Bharati as a journalist - subaonline.net · Vivehabanu, Chakravarthini, Viveka Chinthamani, Swadesi, Thamizhagam, Grama Paripaalini, Suthesa Paripalini (Rangoon) and Indhu Saadhanam

BHARATIBHARATIBHARATIBHARATIBHARATIBHARATIBHARATIBHARATI

AS AAS AAS AAS AAS AAS AAS AAS AAS AAS AAS AAS AAS AAS AAS AAS A

JOURNALISTJOURNALISTJOURNALISTJOURNALISTJOURNALISTJOURNALISTJOURNALISTJOURNALIST

K R.A.Narasiah

Tamil Heritage Foundation

BHARATI IN BENARESBHARATI IN BENARES

�� Subbiah, supported by Krishna Subbiah, supported by Krishna Sivan, landed in Kasi.Sivan, landed in Kasi.

�� In 1900 he passed with a first class In 1900 he passed with a first class in the entrance exam of the in the entrance exam of the in the entrance exam of the in the entrance exam of the (Allahabad University) Central Hindu (Allahabad University) Central Hindu College College –– was good in Sanskrit and was good in Sanskrit and Hindi.Hindi.

�� Good in learning he soon became Good in learning he soon became well versed in various studies and well versed in various studies and started looking at the world started looking at the world differently.differently.

CORONATION DURBAR 1903 CORONATION DURBAR 1903 ––

Ettayapuram Rajah in KasiEttayapuram Rajah in Kasi

�� When Edward VII was crowned, Lord When Edward VII was crowned, Lord Curzon, the viceroy arranged a Curzon, the viceroy arranged a Durbar for which all heads of states Durbar for which all heads of states were invited.were invited.were invited.were invited.

�� Ettayapuram rajah after attending Ettayapuram rajah after attending the Durbar visited Kasi and asked the Durbar visited Kasi and asked Bharati to join him in Ettayapuram.Bharati to join him in Ettayapuram.

�� Bharati returned to E’Puram.Bharati returned to E’Puram.

�� Life was not as he wanted. Life was not as he wanted.

BHARATI IN MADURAIBHARATI IN MADURAI

�� In a temporary vacancy caused by illness In a temporary vacancy caused by illness of P R Ayyasami Iyer, who recommended of P R Ayyasami Iyer, who recommended that Bharati be taken as a Tamil teacher, that Bharati be taken as a Tamil teacher, he joined Sethupathi High School in he joined Sethupathi High School in Madura.Madura.Madura.Madura.

�� He worked there from August 1, 1904 till He worked there from August 1, 1904 till November 11, same year. (pay 17 November 11, same year. (pay 17 –– 8 8 ––0)0)

�� It appears that Bharati was recommended It appears that Bharati was recommended to G. Subramania Iyer by one Rajarama to G. Subramania Iyer by one Rajarama Iyer, when G. S. was looking for someone Iyer, when G. S. was looking for someone with good Tamil and English knowledge. with good Tamil and English knowledge.

CHANGE CHANGE –– TEACHING TO TEACHING TO

JOURNALISMJOURNALISM

�� M. R. Kandasamy, ran a journal M. R. Kandasamy, ran a journal VIVEHA BHANUVIVEHA BHANU in Madurai; his in Madurai; his friend Gopalakrishna Iyer was friend Gopalakrishna Iyer was friend Gopalakrishna Iyer was friend Gopalakrishna Iyer was known well to G. Subramania known well to G. Subramania Iyer.Iyer.

�� It appears that it was It appears that it was Gopalakrishna who introduced Gopalakrishna who introduced Bharati to G. S.Bharati to G. S.

G. SUBRAMANIA G. SUBRAMANIA

AIYERAIYER

�� Ganapathy Dikshitar Ganapathy Dikshitar Subramania Iyer (Jan Subramania Iyer (Jan 19, 1855 19, 1855 -- April 18, April 18, 1916) founded The Hindu 1916) founded The Hindu along with five others on along with five others on along with five others on along with five others on September 20, 1878. September 20, 1878.

�� He was the Editor from He was the Editor from September 20, 1878 to September 20, 1878 to October 1898. October 1898.

SWADESAMITHRANSWADESAMITHRAN

�� SwadesamitranSwadesamitran -- was was the first Tamil journal the first Tamil journal of Madras founded in of Madras founded in 1881.1881.

�� G. Subramania Aiyer G. Subramania Aiyer founded this when he founded this when he was in The Hindu. was in The Hindu.

�� It was founded as a It was founded as a sister paper ofsister paper of The The HinduHindu by Aiyer.by Aiyer.

