CHAPTER -1
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER-I
INTRODUCTION
“Great minds discuss ideas
Average minds discuss events
Small minds discuss people”.
Chakaravarthi Rajagopalachari belongs to first category. His life is no
doubt, a time-mirror from which anyone can notice the very essence of Rajaji’s
personality and thereby become a better citizen for a better tomorrow. His intellect
was sharper and more balanced that most of his formidable comtemporaries.
Rajaji’s high mental caliber marked him out as an unusual politician.
Certainly his life-History would inculcate knowledge and imbibe wisdom into the
minds of future citizens of India. Rajaji’s writings in lucid style, his devout
individuality, his steadfast faith in God, and his approach to Kfe and work, reveal
his uniqueness. Rajaji represented fundamentally the highest type of nnnd in India.
Rajaji was a person of the highest integrity and self-sacrifice. Shortly
speaking, Rajaji was an asset to India. Rajaji’s statesmanship laid the foundations
of India’s parliamentary system. His loveable and laudable characteristics and
intelligence alone elevated him to the highest level in the field of politics.
Rajaji was a man of simplicity. Rajaji resembled Bhisma in rightiousness
and Chanakeya in statecraft. Fearlessness was one of his traits. Rajaji had
unflinching faith in Gandhi’s philosophy and principles. Sterling character,
absolute integrity, crystal clear thinking, uncanny foresight, elegant articulation
and above all, a high sence of pragmatism and dedication to the country
characterized Rajaji.
Rajaj’s service-mindness couldnot be underestimated. Rajaji was an
extraordinary gemous. As an administrator, he displayed dareness and a keen
intelligence. Rajaji held that the removal of untouchability in the society was very
important.
Rajaji never cared for caste restrictions. Rajaji devoted his energies on
Gandhi’s constructive programmes, and policies such as prohibition, temple-entry,
economic uplift of the down-trodden people and secularism.
Rajaji had a tremendous reputation for his acute intellect and had been
described as being “incandescent and magnetic person of great courtesy, kindness,
daring and sparkle. The communication of his views regarding religion created an
awareness of the place of morality and dignity in public life.
Throughout his career as a politician, Gandhi’s southern commander had set
for himself a high standard of rectitude and impartiality. Rajaji remained a spirited
crusader for human rights and values. Rajaji brimmed with the indomitable
courage of indefatigable industry, fighting for noble causes without losing heart.
He fought for the independence of the Nation. After independence he was fighting
for his ideals. Rajaji was our leader gifted with amazing intellectual brilliance.
Rajaji gave up his lucrative law-practice for the sake of the country. Rajaji
said and did what he thought was right with no fear of displeasing the people and
the leaders. From the presidentship of town Municipality to Governor Generalship
of free India, he bestowed luster on the positions he held. Rajaji was at once a
child of Indian culture and a citizen.
Rajaji received in his life both great honour and violent criticism. Praise did
not elate him. At the same time malicious words did not upset him. Out of his
political wisdom, he was of the view that India could not get freedom unless
Pakistan was conceded to the Muslims. Rajaji’s family life was not so happy due
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to the demise of his wife at his thirty fifth year. Rajaji did n®t favour his second
marriage even for the sake for his successor in his life, actually Rajaji led an
incorruptible life. Rajaji adopted the principles such as openness, honesty,
leadership, accountability, objectivity, integrity and selflessness. That is why he
was able to shine much in the political arena.
Rajaji’s identification with other national leaders are the true proofs for his
eminence and reminiscence. In spite of his difference of opinion in political affairs,
Rajaji shined as a national leader. Rajaji’s key-roles in Indian politics are
something unforgettable and praiseworthy.
Rajaji’s merits and traits elevated him to hold and highest posts such as
Governor-General in free India, Governor of Bengal, Premier of Madras
Presidency and Chief Minister of Madras state.
