • Besides Madan Mohan Malaviya, prominent leaders included Lala Lajpat Rai, B. S. Moonje, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
    • It promoted the idea of Akhand Bharat (Undivided India) and opposed the partition of India on religious lines.

     Implications of this Coalition

    • The period following Congress’s participation in the Quit India Movement saw the rise of the Muslim League’s influence, with League ministries established in several provinces by 1943.
    • Jinnah’s strategy to capitalize on Congress’s absence contributed to his claim as the sole representative of Indian Muslims, furthering the demand for Pakistan.

    PYQ:

    [2018] In the Federation established by The Government of India Act of 1935, Residuary Power were given to the:

    (a) Federal Legislature

    (b) Governor General

    (c) Provincial Legislature

    (d) Provincial Governors

  • In news: Total Solar Eclipse

    Why in the news?

    A rare Total Solar Eclipse will be visible across North America on April 8.

    What are Eclipses?

    • Eclipses are astronomical events that occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align in specific ways.
    • There are two primary types of eclipses: solar and lunar.
    1. A solar eclipse happens when the moon comes between the sun and Earth during a new moon, blocking out the sun’s light.
    2. Conversely, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon during a full moon, casting a shadow on the moon.

    What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

    • During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and Earth, entirely covering the face of the sun along a small path of our planet’s surface.
    • This is called the “path of totality.”
    • The daytime sky turns dark, similar to dusk or dawn, and nocturnal animals have been known to wake up, confused into believing night has arrived.

    Stages of a Total Solar Eclipse

    A total solar eclipse unfolds in several distinct stages.

    1. It starts with a partial eclipse phase as the moon begins to pass between Earth and the sun, partially blocking it and leaving the sun looking like it has a crescent shape.
    2. In the subsequent Baily’s Beads phase, points of light from the sun shine around the moon’s edges because of the irregular lunar topography, producing small beads of light.
    3. In the diamond ring phase, a single bright spot appears along the lunar edge even as the sun’s atmosphere leaves a ring of light around the moon. This phenomenon precedes totality.
    4. After totality, the other phases repeat as the moon keeps moving along its path until the eclipse ends.

    Other types of solar eclipses:

    1. Partial Solar Eclipse
    • This happens when the sun, moon and Earth are not exactly lined up.
    • The sun appears to have a dark shadow on only a small part of its surface.
    1. Annular Solar Eclipse
    • An annular eclipse happens when the moon is farthest from Earth. Because the moon is farther away from Earth, it seems smaller. It does not block the entire view of the sun. The moon in front of the sun looks like a dark disk on top of a larger sun-coloured disk. This creates what looks like a ring around the moon.
    • During a solar eclipse, the moon casts two shadows on Earth. The first shadow is called the Umbra. This shadow gets smaller as it reaches Earth. It is the dark centre of the moon’s shadow.
    • The second shadow is called the Penumbra. The penumbra gets larger as it reaches Earth. People standing in the penumbra will see a partial eclipse. People standing in the umbra will see a total eclipse.

    Why don’t solar eclipses happen at every New Moon?

    • The reason is that the Moon’s orbit tilts 5° to Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
    • Astronomers call the two intersections of these paths nodes.
    • Eclipses only occur when the Sun lies at one node and the Moon is at its New (for solar eclipses) or Full (for lunar eclipses) phase.
    • During most (lunar) months, the Sun lies either above or below one of the nodes, and no eclipse happens.

    PYQ:

    2013:

    Consider the following phenomena

    1. Size of the sun at dusk

    2. Colure of the sun at dawn

    3. Moon being visible at dawn

    4. Twinkle of stars in the sky

    5. Polestar being visible in the sky

    Which of the above are optical illusions?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 3, 4 and 5

    (c) 1, 2 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 5

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the following statements best characterizes a Total Solar Eclipse?

    (a) A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon partially blocks the Sun, leaving a visible ring of sunlight around the Moon’s silhouette.

    (b) During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, casting a shadow on a narrow path on the Earth’s surface called the umbra.

    (c) Total solar eclipses occur more frequently than partial solar eclipses due to the precise alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

    (d) Total solar eclipses can only be observed from specific locations on Earth, making them rare and highly sought-after astronomical events.

  • Ikshvaku Period Lead Coins unearthed in Phanigiri

    Why in the news?

    • Telangana’s Department of Heritage has recently unearthed a lead coin hoard belonging to Ikshvaku Period at Phanigiri, a renowned Buddhist heritage site.
    • The coins numbering 3,730 bore an elephant symbol on the obverse and a Ujjain symbol on the reverse.