SUBRAMANYA AIYER SAIDSUBRAMANYA AIYER SAID

during the silver jubilee of the during the silver jubilee of the

journaljournal

�� ””ஆ�கில� அறியாத ஜன�க�� ஆ�கில� அறியாத ஜன�க�� ேதச சமாசார�கைள� ெத�� ேதச சமாசார�கைள� ெத�� ேதச சமாசார�கைள� ெத�� ேதச சமாசார�கைள� ெத�� ெகா��ப�� ெச வத"காக ெகா��ப�� ெச வத"காக 1882 1882 –– � வ&ஷ�தி( நா* � வ&ஷ�தி( நா* +ேதசமி�திரைன ,தாபி�ேத*+ேதசமி�திரைன ,தாபி�ேத*””

�� 19071907


ONE OF THE EARLIER ISSUESONE OF THE EARLIER ISSUES

�� Swadesamithran Swadesamithran was published as a was published as a weekly from 1892 weekly from 1892 and came to be a and came to be a daily from daily from daily from daily from September 1899, September 1899, with special issues with special issues weekly.weekly.

�� G. Subramania G. Subramania Iyer left The Hindu Iyer left The Hindu in September in September 1898.1898.


�� The Swadesamitran was the second The Swadesamitran was the second language newspaper published in language newspaper published in India. India.

�� The first was Kesari in Hindi. The first was Kesari in Hindi. �� The first was Kesari in Hindi. The first was Kesari in Hindi.

�� The paper was successful quite early The paper was successful quite early in its life and quickly found in its life and quickly found readership wherever there was a readership wherever there was a significant Tamil population not only significant Tamil population not only in India but also in Burma, Sri Lanka in India but also in Burma, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.and Mauritius.

SUBRAMANYA AIYER SAIDSUBRAMANYA AIYER SAID

during the silver jubilee of the during the silver jubilee of the

journaljournal

�� ””ஆ�கில� அறியாத ஜன�க�� ஆ�கில� அறியாத ஜன�க�� ேதச சமாசார�கைள� ெத�� ேதச சமாசார�கைள� ெத��

Bharati as a JournalistBharati as a Journalist K R A NarasiahK R A Narasiah 1111

ேதச சமாசார�கைள� ெத�� ேதச சமாசார�கைள� ெத�� ெகா��ப�� ெச வத"காக ெகா��ப�� ெச வத"காக 1882 1882 –– � வ&ஷ�தி( நா* � வ&ஷ�தி( நா* +ேதசமி�திரைன ,தாபி�ேத*+ேதசமி�திரைன ,தாபி�ேத*””

�� 19071907

BHARATI IN MADRASBHARATI IN MADRAS

�� Swadesamithran functioned from Swadesamithran functioned from Armenian St.,Armenian St.,

�� Advocate S. Duraiswamy Iyer became a Advocate S. Duraiswamy Iyer became a good friend of Bharati and supported him good friend of Bharati and supported him financially even in his death!financially even in his death!


financially even in his death!financially even in his death!

�� Bharati’s initial works were, collecting Bharati’s initial works were, collecting news, translation and proof reading. news, translation and proof reading.

�� Soon G. S. found the genius in Bharati Soon G. S. found the genius in Bharati and impressed by his abilities made him and impressed by his abilities made him an asst editor. an asst editor.

HACK WORK AND POLITICSHACK WORK AND POLITICS

�� In Swadesamithran Bharati’s main work In Swadesamithran Bharati’s main work was translation.was translation.

�� When partition of Bengal was announced When partition of Bengal was announced by Lord Curzon, the educated class rose by Lord Curzon, the educated class rose against the British. against the British.


against the British. against the British. �� This event made a difference in Bharati’s This event made a difference in Bharati’s writingswritings

�� Bharati was getting involved with national Bharati was getting involved with national poilitics and wanted more space for him to poilitics and wanted more space for him to express independently, that was not express independently, that was not available.available.

PRINCE OF WALES AND PRINCE OF WALES AND

BHARATIBHARATI

�� Bharati wrote a poem in 46 lines Bharati wrote a poem in 46 lines welcoming Prince of Wales when he visited welcoming Prince of Wales when he visited Madras.Madras.

�� This was published in Swdesamithran This was published in Swdesamithran dated 29 January 1906.dated 29 January 1906.


dated 29 January 1906.dated 29 January 1906.

�� Unlike the other journals, he, in this poem Unlike the other journals, he, in this poem makes makes Bharathmatha Bharathmatha welcome the prince welcome the prince explaining the problems of the country.explaining the problems of the country.

�� He specifically says He specifically says let us live without let us live without hatred!hatred!

