Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari (Tamil: சக்ரவர்தி ராஜகோபாலாச்சாரி) (b. December 10, 1878 - d. December 25, 1972), known as or Rajaji or C.R., was an Indian lawyer, writer, statesman and a devout Hindu . He was the second Governor-General of independent India. Later he became the Chief Minister of Madras State, and was one of the first recipients of India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (in 1954), the other two being Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Dr. C.V.Raman, all from the same state Tamil Nadu. December 10 is the 344th day (345th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, 21 days before the next year. ... 1878 (MDCCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the fish called lawyer, see Burbot. ... A writer is anyone who creates a written work, although the word more usually designates those who write creatively or professionally, or those who have written in many different forms. ... Statesman is a respectful term used to refer to politicians, and other notable figures of state. ... Hinduism (known as in modern Indian languages[1]) is a religious tradition[2] that originated in the Indian subcontinent. ... December 10 is the 344th day (345th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, 21 days before the next year. ... 1878 (MDCCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Statesman is a respectful term used to refer to politicians, and other notable figures of state. ... This article discusses the adherents of Hinduism. ... Governor-General (or Governor General) is a term used both historically and currently to designate the appointed representative of a head of state or their government for a particular territory, historically in a colonial context, but no longer necessarily in that form. ... A Chief Minister is the elected Head of Government of a state of India, a territory of Australia or a British overseas territory that has attained self-government. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... Bharat Ratna is Indias highest civilian award, awarded for the highest degrees of national service. ... Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan ,Tamil:(சர்வேபள்ளி ராதாகிருஷ்ணன்), (September 5, 1888 – April 17, 1975), was a philosopher and statesman. ... Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, CBE (Tamil: சந்திரசேகர வெங்கடராமன்) (November 7, 1888-November 21, 1970) was an Indian physicist, who was awarded the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the scattering of light and for the discovery of the Raman effect, which is named after him. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ...

Early life

CR with Mahatma Gandhi

Rajagopalachari was born into a Tamil Brahmin family in a small village called Thorapalli of the then Salem District. (Now Thorapalli is in Krishnagiri District.) He had his school education at Hosur and college education at Madras (Chennai) and Bangalore. He was married to Alamelu Mangamma when he was young and they had five children. His wife died when he was 37 and he solely took the responsibility of taking care of his children. Rajaji studied law in Bangalore and started his practice at Salem. As a lawyer he was very successful. When in Salem, Rajaji showed keen interest in the social and political affairs. He was even elected as the Municipal Chairman of Salem and he held that post for two years. He was affectionately hailed as the "Mango of Salem". Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1024x739, 52 KB) Ganfhi speaking to Chakraborty Rajagopalachari during the Gandhi-Jinnah talks at Birla House, Mumbai, September 1944 . ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1024x739, 52 KB) Ganfhi speaking to Chakraborty Rajagopalachari during the Gandhi-Jinnah talks at Birla House, Mumbai, September 1944 . ... Salem District Salem District is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. ... , Krishnagiri is a municipal city and the headquarters of Krishnagiri District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. ... , Hosur (Tamil: ஓசூர்) is a Town and a municipality in Krishnagiri district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. ... Madras refers to: the Indian city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, the former Indian state, now known as Tamil Nadu (Plural of Madra): Ancient people of Iranian affinites, who lived in northwest Panjab in the Uttarapatha division of ancient India. ... , “Madras” redirects here. ... For other uses, see Bangalore (disambiguation). ...

With the Congress

Rajaji started to take part in the politics of the nation at the beginning of the 1900s. At first he was drawn towards Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He had a good relationship with V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, an ardent follower of Tilak. During the Home Rule League days he admired Dr. Annie Besant and he highly revered Salem C. Vijayaraghavachariar, one of the founders of the Congress Party. Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856 - 1920), was an Indian nationalist, social reformer and freedom fighter who was the first popular leader of the Indian Independence Movement. ... V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, (Tamil: வ. உ. சிதம்பரம் பிள்ளை) popularly known by his initials, V.O.C. (spelt Vaa. ... The Home Rule League, sometimes called the Home Rule Party, was a nineteenth and early twentieth century Irish political party which campaigned for home rule for the island of Ireland. ... Annie Besant Plaque on house in Colby Road, London SE19 where Annie Besant lived in 1874. ... The Indian National Congress (also known as the Congress Party) is the largest subscription-based organisation in the world. ...

