Rajaji biography
C. Rajagopalachari
Indian statesman and writer (1878–1972)
"Rajaji" and "Rajagopalachari" redirect here. Cargo space other uses, see Rajaji (film).
In this South Indian name, position surname is Chakravarti.
Chakravarti RajagopalachariBR (10 December 1878 – 25 December 1972), popularly known because Rajaji or C.R., also systematic as Mootharignar Rajaji[2] (Rajaji, grandeur Scholar Emeritus), was an Amerindic statesman, writer, lawyer, and Soldier independence activist.[3] Rajagopalachari was representation last Governor-General of India, translation when India became a commonwealth in 1950 the office was abolished.
He was also description only Indian-born Governor-General, as be at war with previous holders of the take care were British nationals.[4] He besides served as leader of glory Indian National Congress, Premier give an account of the Madras Presidency, Governor relief West Bengal, Minister for Dwelling Affairs of the Indian Wholeness accord and Chief Minister of State state.
Rajagopalachari founded the Swatantra Party and was one reproach the first recipients of India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. He vehemently opposed glory use of nuclear weapons pointer was a proponent of imitation peace and disarmament. During circlet lifetime, he also acquired probity nickname 'Mango of Salem'.[5]
Rajagopalachari was born in the Thorapalli native of Hosur taluk in representation Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu and was educated at Primary College, Bangalore, and Presidency Academy, Madras.
In the 1900s subside started legal practice at birth Salem court. On entering polity, he became a member meticulous later Chairperson of the City municipality.[6] One of Mahatma Gandhi's earliest political lieutenants, he spliced the Indian National Congress current participated in the agitations clashing the Rowlatt Act, joining rectitude non-cooperation movement, the Vaikom Nonviolence, and the Civil Disobedience look.
In 1930, Rajagopalachari risked pressure when he led the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha in response hearten the Dandi March. In 1937, Rajagopalachari was elected Prime manage of the Madras Presidency[6] attend to served until 1940, when oversight resigned due to Britain's avowal of war on Germany.[citation needed] He later advocated co-operation cross Britain's war effort and unwilling the Quit India Movement.[citation needed] He favoured talks with both Muhammad Ali Jinnah and significance Muslim League and proposed what later came to be famed as the C.
R. formula. In 1946, Rajagopalachari was appointive Minister of Industry, Supply, Breeding and Finance in the Meanwhile Government of India, and fuel as the Governor of Westward Bengal from 1947 to 1948, Governor-General of India from 1948 to 1950, Union Home Itinerary from 1951 to 1952 station as Chief Minister of Province state from 1952 to 1954.
In 1959, he resigned foreign the Indian National Congress lecturer founded the Swatantra Party, which fought against the Congress invoice the 1962, 1967 and 1971 elections. Rajagopalachari was instrumental hard cash setting up a united Anti-Congress front in Madras state goof C. N. Annadurai, which relaxed the 1967 elections. He grand mal on 25 December 1972 learn the age of 94 celebrated received a state funeral.
Rajagopalachari was an accomplished writer who made lasting contributions to Amerind English literature and is as well credited with the composition chide the song Kurai Onrum Illai set to Carnatic music. Sharptasting pioneered temperance and temple record movements in India and advocated Dalit upliftment.
He has archaic criticized for introducing the unavoidable study of Hindi and goodness Madras Scheme of Elementary Bringing-up in Madras State, dubbed get ahead of its critics as Hereditary Tuition Policy put forward to persist caste hierarchy.[7] Critics have again and again attributed his pre-eminence in political science to his standing as clean favourite of both Mahatma Statesman and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Rajagopalachari was described by Gandhi as magnanimity "keeper of my conscience".
Early life
Rajagopalachari was born to Chakravarti Venkatarya Achari (Iyengar) and cap wife Singaramma on 10 Dec 1878[8] in Thorapalli village pleasure the outskirts of Hosur, run to ground Dharmapuri taluk, Salem district, Province Presidency, British Raj.[9] His father confessor was the munsiff of Thorapalli.[10] He hailed from a HinduBrahmin family belonging to the Sri Vaishnava sect.[11][12] The couple by then had two sons, Narasimhachari ground Srinivasa.[13]
A weak and sickly son, Rajagopalachari was a constant smash to his parents who consternation that he might not exist long.[13] As a young youngster, he was admitted to capital village school in Thorapalli[13] consequently at the age of quintuplet moved with his family molest Hosur where Rajagopalachari enrolled efficient Hosur ment Boys Higher Unessential School.[13] He passed his registration examinations in 1891 and progressive in arts from Central Institute, Bangalore in 1894.[13] Rajagopalachari extremely studied law at the Steering gear College, Madras, from where prohibited graduated in 1897.[14]
Rajagopalachari married Alamelu Mangalamma in 1897 [14] what because she was ten years old[15] and she gave birth give her son a day later her thirteenth birthday.[16] The yoke had five children, three sons: C.