CHAKRAVARTHINICHAKRAVARTHINI

�� A businessman Vaidyanatha Iyer from A businessman Vaidyanatha Iyer from Tanjore was close to G. S. and was eager Tanjore was close to G. S. and was eager to start his own journal.to start his own journal.

�� He wanted someone to assist him in He wanted someone to assist him in


He wanted someone to assist him in He wanted someone to assist him in running the magazine and asked for running the magazine and asked for assistance from G. S.assistance from G. S.

�� G. S suggested that Bharati could be G. S suggested that Bharati could be taken as the editor for the new magazine.taken as the editor for the new magazine.

�� First issue came out in August 1905.First issue came out in August 1905.

DUAL DUTIESDUAL DUTIES

�� Bharati continued as asst Editor in Bharati continued as asst Editor in Swadesamithran, while functioning Swadesamithran, while functioning as Editor of Chakravarthini. as Editor of Chakravarthini.

�� Chakravarthini was mainly a journal Chakravarthini was mainly a journal


�� Chakravarthini was mainly a journal Chakravarthini was mainly a journal for women and Bharati wrote his first for women and Bharati wrote his first article on Women’s Right in this article on Women’s Right in this journal. journal.

�� Only later issues are available now.Only later issues are available now.

THE JOURNAL THAT BHARATI THE JOURNAL THAT BHARATI

EDITEDEDITED FOR WOMENFOR WOMEN

�� Number of women Number of women writers wrote in writers wrote in this journal.this journal.

�� R. S. (sister) R. S. (sister)


R. S. (sister) R. S. (sister) subbulakshmi, a subbulakshmi, a relentless worker relentless worker for women and for women and children children contributed to this contributed to this journal.journal.

CONGRESS SESSIONS CONGRESS SESSIONS

�� Bharati attended theBharati attended the BenaresBenares Session in Session in 19051905, the Calcutta Session in , the Calcutta Session in 1906 1906 (when (when he met Sister Nivedita) and the he met Sister Nivedita) and the historichistoric SuratSurat Session in Session in 19071907..


�� In less than two years, Bharati left In less than two years, Bharati left Swadesamithran since SubramaniaSwadesamithran since Subramania Iyer, Iyer, whose heart was with the Tilak camp of whose heart was with the Tilak camp of the party, did not, however, wish to break the party, did not, however, wish to break away totally from the opposing Moderates.away totally from the opposing Moderates.

EFFECT OF SURAT SESSIONEFFECT OF SURAT SESSION

�� Bharati met his idol, Tilak, atBharati met his idol, Tilak, at Surat. Surat.

�� He took active interest in the deliberations of the He took active interest in the deliberations of the new party. new party.

�� He was the most active worker of the Tilak school He was the most active worker of the Tilak school inin South India. South India.


inin South India. South India.

�� As the editor of a popular weekly, Bharati was an As the editor of a popular weekly, Bharati was an important participant in the conference of editorsimportant participant in the conference of editors. .

�� It was decided that in order to create impact, It was decided that in order to create impact, editors should write on a chosen topic each week editors should write on a chosen topic each week simultaneously. simultaneously.

�� Bharati was given the job of coordinatingBharati was given the job of coordinating the the activity inactivity in South India.South India.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSIONFREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

�� S. N. TirumalachariarS. N. Tirumalachariar, was then editing an , was then editing an

English monthly English monthly BrahmavadinBrahmavadin,, became became

instrumental for Tamilinstrumental for Tamil paper,paper, India,India,

�� Started in April 1906; with Bharati in Started in April 1906; with Bharati in


�� Started in April 1906; with Bharati in Started in April 1906; with Bharati in

charge of editorials, political articles, charge of editorials, political articles,

poems, skits and even ideas for cartoons.poems, skits and even ideas for cartoons.

�� Bharati’s ideas for cartoons are Bharati’s ideas for cartoons are

exemplary.exemplary.

BALABHARATABALABHARATA

��Bharati started an Bharati started an association for the young association for the young called called Bala Bala


called called Bala Bala BharathaBharatha Sangam.Sangam.

��He started, He started, Bala BharataBala Bharata, , in English a journal for the in English a journal for the educated young.educated young.

ENGLISH JOURNAL FOR ENGLISH JOURNAL FOR

YOUTHYOUTH�� In Swadesamithran In Swadesamithran issue dated October issue dated October 2727, , 19071907, Bharati , Bharati introduces this new introduces this new English journal, English journal, targeting the youth. targeting the youth.

�� He knew, English will He knew, English will appeal better; in its appeal better; in its


appeal better; in its appeal better; in its first issue it carried first issue it carried news of news of Arbuthnot Arbuthnot Bank crashBank crash and and suppression in Egypt suppression in Egypt etc.,etc.,

�� Prop was Dr. M. C. Prop was Dr. M. C. Nanjunda Rao.Nanjunda Rao.