In the year 1919 Rajaji chose to follow Mahatma Gandhi, who had just returned from South Africa. In the year 1921, Rajaji was selected as the General Secretary of the Congress Party and he came into close contact with Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Azad,Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Rajendra Prasad etc. and began to gain stature in the party. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Gujarati: , Hindi: , IAST: mohandās karamcand gāndhÄ«, IPA: ) (October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948), was a major political and spiritual leader of India and the Indian independence movement. ... The Indian National Congress (also known as the Congress Party) is the largest subscription-based organisation in the world. ... Jawaharlal Nehru (Hindi: , IPA: , from Persian Javâher-e Laal, meaning Red Jewel) (November 14, 1889 – May 27, 1964) was a political leader of the Indian National Congress, a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of Independent India. ... Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (October 31, 1875–December 15, 1950), popularly referred to as Sardar, was an Indian statesman, an important leader of the Indian National Congress and the deputy Prime Minister in the first cabinet of Independent India. ... Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888 - August 1958) was a freedom fighter in Indias struggle for Independence from Britain. ... Anugrah Narayan Sinha (Singh) (June 18, 1887 – 1957), known as Bihar Bibhuti, was the first Finance Minister of the Indian state of Bihar (1946 – 1957). ... Dr. Rajendra Prasad (Hindi: डाक्टर राजेन्द्र प्रसाद) (December 3, 1884 – February 28, 1963) was the first President of India. ...

At one time considered Mahatma Gandhi's heir,^[1] this brilliant lawyer from Salem, Tamil Nadu was regarded in pre-independence years as one of the top leaders of the Congress along with Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Rajaji was also connected by marriage to Mahatma Gandhi, as his daughter married Devdas Gandhi. Of the five, Rajaji, Nehru and Patel were christened the "head, heart and hands" of Gandhi, in whose shadows they remained till his death^{[citation needed]}. Ironically, all three of them were to have a tempestuous relationship, bound together only by their common goal and Gandhi's charm. However, they respected each other immensely. Nehru wrote about Rajaji in his autobiography of how Rajaji's "brilliant intellect, selfless character, and penetrating powers of analysis have been a tremendous asset to our cause". Rajaji's intellect and political acumen is often compared with that of Chanakya. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Gujarati: , Hindi: , IAST: mohandās karamcand gāndhÄ«, IPA: ) (October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948), was a major political and spiritual leader of India and the Indian independence movement. ... , Salem   (Tamil: சேலம்) is a city and a municipal corporation in Salem district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. ... Indian National Congress (also known as the Congress Party and abbreviated INC) is a major political party in India. ... Jawaharlal Nehru (Hindi: , IPA: , from Persian Javâher-e Laal, meaning Red Jewel) (November 14, 1889 – May 27, 1964) was a political leader of the Indian National Congress, a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of Independent India. ... Dr. Rajendra Prasad (Hindi: डाक्टर राजेन्द्र प्रसाद) (December 3, 1884 – February 28, 1963) was the first President of India. ... Vallabhbhai Patel (Gujarati: , Hindi: ; IPA: ) (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950) was a political and social leader of India who played a major role in the countrys struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united, independent nation. ... Abul Kalam Muhiyuddin Ahmed (b. ... This article or section contains information that has not been verified and thus might not be reliable. ... Chānakya (Sanskrit: चाणक्य) (c. ...