C.Rajagopalachari popularly known as Rajaji, the first and only Indian to be
the Governor - General of India was an ardent patriot a pioneadng social reformer,
incisive thinker, profound scholar, and author. Rajaji was also an eminent
statesman and able administrator. Rajaji graced his office wiii simplicity, dignity
and elegance.
Lord Tennyson said, “lives of great men all remind us that we can make our
lives sublime”, Rajaji’s charismatic and multifarious personality, his efficient
administration beautified his office as Governor-General. Rajaji’s life-history
proves the above wordings of Lord Tennyson to be true.
Rajaji had the distinction of becoming premier of Madras Presidency.
During his two years in office, Rajaji brought about several pioneering social and
administrative reforms. As Chief Minister of Madras, he was responsible for
Madras-Temple Entry Act in 1939. During his tenure of his office, he plegded
strongly for the social and economic reforms of Indian Society, especially the
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removal of untouchability. Rajaji was the hero of the Gaya Congress. It was added
to his name as a mark of respect. He became the Municipal Chairman in Salem in
1917. Then he persuaded for admitting dalit students for the first time in
Government schools.
Rajaji paid their historic March from Tnchy with hundred followers. Their
March was non-violent. All of them were imprisoned, the followers lost their
Government jobs, during salt satygraha movement in Tamil Nadu.
Rajaji journeyed to the United States in 1962 at the age of Eighty-three to
plead with John.F.Kennedy for the cause of nuclear non-proliferation. Rajaji’s
contribution for the nuclear test ban in Mascow, with Kruchchev was appreciable.
Rajaji met Pope for the same cause who later issued a paper plea for the cessation
of nuclear tests.
Pope told him that he was Junior to Rajaji. Rajaji replied saying that in
wisdom and spiritual knowledge they were all children, before his Holiness. These
wordings shows Rajaji’s humility. Rajaji’s poignant rendering of the Epics,
Mahabharata and Ramayana has immortalized him. Rajaji’s short stories in Tamil
and English always carried a moral and a message. This story teller became
popular by writing books on Upanishads, Gita, Tirukkural etc.
Rajajis companionship with Lord Mountbattem, Mrs. Sarojini Naidu,
Nehru, Patel was really deeper and nice. There were points of mutual attraction
between Rajaji and Nehru. Both of them were nationalists. Rajaji’s friendship and
affection with Kamaraj was an amazing one.
Their relationship was ever filled with mutual respect and warmth for each
other. Sathyamoorthy, the eminent parliamentarian and Rajaji were collegues and
contemporaries. Periyar and Rajaji were poles apart ideologically yet were the best
friends from 1917.
Rajaji was instrumental in bringing Periyar to Congress Party and making
him as TamilNadu Congress Party President. Periyar was a personal friend to
Rajaji, though he was a very bitter opponent in politics. Rajaji had great regards
towards C.N. Annadurai, and M.Karunanithi. Rajaji extended his helping hand to
Dr.Ambedkar in the formation of Indian Constitution. Richard Nixon, in his
memories indicates Rajaji as a wizened contemporary of Gandhi and an infinitely
wiseman. The glimpses of Indian history and the identification with all leaders
prove clearly the greatness of Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari the freedom fighter.
Rajaji’s key role before and after independence deserves appreciation.
Indeed his life-history is a proper guide for the future citizens of India. Such a
great man, the Navarathna of Gandhiji, was bom on 10th December 1878 in
Thorapalli, a small hamlet in Salem District of the Madras Presidency.1
In the struggle for National Independence, Rajaji became a great leader and
acted like a seasonal warrior in using ‘weapons’ like satyagraha, Civil-disObedience and Non-Co operation right from the beginning. During three important
phases. Firstly during 1920 to 1922, Non-Cooperation Movement, secondly during the
Civil-dis-obedience Movement in 1930, which he began with the histone Vedaranyam
salt march and thirdly during the individual Satyagraha Movement in 1941.