    Who were the Ikshvaku (225-340 A.D)?

    1. Origin and Rule
    • The Ikshvaku dynasty was a feudatory under the patronage of the Satavahanas.
    • Their capital was located at Vijayapuri, modern-day Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh.
    • They ruled over the delta of the Krishna and Godavari rivers on the east coast of the Andhra region.
    • They claimed to be descendants of the legendary king Ikshvaku, mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Rigveda and Ramayana.
    • The dynasty’s founder was Vasishthiputra Chamtamula, who rose to power after the decline of the Satavahana dynasty.
    1. Cultural Affiliations
    • The Ikshvakus were Shaivites and performed Vedic rites, but they also patronized Buddhism, which flourished during their reign.
    • Under the reign of Vasishthi-putra Ehuvala Chamtamula, the Ikshvaku kingdom reached its zenith, marked by the construction of numerous Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
    • Their inscriptions and coins have been discovered at various archaeological sites, including Nagarjunakonda, Jaggayyapeta, Kottampalugu, Gurazala, Rentala, and Uppugunduru.
    1. Decline:
    • Successive rulers, such as Mathari-putra Vira-purusha-datta, Vasishthi-putra Ehuvala Chamtamula, and Vasishthi-putra Rudra-purusha-datta, contributed to the expansion and governance of the kingdom.
    • By the mid-4th century, the Pallavas had gained control of the former Ikshvaku territory, marking the decline of the dynasty.

    About Phanigiri

    • Phanigiri village derived its name from the shape of the hillock, which appears to be like a snake hood.
    • The word Phani in Sanskrit means snake and Giri means hillock.
    • Studies suggest that the village had a vibrant life from 1000 BC to 18th century AD.
    • Phanigiri is believed to be one of the important Buddhist monasteries strategically located on the hilltop, on the ancient trade route (Dakshinapatha) connecting the west and the east coast of the Deccan.
    • Various stages of earlier excavations here discovered Mahastupa, apsidal Chaityagrihas, Votive stupas, pillared congregation halls, Viharas, platforms with staircases at various levels, octagonal stupa chaitya, 24-pillared mandapam, circular Chaitya.
    • Cultural materials included terracotta beads, semi-precious beads, iron objects, Brahmi label inscriptions and holy relic casket.

     

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta Numismatic Art is not at all noticeable in later times?

  • Mangal Pandey: A Revolutionary Icon of Indian Independence

    Why in the news?

    It was on April 8th 167 years ago in 1857, Mangal Pandey was hanged.

    Who was Mangal Pandey?

    • Mangal Pandey, born on July 19, 1827, in Nagwa village of the Ballia district in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
    • He belonged to the kingdom of Awadh, which had been treacherously annexed by the British in 1856.
    • At the age of 22, he enlisted as a soldier in the British East India Company’s army, joining the 34th Bengal Native Infantry.

    Recap of his revolutionary activities

    1. Annexation of Awadh
    • The Begums of Awadh had an understanding with the British, and had been abiding by the terms of the agreement.
    • In spite of this, Awadh was annexed, in February 1856, which was greatly resented by the people.
    • Awadh was a region that supplied large numbers of soldiers of war to the Company’s army.
    • There were 75,000 soldiers from Awadh, and almost every agricultural family in the kingdom had a representative in the army.
    • Whatever happened in Awadh was of immediate concern to the Sepoy.
    1. Rise of Resentment
    • The deposition of the Nawab and the confiscation of the villages of taluqdars during the land revenue settlement of 1856 caused outrage.
    • Some 14,000 petitions were received from the Sepoys about the hardships they faced on account of the revenue system.
    • Mangal Pandey represented the discontent that the misery of British rule had brought upon peasant families.
    1. Flashpoint and the mutiny
    • Mangal Pandey was stationed at Barrackpore, near Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he became involved in a significant event that would later be known as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
    • He refused to use the newly introduced Enfield rifle, the cartridges of which had a covering that was believed to be made of animal fat (beef and pork), and which had to be bit open before the cartridges could be used.
    • This was viewed by the soldiers as a direct assault on their religious beliefs by the British who intended to bring an end to their religion and propagate Christianity.
    • On March 29, 1857, Pandey mutinied and fired at his Senior Sergeant Major.
    • He was overpowered and hanged on April 8, 1857, by the order of a Court Martial at Lal Bagan in Barrackpore.
    • His regiment was disbanded, like the 19th infantry at Behrampore, for showing resentment.