He had a very intimate relationship with Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel. In fact after his resignation as Governor-General he was called back to join Nehru's Cabinet mainly to work as a bridge between Nehru and Patel, a role in which he very well suited and succeeded after Mahatma Gandhi. Though in later years Rajaji developed differences with Nehru with regards to economic policy, their personal relationship remained unstrained. Both had a high regard and affection on each other. Sardar Patel had always identified Rajaji as one of his close companions, he always shared a cordial relationship with Rajaji. He was so open to Rajaji that he shared his personal views about Nehru, Maulana Azad and their policy with him.^{[citation needed]} Both of Sardar Patel and Rajaji were averse to socialism and communism. As one of the Top Five Leaders of the Congress, Rajaji had to play a very vital role in policy making of the Congress Party. He was a member in the Working Committee from 1919 to 1942 and then 1950 to 1955. He also had a cordial relationship with E.V.Ramasamy Naicker also known as Periyar, who was the founder of the dravidian centric party Dravidar Kazhagam. Though they had vast difference of opinions, Periyar leaning towards socialism and Rajaji being a follower of classical liberalism, they remained good friends till Periyar's death. Though he was active in Congress for nearly 50 years, Rajaji was not Congress president even once. In 1932 he was the acting President of Congress Party and played a vital role in forging the Poona Pact with Ambedkar[1]. Rajaji was requested to occupy the Presidency of Congress in the years 1934 and 1936 by Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel but he refused.^{[citation needed]} Once again in 1950 Rajaji was sought after by Nehru and Patel to accept the Presidency of the party but he put down the offer once again.^{[citation needed]} Year 1919 (MCMXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... Year 1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1955 (MCMLV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar). ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Dravidar Kazhagam or Dravida Kazhagam (Dravidian Organization) was the first fully Dravidian party in India. ... Year 1932 (MCMXXXII) was a leap year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1932 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1934 (MCMXXXIV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full 1934 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1936 (MCMXXXVI) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Rajaji was perhaps the earliest Congress leader in the 1940s to accept the right of Muslims to self-determination. He devised a formula whereby there could be common defence and communications between the two nations. But the Rajaji formula was rejected by Jinnah as well as some Congress leaders. Rajaji was known to be a fierce defender of his political ideals, and did not hesitate to contradict his closest aides and friends in public, whenever he sensed a threat to them.

In the words of Jawaharlal Nehru, "Rajaji represents fundamentally the highest type of mind in India." A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, "conscience keeper of the Mahatma", he was an ardent freedom fighter.

After serving time in British prisons for his work in the independence movement, he became a member of the Governor's Council in 1946 and first held the portfolios of Education and Arts[2] and in Jan,1947 held the portfolio of Industries and Supply[3] and after the resignation of Liaquat Ali Khan from the Interim Government, the portfolio of Finance was also held by him. In 1948, after Indian independence was attained, he replaced Mountbatten to become the only Indian Governor-General of India, in which post he continued until the Republic was declared on January 26, 1950. The office was replaced by that of President, first held by Rajendra Prasad. The organization and structure of Colonial governments in America shared many attributes. ... Liaquat Ali Khan Liaquat Ali Khan Nawabzaada Khan Liaquat Ali Khan (October 1, 1896 – October 16, 1951) was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan. ... Admiral of the Fleet Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas George Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, KG, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, DSO, PC (25 June 1900–27 August 1979) was a British admiral and statesman and an uncle of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. ... The Governor-Generals Flag (1885–1947) depicted the Star of India on a Union Flag. ... is the 26th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The President of India (Hindi: Rashtrapati) is the head of state and first citizen of India and the Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces. ... Dr. Rajendra Prasad (Hindi: डाक्टर राजेन्द्र प्रसाद) (December 3, 1884 – February 28, 1963) was the first President of India. ...

Rajaji became a member of Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet, first without portfolio, then, after Patel's death, as Home Minister. He was chief minister of Madras from 1952 to 1954. Jawaharlal Nehru (Hindi: , IPA: , from Persian Javâher-e Laal, meaning Red Jewel) (November 14, 1889 – May 27, 1964) was a political leader of the Indian National Congress, a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of Independent India. ... The Home Minister, or more properly the Minister for Home Affairs, is a position in the Indian Cabinet, at both State and Union levels. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ...

On leaving government, he was among the first recipients of the Bharat Ratna, the Indian government's highest civilian award. Bharat Ratna is Indias highest civilian award, awarded for the highest degrees of national service. ...