FIRST ISSUE OF FIRST ISSUE OF INDIA INDIA –– MAY 9, MAY 9,

19061906

THE THE INDIAINDIA JOURNALJOURNAL

BHARATI AND BHARATI AND INDIAINDIA

�� Though Bharati started writing in the Though Bharati started writing in the INDIAINDIA, , it was only from September it was only from September 1906, that he shifted from 1906, that he shifted from MitharnMitharn to to IndiaIndia fully.fully.IndiaIndia fully.fully.

�� He introduced the column He introduced the column TOPICS OF TOPICS OF THE WEEKTHE WEEK that reflected the current that reflected the current affairs.affairs.

�� He wrote under several names like, He wrote under several names like, Sakthidasan, Shellydasan, Sakthidasan, Shellydasan, Desabakthan Desabakthan and and Vedanthi!Vedanthi!

BHARATI AND BHARATI AND INDIAINDIA

�� INDIAINDIA was published every Saturday, in was published every Saturday, in Demy Folio size AND 16 pages.Demy Folio size AND 16 pages.

�� Four pages carried advertisements. Four pages carried advertisements.

�� A large size political cartoon occupied the A large size political cartoon occupied the �� A large size political cartoon occupied the A large size political cartoon occupied the entire front page. entire front page.

�� The cartoons attacked the British and their The cartoons attacked the British and their supporters in India. supporters in India.

�� Bharati was the first in South IndiaBharati was the first in South India to to publish cartoons in any paper, in any publish cartoons in any paper, in any languagelanguage. .

AN EARLY CARTOON AN EARLY CARTOON –– Oct Oct 2020, ,

1906 1906 (suffering from depredation)(suffering from depredation)

BHARATI AND ARBUTHNOT BHARATI AND ARBUTHNOT

Co.,Co.,

�� The firm had an arrangement The firm had an arrangement withwith Patrick MacFayden who engaged Patrick MacFayden who engaged in speculation and incurred heavy in speculation and incurred heavy losses, causing its collapse.losses, causing its collapse.losses, causing its collapse.losses, causing its collapse.

�� When investors gathered they were When investors gathered they were chased with whips by mounted chased with whips by mounted police.police.

�� Bharati wrote elaborately on this Bharati wrote elaborately on this failure in failure in India India on October on October 2727, , 19061906. .

BHARATI WROTE BHARATI WROTE

(India issue dated(India issue dated October 27, 1906)October 27, 1906)

�� ””ஐேயாஐேயா! ! ெவ�ைள0 கார* ெவ�ைள0 கார* ைகயிேல பண�ைத0 ைகயிேல பண�ைத0 ெகா2�0 ெகா3�� வி23� ெகா2�0 ெகா3�� வி23� ெகா2�0 ெகா3�� வி23� ெகா2�0 ெகா3�� வி23� ச40க�5� படேவ73மா ச40க�5� படேவ73மா ெத வேமெத வேம! ! எ*9 ஜன�க� எ*9 ஜன�க� அலறி0அலறி0 ெகா73 ெகா73 தி&�பினா:க�தி&�பினா:க�””

AFTER EFFECTAFTER EFFECT

�� Macfadyen committed suicide by throwing Macfadyen committed suicide by throwing himself under a train in himself under a train in 19061906..

�� Arbuthnot was tried for the fraudulent Arbuthnot was tried for the fraudulent activities, and received a sentence of activities, and received a sentence of 18 18 activities, and received a sentence of activities, and received a sentence of 18 18 months rigorous imprisonment.months rigorous imprisonment.

�� A key figure in case was the Madras A key figure in case was the Madras lawyer,lawyer, V. Krishnaswamy Iyer, who later V. Krishnaswamy Iyer, who later assisted and organised a group of assisted and organised a group of Chettiars, to found the INDIAN BANK in Chettiars, to found the INDIAN BANK in 19071907. .. .

BHARATI’S CARTOONSBHARATI’S CARTOONS

�� Bharati cartoons in the journal Bharati cartoons in the journal INDIAINDIAillustratedillustrated effectively the political effectively the political situation.situation.

�� He gave explanatory notes to the He gave explanatory notes to the �� He gave explanatory notes to the He gave explanatory notes to the cartoons so that common man can cartoons so that common man can understand the political situation understand the political situation easily. easily.

�� Obviously this had the desired Obviously this had the desired results.results.

ACTION BY THE ACTION BY THE

GOVERNMENTGOVERNMENT�� On four articles/cartoon in On four articles/cartoon in INDIA INDIA government found material of government found material of sedition. sedition.