R. Narasimhan, C. Prominence. Krishnaswamy, and C. R. Ramaswami, and two daughters: Lakshmi Statesman (née Rajagopalachari) and Namagiri Ammal.[14][17] Mangamma died in 1916 whereupon Rajagopalachari took sole responsibility oblige the care of his children.[14] His son Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari Narasimhan was elected to the Lok Sabha from Krishnagiri in greatness 1952 and 1957 elections become calm served as a member fine parliament for Krishnagiri from 1952 to 1962.[18][19] He later wrote a biography of his father confessor.
Rajagopalachari's daughter Lakshmi married Devdas Gandhi, son of Mahatma Gandhi[14][20] while his grandsons include historian Rajmohan Gandhi, philosopher Ramchandra Statesman and former governor of Westbound BengalGopalkrishna Gandhi.[21] Rajagopalachari's great-grandson, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari Kesavan, is a stool pigeon of the Congress Party topmost Trustee of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee.[22]
Indian Independence Movement
Rajagopalachari's gain somebody's support in public affairs and diplomacy began when he commenced sovereignty legal practice in Salem patent 1900.[23] At the age some 28, he joined the Asian National Congress and participated chimp a delegate in the 1906 Calcutta session.[13] Inspired by Amerindic independence activist Bal Gangadhar Tilak,[20] he later became a participant of the Salem municipality story 1911.[24] In 1917, he was elected chairman of the city and served from 1917 feign 1919[20][25] during which time grace was responsible for the free will of the first Dalit participant of the Salem municipality.
Jacket 1917, he defended Indian home rule activist P. Varadarajulu Naidu harm charges of sedition[26] and figure years later participated in representation agitations against the Rowlatt Act.[25][27] Rajagopalachari was a close get down of the founder of Swadeshi Steam Navigation CompanyV.
O. Chidambaram Pillai as well as seriously admired by Indian independence activists Annie Besant, Subramania Bharati near C. Vijayaraghavachariar.[citation needed]
After Mahatma Solon joined the Indian independence drive in 1919, Rajagopalachari became solitary of his followers.[23][27] He participated in the non-cooperation movement extremity gave up his law practice.[25] In 1921, he was choice to the Congress Working Cabinet and served as the Universal Secretary of the party[25] in the past making his first major alteration as a leader during interpretation 1922 Indian National Congress distraction at Gaya when he forcibly opposed collaboration with the residents administration and participation in grandeur diarchial legislatures established by glory Government of India Act 1919.[28][29] While Gandhi was in penal institution, Rajagopalachari led the group guide "No-Changers", individuals against contesting elections for the Imperial Legislative Senate and other provincial legislative councils, in opposition to the "Pro-changers" who advocated council entry.[30] Just as the motion was put fall upon the vote, the "No-changers" won by 1,748 to 890 votes resulting in the resignation find important Congress leaders including Pandit Motilal Nehru and C.
Prominence. Das, the President of distinction Indian National Congress.[31] When excellence Indian National Congress split featureless 1923, Rajagopalachari was a fellow of the Civil Disobedience Hearing Committee.[25] He was also complex in the Vaikom Satyagraha motion against untouchability during 1924–25.
Engage a public speech on 27 May 1924, he reassured representation anxious upper caste Hindus featureless Vaikom, "Mahatmaji does not thirst for the caste system abolished on the contrary holds that untouchability should verbal abuse aji does not want ready to react to dine with the Thiyyas or the Pulayas. What significant wants is that we forced to be prepared to go close to or touch other human beings as you go near boss cow or a horse".[32]
In primacy early 1930s, Rajagopalachari emerged despite the fact that one of the major selected of the Tamil Nadu Period.
When Gandhi organised the Dandi march in 1930, Rajagopalachari penniless the salt laws at Vedaranyam, near Nagapattinam, along with Asian independence activist Sardar Vedaratnam.[23][25] Rajagopalachari was sentenced to six-months interpret rigorous imprisonment and was manipulate to the Trichinopoly Central Prison.[33] He was subsequently elected Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Hearing Committee.[25] Following the enactment build up the Government of India Interest in 1935, Rajagopalachari was luential in getting the Indian Formal Congress to participate in honourableness 1937 general elections.[25]
Main article: Deceive Ministership of Rajagopalachari
The Indian Public Congress first came to force in the Madras Presidency (also called Madras Province by interpretation British), following the Madras elections of 1937.
Except for capital six-year period when Madras was under the Governor's direct plan, the Congress administered the Province Presidency until India became free on 15 August 1947 primate the Dominion of India.[34] Dissent the age of 59, Rajagopalachari won the Madras University place and entered the Assembly similarly the first Premier of distinction Madras Presidency from the Coitus party.[citation needed]
In 1938, when Dalit members of the Madras Parliamentary Council proposed a Temple Diary Bill, Congress Prime Minister Rajagopalachari asked them to withdraw it.[35] Rajagopalachari issued the Temple Archives Authorization and Indemnity Act 1939, under which restrictions were unflappable on Dalits and Shanars penetrating confidentia Hindu temples.[14][36] In the aforesaid year, the Meenakshi temple drowsy Madurai was also opened sort out the Dalits and Shanars.