As Governor-General

Rajaji has the unique distinction of being the only Indian Governor-General. Prior to his occupying this great distinguished position he had been serving as the Governor of West Bengal. Rajaji had served as Acting Governor-General during November,1947, when Lord Mountbatten was in England to attend Prince Phillip's marriage to then-Princess Elizabeth. Rajaji led a very simple life in the viceregal palace. It is known that he used to wash his own clothes. During this time a friend of Rajaji came to visit him. He was surprised to see acting Governor-General Rajaji polishing his own shoes and asked why that a governal general should polish his shoes and not leave the job to a maid or servant. Rajaji replied sarcastically repling "Yes, indeed it is my own shoe and who's shoe do you polish?". Rajaji as Governor-General, Jawaharlal Nehru, as Prime Minister and Sardar Patel, as Deputy Prime Minister, constituted an impressive triumvirate which ruled the country from 1948 - 1950. Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (June 25, 1900 – August 27, 1979) was a British admiral and statesman and an uncle of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. ... Jawaharlal Nehru (Hindi: , IPA: , from Persian Javâher-e Laal, meaning Red Jewel) (November 14, 1889 – May 27, 1964) was a political leader of the Indian National Congress, a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of Independent India. ... Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (October 31, 1875–December 15, 1950), popularly referred to as Sardar Patel, was an Indian statesman, an important leader of the Indian National Congress and the deputy Prime Minister in the first cabinet of Independent India. ...

President of India

By the end of the year 1949, it was assumed that Rajaji, already Governor-General, was going to continue as President. But due to the internal politics of the Congress mainly between the supporters of Nehru and Patel, Rajendra Prasad was also taken up as a possible candidate. Congressmen who were opponents of Rajaji used his non-participation in the Quit India Movement as a weapon against him. Rajaji immediately called Rajendra Prasad and he said to him that he did not want the country to witness a conflict between senior leaders so soon after the death of Mahatma Gandhi and said he is withdrawing from the Presidential Contest. Thus Rajendra Prasad became the President.^{[citation needed]} The Quit India Movement (Bharat Chhodo Andolan or the August Movement) was a civil disobedience movement in India launched in August 1942 in response to Mahatma Gandhis call for immediate independence of India. ...

As Union Home Minister

Rajaji served as the country's Home Minister for nearly 10 months. He at that time warned Nehru about the expansionist designs of China and also expressed regret over the Tibet problem, his views being in par with that of Sardar Patel, his predecessor^{[citation needed]}. He had also expressed concern over the demands made about establishing new states on a linguistic basis, saying that it would generate differences amongst the people. Once in a cabinet meeting regarding Foreign Policy, Rajaji made a point and Nehru's view was different to that of Rajaji. The other members in the meeting also supported Nehru. Nehru turned to Rajaji and said "See Rajaji, the majority is with me!". To this Rajaji retorted "Yes, Jawaharlal! The majority is with you, but the logic is with me!". Nehru laughed and supported Rajaji's proposal.

When Rajaji was piloting the Press Bill in the Parliament in the year 1951, Shyama Prasad Mukerjee interrupted and said "Rajaji! Please remember that you have ceased to be a lawyer". And to this Rajaji shot back "Yes indeed, I accept that I have ceased to be a lawyer. But I have not ceased to be reasonable!".

As Chief Minister of Madras Presidency/Madras State(Tamil Nadu)

CR with Dr M. G. Ramachandran

Rajaji became the Premier of Madras Presidency in 1937 and he made Hindi a compulsory language in schools. This was immediately opposed and protests were organised by Periyar Ramasami and Sir A. D. Panneerselvam a few people were killed in the Anti-Hindi agitations. He introduced prohibition in 1937 and to compensate the loss of revenue introduced sales tax for the first time in India.^[2] He resigned along with other Congress governments in 1939 due to viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow declaring that India was also at war without consultation and no discussion on the question of immediate independence.^[3] Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2022x1563, 2974 KB) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2022x1563, 2974 KB) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Anti-Hindi agitation is a term used to describe the opposition the people of Tamil Nadu have voiced to the Indian Governments attempts to establish Hindi as the sole National language of India [1]. Anti Hindi agitation is not a history but its an ongoing agitation or feelings with...

