INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Geographical Setting

Tamil Nadu, the homeland of the Tamils, occupies the southernmost

region of India. Traditionally, a range of hills called the Eastern Ghats formed
the northern boundary, the Bay of Bengal, the eastern boundary, the Indian
Ocean, the southern boundary and the Arabian Sea, the western boundary.
Tamil is the popular language. However, as the result of conquest and
migration made by peoples from other territories, Tamil lost its ground in the
West as well as in the North. In medieval times, the country west of the
mountains was transformed into Kerala and that in the north turned into a part
of Andhra Desa. Bounded by the States of Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra
Desa,1 Tamil Nadu of the present day extends from Kanyakumari in the South
to Tiruttani in the North and from the Bay of Bengal in the East to the
Western Ghats in the West. It consists of four historical divisions –
Pandyanadu, Cholanadu (Cholamandalam), Kongunadu and Pallavanadu
(Tondaimandalam), with their principal cities at Madurai, Thanjavur,
Coimbatore and Kanchipuram respectively.2

The Tamil Country possesses neither much of geographical charm nor

much of natural diversity. A barren land and very hot area, the climate is
unbearable for most of the year, the rainfall is unreliable and the soil is not
generally rich. The little yet uncertain rainfall, that the country receives,
occurs mostly in November – December, that too through tempests and
cyclones, causing loss to life and property. Tamiraparni, Vaigai and Pennar
are major streams but due to poor flow, they are dry for the most part of the

1
Mohan Primlani, Tamil Nadu Economy-Performance and Issues, New Delhi, 1978,
p.1.
2
Ibid., p.46.
 2

year. Neither do islands nor do harbours add to its geographical variety.

However, there live in this land a hard working and intelligent people, waging
a constant struggle against the odds, presented by nature and obstacles created
by the administration. The submissive habits of the population have made the
Tamils easy victims to foreign domination in the past and bureaucratic
repression during the present.

Tamilaham is triangular in shape. The Deccan is a plateau and its

western edge is a steep brink called the Western Ghats. The Plateau gradually
shrinks to the lower brinks, ending in the Eastern Ghats. The Western Ghats
run parallel to the west and east coasts of the Peninsula. The Western Ghats
form an excellent natural frontier. A gigantic sea wall, from Kasarkodu in the
north to Aralvaimoli in the south, forms another natural frontier. The Eastern
Ghats and Western Ghats meet at Nilgris. The Doddabetta, a peak in the
Nilgris, is 8760 feet in height. Nilgris receives abundant rainfall and it is
famous for its luxurious vegetation and excellent scenery. South of the Nilgris
is the famous Palghat Gap which is about twenty miles from north to south. It
forms the main entrance from the Carnatic to the Malabar Coast. South of
Palghat Gap, there is the famous Anaimalai. It has a peak with the height of
8846 feet. This is one of the highest peaks in South India. The Western Ghats
continue south from this gap as far as Cape Comorin.

Aramboli and Shencottah are the passes found on the terminus of the
Western Hills. These passes provide routes between Travancore and Pandyan
Kingdom. All the rivers that flow towards Tamil Nadu, originate in the
Western Ghats. Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagari, Yercaud and Kodaikanal are some
of the important hill stations existing on these hills. Again Palani, Madurai,
Anaimalai, Satyamangalam, Tekkadi, Dimbam and Pollachi are the important
places located on the southern part of this Ghat. Valuable teak, rosewood,
 3

coffee and pepper are grown abundantly in these areas. These hilly areas have
been the dwelling places of tribal people like Kadar, Irular, Paliyar and
Muduvar.

The Eastern Ghats is not as attractive as the Western Ghats. They are
scattered and broken. Geologically, they seem to be distinctly older than the
Western Ghats.3 They are different in productivity and scenery. The detached
and discontinuous nature of the hills provides free intercourse between the
plateau and coastal plain. Most of the rivers of Tamil Nadu flow towards the
Bay of Bengal, cutting across the Eastern Ghats.

River System

Tamilaham has a fine river system like Cauveri, Palar, Vaigai, Pennar,
Vellar, Tamiraparani, Paraliyar, Bharathappuzha and Periyar are the important
rivers in Tamil Nadu.4 Though they are short in length and small in size, they
supply a substantial amount of water needed for cultivation.