�� A) cartoon on Aug 17, 1907, b) An A) cartoon on Aug 17, 1907, b) An �� A) cartoon on Aug 17, 1907, b) An A) cartoon on Aug 17, 1907, b) An advice to the Government by an advice to the Government by an Englishman onSep 7, 1907, c) A Englishman onSep 7, 1907, c) A writewrite--up titled up titled Plunder Plunder Nov 2, 1907 Nov 2, 1907 and d) A story titled and d) A story titled Self Rule Self Rule Nov 2 Nov 2 1907.1907.

�� A warrant was issued to arrest the A warrant was issued to arrest the Editor of Editor of INDIA.INDIA.

TOPICS OF THE WEEKTOPICS OF THE WEEK

�� Under this title Bharati has in all written Under this title Bharati has in all written 266 articles dealing with almost all 266 articles dealing with almost all subjects, both national and international!subjects, both national and international!

�� Some of these articles had been Some of these articles had been Some of these articles had been Some of these articles had been reproduced in reproduced in Swadesamithran, Swadesamithran, Vivehabanu, Chakravarthini, Viveka Vivehabanu, Chakravarthini, Viveka Chinthamani, Swadesi, Thamizhagam, Chinthamani, Swadesi, Thamizhagam, Grama Paripaalini, Suthesa ParipaliniGrama Paripaalini, Suthesa Paripalini(Rangoon) and (Rangoon) and Indhu SaadhanamIndhu Saadhanam(Colombo), showing the vast appeal they (Colombo), showing the vast appeal they had.had.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY?MISTAKEN IDENTITY?

�� P. Mahdevan the first English biographer P. Mahdevan the first English biographer of Bharati says like Cinna, in this case, of Bharati says like Cinna, in this case, instead of Bharati M Srinivasan was instead of Bharati M Srinivasan was arrested! (Aug 21, 1908)arrested! (Aug 21, 1908)

�� CinnaCinna (Caius Helvius Cinna), d. 44 B.C., (Caius Helvius Cinna), d. 44 B.C., Roman tribune. At the funeral of Julius Roman tribune. At the funeral of Julius CinnaCinna (Caius Helvius Cinna), d. 44 B.C., (Caius Helvius Cinna), d. 44 B.C., Roman tribune. At the funeral of Julius Roman tribune. At the funeral of Julius Caesar the mob mistook him for Lucius Caesar the mob mistook him for Lucius Cornelius Cinna and killed him. Cornelius Cinna and killed him.

�� R. A. P. says the warrant was to arrest R. A. P. says the warrant was to arrest Bharati, but it was mentioned EDITOR; Bharati, but it was mentioned EDITOR; the official editor of India was M. Srinivasa the official editor of India was M. Srinivasa Iyengar Iyengar –– sentenced to 5 years R. I.sentenced to 5 years R. I.

ARRESTS AND LATERARRESTS AND LATER

�� Following Srinivasan’s arrest, G. S was Following Srinivasan’s arrest, G. S was also arrested.also arrested.

�� V. Krishnaswami Iyer the only Indian V. Krishnaswami Iyer the only Indian member of the Executive Council came to member of the Executive Council came to know of the impending arrest of Bharati, know of the impending arrest of Bharati,

Bharati as a journalistBharati as a journalist K R A NarasiahK R A Narasiah 3535

know of the impending arrest of Bharati, know of the impending arrest of Bharati, asked him to go to Pondy. asked him to go to Pondy.

�� It appears one Police Official It appears one Police Official Krishnaswami Iyer also helped.Krishnaswami Iyer also helped.

�� Bharati and Tirumalacharya moved to Bharati and Tirumalacharya moved to Pondy in Pondy in early September 1908.early September 1908.

�� TheThe Gaelic AmericanGaelic American was an Irish was an Irish Catholic newspaper published in the Catholic newspaper published in the United States, along with theUnited States, along with the Irish NationIrish Nation. .

It supportedIt supported thethe Sinn FéinSinn Féin movementmovement..


�� It supportedIt supported thethe Sinn FéinSinn Féin movementmovement..

�� The Paper collaborated extensively with The Paper collaborated extensively with the Indian nationalist organisations. the Indian nationalist organisations.

�� It was proscribed in India and Bharati was It was proscribed in India and Bharati was receiving it secretly as did some Bengalis. receiving it secretly as did some Bengalis.

�� The English kept a track on this too. The English kept a track on this too.

BHARATI’S WRITING ON GAELIC BHARATI’S WRITING ON GAELIC

AMERICANAMERICAN

�� On December On December 88, , 19061906, Bharati wrote , Bharati wrote in his favourite column in his favourite column TOPICS OF TOPICS OF THE WEEK THE WEEK under the titleunder the title CCouncil of ouncil of Ruling ChiefsRuling Chiefs in India. in India.