    PYQ:

    [2019] The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British Rule. Elucidate.

     

  • Rakhigarhi findings to be mentioned in NCERT books

    Why in the news?

    The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has proposed to add information about the DNA analysis of skeletal remains found at Rakhigarhi.

    DNA Findings of Rakhigarhi

    Their key findings include-

    • Debunking of the Aryan Invasion Theory.
    • The genetic roots of the Harappans date back to 10,000 BCE.
    • DNA of the Harappans has continued to exist among the majority of the South Asian population.
    • The study indicates genetic continuity without large-scale immigration.
    • Ancestry was closely linked to Iranian ancestry and not at all to Steppe ancestry.
    • Farming skills have been developed indigenously contrary to prevalent theories that these came with migrants from the Steppes and Anatolian farmers.

    About Rakhigarhi

    • The ancient site of Rakhi-Khas and Rakhi-Shahpur are collectively known as Rakhigarhi, located on the right bank of the now dried up Palaeo-channel of Drishadvati.
    • It is located in the Ghaggar-Hakra River plain in the Hissar district of Haryana.
    • Total seven mounds are located here.
    • The site has yielded various stages of Harappan culture and is by far one of the largest Harappan sites in India.
    • The site shows the sequential development of the Indus culture in the now dried-up Saraswati basin.

    Major findings at Rakhigarhi

    • Findings confirm both early and mature Harappan phases and include 4,600-year-old human skeletons, fortification and bricks.
    • Digging so far reveals a well-planned city with 92 m wide roads, a bit wider than in Kalibangan.
    • The pottery is similar to Kalibangan and Banawali.
    • Pits surrounded by walls have been found, which are thought to be for sacrificial or some religious ceremonies.
    • There are brick-lined drains to handle sewage from the houses.
    • Terracotta statues, weights, bronze artefacts, comb, copper fish hooks, needles and terracotta seals have also been found.
    • A bronze vessel has been found which is decorated with gold and silver.
    • A granary belonging to the mature Harappan phase has been found here.
    • Fire altars structures were revealed in Rakhigarhi.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?​

    (a) Dholavira

    (b) Kalibangan

    (c) Rakhigarhi

    (d) Ropar

  • In news: Ramapo Fault

    Why in the news?

    • An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 hit the New York City in a rare event.
    • The Ramapo Fault in Appalachian Mountains near New Jersey is a being considered as a reason behind this earthquake.

    Appalachian Mountains

    • The Appalachian Mountains extend from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador in the north to central Alabama in the southern US.
    • The total length of the Appalachian Mountain range is approximately 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers), making it one of the longest mountain chains in the world.
    • Geologically, it is one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, formed over 480 million years ago during the Ordovician Period. They are considered a Paleozoic mountain range.
    • They were formed through a series of tectonic collisions and uplift events, including the assembly of the supercontinent Pangaea.
    • The highest peak in the range is Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, standing at an elevation of 6,684 feet (2,037 meters) above sea level.
    • The Appalachian Mountains hold cultural significance for various indigenous tribes, including the Cherokee, as well as early European settlers who established communities in the region.

    About Ramapo Fault

    • Fault lines are fractures in the Earth’s crust that facilitate movement of tectonic plates, triggering earthquakes.
    • The Ramapo Fault is resulted from tectonic activity associated with the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea during the Mesozoic Era.
    • It is primarily a right-lateral strike-slip fault, formed by horizontal movement along the fault line due to the ongoing motion between the North American and Eurasian plates.
    • While the Ramapo Fault is not as seismically active as faults in other regions, it has experienced earthquakes in the past and remains a potential source of seismic hazards.

    Geographical Distribution:

    • The fault extends across three states in the northeastern United States: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
    • The fault crosses various topographic features, including rift valleys, hills, and ridges, reflecting the diverse geological history of the region.
    • It intersects with the Appalachian Mountains, influencing the overall topography of the surrounding areas.

    PYQ:

    [2012] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following:

    1.    Deep gorges

    2.    U-turn river courses

    3.    Parallel mountain ranges

    4.    Steep gradients causing land-sliding

    Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for Himalayas being young fold mountains?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

    (c) 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

  • Taiwan’s Earthquake and the Pacific Ring of Fire

    Why in the news?

    • Taiwan was struck by its most powerful earthquake in at least 25 years.
    • Its susceptibility to earthquakes is attributed to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where a majority of the world’s seismic activity occurs.
    • Taiwan is primarily influenced by the collision of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

    What is the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’?