The Cauveri known as the ‘South Indian Ganges’, is famous for its
sacred character, beautiful scenery and the maximum use of its water. It was
celebrated in Tamil literature and history. It runs 475 miles.5 Brahmagri near
Talaikkaviri in Kudagu is its birth place. It flows south-eastwards across the
Mysore plateau and enters Tamil Nadu after crossing the Eastern Ghats. The
Cauveri is the only river in South India whose water is used for irrigation and
other purposes without even a drop of it being wasted. The Chola Ruler,
Karikala, controlled the frequent floods and raised high banks along both
sides of the river and constructed the famous Kallanai. Because of this river,

3
Krishnaswami, S.Y, [Link].,p.89
4
Bhatt, S.C., and Gopal, K., Bhargava, op. cit, p.25.
5
Ibid, p.27.
 4

Tanjore has come to be called ‘the rice bowl of Tamilaham’.

Srirangapatanam, Hogennakkal, Srirangam, Trichy, Tanjore etc, are some of
the places which are benefited by Cauveri. It bifurcates into two branches,
called Kollidam and Kaveri, at Srirangam. The entire Districts of
Trichirappalli and Tanjore get irrigation from this river. This historical river is
now politically a thorny issue.

The Palar originates from Nandidurg in Mysore. It runs through the

North Arcot District and falls into the Bay of Bengal. The towns of
Vaniyambady, Vellore, Arcot and Chingleput are situated on its banks. It
irrigates a limited area. The Pennar rises in Chennanarayan Pettai in Mysore.
It passes through Bangalore, Salem and Cuddalore. It has limited scope for
irrigation. The Vaigai rises from the Palani Hills and flows through the town
of Madurai. It falls into the Bay of Bengal. Now-a-days, it is dry for most part
of the year. The Vaigai dam was constructed on it. It waters a limited area in
Madurai and Ramnad Districts.

Indika of Megasthenes refers to the Tamiraparani River. It originates

in the southern part of the Western Ghats. It flows through Tirunelveli
District. The South West Monsoon waters it. This river falls into the Bay of
Bengal, creating a large delta at its end. Korkai, the famous sea-port, was
situated at its mouth. The agriculturists of Tirunelveli depend on this river. It
is said that Tirunelveli is the gift of Tamiraparani as Egypt is said to be the
gift of the Nile.

Bharathappuzha is the largest river in Kerala State. Its length is

156miles. On its banks stand Chittor, Palghat and Ponnai. Periyar is another
river in Kerala. The length of the river is 146 miles. It rises in Ayiramalai. It
 5

flows through Kalali and Alwaye. One of its branches flows through
Kodungallur, the capital of Chera Kingdom.

Another river is Paraliyaru. It flows through the taluks of Tovalai and

Agastisvaram in Nanjinad and falls into the Manakkudy Estuary. The length
of the river is 23 miles. Bhutappandi, Kottar, Nagercoil and Suchindram, the
important towns in Kanyakumari District, are situated on the banks of the
river. The Pandyan Anai, constructed across this river, recalls to our memory,
the Pandyan rulers.

Generally, the river beds are fertile. They provide people with the
necessities of life. Most of the historical capitals, temples, cities and important
towns were constructed on the banks of these rivers. These cities served as the
seats of Dravidian civilization. The Gulf of Mannar is famous for pearl-
fishing.

Growth of Population and Literacy

At the time of the 1981 Census, Tamil Nadu had a population close to
48.5 million. It is not only among the more populous States (ranking seventh
among the States in India in terms of the size of total population) but also
among the most densely populated. The population density in Tamil Nadu (at
372 persons per square kilometre in 1981), was almost 80 per cent higher than
the national average and fifth highest among the major States.
 6

Table -1

Population of Tamil Nadu, 1901-1951

Decadal change in Additions to population

Year Population
Population (per cent) over the decade
1901 19253711 - -
1911 20903730 8.57 1650019 (100)
1921 21629080 3.47 725350 (44)
1931 23471854 8.52 182774 (112)
1941 26267318 11.91 2795464 (169)
1951 30118066 14.66 3850748 (233)

The population, which reached 41,405,404 in 1921, contained a mosaic

of different peoples and cultures.6

Table-2

Census at a Glance in Tamil Nadu on 1941 and 1951

Particulars 1941 1951

Total population 26.27 30.12
Decennial growth rate of Population
11.91 14.66
(in %)
Literacy rate 16.19 20.85
Density of Population per [Link].
202 232
(number)
Sex ratio (number of females per 1000
1011 945
males)

Literacy rate is the hallmark of the quality of people in general and

extent of human development in particular. From the First Five Year Plan
onwards, the State was determined to raise the literacy rate, with a view to

6
Ibid., p.73.
 7

initiating and accelerating economic development on a higher plane. The

Table highlights the trend in literacy attainment in the State and it also gives
the district level picture of density.