C.Rajagopalachari who had become the Chief Minister of Madras State for the second time between 1952 and 1954, had introduced the scheme of conducting classes in the schools in the forenoon and asking the students to learn the traditional jobs of their parents in the afternoon. At the first stage it was implement in the rural areas of the state. The Dravidian leaders rightly assessed that the scheme was a clever device to keep the Shudra and Panchama castes as illiterates or semi-literates. Their children had just begun to attend school after centuries of denial of educational opportunities. They dubbed C. Rajagopalachari's scheme as Castiest Education Plan (Kula Kalvi Thittam) and began to agitate under Periyar's leadership demanding its withdrawal. As a consequence, the Chief Minister had to resign in March 1954, and Kamaraj assumed office on 14th April. Kamaraj abolished the half-day-teaching scheme, and assured Periyar that his Government would extent educational facilities to people in every nook and corner of the state.

Rajaji became the Chief minister due to a constitutional impropriety in 1952.In the 1952 elections Congress Party was reduced to a minority in the State Assembly and the Communist Party of India led coalition appeared to be in a better position to form the Government.^[4] But Governor Sri Prakasa nominated Rajaji to the Legislative Council without the advice of the council of ministers and the selection of a nominated member as Chief Minister and further majority was obtained by luring opposition MLA^[5] to join the party and Nehru was furious and wrote to Rajaji that" the one thing we must avoid giving is the impression that we stick to office and we want to keep others out at all costs"^[6][7] Rajaji refused to contest a bye election and remained a non elected member. Jawaharlal Nehru (जवाहरलाल नेहरू) (November 14, 1889 - May 27, 1964), also called Pandit (Teacher) Nehru, was the leader of the (moderately) socialist wing of the Indian National Congress during and after Indias struggle for independence from the British...

Dr. P.C. Alexander himself a former Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra governor writes that the most conspicuous case of constitutional impropriety was the one by Sri Prakasa when he invited Rajagopalachari to form the government in the Madras state. During this time Potti Sriramulu called for a separate state by the name of Andhra and went on a unconditional fast until his goal was achieved. He died following complications that arouse during the fast and violent riots broke out in the Telugu areas of Madras State. Jawaharlal Nehru had initially warned that this method of fasting to achieve administrative or political changes will put end to democratic government but after death of Potti Sriramulu Nehru agreed to the demand for separate state of Andhra but refused to include Madras (now Chennai) city in Andhra. Serious allegations arouse that Rajaji did not intervene to break the fast or provide medical help for Sriramulu even though the fast had continued for over 50 days. On a side note, only one other person,Jatin Das, before Sriramulu, in modern Indian history actually fasted to death. In most cases they either gave up, hospitalised or arrested and force fed ^[8]. The State of Andhra was carved out of the Madras State in 1953, Rajaji remained aloof from the Andhra State and related issues.^[9] He removed controls on foodgrains and introduced a new education policy based on family vocation. According to this policy students had to goto school in the morning and to compulsorily learn the family vocation, like carpentary, masonary etc after school. It was severely opposed as casteist and dubbed Kula Kalvi Thittam (Hereditary Education Policy) by his close friend Periyar who vehemently opposed it. This policy was under attack this from within the Congress as well as outside it. This ultimately led to his resignation in 1954.^[10][11][12] Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA:  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ... Amarajeevi Potti Sriramulu was a Freedom Fighter who sacrificed his life to unite Andhra. ... Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... Amarajeevi Potti Sriramulu was a Freedom Fighter who sacrificed his life to unite Andhra. ... , “Madras” redirects here. ... Jatindra Nath Das (also known as Jatin Das) (27 October 1904 - 13 September 1929) was an Indian freedom fighter and revolutionary. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... Hereditary Education Policy or Kula Kalvi Thittam is a education policy introduced by Rajaji as Chief Minister of Madras State in 1952. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ...