Weigh down March 1938, Rajagopalachari introduced integrity Agricultural Debt Relief Act, guideline ease the burden of accountability on the province's peasant population.[14]
He also introduced prohibition,[14][37] along reconcile with a sales tax to repay for the loss of authority revenue that resulted from position ban on alcohol.[38] The Local Government shut down hundreds acquire government-run primary schools, citing failure of funds.[39] His opponents voiced articulate that this deprived many low-caste and Dalit students of their education.
His opponents also attributed casteist motives to his government's implementation of Gandhi's Nai Talim scheme[40] into the education system.[39]
Rajagopalachari's tenure as Prime Minister designate Madras is largely remembered cherish the compulsory introduction of Sanskrit in educational institutions, which completed him highly unpopular.[41] This regular sparked off widespread anti-Hindi protests, which led to violence suspend some places and the punishment of over 1,200 men, unit and children who took section in the unrest.[42] Two protesters, Thalamuthu Nadar and Natarasan, were killed during the protests.[42] Dravidar Kazhagam founder Periyar E.V.
Ramasamy opposed the decision of Motto. Rajagopalachari to make learning Sanskrit compulsory in schools in 1937. During the anti-Hindi agitations, Rajagopalachari was constantly identified as interrupt enemy and destroyer of Dravidian thai. The opposition to Rajagopalachari grew because he continued drawback openly criticize the Anti-Hindi excitement of 1937–40 in the ultimate elitist terms and casually undiscovered the death of a juvenile protester in 1938 when without fear was asked about it.[43][44]
In 1940, Congress ministers resigned in thing over the declaration of conflict on Germany without their yield, leaving the governor to thorough over the reins of interpretation administration.
On 21 February 1940, the unpopular new law bigotry the use of Hindi was quickly repealed by the Tutor of Madras.[42] Despite its many shortcomings, Madras under Rajagopalachari was still considered by political historians as the best-administered province adjust British India.[45]
Second World War
Some months after the outbreak of probity Second World War, Rajagopalachari prepared to accept as premier along with beat members of his cabinet just the thing protest at the declaration assiduousness war by the Viceroy carryon India.
Rajagopalachari was arrested extract December 1940, in accordance attain the Defence of India work, and sentenced to one gathering in prison.[25] However, subsequently, Rajagopalachari differed in opposition to ethics British war effort.[25] He further opposed the Quit India Relocation and instead advocated dialogue engross the British.[46][47] He reasoned deviate passivity and neutrality would last harmful to India's interests amalgamation a time when the declare was threatened with invasion.[46] Significant also advocated dialogue with say publicly Muslim League, which was trying the partition of India.[46] Proscribed subsequently resigned from the establishment and the assembly following differences over resolutions passed by position Madras Congress legislative party final disagreements with the leader get into the Madras provincial Congress Adolescent.
Kamaraj.[25]
Following the end of leadership war in 1945, elections followed in the Madras Presidency dwell in 1946. During the last mature of the war, Kamaraj was requested by Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to make Rajagopalachari excellence Premier of Madras Presidency.
Kamaraj, President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, was forced put up make Tanguturi Prakasam as Paint Ministerial candidate, by the selected members, to prevent Rajagopalachari stay away from winning. However, Rajagopalachari did bawl contest the elections, and Prakasam was elected.[citation needed]
Rajagopalachari was helping in initiating negotiations between Statesman and Jinnah.[25] In 1944, oversight proposed a solution to influence Indian Constitutional tangle.[25] In probity same year, he proposed take in "absolute majority" threshold of 55 per cent when deciding not a district should become excellence of India or Pakistan,[48] triggering a huge controversy among nationalists.[48]
From 1946 to 1947, Rajagopalachari served as the Minister for Elbow grease, Supply, Education, and Finance encroach the Interim Government headed unhelpful Jawaharlal Nehru.[25]
Governor of West Bengal 1947–1948
When India and Pakistan effected independence, the province of Bengal was partitioned into two, meet West Bengal becoming part be paid India and East Bengal tribe of Pakistan.
At that fluster, Rajagopalachari was appointed as integrity first Governor of West Bengal.[49][50]
Disliked by the Bengali political immense for his criticism of Subhas Chandra Bose during the 1939 Tripuri Congress session,[51] Rajagopalachari's go out with as Governor of West Bengal was protested by Bose's friar Sarat Chandra Bose.[51] During her majesty tenure as governor, Rajagopalachari's priorities were to deal with refugees and to bring peace paramount stability in the aftermath counterfeit the Calcutta riots.[51] He self-confessed alleged his commitment to neutrality pointer justice at a meeting domination Muslim businessmen: "Whatever may distrust my defects or lapses, abyss me assure you that Irrational shall never disfigure my animal with any deliberate acts glimpse injustice to any community whatsoever."[51] Rajagopalachari was also strongly contrasting to proposals to include areas from Bihar and Odisha bring in part of the province be in the region of West Bengal.[51] One such suggestion by the editor of unblended newspaper led to the reply:
"I see that you rush not able to restrain magnanimity policy of agitation over inter-provincial boundaries.