Table - 3

Trends in Literacy Rate

Census Tamil Nadu (%)

1901 8
1911 9
1921 10
1931 11
1941 16
1951 21

Literacy attainment in the State continued to be higher than that of all-

India level. It is to the credit of the State that it was ranked second (next only
to Kerala) in the attainment of literacy. This achievement was made possible
due to adequate financial backup made by the Government’s annual budget
and organized delivery of education to people.7

Sex Ratio

The level of Sex Ratio in Tamil Nadu has always been higher than in
the country as a whole (Table 1-2). Within Tamil Nadu, Southern Districts
like Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur,
which are called the Group-I Districts in the Table, recorded a higher sex ratio
(above the State average) while Northern Districts- like Madras, Chingleput,
North Arcot, South Arcot, Salem, Coimbatore and Nilgiris called Group-2,

7
Rajalakshmi, N., Tamil Nadu Economy. New Delhi, 2002, p.147.
 8

along with Kanyakumari, recorded a low sex-ratio. Again, rural Tamil Nadu
recorded a much higher sex ratio than the urban counterpart.8

Table- 4

Sex Ratios in Tamil Nadu, 1901-1951

Tamil Nadu
(rural & urban combined)
Group – Tamil Tamil
Group – I Tamil
Year II Nadu Nadu
Districts Nadu
Districts Rural Urban
1901 1078 1013 1044 1043 1047
1911 1078 1010 1042 1044 1032
1921 1063 999 1029 1033 1007
1931 1069 993 1027 1034 997
1941 1048 983 1012 1017 999
1951 1037 984 1007 1014 986

The low level of sex ratio in the country is generally explained in terms
of the prevalence of socio-economic discrimination against females and
female infants in particular. The relatively more favourable sex ratio in Tamil
Nadu does not mean that there is no discrimination against females in Tamil
Nadu but it suggests that the extent of such discrimination may be lower. At
least part of the reason for the higher sex ratio in Tamil Nadu could be the
selective male emigration from the State (not just from its rural areas to its
urban areas). Such sex selectivity in migration certainly appears to be the
reason why the Southern Districts (excluding Kanyakumari) recorded a higher

8
Census Report of India, 1951, Madras, [Link], p.42.
 9

sex ratio than Northern Districts and urban Tamil Nadu recorded a lower sex
ratio than its rural counterpart.9

Climate and Rainfall

The economy of Tamils is closely associated with the rainfall and the
climate. Tamilaham has been one of the driest regions in the south. Though
Tamil Nadu enjoys a high temperature throughout the year, April, May and
June experience the hottest climate. But Tamil Nadu is blessed with regular
monsoons. During South-West (June-October) and North East Monsoons, the
temperature falls at a rapid rate which continues from October to December.10
North East Monsoon provides adequate rains to Tamil Nadu. Kerala receives
the largest amount of rainfall from the South West Monsoon. But it provides
scantly rain to Dindugal, Madurai, Tanjore, Pattukottai, Coimbatore, Pollachi,
Tenkasi, Kanchipuram, Tiruppattur, Ambur Vaniyambadi, Namakkal, Karur,
Erode, Trichy and Kanyakumari Districts. But the North-East Monsoon
provides the heaviest rainfall for Tamil Nadu. Of the two, the major
contribution is from the North East Monsoon which is also noted for its
vagaries. 11 Usually, the North East Monsoon gives fertility to the Southern
Districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The average rainfall is 40”.12 On certain
occasions, Tamilaham faced drought and famine due to the failure of
monsoons.13