Split

Just ahead of the 1957, CR and his followers broke away from the Congress and formed the Congress Reform Committee. He came to an understanding with his former adversary, Forward Bloc leader U. Muthuramalingam Thevar, in forming an anti-Congress front. The two parties contested the elections jointly. In September CRC was renamed the Indian National Democratic Congress. The Congress Reform Committee was formed by a group of dissidents that left the Indian National Congress in the Madras State. ... The All India Forward Bloc is a leftwing nationalist political party in India. ... U. Muthuramalingam Thevar, also known as Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Thevar (October 30, 1908 – October 30, 1963) was an Indian politician. ...

The Swatantra Party

In July 1957, CR merged his INDC into the Swatantra Party. He attacked the license-permit Raj fearing its potential for corruption and stagnation, even while the tide was in favour of Nehru's socialistic pattern. He wrote in his newspaper Swarajya thus - Swatantra Party (swatantra in Hindi means independence) was a political party in India founded by Chakravarti Rajagopalachari in 1959. ... License raj refers to Indias planned economy where all aspects of the economy are controlled by the state and licenses were given to a select few. ...

"Encouraging competition in industry and giving incentives for higher production are good for the public as well as for the private interests. I want an India where talent and energy can find scope for play without having to cringe and obtain special individual permission from officials and ministers, and where their efforts will be judged by the open market in India and abroad. [...] I want the inefficiency of public management to go where the competitive economy of private management can look after affairs. [...] I want the corruptions of the permit-license-raj to go. [...] I want the officials appointed to administer laws and policies to be free from pressures of the bosses of the ruling party, and gradually restored back to the standards of fearless honesty which they once maintained. [...] I want real equal opportunities for all and no private monopolies created by the permit-license- raj. [...] I want the money power of big business to be isolated from politics. [...] I want an India where dharma once again rules the hearts of men and not greed."

There were many great personalities who got themselves affiliated with the Swatantra Party such as K.M. Munshi, Prof. N.G. Ranga, Minoo Masani, H.M. Patel, V.P. Menon and Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. For other uses, see Dharma (disambiguation). ... Kanhaiyalal Maneklal Munshi was an Indian freedom fighter from the state of Gujarat. ... N.G.Ranga or Achrya N. G. Ranga is a former politician from Guntur City in India. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Haribhai Patel was an Indian civil servant who played a major role in the issues regarding internal and national security in the first years after the independence of India. ... Vapal Pangunni Menon was an Indian civil servant who played a vital role in the partition of India and the integration of independent India, during the period 1945-1950. ... Maharani Gayatri Devi, Rajmata of Jaipur (born May 23 1919 as Princess Gayatri Devi of Cooch Behar), was the third Maharani of Jaipur from 1939 to 1970, and is currently styled (unofficially) as the Rajmata, or Queen Mother. ...

The party proved to be a good opponent to the ruling Congress. The party won 45 Lok Sabha members in the 1967 general elections and was the single largest party in the opposition. It was the principal opposition party in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It also formed a coalition government in Orissa. It also had a significance presence in the Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Bihar. In the mid 1960s it won nearly 207 legislative assembly seats all over India, as against 153 by the communists, 149 by the socialists and 115 by the Jan Sangh. But the Party started to disintegrate after the death of Rajaji. It finally merged with Charan Singh's Bharatiya Lok Dal in 1974. The Lok Sabha is the lower house in the Parliament of India. ... , Rājasthān (DevanāgarÄ«: राजस्थान, IPA: )   is the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of area. ... This article is for the Indian state. ... Bharatiya Jana Sangh is the old name of Bharatiya Janata Party of India. ... Charan Singh could mean Choudhary Charan Singh, the former prime minister of India or Charan Singh (guru), the late Charan Singh of Radhasoami Satsang Beas. ... Bharatiya Lok Dal (Indian Peoples Party), was a political party in India. ... Year 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. ...