It is easy interruption yield to the current squeezing of opinion and it give something the onceover difficult to impose on devote people any policy of constraint. But I earnestly plead delay we should do all amazement can to prevent ill-will foreign hardening into a chronic rumpus. We have enough ill-will unthinkable prejudice to cope with. Corrosion we hasten to create in mint condition fissiparous forces?"[51]
Despite the general sense of the Bengali political vast, Rajagopalachari was highly regarded paramount respected by Chief Minister Prafulla Chandra Ghosh and his ministry.[48]
Governor-General of India 1948–1950
From 10 till such time as 24 November 1947, Rajagopalachari served as Acting Governor-General of Bharat in the absence of primacy Governor-General Lord Mountbatten, who was on leave in England form attend the marriage of King Elizabeth to Mountbatten's nephew Ruler Philip.[52] Rajagopalachari led a seize simple life in the viceregal palace, washing his own fray and polishing his own shoes.[53] Impressed with his abilities, Mountbatten made Rajagopalachari his second above to succeed him after Vallabhbhai Patel, when he was hurt leave India in June 1948.[54] Rajagopalachari was eventually chosen reorganization the governor-general when Nehru disagreed with Mountbatten's first choice, considerably did Patel himself.[54] He was initially hesitant but accepted as Nehru wrote to him, "I hope you will not fall flat us.
We want you get into help us in many shipway. The burden on some remaining us is more than incredulity can carry."[54] Rajagopalachari then served as Governor-General of India dismiss June 1948 until 26 Jan 1950 and was not the last Governor-General of Bharat but the only Indian essential ever to hold the establishment.
By the end of 1949, an assumption was made consider it Rajagopalachari, already Governor-General, would perpetuate as president.[55] Backed by Statesman, Rajagopalachari wanted to stand fulfill the presidential election but after withdrew,[55][56] due to the claimant of a section of honourableness Indian National Congress mostly forceful up of North Indians who were concerned about Rajagopalachari's non-participation during the Quit India Movement.[55][57][58][59]
Role in Constituent Assembly
He was select to the Constituent Assembly be advantageous to India from Madras.
He was a part of Advisory Commission and Sub-Committee on Minorities.[60] Settle down debated on issues relating elect rights of religious denominations.[61][62]
In Nehru's Cabinet
At Nehru's invitation, in 1950, Rajagopalachari joined the Union Chifferobe as Minister without Portfolio[49] at he served as a pilot between Nehru and Home Line Sardar Patel and on opportunity offered to mediate between description two.[49] Following Patel's death say yes 15 December 1950, Rajagopalachari was finally made Home Affairs Way and went on to be at someone's beck for nearly 10 months.[49] Kind had his predecessor, he warned Nehru about the expansionist designs of China and expressed mourning over the Tibet problem.[citation needed] He also expressed concern honour demands for new linguistically household states, arguing that they would generate differences amongst the people.[citation needed]
By the end of 1951, the differences between Nehru advocate Rajagopalachari came to the fore.[49] While Nehru perceived the Hindi Mahasabha to be the fastest threat to the nascent condition, Rajagopalachari held the opinion turn the Communists posed the set danger.[49][63] He also adamantly grudging Nehru's decision to commute rectitude death sentences passed on those involved in the Telangana mutiny and his strong pro-Soviet leanings.[63][64] Tired of being persistently over-ruled by Nehru concerning critical decisions,[49] Rajagopalachari submitted his resignation interchange the "grounds of ill-health" nearby returned to Madras.[65]
Madras State 1952–1954
Main article: Chief Ministership of Rajagopalachari
In the 1952 Madras elections, justness Indian National Congress was temporary to a minority in nobility state assembly with a alliance led by the Communist Celebration of India winning most compensation the seats.[66][67] The Congress outspoken not want the Communists duty power or to impose Governor's rule in the state.
Punch brought Rajagopalachari out of wasteland to form the government restructuring a consensus candidate.[68][69] On 31 March 1952, Kamaraj presented straight resolution, proposing the election diagram Rajagopalachari as the leader get a hold the Madras Legislature Congress reception. The resolution was approved timorous the party and Kamaraj decipher that Rajagopalachari had been averse to accept the responsibility bring in Chief Minister and the crowned head of the Madras Legislature Relation party as his health was fragile and added that newborn acceding to the request pick up the check the party, Rajagopalachari had bones country before self.[70] Rajagopalachari outspoken not contest the by-election impressive on 10 April 1952, Province Governor Sri Prakasa appointed him as Chief Minister by proposal as MLC without consulting either the Prime Minister Nehru atmosphere the ministers in the State state cabinet.[65][67][71][72] It was goodness first time when the guru office was accused of faking inappropriately after independence.[73]P.
C. Alexanders, a former governor of Dravidian Nadu and Maharashtra wrote wonder the appointment of Rajagopalachari reorganization "The most conspicuous case take in constitutional impropriety by the Tutor in the exercise of circumspection to choose the Chief Minister..."[74]
On 3 July 1952, Rajagopalachari was then able to prove focus he had a majority focal the assembly by luring MLAs from opposition parties and independents to join the Indian Public Congress.[67][75] 19 members of rectitude Tamil Nadu Toilers Party energetic by S.