Ruling ChiefsRuling Chiefs in India. in India.

�� He mentions thatHe mentions that the GA has the GA has crticised this formation as that of crticised this formation as that of English making.English making.

�� He quotes the GA: ”How can this He quotes the GA: ”How can this Kings and Princes solve the problems Kings and Princes solve the problems of India?”of India?”

THERE WERE THERE WERE 13 13 SUBSCRIBERS SUBSCRIBERS

IN MADRAS FOR GAELIC IN MADRAS FOR GAELIC

AMERICANAMERICAN�� The government had issued a ban The government had issued a ban order against this journal in India order against this journal in India and tracked the subscribers.and tracked the subscribers.

�� Assisted by Krishnaswamy Iyer Assisted by Krishnaswamy Iyer


�� Assisted by Krishnaswamy Iyer Assisted by Krishnaswamy Iyer Bharati and Thirumalacharya left for Bharati and Thirumalacharya left for Puducherry in Sep Puducherry in Sep 19081908. .

�� INDIA INDIA startedstarted again (Oct again (Oct 1010, , 19081908) ) at Pondy with S. Lakshminarayana at Pondy with S. Lakshminarayana Iyer as publisherIyer as publisher..

SHIFTING OF SHIFTING OF INDIAINDIA

�� India India reappeared, from Pondicherry reappeared, from Pondicherry from 20 October 1908, having from 20 October 1908, having discontinued at Madras in the last discontinued at Madras in the last week of September. week of September.


week of September. week of September.

�� It carried the motto It carried the motto Liberty, Equality, Liberty, Equality, FraternityFraternity. . ((Liberté, égalité, Liberté, égalité, fraternitéfraternité,),)

�� Bharati edited from September 7, Bharati edited from September 7, 1909 the daily1909 the daily VijayaVijaya from from Pondicherry, earlier issued from Pondicherry, earlier issued from Madras.Madras.

A CARTOON ON GANDHIJIA CARTOON ON GANDHIJI


ENGLAND SUCKS AWAY THE ENGLAND SUCKS AWAY THE

WEALTH OF INDIA A CARTOON IN WEALTH OF INDIA A CARTOON IN

SEP 1909SEP 1909


BHARATI USED CARTOONS TO BHARATI USED CARTOONS TO

EDUCATE SOUTH INDIANSEDUCATE SOUTH INDIANS

�� These two cartoons show the These two cartoons show the difference between Bengal difference between Bengal and Madras in running and Madras in running


and Madras in running and Madras in running shipping companies. shipping companies.

��While in Bengal all assisted in While in Bengal all assisted in South only a few helped, rest South only a few helped, rest watched with folded hands!watched with folded hands!

STEAMER IN BENGALSTEAMER IN BENGAL


STEAMER IN SOUTH INDIASTEAMER IN SOUTH INDIA


THE END OF JOURNALSTHE END OF JOURNALS

�� The tremendous popularity of The tremendous popularity of India India and its and its sister publications made the British sister publications made the British Government livid.Government livid.

�� It banned It banned India India from entry into India, and from entry into India, and so the paper had to be stopped with the so the paper had to be stopped with the


so the paper had to be stopped with the so the paper had to be stopped with the issue of 12 March 1910.issue of 12 March 1910.

�� Soon, the other papers also had to stop Soon, the other papers also had to stop publication.publication.

�� Thus, by the end of 1910, Bharati seemed Thus, by the end of 1910, Bharati seemed to have little or no prospect of getting any to have little or no prospect of getting any of his writings published.of his writings published.

OTHER TWO JOURNALSOTHER TWO JOURNALS


THE POLITICAL EVOLUTION IN THE THE POLITICAL EVOLUTION IN THE

MADRAS PRESIDENCYMADRAS PRESIDENCY –– C. Subramania C. Subramania

BharatiBharati

�� In this writeIn this write--up Bharati deals with many up Bharati deals with many points and with grief records points and with grief records The Ashe The Ashe Murder Case ; Murder Case ; an essay of great an essay of great importance as he deplores killing and calls importance as he deplores killing and calls it against the Hindu religion.it against the Hindu religion.


it against the Hindu religion.it against the Hindu religion.

�� In his words, In his words, “Again an outrage to the “Again an outrage to the Hindu religion; for the murdered man Hindu religion; for the murdered man had his wife by his side. They were had his wife by his side. They were young and to all appearance a loving young and to all appearance a loving couple. . . A scene like that would couple. . . A scene like that would very profoundly appeal to the heart of very profoundly appeal to the heart of the devout Hindu”the devout Hindu”

BHARATI’S ENGLISH WORKBHARATI’S ENGLISH WORK

�� Bharati was not in Bharati was not in favour of Annie favour of Annie Beasent and wrote Beasent and wrote


Beasent and wrote Beasent and wrote this small book this small book against her in against her in 19141914

�� The Hindu carried The Hindu carried also articles also articles against her.against her.

