In this interview @RangarajPandeyR asked @jsaideepak why Justice Party wanted Govt Control of Temples, as they were the rich people administering temples. Here is some history. In early 19th century EIC had nominal control over temples, till it relinquished in 1863 by Act XX 1/n
The temples became one of the power centres. Where there was no Zamindar, Pandarasandhi, rich and powerful people got themselves associated with temples. 2/n
The financial power of Temples were so great that invariably the politicians got involved. To get an idea of the Temple wealth, some of the big temples and adheenams had lot of property and money. 3/n
Because of the lacunae in the Act XX, the temple and its properties were not managed well and it was very difficult to take a legal recourse. 4/n
In 1908 Code of Civil Procedure opened a window for taking the temple administration matters to court. Some battles were fought in the court after this. 5/n
Dharmarakshana Sabha whose members were identified as the "Mylapore gang" in later stages, used the various provisions of law to rid the temples of sin. This infact ruffled a few feathers and in a way was responsible for the political developments of future 6/n
S.I.P.A the fore-runner to Justice party was particularly unhappy with the Dharmarakshana Sabha and petitioned against its activities and was "against" any legislative interference in temple management. 7/n
And all this changed after Justice party "secured office". N.A.V. Somasundaram Pillai helped draft the Justice Ministry's temple legislation. This is how a party that was against temple legislation itself passed laws to control the temple properties.
Before concluding this thread, it needs to be re-iterated that social justice could not have been the reason for legislating temple control because even prior to it, the control of temples were with powerful and rich landowners. n/n
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This information of temple control being under select few is historically wrong. In Madras presidency, temple elections were initiated by 1863 act, much before SILF. Kumbakonam temple election was won by Mr.T.Ponnusami Nadar. 1/n
Wealthy landowners like Appasami Vandyar, Sivaswami Odayar also controlled this temple. In 1915 Raja of Ramnad took over. To retain control of these powerful institutions, not social justice was the objective of law brought in by Justice Party. 2/n
Here is a thread on history of Temple Control in Madras Presidency from 1800's . Justice Party was against any temple control, but as soon as they came to power, enacted a law to secure the control of temples. 3/n
Adyar River status at 11:00 AM on the Saidapet bridge. Water being discharged in the river. Still has capacity to carry water. Embankments also raised. #NivarCyclone#chennairains#Nivarpuyal
#Nivar#Adyar River status at 11:00 AM on 25 Nov 2020.
Hmm. So Ashok converting to Buddhism after Kalinga battle is also not true. At this rate what needs to be “cancelled” is the education of history in India.
Phew. This article by @sanjeevsanyal (taken from a comment in this thread) gives the nitty gritty details of the Emperor who wasn’t benevolent. Would have spread Shoka all around it seems. Now where is NCERT? swarajyamag.com/culture/ashoka…
Another reference, this time from the Chinese traveller on why Ashoka adopted Buddhism. BTW interesting, this reference to good deeds in previous births and becoming a King.