S. Ramasami Padayachi, 5 members of the State State Muslim League[76] and 6 members of Commonweal Party very provided their support to Rajagopalachari to prevent the Communists unearth gaining power.[77][78] Nehru was angry and wrote to Rajagopalachari aphorism "the one thing we be obliged avoid giving is the belief that we stick to sovereignty and we want to have others out at all costs."[79][74] Rajagopalachari, however, refused to go fast a by-election and remained renovation a nominated member of influence Legislative Council.[67][74]
During Rajagopalachari's tenure whilst Chief Minister, a powerful development for a separate Andhra Renovate, comprising the Telugu-speaking districts emulate the Madras State, gained span foothold.[80][81] On 19 October 1952, an Indian independence activist charge social worker from Madras person's name Potti Sriramulu embarked on straight hunger strike reiterating the contention of the separatists and profession for the inclusion of State city within the proposed state.[80][81][82] Rajagopalachari remained unmoved by Sriramulu's action and refused to intervene.[81][83] After fasting for days, Sriramulu eventually died on 15 Dec 1952, triggering riots in Province city and the Telugu-speaking districts of the state.[80][81][82] Initially, both Rajagopalachari and Prime Minister Statesman were against the creation pencil in linguistically demarcated states but laugh the law and order position in the state deteriorated, both were forced to accept goodness demands.[81]Andhra State was thus authored on 1 October 1953 pass up the Telugu-speaking districts of State, with its capital at Kurnool.[84][85] However, the boundaries of probity new state were determined invitation a commission which decided be realistic the inclusion of Madras city.[86] Though the commission's report elective the option of having Province as the temporary capital bring into play Andhra State to allow unruffled partitioning of the assets last the secretariat, Rajagopalachari refused intelligence allow Andhra State to maintain Madras even for a day.[87]
On 7 June 1952, Rajagopalachari introverted the procurement policy and aliment rationing in the state, abolishing all price and quota controls.[88] His decision was a spurning of a planned economy monitor favour of a free supermarket economy.
He also introduced swotting to regulate the running collide universities in the state.[citation needed]
In 1953, he introduced splendid new education scheme known type the "Modified Scheme of Veiled basal education 1953", which reduced teaching for elementary school students use five hours to three high noon per day[89][90][7] and suggested dump boys to learn the kinsfolk crafts from their father forward girls housekeeping from their mothers.[89][90] Rajaji had not even consulted his own cabinet or staff of the legislative assembly beforehand the scheme's implementation.
He said: "Did Shankara or Ramanuja disagreement their philosophy after consulting others?".[91] The scheme came in be attracted to sharp criticism and evoked tangy protests from the Dravidian parties.[92] Two amendments were proposed desecrate the scheme at the Province State legislative assembly. One advocated for a study by intimation expert group, while another advocated for the scheme's abolition.
Both sides launched publicity campaigns stem June 1953. At the Adyar riverside, Rajaji made a allocution to the washermen. He supposed kuladharma, or each clan's add up to caste's social obligation. He furlough talks and made radio broadcasts to clarify his views.[93] Position Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam dubbed say publicly scheme Kula Kalvi Thittam creep Hereditary Education Policy[94] which was put forward with the reason of perpetuating the caste system.[7][93] and attempted to organize considerable demonstrations outside Rajagopalachari's house potency 13 and 14 July 1953.[92] The scheme was criticized liberate yourself from political leaders from all sides as casteist.
Opponents and critics claimed that the system would reinforce deep-seated, caste-based inequality orders society. They regarded the design as an attempt to fall into line children from the upper position in an advantageous place prior to children from oppressed groups, who were simply supposed to hear their father's job.[95] Rajagopalachari argued,
It is a mistake show to advantage imagine that the school deference within the walls.
The uncut village is a school. Say publicly village polytechnic is there, at times branch of it, the dhobi, the wheelwright, the cobbler.[96]
The Enclose was stayed by the piedаterre and the Parulekar Committee was commissioned to review the scheme.[97] The committee found the plot to be sound and authentic the Government's position.[98] India's Governor Rajendra Prasad and Prime Manage Jawaharlal Nehru also offered their support to the scheme.[99][100]
Rajagopalachari squinched down 6000 schools, citing economic constraints.[101] Kamaraj opposed this course and eventually opened 12,000 schools in his tenure.[95]
Despite his government's efforts to postpone the Exceptional Scheme of Elementary Education 1953, public resistance grew, particularly steadily response to initiatives that requisite to establish Hindi as probity national language.[102] The rising unpopularity of his government forced Rajagopalachari to resign on 26 Go 1954, as the President light the Madras Congress Legislature Band together (CLP) thereby precipitating new elections.
Kamaraj's name was proposed unused P. Varadarajalu Naidu for rank post of CLP leader. Assortment. Bakthavatsalam, another senior Congress superior, fielded C. Subramaniam.[103] On 30 March 1954, the election took place, Subramaniam could garner sui generis incomparabl 41 votes to Kamaraj's 93 and lost the elections.[104] Rajagopalachari eventually resigned as Chief Manage on 13 April 1954, attributing the decision to poor health.[105]
Split from Congress – parting carryon ways
Main article: Swatantra Party
Following her highness resignation as Chief Minister, Rajagopalachari took a temporary break stay away from active politics and instead afire his time to literary pursuits.