9
The sex ratio, in both rural and urban areas in Group-I Districts, is generally higher
than the corresponding sex-ratio in Group-II Districts. Thus, the lower overall sex ratio
in Group- II Districts cannot be due solely to their higher levels of urbanization.
10
Raju, Saratha Raju A., Economic Conditions in Madras Presidency, University of
Madras 1941, p.45.
11
Indian Express, 8 June 1991, p.8.
12
Nambiar, P.K., op. cit., p.55.
13
Mohan Primlani,[Link].,p.76.
 10

Soil and Minerals

Different types of soil are found in Tamil Nadu. They are red, black
and alluvial. The predominant type is red which is concentrated in Madurai,
North Arcot and in certain parts of all the Districts. The alluvial soil is found
concentrated in river deltas in Tanjor and Trichy.14 The alluvial soil is best
suited for sugarcane cultivation. Cotton is cultivated on the black soil in
Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Salem, Pudukottai, Madurai, Tuticorin, South Arcot,
Tanjore and Chingleput. 15 The State has a variety of minerals. They are
magnesite, salt, crude mica, fine clay, limonite, lime stone, gypsum, lignite
and iron ore. 16 Besides these, small quantities of gold, copper, iron and
bauxite is also found in Tamil Nadu.

Agriculture

Rivers and rainfalls provide adequate water for cultivation. In certain

places, agriculturists depend on wells and springs. Agriculture is the main
occupation of the Tamils. Tea, coffee, bamboos, rose-wood, pepper,
cardamom, tapioca, coconut etc., constitute the flora in the western and
eastern ghats. Rice, tobacco, groundnuts, chillies, ragi, kambu, cholam etc, are
cultivated in the low land deltas and dry areas. These agricultural products
determine the industrial and economic development of Tamilaham since the
Sangam Age. Moreover, the growth of population and natural minerals also
control its economy.17

14
Ibid,p.83
15
Perumalsamy, S., Economic Development of Tamil Nadu, New Delhi, 1996, p.68.
16
Mohan Primlani,[Link]., p.77
17
Choudhury, Sadanada, Economic History of Colonialism, Delhi, 1979, p.44.
 11

Language

The official language spoken in the State is Tamil, a language greatly

influenced by its rich and colorful past. More recently, there has been a steady
stream of people migrating into the State from all parts of India, particularly
to the State’s urban centers, making Tamil Nadu truly cosmopolitan in its
composition. Today one can hear several languages spoken such as Telugu,
Malayalam, Hindi and other Indian languages. 18 In 1921, Tamil was the
largest single first language, spoken by about seventeen and a half million
people in the South and South East.19 Telugu was used nearly as widely by
about sixteen million people, mostly in the North-East. Approximately three
million and twenty five lakh people spoke Malayalam in the South West, one
and half million used Kannadam in the North and North-West and one and
half million people spoke Oriya in the extreme North-East. In addition,
Islamic and Maratha conquests had left behind nearly a million Hindustani
and a quarter million Marathi speaking people in the Province while tribal
groups continue to speak a variety of tribal languages. 20

Maritime Trade

The unbroken western and eastern coasts of Tamil Nadu had affected
its economy. Storms and erosions also caused the destruction of several
coastal areas. Tamil Nadu was fortunate to have large natural harbours, with a
long coastline of 992 kms. 21 But it possessed harbours suitable for small
vessels. Musiri and Tondi on the west and Kavirippumpattinam and Korkai on
the east were the important ports of this period. These ports enabled the

18
Krishnaswami, S.K., Monograph on Rural Problems in Madras, 1947, p.15.
19
Mohan Primlani, [Link]., p.65.
20
Ibid, p.72.
21
Rajalakshmi, N., [Link], p.192.
 12

Tamils to maintain maritime and colonial contact with the east and the west.
The maritime activities of Tamil Nadu with Java, Sumatra, China, Persia,
Ceylon, Babylonia, Greece and Rome contributed to the economic and social
development of Tamils.22

Statement of the Research Work

The beginning of Twentieth Century in Tamil Nadu witnessed the

emergence of social and political organizations. In 1916, the South Indian
Welfare Society was formed for Social Justice. Many important historical
events happened from 1904 to 1912. In 1924 and 1925, Periyar struggled
against caste atrocity and untouchability. His Vaikom struggle ultimately
paved the way for the enactment of social and religious reformation acts.
Gandhi, Rajaji, Periyar and other leaders worked as a political and social
force against the British Government. From 1920 to 1954, Tamil Nadu saw
the rise and fall of so many ministries. These ministries initiated various
measures for promoting the socio-economic measures in Tamil Nadu. During
the period of First World War (1914-1918) and Second World War (1939-
1945), Tamil Nadu faced so many tragedies which affected the socio-
economic conditions of people in Tamil Nadu.