BHARATI’S LETTERBHARATI’S LETTER

�� A letter Subramania Bharati wrote to A letter Subramania Bharati wrote to Ramsay Macdonald, leader of the British Ramsay Macdonald, leader of the British Labour party, was published inLabour party, was published in The The HinduHindu on February 10, 1914, under the on February 10, 1914, under the caption caption ‘Police rule in India.’‘Police rule in India.’ In this, In this,


caption caption ‘Police rule in India.’‘Police rule in India.’ In this, In this, Bharati had detailed how he was hounded Bharati had detailed how he was hounded by the British police, their informers and by the British police, their informers and spies during his stay in Pondicherry. spies during his stay in Pondicherry.

�� This letter even figured in a discussion in This letter even figured in a discussion in the then Madras Legislative Assembly. the then Madras Legislative Assembly.

PARTS OF THE LETTER PARTS OF THE LETTER -- 11

�� Dear Sir,Dear Sir,

�� From the middle of the year From the middle of the year 1906 1906 to the to the month of August month of August 19081908, I was working as a , I was working as a special contributor to a weekly Tamil special contributor to a weekly Tamil Journal, the India by name, which was Journal, the India by name, which was


Journal, the India by name, which was Journal, the India by name, which was published in Madras. In the latter year, published in Madras. In the latter year, the Government of Madras thought it fit to the Government of Madras thought it fit to prosecute that Journal for sedition.prosecute that Journal for sedition.

�� I was not the person responsible for the I was not the person responsible for the conduct of the Journal and so, of course, conduct of the Journal and so, of course, they sent another man to gaol.they sent another man to gaol.

PARTS OF THE LETTERPARTS OF THE LETTER-- 22

�� In the month of July In the month of July 19111911, Collector Ashe of , Collector Ashe of Tinnevelly District, was shot dead by a Brahmin, Tinnevelly District, was shot dead by a Brahmin, Vanchi Iyer, and as though to encourage the Vanchi Iyer, and as though to encourage the inventive skill of the Madras Police, Vanchi Iyer inventive skill of the Madras Police, Vanchi Iyer committed suicide, leaving no clue whatsoever as committed suicide, leaving no clue whatsoever as to the possible abettors.to the possible abettors.The lower Police, to whom, by the way, political The lower Police, to whom, by the way, political


�� The lower Police, to whom, by the way, political The lower Police, to whom, by the way, political motives and political crimes were, and still are, motives and political crimes were, and still are, as strange and unfamiliar as Differential Calculus, as strange and unfamiliar as Differential Calculus, at once imagined that the newspapermen who at once imagined that the newspapermen who had been talking “Swadeshi” on the sands of the had been talking “Swadeshi” on the sands of the Madras Beach three years before must be at the Madras Beach three years before must be at the bottom of the whole thing; for, had they not bottom of the whole thing; for, had they not shown their bias for disregarding the law by shown their bias for disregarding the law by refusing to swallow the benefits of that angelic refusing to swallow the benefits of that angelic Section Section 124124--A of the Indian Penal Code as A of the Indian Penal Code as interpreted by the Pinches of the day?interpreted by the Pinches of the day?


�� I wish I had sufficient power of language to I wish I had sufficient power of language to depict the whole absurdity and injustice of the depict the whole absurdity and injustice of the thing. I have heard and read about many thing. I have heard and read about many countries and I may record my sincere conviction countries and I may record my sincere conviction that nowhere in the world is the sacredness of that nowhere in the world is the sacredness of the individual liberty more cynically ignored than the individual liberty more cynically ignored than


the individual liberty more cynically ignored than the individual liberty more cynically ignored than in Madras and certain other Provinces of India. I in Madras and certain other Provinces of India. I hope and guess that Lord Pentland sincerely hope and guess that Lord Pentland sincerely desires to remove this blot from the desires to remove this blot from the administration of the Presidency entrusted to his administration of the Presidency entrusted to his charge. At any rate, his written assurances to me charge. At any rate, his written assurances to me that the matter would be e3nquired into by the that the matter would be e3nquired into by the Judicial Department make me believe that he is Judicial Department make me believe that he is not totally callous to the infliction of private not totally callous to the infliction of private wrong in the name of public policy.wrong in the name of public policy.


�� But I am beginning to fear that His Excellency’s But I am beginning to fear that His Excellency’s hands are stayed in this matter by the hands are stayed in this matter by the reactionary elements in his new environment.reactionary elements in his new environment.