Literary Contributions

CR made several literary contributions. His works in his native Tamil are recognized as modern classics (published and re-printed several times). After his break with politics, he started on the massive task of translating the Hindu Scriptures Ramayana http://www.rajaji.net/Rajaji-Original/ramayana/index.htm, Mahabharata http://www.rajaji.net/Rajaji-Original/mahabharata/index.htm from Sanskrit to Tamil; and later into English. He received rave reviews from scholars and religious seers alike. He translated Upanishads http://www.rajaji.net/Rajaji-Original/Upanishads/upanishad.htm and Bhaja Govindam http://www.rajaji.net/Rajaji-Original/adisankara.htm into English. His book Hinduism - Doctrine and Way of Life http://www.rajaji.net/Rajaji-Original/hinduism/hinduism.htm is a concise essence of the doctrine and way of life propagated by Hinduism. For the television series by Ramanand Sagar, see Ramayan (TV series). ... For the film by Peter Brook, see The Mahabharata (1989 film). ... Tamil ( ; IPA ) is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamils in India and Sri Lanka, with smaller communities of speakers in many other countries. ... The Upanishads (उपनिषद्, Upanişad) are part of the Hindu Shruti scriptures which primarily discuss meditation and philosophy and are seen as religious instructions by most schools of Hinduism. ... Wikisource has original text related to this article: Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam is a very popular Hindu devotional composition in Sanskrit composed by Adi Shankaracharya. ...

His novels and short stories, themselves would have won him public adulation. He also translated 'The Tirukkural' from Tamil to English. 'Tirukkural' is an ancient piece of the Tamil literature and is often referred to as 'the flower of Tamilnad'. His ability as a writer, is in a sense, unparalleled, not just in India alone. Tiruvalluvar statue at Kanyakumari Tirukural (திருக்குறள் in Tamil) is an important work of Tamil literature by Tiruvalluvar written in the form of couplets expounding various aspects of life. ...

Some of his poetry was set to music and sung by Carnatic music's dominant personality M.S. Subbulakshmi at several occasions of importance, and once at the United Nations Kurai Onrum Illai http://www.rajaji.net/Rajaji-Original/kurai.htm - (meaning - No regrets have I My lord, None) is a very famous song in the semi-Carnatic music genre written by Rajaji and the most popular version, (widely acknowledged as soul-stirring) has been rendered by M.S. Subbulakshmi. Rajaji also composed a hymn http://www.rajaji.net/Rajaji-Original/hereunderthisunitingroof.htm which was sung in 1966 at the United Nations, again by M.S. Subbulakshmi. Carnatic music, also known as is one of the two styles of Indian classical music, the other being Hindustani music. ... Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, மதுரை சண்முகவடிவு சுப்புலட்சுமி (popularly known as M.S. or M.S.S./M.S. Maami. ... The foundation of the U.N. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate co-operation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress and human rights issues. ... Carnatic music, also known as is one of the two styles of Indian classical music, the other being Hindustani music. ... Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, மதுரை சண்முகவடிவு சுப்புலட்சுமி (popularly known as M.S. or M.S.S./M.S. Maami. ...

In 1954 with the then Vice President's 19 country Asian trip, Richard Nixon was lectured by Rajiji on the consuming emotional quality of nuclear weapons, which was "wrong to to seek the secret of the creation of matter. It isn't needed for civilian purposes. It is an evil and will destroy those who [try]'. Nixon apparently did not interpret this as anti-American, and in in RN reported no argument with Rajiji's ominous prophesy.^ [Nixon, One of Us, Tom Wicker, New York: Random House, 1991. p.138] Also, "... they discussed the spiritual life, particularly rereincarantion and predestination. Nixon filled three pages of notes recording what the sage had told him, claiming in his memoirs thirty-six years later that the afternoon 'had such a dramatic effect on me that I used many of his thoughts in my speeches over the next several years'." ^<references[Nixon, A Life, Jonathan Aitken. Regnery Publishing, Inc. p.228]/> Richard Milhous Nixon (January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994) was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. ...

He was invited to the White House by President Kennedy; perhaps the only civilian, not in power, ever to be accorded formal state reception.^{[citation needed]} The two discussed various matters and it is said that the great Indian statesman tried to impress on the young President the folly of an arms race - even one which the US could win. At the end of the meeting President Kennedy remarked "This meeting had the most civilizing influence on me. Seldom have I heard a case presented with such precision, clarity and elegance of language".