    • The Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ or Pacific Rim, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, is an area along the Pacific Ocean that is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
    • Volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches partly encircling the Pacific Basin form the so-called Ring of Fire.
    • It is home to about 75 per cent of the world’s volcanoes – more than 450 volcanoes.
    • Also, about 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur here.

    Its spread

    • Its length is over 40,000 kilometres and traces from New Zealand clockwise in an almost circular arc covering Tonga, Kermadec Islands, Indonesia.
    • It is moving up to the Philippines, Japan, and stretching eastward to the Aleutian Islands, then southward along the western coast of North America and South America.

    Seismic activity of the region

    • The area is along several tectonic plates including the Pacific plate, Philippine Plate, Juan de Fuca plate, Cocos plate, Nazca plate, and North American plate.
    • The movement of these plates or tectonic activity makes the area witness abundant earthquakes and tsunamis every year.
    • Along much of the Ring, tectonic plates move towards each other creating subduction zones.
    • One plate gets pushed down or is subducted by the other plate.
    • This is a very slow process – a movement of just one or two inches per year.
    • As this subduction happens, rocks melt, become magma and move to Earth’s surface and cause volcanic activity.

    PYQ:

    2020: Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.

  • Lalit Kala Akademi chief’s powers curbed by Culture Ministry

    Why in the news?

    • The Ministry of Culture has restricted the powers of Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA) Chairman, V Nagdas, preventing him from taking any administrative actions without prior consultation with the ministry.
    • The directive was issued, citing rule 19(1) of General Rules and Regulations of LKA, empowering the central government to intervene in administrative matters.

    About Lalit Kala Akademi

    Details
    Established 1954

    Inaugurated by then Education Minister Maulana Azad (Based on French Academy)
    Headquarters New Delhi, India
    Founding Legislation Lalit Kala Akademi Act, 1954

    Registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
    Type Autonomous Institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India
    Objective Promotion and development of visual arts in India
    Functions Conducting exhibitions, workshops, seminars, and research programs

    Granting scholarships, awards, and fellowships to artists

    Publishing journals, catalogues, and other art-related publications

    Collaborating with international art organizations and institutions
    Programs 1.    National Exhibitions of Art

    2.    Rashtriya Kala Mela

    3.    International Exhibitions

    4.    Scholarships, Awards, and Fellowships

    5.    Workshops and Residencies

    6.    Seminars and Conferences
    Key Initiatives Triennale India

    National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)

    Art camps and symposiums
    Membership Open to visual artists, art enthusiasts, and art scholars
    Publications 1.    Lalit Kala Contemporary

    2.    Lalit Kala Series

    3.    Annual Reports

    4.    Catalogues and Journals
    Awards 1.    Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship

    2.    National Awards in various art categories

    3.    Kalidasa Samman
    Gallery Lalit Kala Akademi Galleries in New Delhi and regional centers

     

     

    PYQ:

    2021: Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000 :​

    1.    American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.​

    2.    The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far.​

    3.    Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times compared to others.​

    Which of the above statements are correct?​

    (a) 1 and 2 only ​

    (b) 2 and 3 only​

    (c) 1 and 3 only ​

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statement about the Lalit Kala Akademi:

    1. It was inaugurated in 1954 by then-Education Minister Maulana Azad.

    2. It is an autonomous Institution under the Ministry of Culture.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Ozone found on Jupiter’s moon Callisto

    Why in the news?

    PRL Ahmedabad researchers has uncovered evidence of ozone presence on Jupiter’s moon Callisto, offering profound insights into celestial chemical processes.

    About Jupiter and its Moons

    Description
    Discovery Known since ancient times;

    Galileo Galilei observed Jupiter and its moons through a telescope in 1610
    Composition Mostly composed of hydrogen and helium, with traces of other gases such as ammonia, methane, and water vapor
    Diameter 139,822 kilometers
    Mass 1.898 × 10^27 kilograms (317.8 Earth masses)
    Orbital Period Approximately 11.86 Earth years
    Average Distance from Sun Approximately 778 million kilometers
    Surface Temperature Approximately -145°C (-234°F)
    Magnetic Field Strong magnetic field, the strongest in the solar system
    Moons Jupiter has 79 known moons, including the four largest Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

    Other notable moons include Amalthea, Himalia, Elara, Leda, Thebe, Metis, Adrastea, and more.