The credit goes to Rajaji along with other great leaders for conducting our
twenty seven years long freedom struggle in a non-violent manner. Consequantly
in 1947, the British left us as our friends. This won us great respect and admiration
from every comer of the world.
1. Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari was bom on 10th December 1878, in Thorappal village in
Hosur taluk in Salem district of the Madras Presidency. Rajaji was the third and last child
of Singaramma and Chakravarthi Venkataraya, munsiff the village. The family name was
derived from an ancestor who had earned the title ‘nallan1 (the good) Chakravarthi for
having defied rules of orthodoxy and performing the last rites of an orphan belonging to
an oppressed caste. Soon after his birth, the family astrologer cast his horoscope, and
predicted ‘the child will sit on an emperor’s throne as well as live in a poor man’s hut.
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Nature:
The Freedom Struggle of India, under Gandhiji’s leadership was unique in
many respects. It was fought through direct actions, peaceful and open. This made
it possible even for the members of the legal profession, who in ordinary
circumstances would not break the law to join the Movement. Among the
distinguished advocates who joined the Movement was C.Rajagopalachari. In him
South India has given to our country a ‘Maker of New India’, equal if not superior,
to the gretest of the northern leaders.
Rajaji took active participation in the long drawn political struggle for
freedom of India. He also emerged as an important administrator, not only in the
Madras Presidency but also in India.
This study is focussed towards Rajaji’s administrative abilities, and also to
describe his Political career and achievements in the fields of social, economic and
cultural. In this study is an attempt made to investigate the contributions made by
Rajaji in the political arena of India with special reference to Tamil Nadu.
OBJECTIVES:
This study has the following objectives.
I.
To describe the contributions of C.Rajagopalachari, to the National
Movement in India.
II.
To explain the achievements of Rajaji as the Premier of the Madras
Presidency.
III.
To examine his role in the Madras Legislature.
IV.
To analyse his services to the down-trodden people and
V.
To evaluate his services to the Tamil literary society.
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SOURCES:
This research study is based on the primary and secondary sources. The
Orders of the Government of Madras, Administrative Reports of the Madras
Government, Confidential files, Madras Legislative Assembly Debates from 193739, and 1946 to 1954, Madras Legislative Council Proceedings from 1920 to 1970,
Madras Information from 1946 to 1969, Annual Reports, Diaries are the most
important primary sources that are consulted for this study. The Books, Journals,
Magazines, News Papers are the secondary sources.
METHODOLOGY:
The methods adopted in this work are both descriptive and analytical
including the study of documents. The study deals the with the various
administrative activities of Rajaji in the socio-political and economic fields in the
Madras Presidency.
Both primary and secondary sources are consulted. The government records
constitute the primary source of information for constructing this study. The
records of the Government of Madras kept preserved in the Tamil Nadu Archives,
Chennai, supply abundant information. Books from Connimara, Public Library
Chennai, University of Madras, Library, Chennai, Central Library, Salem are
consulted for this study.
CHAPTERISATION:
This research study is divided into Eleven Chapters,
The First Chapter is Introduction, in which the nature, scope, objectives and
sources are explained.
The Second Chapter describes C.Rajagopalacharfs early life from infant to
Ashram.
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The Genesis of Madras Legislature is stated in the Third Chapter.
The Fourth Chapter discusses his role as Premier of the Madras Presidency
between 1937 and 1939.
The Fifth Chapter establishes his relationship between Quit India
Movement and his quit from Congress.
Rajaji assumed the highest position in the Independent India, Governor General, from the post of Governor of Bengal. This is explained in the Sixth
Chapter.
The Seventh Chapter justifies his position as Chief Minister of the Madras
State from 1952 to 1954.
The Eighth Chapter outlines his voice towards Swatantra Party.
Rajaji’s contributions to the growth of Literature are enumerated in the
Nineth Chapter.
The Tenth Chapter summarises Rajaji’s Distinguished Services to the
nation.
The Eleventh Chapter is Conclusion.