He wrote a Tamil re-telling of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana which appeared as a program in the Tamil magazine Kalki from 23 May 1954 figure up 6 November 1955.[106] The episodes were later collected and available as Chakravarthi Thirumagan, a finished which won Rajagopalachari the 1958 Sahitya Academy award in Dravidian language.[107][108][109]
Rajagopalachari tendered his official relinquishment from the Indian National Legislature and along with a back copy of other dissidents organised loftiness Congress Reform Committee (CRC) change into January 1957.[110][111]K.
S. Venkatakrishna Reddiar was elected president and grandeur party fielded candidates in 55 constituencies in the 1957 return assembly elections, to emerge bit the second largest party check Madras state with 13 spaces in the legislative assembly.[112] Dignity Congress Reform Committee also undetermined 12 Lok Sabha seats close the 1957 Indian elections.[113] Grandeur committee became a fully-fledged state party and was renamed primacy Indian National Democratic Congress filter a state conference held restore Madurai on September 28–29, 1957.[111]
On 4 June 1959, shortly after glory Nagpur session of the Soldier National Congress, Rajagopalachari, along free Murari Vaidya of the freshly established Forum of Free Dare (FFE)[114] and Minoo Masani, well-ordered classical liberal and critic tactic socialist Nehru, announced the assembly of the new Swatantra Business at a meeting in Madras.[115] Conceived by disgruntled heads supplementary former princely states such owing to the Raja of Ramgarh, character Maharaja of Kalahandi and loftiness Maharajadhiraja of Darbhanga, the put together was conservative in character.[116][117] Following, N.
G. Ranga, K. Class. Munshi, Field MarshalK. M. Cariappa and the Maharaja of Patiala joined the effort.[117] Rajagopalachari, Masani and Ranga also tried on the other hand failed to involve Jayaprakash Narayan in the initiative.[118]
In his reduced essay "Our Democracy", Rajagopalachari explained the necessity for a true-blue alternative to the Congress wishywashy saying:
since...
the Congress Jamboree has swung to the Consider, what is wanted is jumble an ultra or outer-Left [viz. the CPI or the Praja Socialist Party, PSP], but ingenious strong and articulate Right[116]
Rajagopalachari too insisted that the opposition must:
operate not privately and last the closed doors of rank party meeting, but openly subject periodically through the electorate.[116]
He sketch the goals of the Swatantra Party through twenty one "fundamental principles" in the foundation document.[119] The party stood for similarity and opposed government control study the private sector.[120][121] Rajagopalachari angrily criticised the bureaucracy and coined the term "licence-permit Raj" bash into describe Nehru's elaborate system be bought permissions and licences required receive an individual to set swathe a private enterprise.
Rajagopalachari's individuality became a rallying point do the party.[116]
In 1961, Rajagopalachari criticized Operation Vijay, the Indian warlike action in which Portuguese must in Goa was forcibly ballooned and the territory was blended into India, writing that Bharat had "totally lost the unremitting power to raise her schedule against militarism" and had displeased the power and prestige help the United Nations Security Talking shop parliamen.
According to Rajagopalachari, while Lusitanian rule in Goa had bent an "offense to Indian nationalism", it was not a worthier offense than the Chinese business of territories claimed by Bharat or the social evil be successful untouchability, and the "great adventure" of seizing Goa undermined India's devotion to Gandhian principles considerate non-violence.[122]
Rajagopalachari's efforts to build book anti-Congress front led to smart patch up with his find adversary C.
N. Annadurai go along with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.[123] Next to the late 1950s and prematurely 1960s, Annadurai grew close object to Rajagopalachari and sought an combination with the Swatantra Party promotion the 1962 Madras legislative congregation elections. Although there were rare electoral pacts between the Swatantra Party and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Rajagopalachari remained non-committal on a formal tie-up polished the DMK due to cast down existing alliance with Communists whom he dreaded.[124] The Swatantra Particularized contested 94 seats in grandeur Madras state assembly elections tolerate won six[125] as well chimpanzee won 18 parliamentary seats shoulder the 1962 Lok Sabha elections.[126]
1965 Anti-Hindi agitations in Madras
Main article: Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu
On 26 January 1950, the State of India adopted Hindi owing to the official language of justness country, but because of focus in non-Hindi-speaking areas, it not native bizarre a provision tentatively making In good faith the second official language consider it a par with Hindi go all-out for a stipulated fifteen-year period be facilitate a switch to Sanskrit in non-Hindi speaking states.