    The moons vary significantly in size, composition, and orbital characteristics.
    Great Red Spot Enormous storm system, known to exist for at least 400 years
    Exploration Explored by spacecraft such as Pioneer, Voyager, Galileo, Juno, and more

    Callisto and its Unique Environment

    • Composition: Callisto’s predominantly icy surface, interspersed with rocky materials, sulphur dioxide, and organic compounds, positions it as a compelling candidate for extraterrestrial life exploration.
    • Geological Stability: Despite extensive cratering, Callisto’s surface exhibits geological inactivity, suggesting long-term stability conducive to preserving subsurface oceans or potential habitats.

    Significance of Ozone Findings

    • Life-Sustaining Component: Ozone, a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, plays a vital role in shielding celestial bodies from harmful ultraviolet radiation, fostering conditions conducive to life.
    • Earthly Parallel: Just as the Earth’s ozone layer protects against harmful UV radiation, the presence of ozone on Callisto hints at stable atmospheric conditions and potential habitability, sparking scientific intrigue.

    PYQ:

    What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

    1.    Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are made of ice, dust and rocky material.

    2.    Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.

    3.    Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? (2011)

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • 100 Years of Vaikom Satyagraha

    Why in the news?

    This year April 1st marks 100 years of the Vaikom Satyagraha, in Kottayam, Kerala.

    About Vaikom Satyagraha

    • Vaikom was the epicentre of the Vaikom Satyagraha, which began in 1924.
    • This movement aimed to challenge the ban imposed on marginalized communities from entering the vicinity of the Vaikom Mahadevar Temple in the princely state of Travancore.
    • It sparked similar temple entry movements across India, advocating for the rights of untouchables and backward castes.
    • It introduced nonviolent public protest as a method of resistance in Kerala.

    A Precursor to the Vaikom Satyagraha

    1. Social and Political Developments
    • Backdrop of Social Injustice: Travancore, characterized by feudal and caste-based governance, imposed stringent restrictions on lower castes, denying them entry to temples and public spaces.
    • Emergence of Social Consciousness: By the late 19th century, progressive reforms and missionary activities led to increased awareness and education among lower castes, particularly the Ezhavas.
    • Rise of Educated Elite: Educated individuals from diverse backgrounds, including lower castes, began to challenge social norms and demand equality in opportunities and rights.
    1. Beginning of Agitation
    • Advocacy for Change: Ezhava leader T K Madhavan spearheaded efforts to challenge temple entry restrictions, advocating for direct action to confront discriminatory practices.
    • Influence of Gandhi’s Ideals: Inspired by Gandhi’s principles of non-cooperation, Madhavan sought support from the Indian National Congress (INC) to mobilize a mass movement against untouchability.

    Actual Course of Events

    1. Agitation
    • Leaders such as T.K. Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, and George Joseph spearheaded the agitation.
    • Despite facing resistance and arrests by the police, the Satyagrahis persisted in their protest for over a year, resulting in numerous arrests and jails.
    • Notable figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Chattampi Swamikal, and Sree Narayana Guru extended their support to the movement, which gained nationwide recognition.
    • The involvement of women and support from various regions, including Punjab, highlighted the widespread impact of the Satyagraha.
    1. Suspension:
    • Initially suspended in April 1924 at Gandhi’s suggestion, the movement resumed when attempts to resolve the issue with caste Hindu leaders failed.
    • The absence of leaders like T.K. Madhavan and K.P. Kesava Menon, who were arrested, posed challenges to the movement.
    • V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar) lent support from Tamil Nadu before also being arrested.
    • The resolution for the right to temple entry faced resistance in the Assembly, thwarted by traditionalist support and government pressure.
    1. Aftermath
    • On October 1, 1924, a procession of Savarnas (forward castes) submitted a petition to the Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai of Travancore, signed by around 25,000 individuals, urging for the temple’s open entry.
    • Gandhi’s meeting with the Regent Maharani and the procession led by Mannath Padmanabhan Nair underscored the growing support for the cause.
    • Eventually, on November 23, 1925, all temple gates were opened to Hindus except the eastern gate, marking a significant victory.
    • The Vaikom Satyagraha laid the groundwork for the temple entry proclamation of Kerala in 1936 and inspired similar movements’ nationwide, promoting social justice and equality.

    PYQ:

    Satya Shodhak Samaj organized (2016):

    (a) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar’

    (b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat

    (c) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra

    (d) a peasant movement in Punjab

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The Vaikom Satyagraha of 1924 was essentially a:

    (a) Temple Entry Movement

    (b) Peasants’ Uprising

    (c) Salt Satyagraha

    (d) Swadeshi Movement