Significance of the Study

The doctoral thesis entitled, “A Study on the Socio and Economic

Developments in Tamil Nadu 1900 – 1954 A.D”, attempts to trace out the
history of socio-economic and political developments in Tamil Nadu. Tamil
Nadu is the southern state in the Indian Subcontinent. I chose to study the
socio-economic developments in Tamil Nadu between 1900to1954 because

22
Rajayyan, K., History of Tamil Nadu, 1565-1982, Madras, 1982, p.15.
 13

the first half of Twentieth Century witnessed the fruits of Nineteenth Century
Social Reform Movement. The introduction of the English language as the
medium of instruction triggered the process of modernization and the
resultant emergence a new middle class. The English – educated Indian
intelligentsia were exposed to the western ideas of individual rights and the
spirit of enquiry through political organizational activities. It was this rising
middleclass which challenged the social evils like the practice of sati, child
marriage etc and political supremacy of the British Raj.

Objectives

The study has the following objectives. They are

1. To evaluate the administrative policies in the context of changing

trends of socio -economic and political scenario in Tamil Nadu, during
the pre independence and post independence period.

2. To study the reform measures of the Madras Government.

3. To trace the socio- economic transition on different fronts.

4. To highlight the upliftment of peasants and depressed sections.

5. To highlight the social issues and the role of the leaders.

Scope of the Study

This study is about the development of Tamil Nadu from 1900 to 1954,
which lays special emphasis on the socio-economic developments. The
performance, problems and prospects of the regional economy of Tamil Nadu
have to be understood in relation to its own physical features, resource
 14

endowments, past history, demographic characteristics and political processes

on the one hand, and in the context of the national economy on the other. In
the socio-economic life, the rural population formed the nucleus of historical
process. The Madras Government endeavoured to carry on many reform
measures. After independence, the Government introduced many new
schemes for the growth of socio-economic status.

Hypotheses

The Researcher formulated certain hypotheses to be tested in this

study.

1. The Depressed Class and Non Brahmin Movement greatly contributed

to the social liberation of the backward and depressed classes.

2. Economic changes during the period of study brought about

considerable changes in the social sphere.

3. The Justice Party worked for the cause of social justice through
communal representation and other progressive measures.

4. [Link] (E.V.R.) and his Dravida Kazhagam played a

significant role in the social reform movement in Tamil Nadu is under
study.

5. The spread of western education accelerated the growth of modern

education and women education.
 15

Period of Study

The present study covers the period from 1900 to the end of Rajaji
Ministry in 1954. The period gained significance due to the changing pattern
of socio- economic developments during the last phase of British Rule (1900
– 1947) and early phase of Congress Administration (1947 – 1954).

Summary

Since the first decade of the Twentieth Century, society, economic life
and political ideology revolved around three major trends. Firstly, the impact
of national movement was realized on different aspects of people’s social and
political attitude. Secondly, the highly intelligent Brahminical group which
maintained a domineering role in the new political set up. Keeping their
predominant political role in Delhi, they evolved strategies for their political
and economic hegemony. They concentrated on capturing political power and
its consequent benefits in the administrative hierarchy. Greatly concerned at
this political exploitation, the Non-Brahmins organized the Justice Party in
1917, with the declared objective of attainment of more administrative
positions for the backward and depressed classes. When the election was
announced under the Reforms of 1919, the Justice Party entered the political
front, contested the election and formed the ministry in Madras in 1920.

Their administrative role continued from 1920 to 1936. During this

period, the Justice Party introduced a large number of social reforms which
were beneficial to the backward and depressed classes. Among these were
reservation of jobs in government services, communal government orders,
measures for the upliftment of women and abolition of Devadasi System,
welfare measures for the depressed classes and ameliorative measures for the
 16

development of Kallars through the Kallar Reclamation Scheme and Kallar

Panchayats, and encouragement of agricultural works, etc.