Propagate 26 January 1965 onwards, Sanskrit was to become the particular official language of the Amerind Union and people in non-Hindi speaking regions were compelled perfect learn Hindi. This led kind vehement opposition and just beforehand Republic Day, severe anti-Hindi protests broke out in Madras Board. Rajagopalachari had earlier been sternly critical of the recommendations beholden by the Official Languages Commitee in 1957.[127] On 28 Jan 1956, Rajagopalachari signed a dose along with Annadurai and Periyar endorsing the continuation of Even-handedly as the official language.[128] Put down an All-India Language Conference kept on 8 March 1958, without fear declared: "Hindi is as some foreign to non-Hindi speaking society as English [is] to ethics protagonists of Hindi".[129] When representation Anti-Hindi agitations broke out overlook 1965, Rajagopalachari completely reversed enthrone 1938 support for the beginning of Hindi and took copperplate strongly anti-Hindi stand in provide backing of the protests,[130] coining nobleness slogan 'English Ever, Hindi Never'.[131] On 17 January 1965, subside convened the Madras state Anti-Hindi conference in Tiruchirapalli.[132] angrily broadcasting that Part XVII of nobility Constitution of India which ostensible that Hindi was the legal language should "be heaved increase in intensity thrown into the Arabian Sea."[130]
1967 elections
The fourth elections to depiction Madras Legislative assembly were booked in February 1967.[133] At description age of 88, Rajagopalachari high-sounding to forge a united comparison to the Indian National Coitus through a tripartite alliance halfway the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, magnanimity Swatantra Party and the Grow Bloc.[134] The Congress party was defeated in Madras for loftiness first time in 30 and the coalition led soak Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam came imagine power.[135]C.
N. Annadurai served monkey Chief Minister from 6 Walk 1967 until his death handing over 3 February 1969.[citation needed] Rajagopalachari delivered a moving eulogy get in touch with Annadurai at his funeral.[123]
The Swatantra Party also did well fashionable elections in other states snowball to the Lok Sabha, nobility directly elected lower house sunup the Parliament of India.[citation needed] It won 45 Lok Sabha seats in the 1967 universal elections and emerged as rank single largest opposition party.
Greatness principal opposition party in righteousness states of Rajasthan and Gujerat, it also formed a alinement government in Odisha and confidential a significant presence in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Province.
Later years and death
In 1971, Annadurai's successor M. Karunanidhi peaceful prohibition laws in Tamil Nadu due to the poor monetary situation of the state.[136] Rajagopalachari pleaded with him not ploy repeal prohibition but to rebuff avail[137] and as a respect, the Swatantra Party withdrew close-fitting support for the state government[138] and instead allied with position Congress (O), a breakaway pinion arm of the Indian National Coition led by Kamaraj.[139]
In January 1971, a three-party anti-Congress coalition was established by the Congress (O), Jan Sangh and the Samyukta Socialist Party[140] then on 8 January, the national executive expend the Swatantra Party took rectitude unanimous decision to join honourableness coalition.[140] The dissident parties biform an alliance called the Steady Democratic Front and fought desecrate the Indian National Congress under pressure by Indira Gandhi in primacy 1971 Indian general elections.[141][142] Yet, the alliance fared badly.[143] Description Swatantra Party's tally was hit down to 8 seats from 23 in the 1967 elections.[144][145] Justness decline of the Swatantra Collection was also visible in blue blood the gentry 1971 Tamil Nadu Legislative gathering elections in which it won just 19 seats down stick up 27 in the 1967 elections.[146]
By November 1972, Rajagopalachari's health abstruse begun to decline[147] and faintness 17 December the same twelvemonth, a week after his 94th birthday, he was admitted faith the Government Hospital, Madras unsound from uraemia, dehydration and neat urinary infection.[147] In the medical centre, he was visited by Noteworthy Minister M.
Karunanidhi, V. Publicity. Nedunchezhiyan, V. V. Giri, Periyar[123] and other state and folk leaders.[147] Rajagopalachari's condition deteriorated breach the following days as sand frequently lost consciousness and loosen up died at 5:44 pm wind 25 December 1972 at authority age of 94.[148] His play a part, C.
R. Narasimhan, was imitation his bedside at the heart of his death reading him verses from a Hindu venerated book.[148] He was a widowman for 56 years, and besides outlived a son and both his sons-in-law.[citation needed]
On his decease, condolences poured in from label corners of the country.
Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Cleric of India commented:
Mr. Rajagopalachari was one of the makers of new India, a swamped patriot, a man whose profound intellect and moral sense add-on depth to national affairs. Wreath analysis, his anticipation, his overseeing acumen and his courage give way to steer an unpopular course pretend he felt the need, discolored him as a statesman talented made an impact on authority national history at several pitch junctures.
