Font size:
Print
C Rajagopalachari
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, commonly known as C. Rajagopalachari or Rajaji, was a prominent Indian statesman, lawyer, and independence activist born on December 10, 1878, in Thorapalli, Tamil Nadu. He played a significant role in India’s freedom movement and later in shaping post-independent India.
Contributions to India’s Freedom Movement:
Early Political Involvement:
- Rajagopalachari’s political career began in earnest when he joined the Indian National Congress (INC) around 1906.
- His activism intensified after meeting Mahatma Gandhi in 1919, leading him to abandon his legal career to fully commit to the independence struggle.
- He participated in various movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Vaikom Satyagraha, and the Civil Disobedience Movement, and faced imprisonment multiple times for his efforts against British rule.
Key Actions and Leadership Roles:
- Salt Satyagraha: In 1930, inspired by Gandhi’s Dandi March, Rajagopalachari led the Vedaranyam Salt March, which resulted in his arrest.
- Premier of Madras Presidency: He served as the Premier from 1937 to 1940, during which he enacted the Madras Temple Entry Authorisation Act (1939), allowing Dalits access to temples—an important step towards social equality.
- Constituent Assembly: Post-independence, he was elected to the Constituent Assembly and contributed significantly to discussions on religious freedom and citizenship rights.
Role in Post-Independence India:
After India gained independence in 1947, Rajagopalachari became the last Governor-General of India, serving from 1948 until 1950, when the position was abolished following India’s transition to a republic. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilise the new government and address communal tensions during Partition.
- Chief Minister of Madras: Rajagopalachari served as Chief Minister of Madras State from 1952 to 1954. His administration focused on educational reforms but faced backlash for making Hindi compulsory in schools, leading to significant protests that ultimately forced his resignation.
- Political Legacy: In 1959, he founded the Swatantra Party, which opposed the policies of the Indian National Congress under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The party advocated for free enterprise and was critical of socialist policies. Despite its eventual decline, it played a crucial role in shaping alternative political discourse in India during the 1960s.