�� And I make this appeal to you, Sir, who as chief And I make this appeal to you, Sir, who as chief of the Labour Party and as a very sober and of the Labour Party and as a very sober and thoughtful statesman wield a considerable thoughtful statesman wield a considerable


thoughtful statesman wield a considerable thoughtful statesman wield a considerable influence for good on English public opinion, to influence for good on English public opinion, to do all that you can in the way of strengthening do all that you can in the way of strengthening Lord Pentland’s hands in rendering me justice, Lord Pentland’s hands in rendering me justice, and in withdrawing the measures adopted against and in withdrawing the measures adopted against me on the strength of incredible, absurd and me on the strength of incredible, absurd and unscrupulous reports.unscrupulous reports.

Pondicherry C. Subramania Pondicherry C. Subramania BharatiBharati

�� After the WW I when a treaty was After the WW I when a treaty was signed between countries, it was signed between countries, it was agreed that French will allow Briton agreed that French will allow Briton to take action against the offenders to take action against the offenders of the Crown living in its territory. of the Crown living in its territory.

FRANCE FRANCE –– ENGLAND SIGN A ENGLAND SIGN A

TREATYTREATY


of the Crown living in its territory. of the Crown living in its territory.

�� A G. O. dated July A G. O. dated July 33, , 1918 1918 confirmed confirmed this.this.

�� It was no more possible to evade It was no more possible to evade arrest.arrest.

�� On November On November 2020, , 19181918, Bharati left , Bharati left Pondy and at Cuddalore he was Pondy and at Cuddalore he was arrested. arrested.

CUDDALORE DISTRICT JAIL CUDDALORE DISTRICT JAIL

RECORD (G.O. No. 710 28RECORD (G.O. No. 710 28--33--

1918)1918)�� The record says, “C.Subramania Bhharati, The record says, “C.Subramania Bhharati, --age 36 age 36 –– BrahminBrahmin-- criminal criminal –– A political A political agitator detained in custody under the agitator detained in custody under the Ingress into India Ordinance 1914, Ingress into India Ordinance 1914, detained on 24detained on 24thth Nov 1918.”Nov 1918.”


detained on 24detained on 24thth Nov 1918.”Nov 1918.”

�� Bharati appealed against this on 10 Dec, Bharati appealed against this on 10 Dec, 1918 to the Governor of Madras.1918 to the Governor of Madras.

�� He was released on 14He was released on 14thth December 1918.December 1918.

�� He was released conditionally He was released conditionally –– went to went to Kadayam and wrote to A. Rangaswami Kadayam and wrote to A. Rangaswami Ayyangar thanking him and others.Ayyangar thanking him and others.

A NEW JOURNAL BHARATI A NEW JOURNAL BHARATI

WANTED TO STARTWANTED TO START

�� Letter wrten by Letter wrten by Bharati to friend on Bharati to friend on August August 66, , 1920 1920 when he was in when he was in Kadayam, Kadayam,


Kadayam, Kadayam, regarding a journal regarding a journal that he wanted to that he wanted to start, even offering start, even offering a job!a job!

�� It never saw the It never saw the light of the day!light of the day!

BACK N MADRASBACK N MADRAS

�� In Feb/March 1919 Bharati returned In Feb/March 1919 Bharati returned to Madras.to Madras.

�� This is when he met Gandhiji.This is when he met Gandhiji.

Again after a brief period in Kadayam Again after a brief period in Kadayam


�� Again after a brief period in Kadayam Again after a brief period in Kadayam he returned to Madras in 1920.he returned to Madras in 1920.

�� Started working for Swadesamithran Started working for Swadesamithran in failing health.in failing health.

�� Long neglect was taking its toll.Long neglect was taking its toll.

BHARATI BHARATI –– LIFE SKETCHLIFE SKETCH

�� December 11, 1882 to December 11, 1882 to –– September 11, 1921 September 11, 1921

�� At the funeral very At the funeral very few were present.few were present.

�� Harihara Sarma Harihara Sarma performed the last performed the last


Harihara Sarma Harihara Sarma performed the last performed the last rites.rites.

�� There was no money There was no money Duraiswamy Iyer gave Duraiswamy Iyer gave 50/50/--

�� Surendranath Arya Surendranath Arya sang in Telugu and sang in Telugu and Sarkarai Chettiar Sarkarai Chettiar spoke.spoke.

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Bharati as a journalist - subaonline.net · Vivehabanu, Chakravarthini, Viveka Chinthamani, Swadesi, Thamizhagam, Grama Paripaalini, Suthesa Paripalini (Rangoon) and Indhu Saadhanam

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