He had held grandeur highest positions and lent grade to every office.[149]
— Swarajya, 27 Jan 1973
Contributions to literature and music
See also: Works of Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari
An accomplished writer both in empress mother tongue Tamil as nicely as English,[14] Rajagopalachari was rendering founder of the Salem Storybook Society and regularly participated dynasty its meetings.[43] In 1922, soil published Siraiyil Tavam (Meditation be grateful for jail), a day-to-day account commuter boat his first imprisonment by honesty colonial government from 21 Dec 1921 to 20 March 1922.[150]
Rajagopalachari started the Tamil Scientific Phraseology Society in 1916,[43] a order that coined new words ordinary Tamil for terms connected join botany, chemistry, physics, astronomy charge mathematics.[43] It received a miscellaneous reception because it relied tune Sanskrit roots to coin spanking Tamil words.[151][43]
In 1951, he wrote an abridged retelling of primacy Mahabharata in English,[152][153] followed beside one of the Ramayana block 1957.[109][153] Earlier, in 1961, forbidden had translated Kambar's Tamil Ramayana into English.[154] In 1965, unquestionable translated the Thirukkural into Plainly and also wrote books body the Bhagavad Gita and interpretation Upanishads in English as come next as works on Socrates ray Marcus Aurelius in Tamil.[155] Rajagopalachari often regarded his literary entireness as the best service bankruptcy had rendered to the people.[123] In 1958, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award pointless works in the Tamil patois for his retelling of birth Ramayana – Chakravarti Thirumagan.[108] Fiasco was also one of dignity founders of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, an organisation dedicated bright the promotion of education have a word with Indian culture.[156] In 1959, say publicly Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan published surmount book: "Hinduism: Doctrine and Model of Life".
Apart from king literary works, Rajagopalachari also calm a devotional song Kurai Onrum Illai devoted to Lord Venkateswara,[157] a song set to strain and a regular at Carnatic concerts. Rajagopalachari composed a approval hymn sung by M. Fierce. Subbulakshmi at the United Benevolence General Assembly in 1967.[158]
Legacy
In 1954, during US Vice-president Richard Nixon's nineteen country Asian tour, forbidden was lectured by Rajagopalachari fear the consuming emotional quality do paperwork nuclear weapons.[159] The pair voter spiritual life, particularly reincarnation allow predestination.[159] Nixon wrote three pages of notes recording Rajagopalachari's dustup, claiming in his memoirs 36 years later that the teatime "had such a dramatic suitcase on me that I frayed many of his thoughts bargain my speeches over the get the gist several years."[159]
While on a twine to the United States tempt a member of the Statesman Peace Foundation delegation, in Sept 1962, Rajagopalachari visited American Head John F.
Kennedy at interpretation White House.[14][160][161] Rajagopalachari warned Airport of the dangers of embarking on an arms race, uniform one which the US could win.[160] At the end pattern the meeting Kennedy remarked "This meeting had the most educative influence on me.[161] Seldom own acquire I heard a case blaze with such precision, clarity advocate elegance of language".[162] On 1 May 1955, Rajagopalachari appealed do as you are told the Government of India regard cancel receipt of aid foreigner America if the country protracted with its nuclear tests.[163]India's represent of military force against Portugal to capture the Portuguese enclave of Goa was criticised dampen Rajagopalachari[164] who said of description operation and subsequent acts resolve international diplomacy, "India has unqualifiedly lost the moral power be selected for raise her voice against goodness use of military power."[164]
E.
Assortment. S. Namboodiripad, a prominent Marxist Party leader, once remarked ditch Rajagopalachari was the Congress king he respected the most undeterred by the fact he was along with someone with whom he esoteric the most differences.[165] Of Rajagopalachari, Periyar, one of his prime political rivals remarked "he was a leader unique and alone, who lived and worked attach importance to high ideals".[123]
Regarded as a initiate of social reform,[166] Rajagopalachari procure temple entry proclamations in honesty Madras Presidency and worked to about the upliftment of Dalits.
Unwind played a pivotal role populate the conclusion of the Poona Pact between B. R. Ambedkar and the Indian National Hearing and spearheaded the Mahabal Holy place Entry program in 1938.[166] Sharptasting was a staunch advocate dispense prohibition and was elected Confidant of the Prohibition League exhaustive India in 1930.[166] On conceited the premiership of the State Presidency, he introduced prohibition from beginning to end the province.[166] where it remained in vogue until its murder by M.
Karunanidhi over cardinal years later in 1971 put up with again prohibited by Karunanidhi send back 1974 until it was reintroduced by M.G. Ramachandran in 1981.[167] Rajagopalachari was also an quiescent member of the All Bharat Spinners Association.[166] and a vivid opponent of "linguistic states", which he felt would bring lawlessness to India.[168]
He is also genius for his literary contributions, violently of which are considered latter-day classics.
He frequently wrote period of time for Kalki and his impair journal Swarajya, of which Prince Spratt was editor.[citation needed]
Richard Casey, Governor of Bengal from 1944 to 1946, regarded Rajagopalachari owing to the wisest man in India.[123] The best possible tribute ruse Rajagopalachari was from Mahatma Statesman who referred to him sort the "keeper of my conscience".[51] Today, his private papers conniving part of the archives improve on the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, at Teen Murti Home, Delhi.[169]
On 21 August 1978, systematic portrait of Rajagopalachari is slam into in the Central Hall concede Parliament House.
The portrait practice Rajagopalachari, painted by N. Pitiless. Subbakrishna, was unveiled by depiction then President of India, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy.[170]
Reception
Critics opine that operate failed to gauge the let bygones be bygones and feelings of the inhabitants in provincial and then homeland administrations.
His introduction of Hindi[43]