The third social trend that emerged during the period under study was
spearheaded by Periyar [Link]. He stepped ahead of the Justice
Party and launched a period of struggle against archaic social customs and
outmoded religious practices. He leveled his attack against caste system,
untouchability and superstitious beliefs and conservative thinking of the
people through which he attempted to radicalize the social fabric of the Tamil
society. He asserted that establishment of social equality and social justice
should be achieved before political freedom. He disagreed with the Gandhian
approach to Indian independence before the establishment of social equality.
He argued that Indian freedom without social equality could be harmful to the
majority of backward classes and the village population. Nevertheless, the
political trend in India came to be dominated under the spell of nationalism.
The social ideology came to be sidelined.

Another major political and economic trend, which attracted the

attention of the people during the period, was the Marxian concept of
socialism, with the formation of the Congress Socialist Party in 1934. The
socialistic ideology got the acceptance of the youth and the working class.
The spread of socialist ideology, on Marxian lines, worked as a new trend and
imparted radicalism to all aspects of life. This resulted in the economic
demands of workers and peasants. The Communist Party, which came to the
political scene on the footsteps of socialists, now evolved as a second
alternative to the Congress. They injected their ideology into factory workers
and agricultural peasants and attempted to consolidate their strength. During
this period, the Government of India Act of 1935 announced a scheme of
autonomy for the Provinces. At the elections of 1937, the Congress secured
 17

majority of seats in the Madras Legislature and formed the ministry in July
1937, with [Link] as the Premier. The developments under study commence
with the Rajaji’s first administration in Madras and ends with his second
ministry in 1954. During this period, Tamil region of the Madras Presidency
was ruled by different personalities, including the British Government from
1939 to 1946.

Chapterisation

The Thesis, ‘A Study on the Socio - Economic Developments in

Tamil Nadu, 1900 – 1954 A.D.’ consists of seven chapters besides an
Introduction and a Conclusion. ‘Introduction’ Chapter describes the physical
and general features of Tamil Nadu, statement of the problem, area and period
of the study, scope of study, the methodology adopted and sources consulted.

‘Historical Backdrop’ forms the First Chapter. Due to the historical

process the socio-political developments took place in Tamil Nadu. Tamil
Nadu occupies the southernmost tip of the Indian Subcontinent saved it from
the impact of any foreign invasion, including the foreign influence of
sanskritisation till the period of Pallavas and Imperial Cholas. Thereafter
Tamil Nadu witnessed the rule of Pandyas, Vijayanagar, the Nayaks, Nawabs
and at last the ascendancy of the British. Only after the establishment of the
British rule and the national movement, the isolationist approach was
gradually given up.

The Second Chapter is ‘Social Transformation’. The emergence of

westernized middle class spearheaded the movement towards social reform,
which was organically linked to appropriate reforms in the religious system.
Caste organizations took up the cause of equality of all men and challenged
 18

the hierarchical caste system. While leaders like Annie Besant argued for
retaining Hindu values for accommodating social reforms, there were other
leaders like B.R. Ambedkar, E.V.R., etc totally rejected the Hindu system
which sanctioned inequality on the basis of caste hierarchy.

‘Impact of Economic Development on the Social Regeneration’

constitutes the Third chapter. Though the British Raj made some
improvements in the economic sphere, their contribution to the economy of
Tamil Nadu was only minimal. It is true that the British improved the
transport facilities like roads and railways. The improved roads and
communication facilities like Telegraph were promoted only for their own
economic purpose of exporting raw materials and importing finished products
from England. The British Raj was notorious for the frequent incidence of
famines and it was a clear indication of their poor economic policy.

The Fourth Chapter, ‘Socio-Political Developments ’, deals with the

parallel development of social reform and political development. The
emergence of the Justice Party was significant because it took up the cause of
non-Brahmins and challenged the Brahminical hegemony in administrative
positions. E.V.R. continued this anti-Brahmin stand when he started the Self
Respect Movement and Dravida Kazhagam. In short, social reform took to the
aggressive pursuit of their social agenda through the political activities of
Justice Party and later the Dravida Kazhagam.

