PoliticsThe People's Sanctum Chronicles South India's Temple Reform Movements
The People's Sanctum by Manuraj Shunmugasundaram explores the history of temple reform movements in South India, focusing on the 18th and 19th centuries when caste hierarchies were entrenched in temples. It highlights the 1925 Vaikom agitation in Kerala, led by leaders like Periyar, T K Madhavan, and Mahatma Gandhi, which challenged caste-based road restrictions around Mahadev Temple. The book was inspired by the centenary of the Vaikom Movement celebrated in 2024.
Deccan Herald·3h ago·Vaikom