The nonagenarian's public life, spanning nearly eighty years are perhaps best recognized by Mahatma Gandhi's rich tribute to him praising him as: "the keeper of my conscience". Rajaji died in December, 1972 after a short illness. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Gujarati: , Hindi: , IAST: mohandās karamcand gāndhī, IPA: ) (October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948), was a major political and spiritual leader of India and the Indian independence movement. ...

Titles Held

Kurma Venkata Reddy was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from April 1, 1937 to July 14, 1937. ... A premier is an executive official of government. ... Madras Presidency, also known as Madras Province and known officially as Presidency of Fort St. ... is the 195th day of the year (196th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1937 (MCMXXXVII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 302nd day of the year (303rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... It has been suggested that Tanguturi Prakasham be merged into this article or section. ... The Governor of West Bengal is a nominal head and representative of the President of India in the state of West Bengal. ... is the 227th day of the year (228th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 171st day of the year (172nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Kailash Nath Katju (1887-1968) was a prominent politician of India. ... Admiral of the Fleet Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas George Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, KG, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, DSO, PC (25 June 1900–27 August 1979) was a British admiral and statesman and an uncle of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. ... The Governor-Generals Flag (1885–1947) depicted the Star of India on a Union Flag. ... The President of India (Hindi: Rashtrapati) is the head of state and first citizen of India and the Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces. ... Vallabhbhai Patel (Gujarati: , Hindi: ; IPA: ) (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950) was a political and social leader of India who played a major role in the countrys struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united, independent nation. ... The Home Minister, or more properly the Minister for Home Affairs, is a position in the Indian Cabinet, at both State and Union levels. ... is the 355th day of the year (356th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 305th day of the year (306th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Kailash Nath Katju (1887-1968) was a prominent politician of India. ... Poosapati S. Kumarswamy Raja (1898-1957) was the chief minister of Tamil Nadu from April 6, 1949 to April 10, 1952[1]. He was born in Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu. ... A Chief Minister is the elected Head of Government of a state of India, a territory of Australia or a British overseas territory that has attained self-government. ... Tamil Nadu (&#2980;&#2990;&#3007;&#2996;&#3021; &#2984;&#3006;&#2975;&#3009;, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... is the 100th day of the year (101st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1952 (MCMLII) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 103rd day of the year (104th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1954 (MCMLIV) was a common year (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Kumaraswami Kamaraj , (Tamil : காமராஜ்) better known as K. Kamaraj (15 July 1903 – 3 October 1975) was an Indian politician widely considered to be a kingmaker in Indian politics, and known for his honesty, integrity and simplicity. ...

Further reading

• Rajaji, A life by Rajmohan Gandhi. ISBN 0-14-026967-3.
• " Unfolding Rajaji" by C.R. Kesavan
• "Rajaji" by Kousigan (Tamil)

Rajmohan Gandhi is a biographer and grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. ...

Notes

1. ^ The Hindu
2. ^ http://www.freeindia.org/biographies/greatleaders/rajaji/page11.htm
3. ^ http://www.lclark.edu/~india03/History217/Lecture%2017.htm
4. ^ http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19971108/31250413.html
5. ^ http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1539375.cms
6. ^ http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050303/asp/opinion/story_4445928.asp
7. ^ http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2001/06/04/stories/05041306.htm
8. ^ http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,822565-1,00.html
9. ^ http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/sep26/spt1.asp
10. ^ http://sify.com/news/politics/fullstory.php?id=13569138
11. ^ http://www.tamilnation.org/hundredtamils/periyar.htm
12. ^ http://www.periyar.org/html/dk_movement_eng.asp

External links

• RAJAJI.NET is an exclusive web-site on Rajaji and his works
• Article about Rajaji at Karnatik
• Stamps on C. Rajagopalachari
• Dr. P.C. Alexander constitutional impropriety
• From Rajaji to Jayalalithaa
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