The Fifth Chapter, ‘Growth of Education’ analyses the link between

social reform movement and the creation of educational institutions. It was
the missionary sponsored educational system that first accommodated the
children of the depressed classes in the schools. Education, being a liberating
force, helped the children of the depressed classes to gain the consciousness
 19

by challenging the domination of the upper castes. The Non-Brahmin

Movement owes much to the Christian missionaries. Women education also
was promoted. Thus education created the mental condition for raising the
demand for social reform.

The Sixth Chapter is ‘Impact of World Wars’. While the war period
witnessed a boom in industrial growth, the post-war period created labour
unrest due to loss of demand and the resultant decline in industrial production.
The war period generated certain economic hardships which led to
agricultural as well as industrial unrest. This unrest strengthened disaffection
against the Government. The national movement, which was originally
confined to a small number of western educated intelligentsia, became more
widespread and the struggle against the alien government became truly a
national struggle.

The Seventh and Last Chapter is ‘Progress in Post-Colonial Phase’.

This Chapter provides a detailed account of many developments in the polity
of free Indian Tamil Nadu. It is worth noting that the social reform movement
could attain some concrete results in the Constitution of India. The reservation
for depressed classes is a case in point. The basic Nehruvian ideology of
socialistic policy greatly helped the progress of social reforms and economic
developments in Tamil Nadu.

In ‘Conclusion’ the summary of the chapters, findings of the study and

socio-economic trends in the given period of the study are given.

Sources and Review of Relevant Literature

The present study was based on the primary and secondary sources.
The sources are kept and preserved in the Tamil Nadu Archives, Chennai.
 20

These sources include government orders, reports, official letters and

correspondence, besides proceedings of the Legislative Assembly and
Council. The various government orders are mainly related to the socio-
economic development. These records provided varied information about the
measures taken by the Government. The fortnight report and different
government orders, commission reports, labour legislations etc belong to this
category. The published works like books, research articles, etc., formed the
secondary sources.

The historical works of the scholars has helped to understand socio-

economic trends in Tamil Nadu, and has contributed much literature on the
subject. ‘The Politics of South India, 1920-1937’, by [Link], ‘Politics and
Social Conflict in South India, The Non Brahmin Movement and Tamil
Separation 1916-1929’ by Eugene F. Irschick, The Dravidian Movement by
Robert L. Hardgrave, The D.M.K. in Power by P. Spratt, ‘Minorities in
Madras State’ by S. Saraswathi, ‘South India: Political Institutions and
Political Change 1880-1940’, by C.J. Baker and D.A. Washbrook. ‘The
Politics of Cultural Nationalism in South India’ by Margurite Ross Barnatt,
[Link]’s ‘Tamil Nadu A Real History’, Periyar [Link]:
Communal Justice and Social Reorganisation’ by I Udhayasankar , David
Arnold’s The Congress in Tamilnad, Nationalst Politics in South India
1919-1937, S. Krishnaswamy’s The Role of Madras Legislature in the
Freedom Struggle, 1861-1947 Saroja Sundararajan’s March to Freedom in
Madras Presidency, 1916-1947, were helpful in understanding the significant
developments in the political and social structure of the Madras Presidency in
the light of all India developments. N. Srinivasan’s ‘Economic Development
of India’, provides a detailed account of the people of India who were
engaged in agriculture. [Link]’s ‘Economic History of India’ furnishes
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information about the Second World War which created greater demands in
the industrial sector and stimulated the process of speedy industrialization.
[Link]’s ‘Economic Development of Tamil Nadu’ gives a detailed
account of the substance of the economic growth as reflected in the progress
made by the State with regard to social overheads, notably education,
including Technical Education and Public Health. Besides, the unpublished
Thesis of T. Jadayan’s Politico-Economic Developments in Tamil Nadu,
1905-1922’ , [Link]’s Depressed Class Movement in Tamil
Nadu,1885-1947, [Link]’s Women and Social Legislations in Tamil
Nadu, 1917-1947, and [Link]’s ‘Socio-Political Awakening among the
Women in Tamil Nadu, 1917-1975’ throws light on the socio-economic
spheres of the study area. The primary and secondary sources were
crosschecked to ensure the validity of data.

Methodology

The methodology adopted in the Thesis deserves special mention. It is

historical, narrative, analytical and critical. Vital issues were analyzed to test
the hypotheses. Inductive and deductive processes were logically employed to
marshal the ideas and to arrive at a conclusion which constitutes the vital
findings of the research work.