Previous Year Question

Statement 1 is correct. The Vaikom Satyagraha was conducted in 1924–25 at Vaikom in the then princely State of Travancore. Its principal objective was to remove restrictions on the use of public roads imposed on so-called lower castes because of untouchability and caste discrimination.

Members of Dalit and other disadvantaged communities were prohibited from using certain roads surrounding the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. A non-violent Satyagraha against these restrictions began on 30 March 1924.

Leaders associated with the movement included T.K. Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, K. Kelappan, Mannath Padmanabhan and E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar). The movement transformed caste-based social restrictions into an important public and national issue.

Statement 2 is also correct in the context of the UPPSC question. Mahatma Gandhi supported the movement and reached Vaikom on 9 March 1925. He held discussions with the Satyagrahis, orthodox leaders and the Travancore authorities in an attempt to reach a settlement.

During the same visit, on 12 March 1925 at Sivagiri, Gandhi held a historic conversation with Sree Narayana Guru concerning the Vaikom Satyagraha, untouchability and social equality.

An important distinction is that Gandhi was not a member of the first batch that launched the Satyagraha on 30 March 1924, but he later actively intervened through negotiations and efforts towards a settlement. It is in this sense that UPPSC treats Statement 2 as correct.

The Satyagraha finally ended on 23 November 1925. Under the settlement, the north, south and west public roads around the temple were opened to all castes, while the eastern road was not immediately opened.