The rise of Backward Class movements in India

Introduction

Historically speaking, India is of those countries where there is a maximum number of downtrodden sections. The idea of education especially western education was made compulsory for superior classes only. Moreover, lower castes were detached from every cultural and religious activity. M.N. Srinivas described that more Sanskritization was not adequate for the lower classes. Therefore, backward class movements were obvious to break where only one caste, i.e., Brahmins was enjoying everything.

The rise of Backward Class movements in India

Due to the diverse count of backward classes, it is very difficult to define them. Scholars like M S A Rao differentiate them into 3 categories. Landed class backward classes, non – landed service class and Untouchables. These are generally below upper castes and above schedules castes. According to the Kaka Kalekar Commission of 1952, there are more than 3000 backward classes which form 52% of the Indian population. The movements were triggered by numerous factors like British policies, improper land distribution, and growth of western education, the extension of the railway network and all over the popularity of modern politics. These led poor people to realize the extent of using hard power and soft power against them. M S A Rao classified such movements into three big categories which are Brahmins vs others, Brahmins vs lower nor – Brahmins and Dalit vs all others.

Some backward class movements are:

Satya Shodhak Samaj:

Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was known for his struggles to uplift lower castes. This society was established by him in 1873 He belonged to a Mali caste; he faced exploitation and humiliation. These circumstances led him to turn against caste inequalities. He criticized Brahmins and the congress party due to its ignorant attitude towards weaker sections. The main aim was to free Shudras and Ati Shudras from suppression. This movement condemned Brahmins for being mediators between God and his followers. Phule believed that no one can become an intermediary in religious matters. He wanted the representation of all classes in local bodies and services. The movement emphasized education for a social change and revolution. For the same, he opened many educational institutions. He was also elected as a member of the Poona Municipal Committee in 1876 and honored with the title of ‘Mahatma’ in 1888. The efforts led to the scope of reservation for underprivileged and weaker sections in the Constitution.

The rise of Backward Class movements in India

Shri Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam Movement:

The SN is also an important pre-independence movement. It was founded in Kerala in 1903 under the leadership of Shri Narayana Guru. He faced humiliation in various forms because he belonged to a backward Ezhava caste. The caste constitutes 26% of the total Kerala’s population. The problem of traditional caste hierarchy was prevailing and people suffered from many humiliating causes. It was against the conflict between depressed class and upper-class people. Moreover, the common thing here also was suppression caused by the Brahmins. He took a motive called ‘SNDP Yogam’. Several issues like government employment, biased temple entry, education, political representation, etc. were taken out under this act. The movement brought transformations in social positions and helped in bringing social mobility. He studied many religious and marital rituals and simplified them. Wrapping up his every beneficial step he gave one slogan “one religion, one caste, and one God for mankind”.

The rise of Backward Class movements in India

Justice Party:

There was a lack of representation of non – Brahmins. India was fighting against the colonial rule but on another side, a real fight continued for the liberation of weaker sections. In the Madras presidency, they were left illiterate and not allowed in various public places. The political scenario was dominating with no job security for backward class masses. In 1916, nearly 30 essential non-Brahmin leaders took a stand and formed South Indian Liberation Federation (SILF) which was popularly famous as Justice Party. It released a very crucial document as non-Brahmins manifesto in December 1916 that later formed the basis for Dravidian Movement. Tamil Nadu gained many advantageous results from the Justice Party and shaped its social and political justice. Moreover, the party was not male dominating because it played a vital role in promoting women to contest elections. It paved a way for Muthulakshmi Reddy to designate as a first woman legislator. Nair claimed that this movement also affected north India. The party formed a new faith among people about political scenes.

The rise of Backward Class movements in India

The Self respect movement:

Comparatively, South India faced more violent movements than north India. The position of Brahmins in southern parts was discriminatory and high. Organizations like Arya Samaj in North India helped these areas to be united and equal to a great limit. The self-respect movement broke out in 1925 by Ramasamy Niacker. It was started to uplift Dravidian people, expose Brahmins tyranny and those ways through which high-class people were controlling every authority. This movement holds the ideas of equal human rights. He wanted to advocate a separate Dravida Nation. He also backed the creation of Pakistan because this might help in creating a Dravida nation. The basic dogma for this separatist idea was that the lower classes and non – Brahmins were facing a lot of heinous issues. It would help them to get rid of these difficulties. He wanted that nation as an egalitarian society. His principal motive was to remove every religious motto which justifies ill practices and evils. His ideas were violent and he urged every non – Brahmin to boycott Brahmin ceremonies. Then this Dravidian movement later involved in politics and formed DMK that was supported by backward and Dalits of Tamil Nadu.

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